Author: rbeaird
What Is The Root of Strife?
James 3:13-4:3 – “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don’t brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.”
James 4:1 – “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong — you want only what will give you pleasure.” NLT
Most people have experienced arguments and disagreements. Many of us have been in “wars in church.” I call them that because the result was such a division that there was a “church split,” a parting of the ways, marked by bitterness, anger, and resentment, which continues to this day for some, with no reconciliation. WHAT CAUSED IT?
Let us take this even further. The arguments in the home, at work, in various relationships, what is the root cause? James presents a less-than-ideal picture of the situation and its satanic-inspired roots.
Consider what he has to say:
- If there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is no wisdom from above involved in the decision-making process. Those things do not descend from God above but are belched out of hell.
- Where those things exist, in any relationship, there is disorder and lurking evil of every kind. The doors are open to a frontal assault by the devil and a total disruption of any sense of unity.
- God’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and willing to see the other person’s point of view. It is full of mercy and good works. It shows no partiality and is completely sincere in its actions and decisions. It produces a harvest of peace, harmony, and unity.
- The cause of quarrels and fights, according to James, is:
- An army of evil desires within the individual.
- Scheming and conniving to get what you do not have but want that somebody else has. That can even be applied to a ministry or a gift from God.
- It results in social and spiritual murder (if not actual physical attacks).
- Its root is “jealousy,” which produces “envy” and leads to many destructive things.
- James even goes on to tell us that even when a person in this state asks God for the things they desire, they do not come because the motive behind the request is wrong, and God will not honor it.
That demands the question, “What are we to do?
- First, follow the basic prescription in scripture and “Seek God first and above all….”
Make Him the center of your universe. Make His will and purpose your will and purpose. Be willing to bloom where you are planted and with the ministry, talent, or gifts you have been given. He may give you more, but give 100% to what you have and do so with a thankful heart.
- Second, be willing to be the first to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
Proverbs tell us that “a soft answer turns away wrath.” Too often, “soft answers” are foreign to our tone, and we want to hurt the other person just as much as we perceive we have been hurt.
Vengeance is mine! We omit the part where God said it was His and assume His role. But the root is “jealousy” and “selfish ambition.” Nothing wrong with wanting to succeed; it is wholesome, healthy, and desirable, but “selfish ambition” is not and should be taken to and left at the altar of repentance.
Think about your latest conflict. Can you see any part where you might have been wrong? If so, take immediate action to bring about reconciliation or attempt to do so. You cannot force someone to reconcile, but you can remove their (misguided) justification for harboring resentment.
May the Lord bless you as you proceed on your journey through this maze called life and learn of His wonders day by day!
When It Is Done, It Is Done!
Mark 7:24-30 – “Now Jesus got up and went from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know about it; and yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a gentile, of Syrophoenician descent. And she repeatedly asked Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 28 But she answered and *said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” 29 And He said to her, “Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And after going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.”
As I prayed, read, and mused on the Word of God today, several things challenged me. Can you imagine having a child being destroyed by the demonic and going to your only possible source of help and being insulted and rejected? In Mark 7, the Syrophoenician woman had a demonized daughter and came to Jesus only to have Him call her a dog. Nothing deterred her, and because she refused to be insulted and offended, He said, “It’s done!”
Imagine coming to Jesus, hoping to discover what act you can do. You earn your way into heaven to be told that all you’ve done is insufficient. One thing you lack. What? Everything! Give Me your whole self. Give Me your heart, your dreams, your possessions, and your position. Imagine the disappointment the man had. He had done so much, but it was not enough.
In Mark 11, Jesus came to the fig tree that had form but no fruit and cursed it. The disciples were amazed but completely missed the messages hidden therein. The connected revelation began with a warning about appearance vs. fruit. He connected being wholly surrendered to functional miracle-working faith.
Speak from faith, not speak to create faith. (Faith comes by hearing God speaking – connection and abiding in Him.) Speak from expectation. Believe in your heart that it is going to happen, not just hope it might happen. (Expectation). Believe that you have received it. That is looking beyond self and circumstances to the Cross! It is Finished!
Then, the overlooked Key – Forgiveness! Forgiveness from us and to us links us to God. In that union, faith lives and possesses the promises! If there is an absence in reception, it would behoove us to look carefully to see if there is a speck or hint of unforgiveness. Remember v. 26, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Heavenly Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” God Misses Nothing!
If we give God everything, we receive everything in return. God sees what is left rather than what has gone from our stash. If God has us, we have everything, and faith is the natural fruit of our lives!
LORD, help us to trust in the Finished Work of Jesus in All Things!
The Power of Expectation
Mark 4:40 – “And he said to them, “Why are you cowardly? Do you still not have faith?”
As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, the word “unexpected” flooded my consciousness. Unexpected? I found that fascinating since, for a very long time, I’ve been drawn to the thought of ‘Expectation.’
In Mark 6, after the feeding of the 5000, the disciples, while obeying Jesus, found themselves in the midst of a storm.
Jesus was not in the boat but could see them. He sees everything! They were straining at the oars. That is an interesting revelation. Their carnal mindset causes them to try to rectify the problem and row through it in their own power and ability. Had they not rowed, they would have perished. Was rowing the best they could have done? No, but in their condition, it was essential. They had another option but could not see it, so unless and until we see that option, it is essential to strain at the oars!
He came to them at their most desperate moment. He came to them at an Unexpected time and in an Unexpected way. We develop our authorized ways and timing for God to operate in, and He often surprises us with the Unexpected!
I guess we could say we should expect the unexpected! But if it is unexpected, how do we expect it? Their other option was the same as the earlier event, with boats and storms, as described in Mark 4. Jesus exercised faith and spoke to the storm. He asked them in verse 40, “Why are you so cowardly? Why are you overflowing with fear? Why is your confidence in anything other than God?”
Our struggles do not mean God’s disfavor! Struggles are opportunities to see God’s power! It sometimes takes storms to help us grow in faith and demonstrate trust! Each time, we grow stronger and more confident in His promise.
Therefore, in life’s Unexpected times, Expect Him to do the unexpected in an unexpected way and at an unexpected time. The bottom line is Trust Him! In the middle of a storm, be assured that He is aware of it, and He will come! He does not fail.
LORD, help us to Expect Your Answer even in the Unexpected!
Press Into His Presence
2 Chronicles 5:11-14 – “The priests left the Holy Place. All the priests who participated had consecrated themselves, no matter which division they represented. 12 All the Levites who were musicians, including Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives, wore linen. They played cymbals and stringed instruments as they stood east of the altar. They were accompanied by 120 priests who blew trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and musicians played together, praising and giving thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they loudly praised the Lord, singing: “Certainly he is good; certainly his loyal love endures!” Then a cloud filled the Lord’s temple. 14 The priests could not carry out their duties because of the cloud; the Lord’s splendor filled God’s temple.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I heard, “Press into the presence.”
In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, we see that the glory cloud filled the temple! We clamor for the glory and miss something powerful. The glory came after the priest had ministered in the Holy Place, and all had worshipped. Then, I believe that to help us understand something powerful, we come to 2 Chronicles 7:1. They did not pray in the presence; they prayed out of the presence.
They entered His Presence in Worship, and then they petitioned. If we are in His presence, we see with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears. We stop trying to twist God’s arm of reluctance and seek His purposes.
In His presence is His power. In His presence is His provision. In His presence is transformation. We need to focus more on His presence than on our petitions. Our petitions will become prayers of His promise as we learn to enter and abide in His presence.
In His presence, the robe of flesh is peeled away. In His presence, He reveals Himself. In His presence, there is peace. Out of that peace comes confidence, enabling us to lay hold of His promises and receive His provisions.
Instead of praying for a move of God, we should pray for the presence of God. Out of that place in His presence, we can pray with power and see His move! More of You, LORD, more of You!
LORD, give us your Presence and we will fulfill your Purpose!
Stay Full, Stay Ready, Stay Prepared
Matthew 25:-1-13 – “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of the virgins were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish ones took their lamps, they did not take extra olive oil with them. 4 But the wise ones took flasks of olive oil with their lamps. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed a long time, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is here! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 ‘No,’ they replied. ‘There won’t be enough for you and for us. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they had gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went inside with him to the wedding banquet. Then the door was shut. 11 Later, the other virgins came too, saying, ‘Lord, lord! Let us in!’ 12 But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’ 13 Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, Matthew 25 captured my thoughts. The parable of the ten virgins touched me. One of the messages was “Stay Full, Stay Ready, Stay Prepared.”
In keeping with that theme, we begin in verse 14 and see a powerful truth—gifts, ability, usage, reward, and judgment. Verse 14 is a picture of Jesus after His earthly ministry (after the Cross). Verse 15 depicts the ministry and purpose of His followers as they await His return.
Gifts are given according to ability (not equal distribution). The gift, talent, or ability comes from God. What we do with it is on us—Matthew 25:21—five talents doubled by use. The praise and reward come to the faithful steward of God’s gift and call.
Matthew 25:23 – Lesser amounts, but the exact same response. It is not amount but faithfulness that brings reward. Matthew 26:25 – No development or use received the ire of the kingdom. Not only no reward, but also loss of heaven. God is not focused on numbers or even exploits, but faithfulness.
Gifts and talents can grow with use. We are not responsible for another’s gift, call, or ability. We are not to concern ourselves with or become jealous of another. Our sole focus is our assignment!
Focus is the key. Matthew 22:36-40 reveals a life pattern that propels us into God’s presence and enables us to develop our talents. Love God with Everything! Love Him with the whole heart, soul, and mind. Love others equal to ourselves. Love is demonstrated, not simply verbalized, but also moved to action by compassion.
Our love for God is reflected in our love for others. Our love for God and others is reflected in how we use our gifts, talents, and abilities.
Matthew 25:31-46 is not just a picture of the final judgment but also of how to live now! If we love God completely, we will serve. To serve effectively, we must use our gifts fully. The words well done are not based on the amount or magnitude of exploits but on faithfulness in what we have been given. Little is much when God is in it.
LORD, help us to stay full, stay ready, and stay prepared!
