I am marinating in the Book of James. WOW it’s a book of deep challenges and pure Ethics of Christianity. James issues instructions more profusely than any other writer. In the short space of 108 verses there are 54 commands, imperative forms (not suggestions beloved brothers and sisters) Family Challenge: Go on a “Command Hunt” and record them all and see all The Lord does in and through you… Woot wooooooo. Here are a few scriptures with a few thoughts:
Qualities Needed in Trials:
James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger/wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”
Doers-Not Hearers Only:
James 1:21-22 ”Therefore lay aside ALL filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your life; But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”……keep reading
James 1:26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless”
I am sharing with you an acronym that has been incrediably helpful in making me PRAY/THINK BEFORE SPEAKING. You can put this up in your school room and all memorize this as a family. ASK YOURSELF…
T= Is it True (Phil 4:8, Prov 12:19)
H= Is it Helpful (Eph 4:29)
I= Is it Inspiring (Heb 3:13, Heb 10:23-24)
N= Is it Necessary (Col 4:6, Matt 12:36)
K= Is it Kind (Eph 4:31, Eph 4:15)
Application suggestions:
- Why do we always think we have to respond immediately in our marriages, with our kids, on the phone? Training our kiddos in righteousness, if we were angry or frustrated my husband and I would say, “we need a few minutes to calm down and pray and think so we handle this in a Godly manner and not a fleshly one with saying things we can’t take back” (Side note – did we always do this NO but it was a habit we tried to develop) We would then come together and talk it out and always pray together and ask for forgiveness. This teaches our kids a lot about Godly conflict resolving.
- As the kids matured we also challenged them when we saw something that needed addressing we would sometimes ask them if they were ready to hear what we had to say. If they said yes, we proceeded and if they said no (which we encouraged honesty), we said you have a designated time to go get your heart right, pray, beg for forgiveness (Bhaaaaaa) and we then would come to the reasoning table of goodness. Sometimes they did this with us also…..we were always growing and learning too.
Personal Growth:
What steps can you take to bridle your tongue? Become a better listener to The Lord and others? Control your anger? How can we be a better doer and hearer?
You can’t give what you don’t have…In the morning when I rise, noon day and evening “Give me Jesus”
Dear Lord, I pray for these precious parents in this very challenging time but also epic time to fill them with your wisdom and discernment. Holy Spirit lead, guide and direct their steps. I pray that the JOY OF THE LORD would be their STRENGTH and that they would be in every moment seeing ALL the blessing they do have and not what they don’t have. We love you Lord and thank you for your love and faithfulness in it all and through it all. We need you Lord!!! In Jesus Name, Amen
Mighty Warrior,
Annie Nauretz (Romans 8 ALL OF IT)
Retired Homeschool mom of two