Meward = Worldliness & Sorrow
Godward = Godliness & Joy
Each day we have choices between living meward or Godward.
In The Missing Piece Lee Ezell tells of vascillating between giving birth to her child conceived by rape or aborting that child. A godly woman told her: “So often the wrong choice is easy at first and leads to great pain later, and the right choice is hard at first, but leads to eternal joy.” Here is Lee and her daughter, the only child she ever had. Together they had a ministry of defending the innocent conceived by rape. Lee is with the Lord now — and must be so thankful for her choice.
In the same way, Wesley Hill, who lives with same-sex attraction, was strengthened to live a celibate life due to the words of C. S. Lewis who said the lie of the enemy is that we cannot be happy unless we go our own way, but the truth is obedience leads to true joy. He has found that to be true. His story is in Washed and Waiting.
Charlotte Bronte, author and child of God, tells the story of Jane Eyre. Movies reverse Jane’s choice because they cannot imagine being happy by doing it God’s way. But in the book, Jane chose to go Godward. She is tortured in refusing Rochester, but she does it. Here are lines from the book:
I was experiencing an ordeal: a hand of fiery iron grasped my vitals. Terrible moment: full of struggle, blackness, burning! Not a human being that ever lived could wish to be loved better than I was loved: and him who thus loved me I absolutely worshipped: and I must renounce love and idol.
JANE: “Mr. Rochester, I will not be yours.” . . .
ROCHESTER: “All happiness will be torn away with you. What then is left? . . . Where turn for a companion, and for some hope?”
JANE: “Do as I do: trust in God and yourself. Believe in heaven. Hope to meet again there.” . . .
ROCHESTER: “Then you condemn me to live wretched, and to die accursed?” his voice rose.
JANE: “I advise you to live sinless, and I wish you to die tranquil.”
These are all big decisions, but James (and Paige) help us to consider our daily decisions. Every day I have decisions about how I use my time, my tongue, my money, my eating…is it meward or Godword? Will it lead to sorrow or joy? Paige said we should really just hold two days before us: today and the day of Christ’s return.
How will I live today in light of that reality?
And when suffering intensifies as it did for African American slaves, and is for believers in Ukraine and Turkey and missionaries in hostile lands — how can one persist? We “steal away” to Jesus and remember we don’t have long to stay here.
Word document for downloading questions:
James # 6 questions
Thursday: The Myth of Autonomy
This section reminded me of a mother who signed all her letters to her daughter, Lorinda, with ITLW and ITHT (If the Lord wills & If the Lord tarries)
Watch about the first twenty-one minutes up to when Paige says: “The autonomy is a myth, sadly the arrogance is not.”
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was canceled by an ice storm.)
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
5. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
Friday: The Arrogance of Autonomy
Watch for about another 7 minutes up to when she says “The greatest threat to true faith is our wealth — not our suffering.” (Short lesson today so you may want to work ahead!)
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17? How could you apply this today?
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance?
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
Saturday: Reckoning of Stuff
Watch another 14 minutes until she gets to “reckoning of status.”
9. Read James 5:1-6. (Change in tone!)
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it?
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why?
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
- What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding
- What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want?
- Which of your things may be an idol? (She says he is not condemning wealth but the place of wealth in our life.)
- How is the Lord leading you to apply this section?
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean?
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
12. What else stood out to you from this section?
Sunday: God Hunt
13. How did you experience God in your life this week?
Monday: Reckoning of Status
Listen for another 12 minutes until she pivots to the Godward life.
Smarts versus Cheating
14. Read James 5:4-6 again.
A. What does it say?
B. How much of our wealth is at the expense of the powerless? (Examine how you pay any workers, tip, or charge for goods or services?)
Success versus Fattening
A. How get fat by taking in more calories than we need — have you learned to eat in moderation? If so, share what has helped you.
B. We have normalized luxury but there will be a demise. How does God speak to you here? Have you had any success in living in moderation here? (Vacations, homes, clothes, etc…) If so, share what has helped you.
C. What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20? How does this speak to you?
15. What else stands out to you from this section?
Tuesday: Destination of the Godward Life
Listen to the end.
16. Read James 5:7-11
A. What are we to look forward to according to verse 7? How steady is your gaze on this?
B. What illustration does he give of the farmer? Point?
C. What does he tell us not to do and why according to verse 9? How are you doing?
D. What illustrations does he give through the prophets and Job? And what is the promise in verse 11?
17. She said Christianity, unlike other religions, is not based on ideas but events. How did Jesus come in His first coming? How will He in His second? How does this impact you?
18. Paul Tripp said God’s commands only make sense if you have forever in view. That is what helps us with holiness, stewardship, sacrifice. How has this helped you?
19. She closed with a story of a missionary coming home on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt. What happened? What was the point?
20. What else stood out to you from this section?
Wednesday: Take-A-Way
21. What is your take-a-way and why?
106 comments
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences.
We need to consider that we belong to and are in submission to the Lord, as we plan and go about our days. We were created to do what business we do with a heart, an attitude and words that reflect that we belong to God.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
We tend to live under the deception of self sovereignty. It is a practical atheism in the way we plan our lives. It is not about the denial of Go; it is a complete disregard of God.
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was canceled by an ice storm.)
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps. “Proverbs 16:9 We need to have a plan that is dependent on God overriding it, if it is in His will to do it differently. Faith is not jus a matter of belief, but a matter of belonging. I had to cancel a doctor’s appointment yesterday, due to icy roads and snow. God had a better idea than having us drive in dangerous weather, so we rescheduled.
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
Doing my Bible study first thing. What to make for dinner. Getting together with a friend. Doing laundry. Making appointments.
5. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
It is so important to remember that our life is just a vapor. My life in eternity is the most important. Everything I do here and have here on this planet, is a gift from God. I need to use my time for His purposes. Nearly every day, moments come up that cause me to restructure my “structured” plan for the day. Sometimes that frustrates me terribly, because I can get very task/goal oriented to necessary things that I need to do. I need to remember to let go, when I have to change my schedule or when something simple turns out to be very stressful. I love this: I need to recalibrate my heart with my mind to reality, along with glad submission. “Autonomy” is a myth. The deception of self sovereignty can put me at the center of my universe. When I am obedient to Him, my day turns out to be filled with blessings.
Every word I say to everyone I interact with is so so important in the eternal world. The things I do in a self serving way will be dust and meaningless in eternity. Am I bringing anyone nearer to Jesus by my words and actions or am I steering them away from anything of eternal value by my self centeredness. I need to constantly ask myself these things. Please control my heart, my mind and my tongue dear Lord, for your glory only.
So good from pure heart Patti:
Every word I say to everyone I interact with is so so important in the eternal world. The things I do in a self serving way will be dust and meaningless in eternity. Am I bringing anyone nearer to Jesus by my words and actions or am I steering them away from anything of eternal value by my self centeredness. I need to constantly ask myself these things. Please control my heart, my mind and my tongue dear Lord, for your glory only.
This section reminded me of a mother who signed all her letters to her daughter, Lorinda, with ITLW and ITHT (If the Lord wills & If the Lord tarries)
Watch about the first twenty-one minutes up to when Paige says: “The autonomy is a myth, sadly the arrogance is not.”
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences. We are here today and possibly gone tomorrow. It is the Lord s will through which future plans must flow
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?” That we are the center of our own universe That if we know what to do we proceed without asking God we only ask God when we don’t know what to do.
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was canceled by an ice storm.) We can plan all we want but it’s the Lord who establishes our steps We should be consulting God in all our decisions.
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them. What I will try to do for the day. Who I’ll see. If I will walk and where. What’s for dinner
5. Did anything else stand out to you from this section? We are greatly loved and God is great.
Judy’s stand out: We are greatly loved and God is great.
Amen to Dee! Love this, Judy!
Thursday: The Myth of Autonomy
This section reminded me of a mother who signed all her letters to her daughter, Lorinda, with ITLW and ITHT (If the Lord wills & If the Lord tarries)
Watch about the first twenty-one minutes up to when Paige says: “The autonomy is a myth, sadly the arrogance is not.”
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
She called it self-sovereignty. Autonomy is imaginary.
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was canceled by an ice storm.)
We can plan but should always have consideration of the Lord and His purposes. I believe that we should have an open heart and hand for what the Lord has in store for us every day.
It was a cloudy day with barely a sun peeking through, but God sent a rainbow to remind me of His faithfulness. Some things have been heavy on my mind lately. The rainbow reminded me of God’s promises.
Today was supposed to have been a regular clinical day. 5 students to supervise, a list of competencies to do with them. I was not prepared for 4 students not to come because of icy roads where they were coming from. But I felt God moving me along this morning and was excited what He had in store for me. I had a very productive time with this one student, was able to observe her skills and care for a male resident in what I consider a unique situation. I also got to visit with my boss and to talk about an important matter that was weighing heavily on me.
On my way home, I felt prompted to buy pink roses that was not my plan for a friend whose mother passed away. I intended to leave the flowers in her garage but she was home. Come to find out, her mom’s favorite flowers were pink roses! Of all the colors I could have chosen from, I picked pink! And we had a 20-minute special time together talking and praying and crying over our loss. After we parted, I felt a prompting again to stop by the senior center and the 2 women I hoped to see were there! God was so present today and I don’t deserve it. This day was a special gift from God. I can plan but his purposes will prevail. And am glad that my day did not turn out how I planned it to be. Then I come here and look what Paige is talking about today!
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
What to teach my students since I have books to rely on; what to wear since I have clothes to choose from; what to eat when I am hungry; what to say to my students and friends when I see them. Doing my to do list for the day.
5. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
To live before the face of God. CORAM DEO! How beautiful life could be if I keep God as my daily focus! And yet, even when I fail or sin, my life is still made beautiful because of Jesus in me.
“We are not what we ought to be, we are not what we are going to be but we are not what we used to be by God’s grace.”
From Bing:
On my way home, I felt prompted to buy pink roses that was not my plan for a friend whose mother passed away. I intended to leave the flowers in her garage but she was home. Come to find out, her mom’s favorite flowers were pink roses! Of all the colors I could have chosen from, I picked pink! And we had a 20-minute special time together talking and praying and crying over our loss. After we parted, I felt a prompting again to stop by the senior center and the 2 women I hoped to see were there! God was so present today and I don’t deserve it. This day was a special gift from God. I can plan but his purposes will prevail. And am glad that my day did not turn out how I planned it to be. Then I come here and look what Paige is talking about today!
Oh, Bing! I love how God planned your day! It is so exciting to see what He does when He changes our plan. Love the pink roses story too! Thank you for sharing this!
Bing, how clearly the Lord prompted you to purchase those pink flowers for your friend!
Bing alerted me I had the wrong documents for the questions to print off. It’s the right one now. I’m so sorry about that!
Dee,
I am just finishing reading a book entitled “Steal Away Home”. The title is taken from this beautiful song you’ve posted. It is a story about the unlikely friendship between C.H. Spurgeon and American slave Thomas Johnson. Thomas Johnson describes the point in his early twenties when he snuck out of his bunk in the night and found a group of Christian slaves “whisper-singing” this song. (They couldn’t sing aloud or they would be beaten or killed by their owner.) He was drawn to Jesus through this very song. Its a wonderful story.
Nila, wow! I love the story. I have not heard of this book. Whisper singing. How blessed we are that we do not have to whisper sing! And yet so sad to hear of the present and growing animosity toward Christians holding up the banner of Jesus, not only in our country but in other parts of the world.
Thank you for sharing this, Nila. I had not heard of this book, but it sounds like an inspiring story.
thanks so much, Nila — will definitely check it out!!! I see there are several books by that title — could you tell us the author?
Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey co-authored the book Steel Away Home.
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
James tells us that we boast in our arrogance and all boasting is evil. When we dictate our own lives, we say we love God, but we don’t depend on Him. We need to see life as a gift and a privilege, not a right. We are not our own, we were bought with a price. We need to honor God with our time, our money, and our bodies; we are His.
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17? How could you apply this today?
To the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, that is sin. We need to acknowledge that all we have is from God. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift comes from above.
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance?
Reagan would thank the Lord every day for another day that was not promised us. What do we have that we did not receive from God. We have not earned anything; He has blessed us to everything. We need to acknowledge that it ALL belongs to the Lord. What we have, He has loaned to us for a short time. Use it humbly to do His work and ask God about our plans. All our days and plans need to be submitted to Him and dedicated to Him. We need to confess our total dependence on Him and His grace.
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications? That we shouldn’t boast about our plans Does this go back to being the center of my own universe? Am I failing to include God in the plan and God s part in the plan?
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17? How could you apply this today? If we don’t do what we know we should it’s sin. Be more aware of the Spirit’s promptings and act on them instead of not taking time to consider it’s from God
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance? Thank you God for another day we weren’t promised. It’s recognition of the Sovereign rule of God over our lives We aren’t promised tomorrow but He is with us always
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why? My perspective every day needs to be more on who God is and what His plan is. Be thankful for His reign and be glad. I need a broader focus than myself and to be grateful to God.
Dee, your opening this week is so powerful. Three ‘case studies’ involving difficult choices, two paths lying open before and having to choose only one and with no compromising. This Sunday, in our adult forum, our rector will be speaking about “the lie of self-sufficiency”. And here, we begin with the myth of autonomy.It is strange, but two examples from nature are in my mind right now. Yesterday when pulling into my driveway, I stopped to watch as three black crows were chasing away a large red tailed hawk. They pursued it across the street into the woods. Early this morning, while still dark, my husband and I saw out of our window what appeared to be three deer sleeping in our backyard. Right out in the open. I wondered that they must feel safe to sleep in our yard, near our house. While I happen to like seeing hawks, it seems to symbolize for me a chasing away of what is bad, and creating a safe place where we can live peacefully. More and more, I desire our home and my relationships to be places of peace and safety. Choosing “meward” versus “godward” will impact whether we live safely and in peace or not.
Such beautiful pictures from your life and seeing the meaning in them. You remind me of Luci Shaw’s quote: God has given us two great books: Scripture and creation and they speak of one another.
I love the way you see God in all of nature, Susan. More and more, I desire our home and my relationships to be places of peace and safety. I love the sweet deer sleeping in your yard. The Lord is in all that is around us and I love the peace I see in all that He has made. In the evenings lately, as I take my dogs out, I see the phases of the moon change nightly, with Jupiter and a very bright Venus lined up below it. His artistry. I am reminded that He is in charge of all and it draws my heart Godward.
Patti, your looking at the night sky made me think of our flight home last Monday; it was a late flight, and I happened to look out my window on the plane and there was the constellation Orion, and I could see it like I’d never seen it from the ground! I could see so many more stars and it was incredible!
Thursday: The Myth of Autonomy
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences.
—The person who plans their life out is being presumptuous to think they are in charge of their future. We don’t even know if we will be alive tomorrow let alone a year from now. Life is very short no matter how long one lives and it should be lived in the light of God’s leading every day and how ever many days he chooses to gives us.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
—Assumptions are being made that we can go and do whatever we please. Paige says that is imaginary.
It is practical atheism because it disregards God. Planning with no consideration of the Lord.
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) “Many are the plans in the mind of a man but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
How should we apply this?
—We should seek God’s plans and purposes for our lives. We were not created to just go and conduct business. We were created to do it in a way that demonstrates a heart, attitude and words that reflect we belong to God.
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
—I can’t seem to come up with much but what would seem really mundane. Like what to cook and the busywork of my household. But I think the challenge is to always be mindful of the lord in my life and to have an attitude of prayer towards Him and trust Him for my daily life. We really only have today to live so I want to live in a way that He is in it. That He is on my mind and I am aware of his presence. That thought brings joy and security to me.
5. Did anything else stand out to you from this section?
—The reminder that I belong to him.
She said faith is not a matter of belief. It is a matter of belonging. And if I belong to the Lord all of my decisions and my planning belong to him as well.
Not mundane at all — perfect and practical.
Friday: The Arrogance of Autonomy
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
—He says we boast in our arrogance. And that boasting is wrong. It is sin.
From this teaching I understand that it has to do with my own plans for my life. Thinking I am in control of my life and announcing my plans as if they are settled and will happen. Paige said thinking that life is my right instead of recognizing it is a daily gift.
As I have been considering and searching my mind for ways I might live this out I think partly my personality is one of being less confident. So I am not as bold to plan or even make firm plans with an attitude that they will happen. I am also old enough that I have had my share of disappointments over plans that were made and fell through. 5 years ago I tried hard to orchestrate a vacation for just our immediate family for our 50th wedding anniversary. Just us and our children, their spouses and all of our grandchildren. It was a hard test for me because an in-law undermined everyone being there. I tried hard to make it happen and it didn’t. Coming back to a place of peace and forgiving the hold out was not easy. But God knew and I had to reconcile my heart to the fact He ultimately was in control and it was what he allowed it to be. It was a test to be grateful and go ahead and enjoy the time we had with the ones who were there. I hold life more loosely now than before. And I appreciate these reminders to thank the Lord for each new day that isn’t promised and appreciate the new mercies that come with each day. And to even feel a satisfaction that whatever happens God still reigns.
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17?
—An attitude of and living life as if we don’t need God to do it is wrong. It is sin.
How could you apply this today?
—Applying the right frame of mind takes humility and always laying our plans at his feet and living in the light of the fact I will let him be Lord in all of my plans.
Next week we are attending a large Homeschool Basketball tournament in Kansas. Originally my husband and son made hotel reservations but they were 45 minutes drive from the venue in another town. Our options were very limited. Yesterday my son asked if we’d be willing to change to an Airb&b very near the place the games are being played. It will be alot more cramped, smaller beds and only one bathroom for 8 people. Our 9 year old granddaughter who has spina bifida requires some significant potty time each morning in the bathroom. So the original plans have been changed. 🥴But there are some significant pluses to being close to the venue, significantly reduced costs and I just sense it would please the Lord for us to do it. This is not about my comfort but ministry to our kids. And praise God they want us to be there with them. Wealth can be a hindrance to trusting God for something good. So I have a feeling we are going to make a memory. I think this is a time to be glad that God reigns.
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning?
— to thank the Lord for another day that wasn’t promised.
Significance?
—It is a proper perspective of life that each new day is a gift from God. His mercies are new every morning.
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
—Paige has repeated the uncomfortable truth that we are to honor God with our money, our bodies and our time. Each of those is incredibly personal. We often have the enemy in our ear harping lies to us about how badly we may be doing in any of those and it is a constant battle or a dance to get things right in each of those areas.
Being a good steward of God’s good and perfect gifts takes humbling myself before the Lord and bringing him into my plans for each of those things. I feel challenged but hopeful.
Because He reigns!
I pray for a great weekend of love and grace in your cramped quarters!
Friday: The Arrogance of Autonomy
Watch for about another 7 minutes up to when she says “The greatest threat to true faith is our wealth — not our suffering.” (Short lesson today so you may want to work ahead!)
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17? How could you apply this today?
To know what is the right thing to do and not do it is sin. To not acknowledge that God is sovereign or that He gives is a sin. The practice of being aware of God’s presence and sovereignty in my life moment by moment seems daunting to me. I get so easily distracted and my mind seems set on autopilot to be MEward. The tyranny of the urgent has different persuasive siren calls that I often succumbed to. What is it that I have not received from God? Nothing! Everything is from Him. Help, Lord! Cleanse, my heart, O God!
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance?
Thank you, God, for a day that you have not promised to us. Each day is a gift from God. It belongs to Him and we should live as if it were a gift and not a right. I need to have my hands and feet under His control.
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
Psalm 97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
Psalm 139: 16 All the days ordained for me are written in your book before one of them came to be.
Ah, Lord God! How can it be? Thank you that each passing day is a gift and that whatever I have and do are all from your hands.
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences
Our lives are not our own. The Lord is in charge and we should acknowledge that.
Amen, sister!
Thursday: The Myth of Autonomy
1. Read James 4:13-15 and summarize it in one or two sentences.
Why do you make plans for the future as if it’s a done deal? You don’t know if you’ll be alive tomorrow.
Paige said to look closely at this verse, “You who say…we will go, we will do…” It is imaginary. “Autonomy” is imaginary. James is speaking of the person who puts themselves at the sovereign center of their own universe. The assumptions in this verse are we will live as long as we please, we can make whatever plans we please, we can accomplish whatever we please, and therefore, we will make money.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
Paige said this practical atheism is not about the denial of God’s existence. This is a complete disregard of God – I believe in Him but what difference does it make if He’s there or not?
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was cancelled by an ice storm.)
Planning is not wrong; it is commended in the Scriptures. Planning with no regard for the Lord or submission to Him is wrong. We live life “before the face of God”. Those who “say” we’ll do this or that are ignoring that. This doesn’t insult God; it’s imaginary. It’s not rude – it’s false. God doesn’t “need” us to check in with Him, so this is not about what He needs from us – this is about what we need from Him. We can’t do this because it’s false, and therefore, self-destructive.
And James doesn’t poke holes in their plans, but he pokes holes in their lives. He says, look at your life – what is your life? It is a mist, a vapor. Frailty and brevity of life. But you can understand the frailty and brevity of life and still live “me-ward”. The point here is not that life is uncertain, but that however frail and brief life is, or how successful it is, it is in the hands of a sovereign God. We were not created to go (downtown, or to any city) and just conduct business. We were created to do that with a heart and an attitude and words that reflect that we belong to God. Travel and conducting business – those things belong to God. There is no such thing as being God-ward in our faith and me-ward in our living. We can’t live this way because James has shown it isn’t a matter of what we believe, but rather belonging. If I belong to God, then all of my decisions and planning belong to Him as well.
Are you scheduling your surgeries in a me-ward way or in a way that means that you belong to God? Are you applying for jobs in a me-ward way or in a way that shows you belong to God? Paige said basically that everything we do (planning a wedding, writing a resume) should be done in a way that shows that we belong to God, because all those things belong to God.
Proverbs 16:9 says in their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do, (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
It seems all of my little daily decisions, like what to eat for breakfast or lunch, what housework to do today (clean the bathroom or wash the kitchen floor), what errands I need to do – am I supposed to be asking God for direction on all of these things? That almost seems like I can’t make a move without asking Him first. I guess I think more about my attitude while I’m doing these things around my home, or my attitude when I’m at work. Am I grumbling or complaining that I have to do something, or feeling resentful? Do I get impatient at interruptions? Am I cheerful in helping others?
5. Did anything else stand out to you in this section?
Paige said to note our reactions when our plans succeed – “God who?” When we accomplish what we’ve set out to do and everything runs smoothly, we totally disregard God. It’s all about me and my plans. (How often do I say well thank you God for making this all go so smoothly?)
But, when everything goes wrong and our plans fall apart – “How could God? Where was God?” Suddenly, we want somebody to blame. Her story of the conference she had planned and everything was in place, and then it was unexpectedly cancelled….Paige was angry. But she was told to take a deep breath – this is God’s conference and He decided to cancel it!
I can relate to this. I’ve done this before, the “where was God?” Likely I hadn’t bothered to include Him in my plans.
Good question about asking Him about every little thing — I think if You are in communion with Him you just know — and when faced with a decision — you ask. And it is good to begin the day thoughtfully with asking for direction for the day. Thoughts?
Thank you, Dee. We went to out of town funeral yesterday and stayed with friends. He woke up ill today. My husband is concerned we will catch so didn’t visit his 96 year old aunt. So I’ve been questioning myself. I asked God about attending the funeral since it was 500 miles in northern Iowa where weather had been bad but not if okay to stay with friends. I decided I just needed to trust Him. I don’t think He would send me that far for hubby to get sick.
Your note does remind me of the 2nd part of asking for wisdom — trusting He gives it! I believe you are doing that.
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it?
An apostrophe is speaking to an absent third party, for the sake of the listening second party. Isaiah pronounce woes on Philistia, Moab, Damascus and Edom, for the sake of Judah.
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why?
James is pronouncing woe on the worldly wealthy, for our benefit, our instruction and for our learning. He is not condemning wealth, in itself, but the place of wealth in our hearts and the misuse of wealth in our lives.
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding)
What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want?
Which of your things may be an idol? (She says he is not condemning wealth but the place of wealth in our life.)
How is the Lord leading you to apply this section?
This is an area that I have been working on since we retired. It is a fine line to walk. I am trying to distribute things to my grandchildren~ quilts and items that mean something to them, because of the grandmother or great grandmother, who made them (only if they want them). I don’t consider myself a hoarder, but I am in some ways. I am slowly getting things to those who can and will appreciate and use them. Our home is more than we need, but it is full when our children and grandchildren visit. I am more interested in what spiritual truths I can pass on to my grandchildren, than the physical items.
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean?
Pam spent so much time and focus on getting a large plot of land and after walking the land to mark his ownership, he died. His servant buried him and all he needed was a six foot plot of land. We came into this world with nothing. The hearse will not be pulling a u-haul.
We will leave this earth with nothing other than what was stored in our heart; the words of our heart and love of Christ in our heart that we shared with and showed to others, to draw them to Him.
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
I agree. We are always in the last days, until we see Him face to face.
12. What else stood out to you from this section?
It is not about materials, it is about materialism. Idolatry. What we see as security, the Lord see as Rot. I pray that the Lord will help me to use my “stuff” for His glory and not for my collections.
Good to be more concerned about their spiritual heritage! I’m sure you are doing that as best you can.
Saturday: Reckoning of Stuff
Watch another 14 minutes until she gets to “reckoning of status.”
9. Read James 5:1-6. (Change in tone!)
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it?
This illustrates speaking to an absent third person in the presence of a second person. It is spoken for the sake of the believers who are listening. I never knew this.
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why? Misery is coming to the rich unbelieving people because of their indulgences and oppression of those who are powerless. Their wealth, successes, and strategies were based meward and there will be a sure reckoning with the Lord about how we have used the gifts that He bestowed on us.
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding
What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want?
Which of your things may be an idol? (She says he is not condemning wealth but the place of wealth in our life.)
How is the Lord leading you to apply this section?
What can I use now to help others and do the will of God instead of keeping it? What are God-things that He wants me to be busy with? Much to process here and I need time to pray about them.
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean?
The story of a man who was on a quest to accumulate land and died doing so. How sad and the irony of it was all he needed was 6 feet of land to get buried in. The title was, “how much does a man need?”
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
We are in the last days right now. He will come and we need to plan and live our lives with the coming of Christ in mind.
12. What else stood out to you from this section?
Do I ever operate in the economics of enough and generosity? The diagnostic questions are worth pondering. I am copying and pasting it where I can see it! Answering those questions is a help worth far more than any organization tool man has come up with!
This was interesting fromBing. Made me think of all the organizational tools promoted:
The diagnostic questions are worth pondering. I am copying and pasting it where I can see it! Answering those questions is a help worth far more than any organization tool man has come up with!
I was just checking my email and I got this advertisement from Color the World that said, “Orchid-a must have universal lip color!” with a picture of a gorgeous model wearing it. And I thought to myself, I was just thinking about how to downsize my material things, and here comes an invitation to upsize them. Lord, have mercy. The world sure has many enticements to keep our eyes from gazing steadily on You.
Bing, lots of Facebook ads about make-up or skin care for “mature women” pop up in my feed….I know what you mean!
So true, Susan! If it were not for my family in the Philippines, I would have no need for Facebook. But just like Paige, it is not necessarily the material things that are the problem, I have to address materialism and what is truly in my heart.
On another thought, I always love your posts-thoughtful and honest. Aahhh…I love this blog!
Oh, so many truths in your answers. I love the idea of putting the questions where I can see them. They are such great reminders for us to spend time pondering, praying and taming our hearts to desire the things of God. You and Susan are right about the facebook ads….promises for every desire one could imagine.
One other thing that stood out to me from Paige’s first part of her talk was that when we say, “If the Lord wills (this)”…..this isn’t to “include” God. As in, Lord, I’m inviting you in. I’m making You a part of this. I’ve prayed prayers like that in the past! Lord, please be a part of this….Lord, I invite you to into this…. And now I see the error in those kinds of prayers. As if the owner of the house needs to be invited inside. Paige said rather it is to recalibrate my heart and mind to reality. We don’t need to constantly say, when we pray, “If the Lord wills…” This is not something that has to be said, it is something that we must know. If the Lord wills is the circumference around all of our planning and all of our prayers. And, I have to confess that I can live like a practical atheist.
I like your explanation. After my first pass through the lecture and a hectic uncertain week I was adding Lord willing to some of my conversations. Then second time heard lecture I realized my mistake and I like your further clarification of point.
Oh, yeah, Susan! I can be a practical atheist at times. I, like Judy, like what you reminded us of “If the Lord wills is the circumference around all our planning and all our prayers.” This is something we know.
Yes, such an important point!
This is such a great point, Susan. Recalibrating my heart and mind constantly. I woke in the night and thought of that…how I need to live in that and not like a practical atheist. Yikes!
Read James 5:1-6. (Change in tone!)
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it? Through Isaiah God was speaking to Phillistia, Moab and Damascus but for the sake of listening Judah
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why? The place of wealth had on their lives and hearts Then the use of that wealth for their own purposes Because wealth becomes the security and not God We can then make decisions based on our own autonomy instead of discussing decisions with the Father
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding. Probably some clothes and things of my mom that nobody want. I kind of hope I will bring up again and find a few takers of stuff.
What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want? Sone things of my mom.
Which of your things may be an idol? (She says he is not condemning wealth but the place of wealth in our life.). pension check? I like to see the income
How is the Lord leading you to apply this section? To take a fresh look around and see what I have that someone else could use or benefit from.
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean? When do we finally realize that we have enough and quit accumulating As I’ve seen the cost of nursing home care, it’s hard to know what’s needed and what is just holding onto hoping to have something to pass to kids I should be talking to the Father
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
12. What else stood out to you from this section? I don’t want materialism eating up my heart. To work from a blessing motive and not a getting motive.
This new song by the Gettys and Skye Peterson spoke to me in light of what we are studying this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxCb6l3jkis I am not my own
The 3rd verse
And if he has rеdeemed me, I am not my own The mеasure of my worth is His love aloneHe declares my standing, and He declares my state So I will know myself by the name He gave
I belong to the Lord O, I am not my ownI belong to the Lord I am not my ownI will honor Him, for this I know: I belong to the Lord I am not my own.
Thank you for sharing this link, Bing. This is perfect for this week’s lesson: I belong to the Lord, I am not my own.
2. What is the deception we tend to live under? Why does Paige call this “practical atheism?”
The deception is self-sovereignty that puts me in the center of my world.
This is autonomy that is imaginary. We think we can self govern. We will accomplish all we need to and make money.
Practical atheism….We live in disregard of God. We acknowledge Him but do we care?
3. She said God is not telling us not to plan, but what? (See Proverbs 16:9) How should we apply this? (She told a story of a big conference she planned and how upset she was when it was canceled by an ice storm.)
Planning is good. But without considering Him is wrong.
The conference was God’s not hers. Everything is His. We can say “Lord willing,” not to invite Him in, but to reset ourselves.
4. She said we pray when we have no idea what to do, but if we think we know what to do (as when she has notes on a passage she will be teaching on) we don’t pray. We often don’t include the Lord in our decisions. What little daily decisions do you tend to make without the Lord? List them.
Are we Me-ward or God-ward? Does our life reflect that we belong to God? We can’t be God-ward in our faith and Me-ward in our living. All of my decisions and planning belong to Him as well.
What to wear, eat, say, do, when cooking, when cleaning, should I go on? Everything!
God Hunts for me!
I’m beginning to feel less pain in my arms (I have been diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis – maybe too much pb) so banned from pickleball for a while. So yesterday I had lunch with a woman from pickleball and she had lots of questions — some hard ones — but she was asking, which was thrilling. The easier ones were how do we know the Bible isn’t fake news? And Couldn’t Jesus be just a good teacher?
The harder ones, and I wonder how you would have answered without being offensive. I skirted them as I want to have more conversations with her. I think that was the right thing to do, but wonder. Her brother died of AIDS and some who claimed the name of Christ were very judgmental of him. I was able to agree that was horrid, when Jesus asks us to be compassionate. But I skirted getting more deeply into it. She also has an aunt who calls her son every day weeping because she thinks he is going to hell because he hasn’t received Jesus. Did I believe that way. I skirted that too, saying only God knows the heart at the time of death. Mostly, I want to have more conversations with her and feared black and white answers on these things would have ended that. Please pray — I may have already blown it, but I’m hoping not.
Oh, dear Dee. I will pray. These are very hard questions and I don’t know if there truly are earthly answers. I think it was right to skirt the answers for now. I don’t believe in being judgmental of anyone, because we don’t know another’s heart. You are right that only God knows the heart of anyone at any time. It seems that we need to show Jesus’s love to others, but the judgment of the soul of another is not our right….not the aunt’s or those judging the AIDS victim…it is God’s right and only God will determine where that soul will reside in eternity. I will pray for God to direct you to His answer.
Dee, this woman really asked some hard questions. I know it would’ve made me uncomfortable. I think you were wise in thinking ahead to having future conversations with her, and in answering in ways that would keep that door open.
I am praying for your tendonitis to get better. I know you love pickleball!
Dee, Even “if” you blew it God didn’t and He won’t. But I doubt you did. It sounded like a wise thing to not be quick to answer. Time and prayer are a good thing in situations like these. God can be trusted to redeem what ever was said and he will lead you. You listened to her and if she felt heard that is a very important starting point. Sorry about the tendonitis. Praying for your relief.
It’s such a positive sign that she felt comfortable enough with you to ask these hard questions. I pray that God will use your answers to cause her to look more closely at what Christ and the gospel really are.
Dee, praying for the tendonitis to resolve and that you will feel better soon. Such hard questions. Perhaps your skirting was God’s way of keeping you from saying something that would have closed the door for more conversations with this woman.
How thankful I am for all your prayers and encouragement?
Saturday: Reckoning of Stuff
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
—I agree with Paige that we are in the “last days” which refers to the time between Christ coming and Christ’s return. That salvation has come and judgement is coming. But I also believe we are moving quickly into the end times of these last days and the most important thing for us is to not be encumbered with hoarding and stuff which is a distraction from what really is important. That being what Paige says is to be joyfully, usefully, urgently about God’s business. Primarily in my mind the need to be sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world.
12. What else stood out to you from this section?
“Materialism doesn’t require much material at all.”
—I recognized years ago that among the people where I live some look at the home I live in and the clothes I wear and the car I drive and consider my husband and I to be “rich”. And yet others whom I have rubbed shoulders with are far more wealthy even excessively more wealthy than us and by comparison I can say we are not rich and wealthy people. But amount doesn’t really matter.
This teaching is where the rubber meets the road in that what matters is not how much of material things I have. Paige said “Materialism doesn’t require much material at all.” It is all about my heart. How I view my “stuff”.
A few years ago both my daughters began practicing a more minimalist lifestyle and encouraged me to do the same. ( So they wouldn’t have to do as much when I die 😊) But in getting rid of stuff I found a much greater freedom and a better perspective of what is needed and what is not. Frankly I still have more stuff than needed because of being married and living in the same place for so many years. But I hold material things much more loosely than in my youth. That comes after emptying two households for my in-laws and my own parents and now my sweet 98 year mother is living in a care home with a bare minimum of stuff so I feel I have a pretty good feel for what things are valuable. Sitting with her and praying together is worth more than all the stuff she ever had or I will ever have.
Great testimony from Bev!
A few years ago both my daughters began practicing a more minimalist lifestyle and encouraged me to do the same. ( So they wouldn’t have to do as much when I die 😊) But in getting rid of stuff I found a much greater freedom and a better perspective of what is needed and what is not. Frankly I still have more stuff than needed because of being married and living in the same place for so many years. But I hold material things much more loosely than in my youth. That comes after emptying two households for my in-laws and my own parents and now my sweet 98 year mother is living in a care home with a bare minimum of stuff so I feel I have a pretty good feel for what things are valuable. Sitting with her and praying together is worth more than all the stuff she ever had or I will ever have.
Love this. Letting go of the earthly things, is so freeing!
13. How did you experience God in your life this week? Guiding me to do an inconvenient thing that blessed the other person.
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
He says we like to boast and brag about our plans, and that all such boasting is evil. I don’t think the evil lies in thinking about or talking about what we might be doing in say, a year from now or even five or ten years from now. It’s the boasting and bragging about the sure certainty of our plans, that if we plan it, it’s going to happen just like we say. As if we have total control over tomorrow. It’s our plan, our time, our success.
Paige says this is the arrogance that says “I dictate my life, my future.” It sees life as my right, not as my daily gift. Every day is a gift. Paige also said that this arrogance is delusional and spiritually damaging. What do you have that you did not receive?
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17? How could you apply this today?
James tells us that sin also is failing to do the good we know we ought to do. (In church, when we say the prayer of confession, we say that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed; in what we have done and in what we have left undone) Paige explained that this verse would seem better to relate to the story of the good Samaritan, but its place here in James’ letter means that sin is not acknowledging that God governs, that God gives. That is sin. Not having a heart that acknowledges that everything belongs to God. I could apply this by starting each day with telling God, in prayer, even out loud, that I accept this day as His gift to me, and to seek to reaffirm that truth all through my day, and to remember simply to say thank you to God for everything He gives.
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance?
He would thank God for another day that was not promised to them. He was acknowledging that he did not determine the duration of his life, that another day was not a “right” but a gift.
8. What else stands out to you from this section and why?
I like the word picture of living inside of a circle, with the circumference that forms the circle around me being the truth that everything belongs to God, that I need to make my plans understanding that they fit inside of His will, and that everything I receive is a gift from Him. So where am I living at any moment during the day? Inside or outside of that circle? And that reality is found inside the circle. Paige kept saying that living otherwise is a myth, imaginary, and delusional. We are only fooling ourselves if we think we operate independently from God. I liked her example of how she doesn’t really pray for her kids when they’re with her, because they are with their “god” and she can keep them safe. I know I used to think that way when my kids were younger, that if they were with me, they were safe.
I love prayers of confession like that in more liturgical churches. We prayed one like that in PCA. So good.
13. How did you experience God in your life this week?
My husband and I went to see the movie, Jesus Revolution this past Friday. It brought back many fond memories for me as I went to Chuck Smith’s church, Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California. I did attend when they met in the tent and heard the group Love Song, which the lead singer was Chuck Girard, the father of Alisa Childers!! That church was a very important part of my life as it kept me going to church at a time in my life I didn’t want to go. It’s awesome to look back and see that even then God had His hand on me and for that I am so thankful!
I would recommend the movie. It brought tears to see the love and grace Chuck Smith had for that generation of hippies and how he allowed God to use him. His obedience definitely had an impact on my life and I was not a hippie but a Missionary kid thrown into a culture that brought total shock to my system and Christian beliefs. I had to come into my own relationship with the Lord and do a lot of soul searching.
Reading this gave me good goose bumps, Sharon! I can’t wait to see that movie. I love that Chuck Girard was the father of Alisa Childers. I can imagine the shock of going from a Missionary kid life to Costa Mesa back in those days. That was the beginning of big changes in churches. I love how you can see how God had His hand on you! I can relate to that and the challenges in the culture in those days of hippies. Thank you for sharing this, Sharon! We worship an awesome God!
Wow, Sharon! That is so cool to have some connection with Chuck Smith and Chuck Girard! I appreciate Alisa Childers so it was great to hear of this connection.
How fun you went to Chuck Smith’s church, Sharon!
And thanks for jumping in for God Hunts!
6. Read James 4:16-17
A. What does James tell us in verse 16? Thoughts or applications?
We should not boast about our plans for ourselves, rather discern what God wants for us. This is difficult, because we do need to plan. We need to be responsible for our lives and the lives of the people who depend on us. However, God has THE plan for us. I can trust that plan is working out, and when I try to force my plan, and it is falling apart, be willing to realize that it could be that God doesn’t want my plan to work. This reminds me of the conference Paige planned that fell through due to the weather.
B. We often think of sin in terms of doing bad things. What does James tell us in verse 17?
Verse 17 says it’s a sin to know what we need to do and then not do it. Ugh. Happens to me over and over again. This reminds me of Paul saying that he knows what to do but then doesn’t do it!
How could you apply this today?
Try to avoid my sin.
7. What is her husband Reagan’s prayer each morning? Significance?
He thanks God for a new day. The gift. So sweet!
9. Read James 5:1-6. (Change in tone!)
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it?
Speaking to an absent third party for the sake of the listening party. James is pronouncing the woe against the unbeliever. The letter is to believers. It is for our benefit. He is condemning the wealthy.
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why?
He is warning of the love of security in wealth. We see our wealth a security and God sees it as hoarding.
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding
clothes and shoes!
What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want?
China, portraits, precious glassware, small statues, etc. these are items that have been handed down through our family. I agree, only one of my kids wants them. But, they hold history. I’m conflicted and it makes me sad.
Which of your things may be an idol? (She says he is not condemning wealth but the place of wealth in our life.)
Well, I don’t see them as an idol, they are my heritage. I understand what she is saying, and somewhat agree, but family heirlooms hold history! For example, I recently found out that my grandfathers family may have been Jewish! My sister does ancestry sometimes and found a document that is in the possession of a Slovakian synagogue. Whoa! Never heard that story before. She has to pay to get the document, so she is unsure. It’s with ancestry.com. I suppose we all are really Jewish though now, aren’t we? She thinks they we afraid and came to America, and changed their affiliation to Roman Catholic. Crazy. I guess what I am saying is that we may have known these things earlier if someone had willed another family member their “stuff!” If I ditch the Japanese china, glassware and Thai rubbings, my kids and their families will not know some of their heritage. I was nearly born in Japan! There’s an interesting story there. Just sayin….
How is the Lord leading you to apply this section?
A few years ago my husband and I went to some friends house to eat dinner. The plates were lovely china and I could tell were antique-ish. I asked her about them and she said that they were her grandmothers. She decided to use them instead of sticking them in a cabinet where they would never be used. She said they reminded her of her gma and if one was broken, se-la-vie! I loved that idea so I have done the same with china from my husbands mom and dinnerware from my own mother.
I probably should get rid of some clothes…..
Love this from Bev!:
A few years ago both my daughters began practicing a more minimalist lifestyle and encouraged me to do the same. ( So they wouldn’t have to do as much when I die 😊) But in getting rid of stuff I found a much greater freedom and a better perspective of what is needed and what is not. Frankly I still have more stuff than needed because of being married and living in the same place for so many years. But I hold material things much more loosely than in my youth. That comes after emptying two households for my in-laws and my own parents and now my sweet 98 year mother is living in a care home with a bare minimum of stuff so I feel I have a pretty good feel for what things are valuable. Sitting with her and praying together is worth more than all the stuff she ever had or I will ever have.
Whoops Dee! I think you double posted as this is from Bev ♥️
Whoops — thanks Laura – -tried to fix!
13. How did you experience God in your life this week?
A couple of things that happened today. First, I taught children’s church this morning and the lesson was on David. We ran out of time and I decided to change the last bit. I handed each child a couple of cards that had a line of Psalm 23 on each of them. The lines (15) were randomly distributed. I asked them to read when I called the number of the card. The kids were all over the room and so when I called a number a sweet voice would respond. Each voice came from a different part of the room and the kids were so quiet as we did it! It was a blessing to me.
The second thing was the 40 Days for Life campaign began and our church agreed to take part again this year. We will be at a local Planned Parenthood every Sunday to pray for the babies and to end abortion. I went today. It was lightly snowing, cloudy and I went by myself. Feeling a bit down, I stayed in my car for a while. I then saw a young man walking back and forth in front of the building. I decided to get out and noticed there were a couple of other people as well. Then, the sun came out as it snowed! It stayed out the entire time I was there. I felt like God was giving me a kiss. Thank You Lord. The business is closed on Sundays so I usually don’t see anyone. Today I felt blessed that I wasn’t alone and the sun came out.
Sunday: God Hunt
13. How did you experience God in your life this week?
My neighbor Christy went to church with my husband and me then came to our house for lunch. I was able to spend a couple of hours with her talking about her life and relationship with Jesus.
She suffered greatly from the isolation of Covid in 2020 and through 2021. Her husband died in 2020 at the height of Covid. She was left living an isolated life on a ranch in Wyoming. She has no children and only one sister who lives here in Nebraska. She stopped eating and went deeply into depression. She moved here a little over a year ago to be close to her sister who wants nothing to do with God and church. Christy is concerned for her sister spiritually.
God has been drawing Christy more closely to Himself and she credits Him with changing her and bringing her back to better health physically and emotionally. She is faithful now to attend our women’s weekly Bible study and recently started attending the evening small group in our home. It was good to have time to confirm her salvation and relationship with Jesus.
Last night we attended “The Jesus Revolution” movie. It was a packed theater and a very good movie.
Bev, Thank you for sharing the follow up on your neighbor, Christy. A lovely answer to prayer that Christy is responding to God’s call and that she credits Him with her improving physical and emotional life. God is so faithful.
Bev, what a great story about Christy! Praise the Lord! Praying for her sister.
I’m curious if anyone knows why it isn’t being held in the theaters as long as other movies? What is the point of that? In our area it is only here for 3-4 days 🤷🏻♀️.
5:4-6 again.
A. What does it say? That we can live well because we ve deprived others of fair wages and allow others to suffer while we live well
B. How much of our wealth is at the expense of the powerless? (Examine how you pay any workers, tip, or charge for goods or services?) I don’t know but probably more than I want to think about I have tried harder to tip generously and be aware and interested in people in service industry. I’m shy so talking to people doesn’t come easily
Success versus Fattening
A. How get fat by taking in more calories than we need — have you learned to eat in moderation? If so, share what has helped you. Fear I started having changes in my memory so I started reading info on diet Though I haven’t been as conscientious as I was at first I still try to keep to a healthier diet
B. We have normalized luxury but there will be a demise. How does God speak to you here? Have you had any success in living in moderation here? (Vacations, homes, clothes, etc…) If so, share what has helped you. The moving of my mom from her home and then her death opened my eyes to how much stuff we have that no one wants I try to look at some of my stuff And think if I’m hanging on to it and could someone else put it to use (Blankets winter coats etc) As I’ve indicated previously not sure on savings
C. What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20? How does this speak to you? I think 6:21 speaks to me more Where my heart is Is where my treasure will be I want my treasure to be Jesus The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
15. What else stands out to you from this section? I’m at a place can’t listen to lecture again because I forgot ear buds. But if this is part where she talked about luxury living. Ouch. We are thinking replacing countertop that’s only 5 years old because of a flaw and they are too busy. Now I do not know. Thinking about Turkish relief instead.
From Judy — resonated with me — as I’ve thought of replacing carpet and may opt for contentment instead!
But if this is part where she talked about luxury living. Ouch. We are thinking replacing countertop that’s only 5 years old because of a flaw and they are too busy. Now I do not know. Thinking about Turkish relief instead.
What literature did you find about memory? Can you post a link?
I found MIND diet. My doctor says it’s not proven yet. I m glad you asked in reading again realize I’m way over on sweets under in whole grains. I don’t drink the wine. I try to eat plenty of protein so I do eat low fat cottage cheese. I can’t figure out how to share a link
I’ll find it Judy. Thank you!
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean?
We think we need more and more, but actually we do not. We can’t take it with us so why do we accumulate? Recently, Marie Osmond announced she was not leaving her wealth to her children. Many have questioned that idea. She claims that no one grows to their full potential if they are given everything. Maybe she knows something about her kids that we don’t? I think I will leave my wealth to my children whatever is left. But, I don’t want to live a life of hoarding.
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days.” Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may or may not agree — but would love to hear your thoughts.)
I thought what she said about the abuse of our wealth (hoarding) would happen in the time between our salvation and judgement was interesting.
“Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”
James 5:3 ESV
Last days between the first and second coming of Christ. James is pointing out the icky-ness of the hoarding/wealth during the last days when we should be trying to bless others (in these last days). It’s a juxtaposition. Our future is coming; these are the last days. We need to prepare! It is not the time to live in the world. I love it when she says, “look for the dust, the rust, etc. and that is when you will know that the stuff has us.” I am better than I used to be for sure.
I just started this weeks’ study today, but I felt the need to go back to last week’s comments to quickly read the ones that I missed and I was saddened to see your comment about maybe not doing Paige anymore.
I have been allowing myself to get distracted from this study as well as other aspects of my life (I can make all of the excuses I want to myself, but the truth is I choose what I spend my time doing and sadly I have not been choosing wisely).
The one thing that I always do is listen to Paige’s entire study and take notes then when I go to answer the questions I refer to my notes or go back and listen again to the parts that pertain to the questions that I might have missed. If I don’t make the time to answer the questions online, I’ve at least listened to Paige, read and thought about all of the questions and tried to read everyone else’s comments.
I said all of that to say that for me, the reason that I have not been contributing is totally my failures and not because of anything that you have been doing.
If you choose to go a different route then I will trust that it is because of the Lord’s direction for this study.
Thanks for that input, Dawn. I’ve had lots of encouragement since making that comment. Many do not like this study as well — some feel Paige has changed. I don’t think so — I think it is James is just very convicting.
Amen, Dee. Paige had stated that she needed this study. I have needed this study too. I have many of my notes from it with my daughters and they both love hearing these teachings. When Darcy met Paige at West End church, Paige never talked about herself, she told Darcy all about the classes for teens and young people and the focus of the church on Jesus. Our granddaughter (that lives in Nashville) and her boyfriend wanted to find a church where they could go deeper into the word. This church seems focused on that. Many churches in Nashville are Bible believing and great music, but some have more music than sermon. I am so thankful that Hannah and Tony want more Jesus, even though they love music.
That’s so great about Tony and Hannah!
Awesome!!
Dee, I don’t think that Paige has changed. I see her honest convictions reflected in her passionate plea for her audience to listen to God (look down) rather than listen to her words. I see something similar in my daughter in her passion to speak for marginalized youth and adults. At times, she can come across as opinionated but she really just feels deeply about this. I do pray her passion would continue but be more motivated by Jesus’ teachings rather than the world’s standard or her own standard, of social justice. Yes, I agree, James is very convicting and Paige is very convincing in her eloquence and the Holy Spirit is talking to me so I need to listen, heed, and do.
9. Read James 5:1-6
A. Paige explains, using Isaiah, what an Old Testament woe or apostrophe is, using Isaiah as an example. What is it? James uses a model of speaking taken from the OT “woes”, with a literary device called an apostrophe. In an apostrophe, you are speaking to an absent third-party for the sake of the listening second-party. In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah pronounces woes upon other people groups, yet he wasn’t writing to them – he was writing or speaking to listening Judah. James is pronouncing woe upon the me-ward unbeliever, the worldly wealthy, yet he is writing to believers.
B. This is what James is doing. Though this letter is written to believers, he is addressing unbelievers here, but, for the sake of believers. What woe does he pronounce on them and why?
He pronounces woe on wealthy, rich people, and for their hoarding of possessions and even their gold and silver. In treasure being hoarded, it loses its value. All of these things that we think make-up our self-worth are disintegrating right now. Designer clothes hanging in our closets are losing their value. Why do we keep things to rot? Why do we have so much excess? It is senseless, and it is harmful. The corrosion of the stuff gets into our hearts. James is talking about idolatry.
C. Be prayerful and ask how this could apply to you. Diagnostic questions to consider:
What in your home is rotting from dis-use? (What we see as security God sees as hoarding)
What are you saving for your children or someone that they probably won’t want?
Which of your things may be an idol?
How is the Lord leading you to apply this section?
Well, I don’t consider myself a hoarder as I like to get rid of things that we don’t use! My husband is a collector of old out-of-print books (like these 6th grade reading level sports fiction books that he remembers from his childhood). He plans to give them to our sons one day. I still have all of the children’s books I bought for my kids, and I enjoy giving them now to my grandchildren and also reading these books to them. I love these books as I have many memories of reading to my kids. A few special items I have were my mom’s. It’s not that my self-worth or identity comes from these things, it’s that they have sentimental value to me. I admit they’d be difficult to part with. I likely have more clothes than I need. What I see in myself is that looking around at my familiar surroundings in my home gives me a sense of familiarity, comfort and security. When I open my mom’s dining room hutch where I keep her china, I swear I can catch the smell of her home, my childhood home. I am comforted by what is familiar and gives me a sense of my past.
A true romantic.
Children’s books! Yes! I have saved mine and my kids for the grandkids.
10. She told a story from Tolstoy and then asked: Are we operating with an economics of enough? What does this mean?
We always know when we have too little, but do we know when we have too much? Living by the economics of enough would mean recognizing when we have just what we need and not more; it’s the economics of usefulness – are we using what we have, and are we generous?
11. In the second part of 4:3 James says “in the last days”. Paige said that “last days” means from the time of Christ’s ascension to His return. This reminded me of our Revelation study in which we learned the same. Therefore we are in the last days. (You may not agree – but would love to hear your thoughts).
The last days are between the first and second coming of Christ, or the fullness of time. Salvation has come, and judgment is coming. I think I would agree that we are living in this time. I think I remember from our Revelation study that the time of persecution began in the early church days and it isn’t that we are waiting for some future apocalyptic time.
12. What else stood out to you from this section?
If we really believe we’re living in the last days, and if we are focused on heaven, then why would we want to hoard and grasp, compete and complain? The me-ward heart doesn’t care that these are the last days. What we think of as security, the Lord sees as rot. So look for the dust, the rust, and the mothballs in our life.
So good from Susan: If we really believe we’re living in the last days, and if we are focused on heaven, then why would we want to hoard and grasp, compete and complain?
Sunday: God Hunt
13. How did you experience God in your life this week?
His Word has been radioactive to me this past week especially. I know it is God at work in my life.
Penny drops into a deeper awareness and peaceful acceptance of the sovereignty of God. His timing is perfect. I still struggle with the temptation to want to be in control, I keep on asking Him to help me. And to steady my gaze on Him even when things don’t make sense.
That’s such a good way to pray, Bing — as Paige says, instead of praying for circumstances to change pray for our hearts to change.
Smarts versus Cheating
14. Read James 5:4-6 again.
What does it say?
The cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You’ve spent your life having fun, satisfying your every whim, and now your fat hearts are ready for the slaughter. You’ve condemned and killed good men who had no power to defend themselves against you.
B. How much of our wealth is at the expense of the powerless? (Examine how you pay any workers, tip, or charge for goods and services.)
Paige said that in those days, field workers , or day-laborers, were paid daily, and not paying them meant that they couldn’t eat or feed their families. Continuing not to pay them could result in their death. Sometimes I wonder about the “fast fashion” like clothing sold at Walmart or online like Shein….it’s cheap clothing and I think I’m saving money, but who is making the clothes? Are those workers being underpaid?
Success versus Fattening
A. How get fat by taking in more calories than we need – have you learned to eat in moderation? If so, share what has helped you.
Taking in more than we need with no self-denial – this applies to more than food. I don’t know what has changed with me, but since I’m older now, I find that I really only need to eat 2 meals a day, most days. I’m just not hungry enough for 3 meals. If I eat a big lunch, I won’t eat dinner. A big breakfast and I don’t eat lunch. I seem to need less food. I do like my sweets though.
B. We have normalized luxury but there will be a demise. How does God speak to you here? Have you had any success in living in moderation here? (Vacations, homes, clothes, etc…) If so, share what has helped you.
I liked the story of Duke Reynauld. He lived in a “prison” with open doors and windows, but he was too fat to get out as he couldn’t say no to all the delicious food. I know we live in a nice home; is it “luxurious”? Probably not. But then, in comparison with how much of the world’s population lives, it would be considered luxurious living. My problem is that I enjoy pampering. I like to get massages, I like to get pedicures. Is that wrong? I don’t get these services weekly, or even monthly, but sometimes I feel guilty like I’m just spoiling myself. When it comes to vacations, as in finding a place to stay, my top requirement is that it’s clean. I really don’t care about a luxury master suite and bathroom, because I’m not spending my vacation in those rooms.
A few years ago, I read a book called The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power by D.L. Mayfield. I was struck by the author’s lifestyle. She didn’t just write about it, she appeared to be living it. Her family lived in a neighborhood that was not affluent, with a wide mixture of ethnicities including many immigrants, and she chose to send her kids to the public schools, though they were not the best, but instead of abandoning the school system, she volunteered to do her part to make them better. She taught English to many refugees/immigrants to help them adjust to life in America, and her kids played with the kids of those families. It made me think about how much of the time my “helping” or volunteering is going in and doing some volunteer activity for a few hours, helping, giving money, and then returning to my home in my suburban mostly white neighborhood. And would I have been willing to move to a less desirable part of town and send my kids to the schools there?
C. What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20? How does this speak to you?
We’re to store up treasures in heaven where they will not decay and no one will steal them. If I want to know where my heart is, I ask myself, where is my stuff.
15. What else stands out to you from this section?
Just like Abel’s blood cried out from the ground, James says the wages and the money that should belong to the powerless cries out from our pockets because it doesn’t belong there. The Lord of Hosts will bring justice.
Paige pointed out that James isn’t talking about particular “stuff” here, other than money and garments in general. He says we are fattening our hearts. We want more and we want better, and we call that success, but God calls it indulgence. “We have tried mammon and found it addicting, and as a result of that, we have found following Christ inconvenient.” That quote seems to hit the nail on the head. We become so stuffed with ourselves and our stuff that we have no appetite for anything else, even God. Paige said, “To diagnose our hearts, and therefore our lives, as me-ward or God-ward, James says, where’s your stuff? Where did it come from, where is it sitting, what is it being used for? Jesus said not to store up treasures for yourselves…
I’m going to check out that book!
16. Read James 5:7-11
A. What are we to look forward to according to verse 7? How steady is your gaze on this? The Lord s coming Not as steady as it should be
B. What illustration does he give of the farmer? Point? The farmer plants and waits not knowing the exact times of moisture or harvest. It’s out of his control. There could be a drought, blight, too much rain, early frost, a derecho or hail all affecting the quality and quantity of harvest
C. What does he tell us not to do and why according to verse 9? How are you doing? Not to grumble against one another or I will be judged Some days better than others but I try to confess the grumbling as sin.
D. What illustrations does he give through the prophets and Job? And what is the promise in verse 11? They persevered the prophets didn’t see all the fulfillment. We count as blessed those who persevered, Job as the example. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion.
17. She said Christianity, unlike other religions, is not based on ideas but events. How did Jesus come in His first coming? How will He in His second? How does this impact you? Jesus came as a helpless baby, but He will come back as Victor and fully triumph over evil.
18. Paul Tripp said God’s commands only make sense if you have forever in view. That is what helps us with holiness, stewardship, sacrifice. How has this helped you? I ve not done this I just do things because I think it’s what I’m supposed to as a Christian.
19. She closed with a story of a missionary coming home on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt. What happened? What was the point? The missionaries served 40 years and came back to US and had to look for their contact to settle into small 1 bedroom apartment. The contrast was Roosevelt came back from hunting to bands and a big welcome. The point is that there is a big celebration waiting for the missionaries in heaven. They just had to keep their focus on their ultimate destiny.
14. Read James 5:4-6 again.
A. What does it say?
Basically that we are living “high on the hog,” and, that we don’t share our wealth with those in need.
B. How much of our wealth is at the expense of the powerless? (Examine how you pay any workers, tip, or charge for goods or services?)
My husband and I do many things ourselves so we don’t really hire workers. When we have, we pay the amount they ask for but no more. Recently, we had a maid who charged a good amount every 2 weeks. We could never get her to clean our kitchen sink! The job was done “okay” but not superb. I guess I was raised to do the best job you could with no less, no matter the job. We were disappointed and let her go. We don’t usually give extra money at holidays. We do tip our servers very well (at least 20%); maybe because I waited tables during college and know how hard the work is for not much actual pay. We don’t ever underpay (that I can think of). We have a friends brother who lives in our basement who works on our house when we need things done. We do not charge him rent. He is a retired handy man and I appreciate him so much! I call him my “caretaker” but in an affectionate way 😉.
I do find those that have served in restaurants are better tippers! 🙂
Success versus Fattening
A. How get fat by taking in more calories than we need — have you learned to eat in moderation? If so, share what has helped you.
No, I struggle so much with this! I am better when I am trying to be vegan, or sticking to a certain number of carbs or calories. When I am not so focused I struggle.
B. We have normalized luxury but there will be a demise. How does God speak to you here? Have you had any success in living in moderation here? (Vacations, homes, clothes, etc…) If so, share what has helped you.
Yes and no. My husband is very frugal. When he can, he gets a second job. I also work 2 jobs. We do enjoy our home and go on vacations. But, when I needed a car to get to and from work, we bought our neighbors car for $3000. I would never purchase shoes that cost more than $30 (boots are a must up north though, and they cost at least $80). I also have a limit on clothing…dresses should be around $30-50 (for work). I have a suit I have worn for 20 years or so! I wear out my shoes. I do not go to the hair salon or have my nails done. I recently have gone to have a pedicure because my feet are in sad shape due to dancing for 52 years now. It really helps. I think because we were raised by the greatest generation, we tend to be cognizant of money.
C. What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20? How does this speak to you?
We should store up our treasures in heaven, not on earth. It means to not be so attached to things here, but to focus on heavenly things. I get it, but it can be difficult. We do need some things to survive. Where we draw the line is important. I gave away a ton of clothes to our “empowered women” club at school for their clothing drive. As I get older I get less attached to stuff, mainly because of my mom. I watched her die a pauper and she was ok. I do have some of her treasures, and I mentioned them above (my heritage).
16. Read James 5:7-11
A. What are we to look forward to according to verse 7? How steady is your gaze on this?
we look for the Lords’ return. To be honest, I don’t think of it that much. Ouch. I know how I should, but, life.
B. What illustration does he give of the farmer? Point?
The farmer waits patiently for his crops to grow. It is something he can’t see, it knows it’s there. Same for us and God. We must be patient and faithful.
C. What does he tell us not to do and why according to verse 9? How are you doing?
No grumbling!! I am so much better than I was! Yay!
D. What illustrations does he give through the prophets and Job? And what is the promise in verse 11?
He gives reminders of how they withstood the troubles of their lives and came out ahead in the end. The Lord is kind and will be merciful in the end.
17. She said Christianity, unlike other religions, is not based on ideas but events. How did Jesus come in His first coming? How will He in His second? How does this impact you?
Jesus came as a baby. In the second coming He will be an adult. I don’t remember much about what she said here (even though I listened to her at least 3 times!). I began my journey on learning more about the Bible and God’s Word about 15 years ago. I have learned so much in that time. I plan to continue my journey because it is important. He will come. We will answer. I want others to know too. When the time comes, I will feel that I am covered, being taken care of, as if I actually have a Father again, on Earth.
18. Paul Tripp said God’s commands only make sense if you have forever in view. That is what helps us with holiness, stewardship, sacrifice. How has this helped you?
We must keep focused on eternity. That is our home. This does help.
19. She closed with a story of a missionary coming home on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt. What happened? What was the point?
The missionary was on his mission for 40 years. TR went on a short hunt and was honored on the ship as it came into the harbor. No one cared about the missionary being gone 40 years. No one celebrated his return. 1) we are mixed up about what is important in life, 2) God knows our importance.
Monday: Reckoning of Status
Listen for another 12 minutes until she pivots to the Godward life.
Smarts versus Cheating
14. Read James 5:4-6 again.
We deprive others of what they should be receiving from us. In the OT, Mosaic law required paying a worker at the end of the day so they could use the money for their needs! Deuteronomy 24:5 And James is calling out to these rich people who abuse their workers through neglect or fraud.
A. What does it say?
B. How much of our wealth is at the expense of the powerless? (Examine how you pay any workers, tip, or charge for goods or services?)
My husband has often been one of my role models for generosity. He is very conservative about himself and one of the things that we talked about when we were newly married was financial responsibility. I often remember this principle that he shared with me then: Live below your means so you can be generous to others and honor God with your giving. God will always provide for you.
Because I grew up poor, it is a temptation to hoard what I receive thinking of saving things for the future. But I realize there is no guarantee for tomorrow. And just like Reagan, “thank you, God, for another day that you have not promised to us.”
Success versus Fattening
A. How get fat by taking in more calories than we need — have you learned to eat in moderation? If so, share what has helped you.
I am working on it. One of the things that I like to do is bake. Especially bread or carb-laden treats. So, I bake them and then share them with others. Then, we have the treat to eat and not feel deprived but able to share and bless others with it. Ann V. shared a link to the Edible Theology website this week and I am looking into it. It sounds like an exploration of our relationship with food.
B. We have normalized luxury but there will be a demise. How does God speak to you here? Have you had any success in living in moderation here? (Vacations, homes, clothes, etc…) If so, share what has helped you.
One American expression that I have learned is “keeping up with the Joneses”. Nowadays, we do have some Jones in our new neighborhood! LOL, Should I keep up with them? I think this is still an issue of the heart because I may not in reality be showing I am not keeping up with the Joneses but have envy and covetousness in my heart. It always helps me to pray for contentment and so many reminders from Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it,Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
C. What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20? How does this speak to you?
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…
Is my life spent accumulating things for this world-material, knowledge, accolades, and sign-ups?
15. What else stands out to you from this section?
The word “affluenza” and I thought it is a pandemic! We have found mammon addictive and as a result, we have found Christ an inconvenience.
Tuesday: Destination of the Godward Life
Listen to the end.
16. Read James 5:7-11
A. What are we to look forward to according to verse 7? How steady is your gaze on this?
The coming of the Lord Jesus! I forget at times, and I need to be reminded of it daily as I can just live for the now and get focused on the details.
B. What illustration does he give of the farmer? Point?
The farmer patiently waits. So must we. There is a time for harvest and we do what we can and wait on the Lord.
A. What does he tell us not to do and why according to verse 9? How are you doing?
We must not grumble against and judge our fellow believers. We are just journeying on the same road. He is at work in each of our lives. We are not the judge; God is.
B. What illustrations does he give through the prophets and Job? And what is the promise in verse 11?
Job persevered through his losses. In the end, he was blessed.
17. She said Christianity, unlike other religions, is not based on ideas but on events. How did Jesus come in His first coming? How will He in His second? How does this impact you?
He came first as Savior and will come again as Judge. Everything that we do now is for His kingdom purposes, our plans are in His hands, and to have a forever perspective (P.Tripp)
18. Paul Tripp said God’s commands only make sense if you have forever in view. That is what helps us with holiness, stewardship, and sacrifice. How has this helped you?
I am “practicing” for the kingdom life by how I live my life here on earth.
19. She closed with a story of a missionary coming home on the same ship as Teddy Roosevelt. What happened? What was the point?
TR came home from a hunting trip and was welcomed with much fanfare. This missionary couple came on the same ship but except for one man who met them and took them to their modest apartment, no one else came. 40 years of service and no one to welcome them home. Then his wife comforted him by saying, “honey, you are not home yet!”
The welcome I need to look forward to is God saying, “ Welcome, good and faithful servant!”
20. What else stood out to you from this section?
We wait for what we know ( we have our forever home and will meet the triune God face to face) and we wait (on Him) while we work. This is true faith for me.
Wednesday: Take-A-Way
21. What is your take-a-way and why?
The hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”
…And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.