Community Devotions

Avoiding Condemnation

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation”. (James 5:12) 

The book of James seems like a series of sermons covering everything from trials and perseverance to authentic religion and materialism. Yet in the last chapter James warns us that above all these things we must people who keep our word so that we may avoid condemnation. James’ quoting his more famous half brother Jesus, says that our simple “yeses” and “no’s” should be good enough. We don’t need to swear or make an oath by heaven or earth.

The bible says that I shouldn’t make promises before God too hastily. As 2015 is coming to a close and 2016’s resolutions are coming up. I must really be careful in the promises and resolutions that I am making before God and the commitments that I want to make or else I will fall under condemnation. Points of Obediene:

• Thoughtfully and prayerfully think about my goals and plan of action for 2016.
• Finish well and follow through on my 5%.
  • Devotion to prayer and worship.
  • Meaningful time with wife through engaging conversations and date nights
  • Healthy family life with family fun days, enjoyable dinners and serving together.
  • Fruitful ministry that loves people.
  • Physically healthy.
  • Enjoy life.
  • Faithfulness and growth in inner self development.

Heavenly Father,

You are God in heaven, here am I on earth. Let my words be few yet meaningful. 

Keep in Step with the Spirit

Scripture - Galatians 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Observation - There are two desires inside each and every single Christ follower: the desire of the flesh and the desire of the Spirit. Paul encourages the Galatian church to live a spirit-filled life. In so doing they will not gratify the desires of the flesh (v.16). Living by the spirit is a moment-by-moment decision to keep in step of what the Holy Spirit is doing in my life. Notice that the desires of the flesh leads to a work of the flesh i.e. sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, etc. But the desires of the Spirit leads to a result of fruit i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. In other words, when we are cognizant of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and submit to that moment-by-moment leading in our hearts it will naturally bear fruit love, joy, peace, in our lives and in our being.

Application - The Lord has been really speaking to me about character and integrity these last couple of weeks. Reading about the integrity of Job has really solidified the indispensable quality of character in a leader. I must keep in step with the Spirit by making those moment-by-moment submission to the Holy Spirit’s work especially in my private and leisure times. Verbally speak to the Holy Spirit and asking for Him for grace, strength and desires to walk with him. By keeping in step to the Holy Spirit I want His fruit to overflow from my life in my speech, behavior, conduct.

Prayer - Heavenly Father,

I love you so much! I long for your Son’s return. My heart’s desire is to really live my life controlled, submitted and sustained by your Spirit. Thank you so much for rekindling and purifying my heart to a life of integrity and character. Forgive me for negligence and disobedience in this area. Cleanse my heart and strengthen my resolve to continually by led by your Spirit. Please help me as I share your word tonight for Thrive and this Sunday for main service. Holy Spirit go before me that your presence would so tangible and real. Most importantly give me grace so that my character and integrity would bear the fruit of your Spirit in my walk, marriage, parenting, and leadership. I love you Lord! Maranatha!