Are you a RICH OPPRESSOR?  Hmmm… I’ll say, no.  But what about materialistic (one who is much more concerned with “stuff” than with spiritual, intellectual, relational, or cultural vaules)?  I’m sure you know of people that are constantly waiting on the newest i-whatever (ibook, ipod, iphone…), the latest trend in fashion, the biggest and best TV, the sleekest, fastest car, etc. and they are the first to go out and get it.  Why, do you think?  Because “stuff” fills a need in their life.  A need to be popular, cool, good looking, successful, and “keep up with the Jones’.”  The only problem is that stuff gets old, out of date, uncool and is always changing.  So, the need that is vital to be fulfilled, is continually lacking satisfaction.  James warns that wealth rots, cloths ruin, gold and silver become corroded, and others will have poor feelings against you. 

 Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes that EVERYTHING is meaningless.  In Ecclesiastes 2:10, he says, “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to acheive, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”  He pursued worldly pleasures in attempt to find satisfaction.  And what was the outcome?  Emptiness, unfulfillment, unhappiness.

Ever go on a shopping spree when you’re upset?  Make a big purchase simply because your friend is getting something and you HAVE to be the same?  Choose a wardrobe based on what other people will think of you?  I have.  I want to keep up with what TV, movies, magazines and friends tell me is “IT.”  But, I agree with Solomon in that it’s all meaningless.  Solomon continues in Ecclesiastes 3:11-14… “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God.  I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.  God does it so that men will revere him.”

So that’s it!  That’s the root of James’ warning!  God has your best interest and satisfaction in mind, and all He does lasts forever.  Everything else is meaningless.  Luxury and self-indulgence not only is unfulfilling, but also has the possibility to harm those around you as you seek to please only yourself.  Flee from materialism in your pursuit of righteousness.  With great ”stuff” comes great responsibility.  Take care that you do not tolerate greed.  How would you respond if you were asked to give you entire wardrobe up?  If you couldn’t have the latest cell phone?  If you lent your car to a friend and it was totalled?  If you knew you would never make more than minimun wage the rest of your life?  If Christ asked you to come and follow, and you could only bring one backpack for the trip?  I wonder what my response would be…  Lord, help me heed James’ warning and trust that You are better than life and all the STUFF it has to offer.

“Who is wise and understanding among you?” (verse 13) James begins by asking, “Who thinks they understand what true wisdom is… and who really has it?” Whenever I’ve heard a teacher ask a question like that, it’s usually to challenge what I have originally thought to be true.

We’ve all heard the phrase, ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS… and James goes on to tell us that if you are wise, it will be shown in what you do. True wisdom is not something that’s merely in your head - some profound culmination of knowledge - but it’s something that will be demonstrated in how you act. Humble and honest, pure, peaceful, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, sincere, impartial and fruitful. (Remember the fruits of the Spirit? love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… a wise person will be fruitful, exhibiting these characteristics.)

That’s quite a bit to live up to in order to think that I’m wise! Solomon knew that there was nothing better to ask for and to have than wisdom. He knew that he didn’t have the power, strength, wisdom, whatever, to accomplish the task that God had given him. So his one request was that God give His servant a discerning heart to govern and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:7-9).

I think when the above listed things are what we strive for (humility, honesty, mercy, etc.), wisdom will come. When you think about people who exhibit these things, it is evident they think things through… they don’t make rash decisions… they aren’t our for their own personal gain. James also warns us that when we are focused on our on our own ambitions for personal gain will only bring disorder.

And if we go back to Solomon’s example, we are again reminded of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and rewards.  1 Kings goes on to say in chapter 3, that God promised Solomon wisdom PLUS greatness among His people, riches and honor.  He was also promised that if he remained obedient, God would give him long life.  Again, more promises to remind us that it’s worth it to be obedient and faithful.  I hope to live a life that others can look at and see wisdom.

First, let me say that Tony has now deemed my blog boring.  Not that Scripture is boring or discussing it loses his interest… he just would rather read more personal stuff.  More “funny stuff.” 

Life is fun.  I have my share of momentary breakdowns (especially here lately… little like a crazy person or typical stressed out bride), but I truly believe that life is fun.  I live for moments of laughter.  (Like when I just read about Tony making a make-shift mouse pad with wax paper or his vision to eat space food, when I sit around the dinner table with my family as my dad is spitting things or Brad is making inappropriate dinner conversation, or when I sit with friends and recall old stories from high school and college.)  A few days ago, I was laughing to the point that I couldn’t stop.  Sharp pains were attacking my stomach and my cheecks were fearful of never being able to relax.  But the pain was well worth it.  One of the top priorities of my “Mr. Right” list was someone who could make me laugh.  The moments are spontaneous and often very corny, uncontrollable at times and super sweet; but often the highlight of my day no matter what has happened.  So maybe this post isn’t very funny either, but it will be an ode to the one who helps make my life fun and brings smiles to me.

Favortism?  Surely I don’t show favortism (or so I would like to continue thinking)…  I do think I form first impressions, though.  Although it’s impossible NOT to form a first impression of someone, we can’t let that alter how we then treat that person.  The best demonstration of our faith is through how we treat others.  It’s treating people with such a high standard that it goes above our comfort zones and beyond our personal preferences.  It loves people who are different than we are.  No matter what.  No matter the look, the interests, the smell, the speech, the actions, the response… even how we treat those who might be our enemies.

Dictionary.com’s definition of authentic is this:

au·then·tic [aw-then-tik] –adjective

James is challenging us to be AUTHENTIC Christ followers.  Not false; not copied; genuine and real.  One who’s character is supported by unquestionable evidence (evidence of Christ in our lives).  One who is reliable and trustworthy (unchanging despite the person or circumstance).  Chapter One challenges us to stand and be authentic when trials come… when temptations arise… when we hear the Word… when we speak.  And now James brings up how we think of and treat others. 

Favortism is never justified.  Favortism happens anytime we think we are better than another - whatever the shape or form.  I know I’m not always above it.  There are just those people who you give a little sigh each time they approach you.  Or those that you divert your eyes from seeing.  Showing favortism is essentially showing selfishness.  It’s thinking that you and your thoughts are better than anothers’.  This passage is a good reminder of how God calls me to love others and put them first.

We have been talking about outreach and evangelism the last couple of weeks here at church and I was following up with one of our volunteers to see how her small group was going.  She said it was a challenge to get her girls to realize that EVERYONE deserves love, attention, care, and concern.  They responded every time with, “Okay, BUT she…”  “I understand Scripture says that, BUT he…”  No buts!  Matthew 22:39 states that the second greatest commandment (the first being to Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind) is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Yes, you studied grammer.  That was a period at the end.  No but, if, or, or unless.  PERIOD.  This is what James refers to in verse 8.  He goes on to say that you can’t pick and choose the rules you want to follow.  They ALL apply.  Authentic believers demonstrate authentic love, marked by true obedience to the One who has called them to a higher standard.  James says in verst 12 to “speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom…”  Freedom!  We don’t always think freedom and rules go together, but they do!  Freedom from consequences, freedom from guilt, freedom from hurting others, freedom from regret.  That’s a pretty exciting way of life.

And again with a list of names… And again with wondering the importance of chapters like this in Scripture… Believing that the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the true thoughts of God, I know each word and thought is recorded with purpose. So as I look at the list of priests who were brought into Jerusalem at this time of celebration, I’m reminded of all the Christian leaders and pasors who have impacted my life. Hebrews 13:7-8 says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Often as I face triumphs in my life, I’m reminded of all the people who have helped to me reach victorious heights because of the relationship we had, lessons taught, sayings quoted over and over and over, and grand lives of faith lived for me to strive to imitate. And how incredible is it that these names are listed and will be read for hundreds of years!? My dad’s name is listed in a 1983 Outstanding Young Men of America book that merely lists thousands of names with a few jobs and achievements for each. I was excited to be invited to have my name listed in the 1996/1997 edition of Who’s Who Among American High School Students. I had to get the book out to even remember what was in it, and it has a list of abreviations by my name that I can’t even tell you what they mean (even though I think I had to submit was was put in the book as well as pay a charge to get a copy). But still, it was an honor to have my name listed with so many other achievers in Tennessee.  (This makes a list of names seem a little more important when we think of the honor it would be to have our own name listed.)

All these priests and leaders came together to dedicate the wall. It says that they purified themselves and gave thanks. They knew they were set apart for a purpose and rejoiced together in a job well done. They worked to glorify God with their labor and dedicated the final product to the One who made their work possible. Many people (my parents included) and churches will write prayers of praise and Scriptures of promise on concrete floors and the studs of walls before a house/building is completed in order to dedicate it to God. What are ways that you dedicate your labor to God? Let us not forget our motivation and purpose - that we are called to glorify One greater than ourselves; and not forget to take a moment to dedicate our victories to the One who made it possible. It also says in verse 43 that “the joy of Jerusalem was heard from far away.” So let us also make our joy known to those around us so that we can be an example for more in history of the greatness of the God we serve.

Yet again, I’ve missed my 3 pm deadline.  (Those who know me, I’m sure, are not surprised I’m running late.)  Just a little extra grace required this week as we get ready to kick-off our new year with middle and high school students for worship and small groups on Wednesday nights.  TONIGHT!  So, I must take a little moment of silence to calm myself before diving in to this next chapter…

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After accomplishing a great task, the Israelites take some time worship, fasting, and prayer.  This is what helps strengthen weaknesses.  It also reveals our own sinfulness in comparison to God’s greatness and compassion.  In light of how good God is, we are humbled to mourn for our sin and delight in who He is and all that He has done and will do for us.  We are often compelled to go to God when we are weary and heavy burdened, but do we also make a point to set our sights on Him when we’ve been victorious? 

The Israelites began their prayer with praising the Lord, “who is from everlasting to everlasting.”  They then acknowledged His might and past victories, His faithfulness, forgiveness, compassion, and promise of reward.  Here are a few key phrases that I was greatly encouraged to read: 

you did not abandon (vs. 19); you did not cease to guide (vs. 19); you gave your good Spirit to instruct (vs. 20); you did not withhold [nourishment] (vs. 20); for forty years you sustained… they lacked nothing (vs. 21); you gave (vs 22).

All of this faithfulness on God’s part remained despite the unfaithfulness of His people.  What did they do?  They became arrogant, lazy, bitter, disobedient, refused to listen, created other gods.  And how did God respond?  He was a “forgiving God, gracious and compasionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. (vs. 17)”  They messed up and rebelled over and over and again.  “And when they cried out to [God] again, [He] heard from heaven, and in [His] compassion [He] delivered them time after time. (vs. 28)”  God was always there to pick up the pieces.  How my heart hurts for how they misused, mistreated, and abandoned God!  And yet, I’m convicted of the many times I’ve done the same.  However, I’m encouraged to know that if God was faithful to them, He will be to me as well.

So why was this important and such a big part of the Israelites’ prayer?  Well, they were talking about their forefathers and how they were continuing to reap consequences from things in the past.  (Did you get that?  Their kings, leaders, priests, and fathers did not follow God’s law.  And it not only affected them, but all who came after them.  What we do affects other people.)  But were they bitter?  NO!  Did they speak ill of those who had come before them?  NO!  Did they turn from God?  NO!  They spoke with humility, thankfulness, and preparation for what’s next.  They said that “In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. (vs. 33)”  They did not hide from their own imperfections and wrongdoings and merely point fingers at others (even though their frustration was obvious).  They praised.  They recounted and recognized God’s faithfulness in the past to let Him know they held to His promises.  They were in great distress for their future because of past and personal sin, but upheld obedience and honor as the most precious goal.

I hope to be more like the Israelites in my hopes and prayers and less like thier forefathers.  Because of all they had learned from the past and all they knew of their own sinfulness, they were ready to make an agreement.  A promise to assume responsibility, to be obedient.  (We’ll read more about that in the next chapter.)  They knew hope was on the horizon and were ready for a change.

 Prayer is key.  Hope is a gift.  Trust is what’s required. 

(Please forgive me for being a little late in posting, I just wrapped up small group… Sundays can be busy!)

Doesn’t it ever end? Sometimes when we tell other people about the work we are about to do we get ridiculed; as we’re doing the work we face opposition from those who don’t understand; and even as we complete a mighty task and seem to come out victorious, we still have to defend our motivation? Shouldn’t people begin to get on board with what we have vision for at least as it all begins to come together? Shouldn’t people start to understand after we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do? It seems like Nehemiah was constantly defending himself and God. Nehemiah completed his rebuilding after 52 days. 52 days! (A lot can be done even in a little bit of time. We’ve just got to say, “YES!” and go after it!) We see that as he clung to the Lord and followed earnestly after His work, Nehemiah was able to accomplish a mighty task. Although he didn’t merely have the hard work of a mighty task at hand, he also had the hard work of dealing with other people, opinions, scandals, and the temptation to give up. Matthew Henry says this of those who try and frighten us from our duty…

“Let us never decline a good work, never do a bad one. We ought to try all advice, and to reject what is contrary to the word of God. Every man should study to be consistent. Should I, a professed Christian, called to be a saint, a child of God, a member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Ghost, should I be covetous, sensual, proud, or envious? Should I yield to impatience, discontent, or anger? Should I be slothful, unbelieving, or unmerciful? What effects will such conduct have upon others? All that God has done for us, or by us, or given us, should lead us to watchfulness, self-denial, and diligence.”

Going back to one of my all-time favorite verses, Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Nehemiah’s courageous prayer upon service, temptation, and conflict was, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Ne. 6:9) We shouldn’t always shy away from a task, duty, or calling for fear it might be misunderstood. But, we should in turn, keep a good conscience (through prayer and study of God’s word) and trust God with our reputation.

So, we can learn a few things about Nehemiah’s character in chapters 1 and 2.  He has a great concern for others (Ne. 1:4); he trusted God’s wisdom, care and faithfulness (Ne. 1:5-11); he was burdened for the sins of others, but didn’t think himself better in any way - he was humble and honest (Ne. 1:6-7); Nehemiah had listened, remembered and understood God’s word and stood on His promises (Ne. 1:8-9); his greatest desire was for God’s fame and ultimately wanted to be obedient to what God called him to (Ne 1:11); he spoke and acted with wisdom… always confronted decisions with prayer (Ne. 1:4, 2:4,); he considered his authorities and respected boundaries (Ne. 2:5; 7-9).  That’s a great list of a pretty incredible man!  I hope to have all those characteristics as I strive to be a leader and follow after God! 

We see that because Nehemiah had such a heart for others and passion for magnifying God, he had a big (seemingly impossible) dream to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  He never denied that he and his peers had acted wrongly in the past, but was ready to take a strong step forward. 

“Difficulty is the very atmosphere of miracle - it is miracle in its first stage.  If it is to be a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty, but impossibility.”  -Lettie B. Cowman (1870-1960)

In taking on such a mighty task, he needed a pretty incredible team to work alongside him… which leads us to chapter 3.  At first, I was frustrated and very tempted to skim and skip through this chapter.  What a long list of names!  Blah, blah, blah.  But, what I realized (as I tediously read through), is that most of them were given a title or description.  It lists high priests, fellow priests, citizens of many different cities and towns, sons, daughters, goldsmiths, perfume makers, rulers from all over, countrymen, temple servants, and merchants.  All these different people…  all these different talents and gifts…  all kinds of walks of life… came together for ONE purpose - ONE common goal.  The rulers and priests had no better or more important job than the goldsmiths and countrymen.  For this time they were on level playing field.  No title made them higher or lower than the one they were working alongside.  And they were ALL being directed by Nehemiah.  A part of being a leader is being willing to work with other people and being willing to be led.  Sometimes you are the one directing the job, and sometimes you are one of the workers.  And there is no title, no task, no “calling” that makes you better than someone else.  Looking back to Nehemiah’s characteristics, he approached everything with humily, respect and patience.  For this job he was the director, the man in charge.  But there would be no way he could have led such a group of people if he didn’t exhibit all the characteristics we read about above.  I know I have a lot to live up to if I strive to be a leader like Nehemiah!