Of Amy, little birds and loving God.

podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/21a7b700/of-amy-little-birds-and-loving-god-james-no4

My major in college was Communications - specifically in the arena of print, or writing. In our coursework, we spent a good deal of time analyzing others' writing--was it good? What could be more clear? How might it have been better? Did the author bury the lead?1 hmmm...

As I have been pouring over James' next thoughts, writing out the verses, considering them carefully, I have been wondering, did James bury the lead? At first glance, we could say the main point is that 'nothing lasts', 'everything is fleeting' except for the one who endures through trials, and does not give into temptation . . .but--

Well here, take a look at the scripture at hand, but first, a prayer:

"Father, please help us focus and hear from You in these next verses. Give us your wisdom to understand your heart and mind, through the pen of James. Amen."

He writes:

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 

10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1.9-18

Do you see why I asked if James buried the lead?

God is most moved by us. . .

Wants to reward us with a crown when we persevere. . .

because we love him.

So many of James' thoughts are echoes of what Jesus taught - particularly drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, starting in Matthew 5. But with regard to loving God, I take you to this scene: The Jewish muckety mucks are testing Jesus by asking him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replies: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”2

Looking in a mirror, I ask myself, Do I love God? How do I even know how to answer such a question?

Maybe the same way I answer whether or not I love my daughter, for example. If I love Amy, I will want to really know her; the only way I can know her - a grown Christian woman, wife and mother of four, psychologist and business woman, is to spend time with her, know what is important to her and endeavor to honor and give to her when I have the opportunity. For these desires indicate that I love her - not what I can get from her, but so I can have a vital relationship with her; and when I can, know what to give to her and how to bless her.

But Amy I can see and touch . . . how do I know if I love God, who of course, I cannot see or touch? And how do I grow in my love for him? The same way I do with a human being. I spend time with Him - talking with him - [that is, talking to him in prayer and listening for his voice as I sit in prayer with him], but also listening and watching for him throughout the day.

Shhhh...be quiet, God has something to say to you; he speaks in many ways.

hmmm....

The great news is that we can find out what is important to God by reading the book he has given us--the Bible; for God reveals to us who he is, who we are, what his plans and purposes for us look like, and how we ought love him and love others.

With that in mind, I look again at these verses. James could have said God promised 'the crown of life' to those who trust him, or to those who obey him, but he didn't--God promised the crown of life to those who love him. Love motivates us to persevere, to stand strong in the face of trials or temptations.

It is love for God that motivates us, don't you see?

And God knows we love him when we value what he values: the eternal, which is not material wealth or position. (vs. 9-11)

Having endured the trials in life by trusting God because of our love for him, he will reward us with a crown that lasts. (v.12)

After all, every good thing, every perfect gift we enjoy is from our good, good Father. (v.17-18)

I pray that You will desire more of God--not more religion, but relationship.

I pray, Alberto, that you will desire to know him more--talking and listening to him. I pray that you will want to experience his presence in your life, made known through the Holy Spirit of God, but he does not go where he is not wanted. I guess you could say God is a gentleman.

I pray that you and I will love God more, and be excited by that!

Friends, as I write, I am watching little birds fly in and out of my trees, a safe haven for them. Then they land on my bird feeder . . . free and welcome they are - and that is how God wants us to come and be with him, because we love him. Listen to this local Raleigh, North Carolina worship band,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhLM_powap8&list=RDXhLM_powap8&start_radio=1

Teach me to love you more, God!

Christine

James, no.4

1 - Or is it 'bury the lede'? https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2019/lead-vs-lede-roy-peter-clark-has-the-definitive-answer-at-last/#:~:text=1.%20To%20help%20dispel%20(or,introduction%20of%20a%20news%20story.

2 - Matthew 22.36-40