NCC Daily

Memorizing scripture is a powerful tool to help us internalize the words of Jesus and the words of the Spirit-inspired Biblical writers. They can become personal reminders and convictions that guide how we exist in this world. And they can also become gifts of encouragement, light, and hope to others we encounter in need of it.

As we discover our own pain and brokenness along the way. God has invited us to be this way and to think this way to think prophetically, and to be able to call us back to God's original intent at the crossroads.

Having become a hospitality leader has created in me a posture of serving others. So it's not just about the weekend. It's about your everyday. At least for me, I like to serve others, treat others with kindness. You know, people that I encounter.

I believe that’s who God asks us to be: fully ourselves doing what we were created to be loving people well as we move from one place to another with the intention of the good for the person we encounter along the way.

Today, we’re going to talk about what it means to do what Jesus did. Of course, Jesus really was all things to all people, but let’s focus on one aspect today: patience.

Today I want to talk to you about a specific discipline I’ve applied to my personal Scripture reading. While reading the Bible is important for all Christians, there are so many different disciplines, practices, and plans that can help us engage with the text. We are all different…one size will not fit all.

In the midst of brokenness and chaos, goodness can still be found within us, and it is stronger and more present than what we can perceive. The work of God is not absent nor hidden, it comes in supernatural ways and in the most ordinary and human ways possible. God brings His kingdom through His people.

Imagination is important because the skill of engendering ideas is a practice and is integral to the mission of the church. Because a church with a limited imagination will struggle to impact the next generation.

I am going to do something a little different for our prayer practice today. I’ll be reading the poem “A Morning Offering” by John O’Donohue.

Jesus wears many titles: Son of Man, Lamb of God, Savior of the world. But one title and role that we don’t always think of Him as is a prophet. Jesus was, in fact, the prophet that all other prophets pointed to. Jesus was called a prophet by the Samaritan woman at the well and he referred to himself as a prophet, “A prophet is not honored in his own home”. But what is a prophet and how can we lea...

You are a living paraphrase. No pressure right? The question becomes, what are you going to do about it? God is writing a unique version of the Scriptures through your life. But how can you give an accurate portrayal if you don’t know the original script? Many Marvel comics fans have issues with some of the recent Marvel movies because they know the original comics! So for you and I to be this liv...

I want us to be truly rooted in our ambassadorship. I want you to truly know that you are not a Jew, you are not a Gentile. You are not a Democrat, you are not a Republican. You are an ambassador of Christ, therefore you must act accordingly, helping people understand that your allegiance is not that of earthly trappings and of earthly things, but your allegiance is to our King and our Lord and Sa...

Engaging with others in your faith, together, takes energy, effort, intentionality, and work, but it’s worth it.

Prayer disciplines us to create a space where the distractions of the world are pushed aside and focus is given to God with intentionality. This is how and when the eyes of our hearts are enlightened so that we may see, discern, higher, deeper, and wider in Christ.

When I read James’ exhortation at the end I read this as– him saying– be concerned with the salvation of others around you. Be in prayer and be watchful when your brothers and sisters turn away from the faith. My part is to communicate the faith in such a way that I continuously live out the hope, the freedom, and the restoration that Jesus offers with my words and actions.

James isn’t condemning us for not remembering– instead, he’s doing the opposite- he’s empowering us to remember and believe that our prayers matter. Our prayers make a difference. Our prayers have impact– so much so that they can cause rain to stop or rain to come. When was the last time you believed in the power and efficacy of your prayers THAT much?

Today we are going to dive into verses 12-15. There’s something so beautiful and powerful about a simple faith.

Just when you think James is done with making his point about patience, he highlights it again, ultimately saying, “No, really, I don’t think you understood it in the last verse so let me say it again.” ”Blessed are those who persevere.”

Today’s verses, 7-9, are rooted in patience. Some coin it as “the patience in suffering” passage. Two words I don’t like very much- patience and suffering. Mostly because I’m not a big fan of processes in life. Maybe you can relate. I like structure and things that have a process from point A to point Z. I just do not like going through the process that isn’t systematic–meaning, I actually do not...

James warns us about being too narrow-minded, too short-focused, that we lose sight of the coming return of Christ, and instead value our own self-confidence and self-reliance over God’s sovereignty. He warns us against arrogance in our relationships, our planning, and our finances.

James is reminding us that at the end of the day, or at the end of times on judgment day, the wealth and material possessions that we have gathered will amount to nothing. But what will remain are the treasures that have been stored in heaven, as Matthew 6:19-21 describes.

The good we ought to do is about helping those within enough proximity of us to assist, in a timely manner. If we see a neighbor in need and have the power to act, that is our faith being put into action. Caring for the vulnerable in society, such as a child without guardians, is a sign of true religion. Faith is forged through action.

As people that are just a mist, are we placing faith in our own self-confidence and personal willpower, or are we placing our faith in God’s plan and sovereignty? It requires humility to recognize that ultimately it is God’s plans that will come to fruition, and not our own.

As we read and study this portion of James, it may feel most natural to start with an outward perspective. You may hear a verse that reminds you of someone else or seems to tell you something about society at large. It’s easy to view these scriptures through the lens of how it relates to others. Let’s challenge ourselves to instead start with an inward perspective.

James is encouraging his reader or hearer to humble themselves in repentance. To turn back and find their way back to God – a God who forgives. In humility, wisdom from above finds a true resting place in the lives of those willing to choose the kingdom of God over their own empire.