Morning Briefings

James has just introduced seeking God's will first, but in actuality, from the opening words of his letter, he has been showing us how to live according to the will of God. Give this a listen! Great song too.

Living in the will of God brings peace and joy - but how can we know his will?

Freedom is one of God's best ideas. Freedom in Him, and Thank God, Americans are free to worship Him.

What does it take to be a world changer? This I want to know!

I don't know about you, but I need this today!

A few words from James 4 have replayed over and over in my mind: You do not have, because you do not ask God. What are you missing out on??

In chapter 4, James covers a lot, but all under the covering of our choices - to honor God or the world, to prioritize our own pleasures or God's will...

James once again references peace - James 3.18 - But how do we get peace? How do we maintain peace?

What is wisdom? How do we get it? James 3.13-18

Be careful with your words - but that is n'ere impossible unless you have a pure heart.

Why did J-Phat win the battle? What can you learn from him? Only a lot. 2 Chronicles 20.1-30

What to do when the battle is hot. Plus---- learning so much I never knew... a beautiful, life-changing practice that will open new neuropathways in your brain

James talked about the tongue, but really it is about the words that come off our tongues, from our text messages, Snapchats, TikTok's, emails, etc. Our words build up or tear down. Please take a look, perhaps in the mirror--the power of our influence and communication. James 3.1-11

You make choices every day but what about choices to grow closer to God, to move boldly in the direction of what God would have you do--letting the Holy Spirit radically transform you? For this would be a defining moment!

What the two had in common - what their courage and faith says to us. They had their defining moments ... what about you? What will you do when your defining moment comes?

Just contrasting faith/works and faith/grace: of James and Paul...mentioning 'For by grace you have been saved,' - grace? Oh, yes, beautiful, powerful, evocative grace. 'I know nothing, except what everyone knows — if there when Grace dances, I should dance.'

James says one thing, Paul another? Some people live for this sort of thing--conflicting statements in the Bible. See for yourself - no error, no conflict in doctrine. Being 'good enough' is sheer folly.

The most popular Morning Briefing I ever wrote came out of James chapter two; James, who has already taught us a lot about living life well--authentically, joyfully, wisely, with a great love of God. And now, he launches into how we ought treat others: without favoritism or judgment--but instead, freely dispensing m.e.r.c.y.

Perhaps it will seem elementary; but it is not. We must exercise self control in being quick to listen, but slow to speak -> and then we will be much less likely to be quick to anger.

Where does temptation come from, anyway? And when we are tempted, what ought we do? James tips his hand as does Thomas a Kempis in 1441. Check it out - while you have some control!

We must never forget: freedom is not free; it cost many their lives. Our Christian freedom was not free either; it cost Jesus everything. Let's live THANKFUL.

Did the apostle James 'bury the lead' in this passage of Scripture? When I picked up on this line, it captured my heart, my mind and attention.

Tough times have a way of working us over - causing us stress, anxiety, worry and fear! There is another way, a better way.

Do these go together? Turns out that from God's perspective, they absolutely do! James writes to the dispersed and to us. Check it out.

What moves someone from skeptic to believer to sold-out follower of Jesus Christ? Evidence, experience. James had both and was moved to pick up his pen and author this powerful letter. "The Author" also a God-honoring song.