Take Responsibility

Take Responsibility 

Each of us has been entrusted with something, and we shouldn't take anything for granted. What did we have to do with the country where we were born or the family we became a part of? Nothing. It’s the same with our natural talents. There is a gift inside of you that even you haven't discovered yet.

Think about the story Jesus told: each servant was given money according to his ability. The word "ability" (dunamis) which is used in the New Testament 120 times can also mean "power" or "miraculous power". Your dunamis isn't a skill you developed. It is a supernatural empowerment God had for you so that you can grow and multiply it. You didn't earn your initial dunamis, but once you take responsibility of what you were given, you will be rewarded with more. 

Notice that they had to do something with what the master gave them. It wasn't an easy gift where you can lie back and know you are great whether you do something or not. They had to use it to make it grow. So many people neglect their creative gift because there is hard work and responsibility required; therefore, they often give up on their gift. 

Our gift shouldn't scare us. It's all we need to be able to give fruit, but there is one condition we have to meet - we need to accept the responsibility the gift requires. And when we work with our gift, more will be given.

The Result of Trials

We know we are going to experience trials and we have seen, James tell us, to count it joy when we do. When we respond with joy what will be the result? Again, James does not leave us without an answer… and what an answer it is! 

The trial will put our faith to the test. The little Greek word for test has the idea of purifying or refining and this refining will result in patience. This word literally means to “remain under.” The truth here is that when we are in trials we develop the ability to remain under – to have patience. But what is it that we remain under? God’s protection and God’s instruction. We need His protection while we are under the trial and He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. We also need His instruction to help us know Him in a most unique way – while under a trial. God wants us to fully experience all that we need, and remaining under Him during a trial is the best way to gain that knowledge.

James goes on to say that this patience will result in a perfect work. The word perfect here can also be translated complete or mature. This remaining under results in the maturing of our faith, the completing of our faith. James describes our lives lived through these trials as perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Through trials our faith is matured – it grows up – and we see that we are blessed with everything God has provided for us to live full rich lives in Christ. We can reap the full benefits of what our loving Father wants us to have. 

Paul tells us that the treasure of God’s power is housed in our cracked ordinary clay pots. He uses these words to describe us: we are not crushed, not in despair, not forsaken, and not destroyed. In fact, we are described as strengthened for battle and victorious. We are ones whose lives reflect the life of Jesus because we have been through these trials. 

Trials… expect them, respond to them with joy, and know that you are made strong and that you will experience Him more deeply because of the trials in your life. Amen

Read for reference

James 1:3-4

Hebrews 11:34

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

2 Corinthians 12:9

The Response of Trials

James gives us four different answers to this important question. First, he sends these fellow believers “Greetings.” This little word in the Greek does not mean hello, or what’s up, or how are you doing? It is a command to rejoice or to be satisfied. What James is saying to his brothers and sisters in Christ is his command for them to be satisfied with where they are and to rejoice because they are experiencing these trials together in Christ. What an incredible truth… our trials are an opportunity for contentment and rejoicing.

Next, he writes to his brothers – those who were experiencing trials with him. We can know from this that we do not experience trials alone and that we can look to other believers to help us through trials. God has provided the fellowship of believers to walk with us through difficult times which is also another reason to rejoice.

Third, he tells them to count it all joy when they fall into various trials. We have all experienced trials of varying kinds and we should expect them given that Jesus told us to expect them; however, James tells them to count it all joy. What he is telling his audience is to consider, get the facts, step back and take a good look at what is going on. Why? To see the Lord in the middle of the trial. He then tells them to have all joy. Not a little joy or some joy, but all joy. Literally total joy, joy that is not tainted by depression or self-pity. Why? Because they can see Christ in the middle of the trial. 

Finally, James uses the word knowing. In the Greek this is a word that translates to know by experience. In other words, the only way to get this knowing is by experience. The only way to know Christ fully in the middle of a trial and thus to have joy is to experience the trial. 

How do we respond to trials? With joy, because we know and have experienced Christ in the midst of our trials.

Read for reference

James 1:2-3

Hebrews 12:1-3

Philippians 2:12-13

Trials

Trials

The truth is that life throws a lot of curves at us that can break us. But, like broken bones that heal stronger than before and scar tissue that is stronger than skin, God can bring strength out of brokenness.

The disciples in their writings and Jesus Himself told us that we were to expect trials. In fact, James, in his letter, writes that he knew all about trials. He calls himself a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. A bondservant was one who voluntarily served another – a voluntary slave to another. In this case, James is a voluntary slave of God and Jesus. This was no small thing because in the early church the persecution of those following Jesus was severe. To state publicly that you were a slave of Jesus meant that you had a target on your back and that persecution would soon follow.

James’ audience are Jewish believers who were persecuted for their faith and had relocated to escape. James calls them brothers, a term of their bond in Christ, and a term that expresses the closeness that only comes through facing trials together. 

“Trials are not optional; they are inevitable. Trials are a normal part of God’s process of bringing us to glory.” Jesus told us that we would experience trials and the Apostle Peter calls them “fiery trials.” The reality is that all of the disciples went through trials as did Jesus, and so will we. The question is not if we will experience trials, the question is how will we respond to them? 

Read for reference

James chapter 1 :1-27

1 Peter 4:12

What Is Wisdom?

What Is Wisdom? 

  wisdom is “knowledge that is gained by having many
experiences in life; the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand; and knowledge of what is proper or reasonable or good sense or judgment” speaks of wisdom as an “insight”.
Wisdom Is More than Knowledge
wisdom is more than knowledge. Wisdom is insights. And this would like
to distinguish wisdom from knowledge as insights and when an individual has “many
experiences in life; (he or she has) the natural ability to understand things that most other people
cannot understand” and what more, knowledge is just or mere
“information, (and) understanding” In short, wisdom “is the ability to discern and judge which aspects of that knowledge are true, right, lasting, and applicable to (one’s) life. It’s the ability to apply that knowledge to the greater scheme of life . Wisdom is also deep; knowing the meaning or reason, about knowing why something is, and what it means to one’s life. To talk further on wisdom, it is also said that “many modern authorities on government, religion
and philosophical ethics say that wisdom connotes an ‘enlightened perspective’. This perspective is often defined in a utilitarian way, as effective support for the long-term common good. Insights and acts that many people agree are wise tend to:
1.arise from a viewpoint compatible with many ethical systems.
2.serve life, public goods or other impersonal values, not narrow self-interest.
3.be grounded in but not limited by past experience or history and yet anticipate future likely consequences.

4.be informed by multiple forms of intelligence – reason, intuition, heart, spirit, etc.”
5. be “without hypocrisy”, “pure” and “peaceable” – quiet, reconciling, gentle and calm in a wise person (James 3: 17).
6.be “full of good fruits”, “nourishing and attractive, producing good results” James 3: 17
7.be enlightened, wisdom gives us the aha-aha feeling/ effect and insight.
8.be of good mind, and being of good mind generally leads to being of good body [what is good for the mind is also good for the body; one wise rhyme, for example this author remembers well since young is “early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy and wise.”and overall nourishes or invigorates one’s spirit. Incidentally, there is an Old Russian saying that goes like this, “In healthy body resides a healthy spirit.” And in the Christian faith, it is said that all of us need a physical body to become like the Heavenly Father; human bodies are so important that they are called temples of God (1 Corinthians 3: 16-17; 6: 19-20).
9.be supported or backed up by some greater invisible force. Wisdom can be and is, in fact, considered to be the highest form of knowledge.

Verses on Salvation

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. -John 3:16-17

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:23

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. -Revelation 3:20

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! -2 Corinthians 5:17

Verses on God's Promises

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. -Isaiah 40:28

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -Isaiah 40:30-31 {one of my favorite verses}

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 {another of my favorites – This verse got me through my husband's unemployment with almost no anxiety. I prayed it every day!}

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 {another verse that I prayed every day through Joe's unemployment}

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28-30

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? -Psalm 27:1

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. -Hebrews 13:8

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28

Verses on Scripture

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. -2 Timothy 3:16

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. -Psalm 119:105

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. -Psalm 119:11

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. -Joshua 1:8

The Word of God will never fail. -Luke 1:37

Verses on Faith

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13 {oh, I have so many favorite verses!}

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalm 46:10

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. -1 Peter 1:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

Verses on Living as a Christian

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15b

“I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything,” but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23

Jesus replied: “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.” -Matthew 22:37-39

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 {My best childhood friend read this at my wedding.}

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40

Do everything in love. -1 Corinthians 16:14

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. -Colossians 3:23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:1-2

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Do to others as you would have them do to you. -Luke 6:31

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. -Ephesians 4:29

Verses on Prayer

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. -Psalm 107:1

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 {I love all of Philippians 4!}

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. -Psalm 145:18-19

Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

 

Be Faithful with What You Have

Our ministry is way more about our attitude and character than it is about our talent. If you are in any kind of creative or technical ministry, you probably are well aware of the skills you bring to the table. But what we sometimes miss is that the ministry isn't about our gifts! It all boils down to the heart we have for people. Our main task is to help people get closer to God. We sometimes might feel that a task we have been asked to do will not fulfill our talent, but it doesn't matter. All we have to do is help one another get closer to God.

When we look for someone to be on a team, we always look for two things - character and potential. You might not have all the skills yet, but if you are eager to learn and have an exceptional attitude, that's everything that matters when you start. Yet on the other hand, if someone has great talent and decides what they want to do, ignoring the need, there isn't much space for effective ministry. 

You might feel like you only have a little bit of skill when you start, but it doesn't matter - be faithful with what you have.

Understand your gifts

Understand Your Gift 

In the world of so many skills and talents we might easily underestimate what God entrusted us with. So often when we look at our lives, everything seems so mundane. We are so used to who we are and what our lives are like that we might miss God's goal for our lives.

We might be surprised by the wonderful purpose we have been created for. In Romans, Paul clearly states that who God is can be understood from His creation. The very word Paul uses for God's creation in that verse is only used in one other place in the Bible.

In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul says that we are God's handiwork or workmanship. And this is the exact word Paul uses when he first said that God's invisible qualities could be understood from His workmanship. 

This is about all of God's qualities, which He wants you to be an expression of, as each of us is in ministry. The greatest ministry God prepared for us is to show people who He is. And it doesn't really matter if you feel that what you do doesn't feel like a ministry. You might work in tech or arts. You might be an educator or work with productions in your church. Think about it: everything you do and most importantly who you are can show others what God is like so that they have no excuse to admit they never knew.

 Make a list of everything you think you are good at and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how each of those unique skills can help people know God. 

Temptation

Temptations

Temptation is a part of life. Until we no longer have a body of sin we will be tempted to commit sin. But in reality, every temptation is an opportunity to overcome and to get victory over sin! With the word of God as our weapon we can always resist temptation!

Here is a selection of Bible verses about temptation that show us how to overcome and the promises we will receive as a result of overcoming temptation!

Believe that God has a way of escape for you. Temptation doesn’t become sin until you agree with it, so the way of resistance is the way of escape. Resist temptation and be an overcomer!

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:14-15.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Use the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s the strength you need to resist temptation until the end:

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:16-17.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4.

Get God’s Word in your heart before you are even tempted, so that you have it when you need it:

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11.

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9.

Remember your covenant with God:

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9.

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” Job 31:1.

Love Jesus more than your lusts:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15.

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8.

Love righteousness:

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6.

See the sin that you are tempted to as worthless, ugly, and unbearably sinful:

“Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.” Colossians 3:6.

“You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 97:10.

Resist Satan in time of temptation. Jesus shows us just how we can do that: by using the Word of God:

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:10.

Stay close to Jesus:

“… For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

Remember that it is Christ who lives in you, and you are already dead to sin! Sin has no dominion over you:

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.” Romans 6:11-12.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.

Pray! Go to the throne of grace to get help (power to overcome) in your time of need – when you are tempted:

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16.

Follow Jesus’ example:

“Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:7.

Know that the battle is already won, if you just hold out and resist temptation until the end:

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12.

Remember that overcoming leads to a deeper fellowship with other believers. We fight for each other, so that the body of Christ can be built:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

“… choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” Hebrews 11:25.

what does Bible say about depression?How we can overcome

In my view, I believe there are basically  three main causes to most feelings of depression: spiritual, circumstantial, and biological. A depression linked to the spiritual side of our lives might be present because something is wrong with our personal walk with God, we might feel guilty for a sin we committed, or perhaps we are even going through a season of spiritual warfare. For example, when you read Psalm 32:1-5, you can see how sin can cause us depression and thus God’s grace is the solution we need:

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” While our connection with God is the true source of joy, being connected to God by the grace of Jesus does not mean you will never experience any type of depression. Another source of depression can be events and circumstances in our lives.

When you are sad about something that you should be sad about, this means your heart is working properly. If your child dies, for example, a deep depression would be very appropriate. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, a feeling of depression is natural. Even in the midst of trials likes these, however, we can still have joy in the Lord.

overcome depression biblically

Depression is the ascendancy and tyranny of our emotions over our lives. Thus, Proverbs 15:13 says, “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” Often an initiating discouragement leads to sadness, which leads to prolonged grief, and then into a downhill spiral to depression. Depression is a universal problem, but no one really knows if Biblical characters had what we call depression, or if it would be more appropriate to say they suffered emotionally. However, Paul in I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able…”. Temptation can mean trial, calamity, or affliction. Accordingly, we should understand that our present day afflictions were also common to the great Bible characters.

David was overwhelmed with grief and sadness, his heart was desolate, and his tears fell all night (Psa. 61:2, 77:2-3, 142:4, and 143:4). Jonah, Jeremiah (Jer. 15), Job, and Elijah (I Kings 19) are other examples. Whenever characters express rejection, loneliness, self-pity, hopelessness, overwhelming grief, and wish they had not been born, it seems they are expressing more than temporary sadness but classic symptoms of major depression. Paul had classic symptoms: his flesh had no rest, he was troubled on all sides, he was cast down, he had fears within, and he despaired of life (II Cor. 1:8 & 7:5-6). Hannah (I Samuel 1) had many of the symptoms of depression and her spiritual leader instantly and incorrectly accused her of a spiritual problem.