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A Digging Deeper EXTRA ... We done brought it

Today in Digging Deeper we did our last devotion on the book of James in the Bring It series. Here's a great summary of the book from the Life Application Bible NT Commentary:

The letter of James is Christianity with its sleeves rolled up. It is the working person’s practical guide to living the Christian faith. It spells out what it means to follow Jesus day by day. James emphasizes faith in action. Theories are for theologians, but James is interested in life! Right living is the evidence and result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly and truthfully, live in obedience to God’s commands, and love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven’s principles applied on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God and one another. If we truly believe God’s Word, we will live it day by day. God’s Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do.

Hope you enjoyed the book of James! Tomorrow we start a two-week tour through the Gospel of John.

Digging Deeper ... Bring It: Chin Up ... Sunday

Congratulations! You made it through the entire book of James!

Use this day to catch up if you’re behind or read back through James 5:7-20 and ask God to search your heart according to Psalm 139:23-24.

James 5:7-20 (NIV):

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. [9] Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

[10] Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. [11] As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

[12] Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

[13] Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[17] Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. [18] Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. [19] My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, [20] remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV):

Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me, 
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "Chin Up" or other messages.

A Digging Deeper EXTRA ... More on restoring others

Today in Digging Deeper we looked at James' final words in his letter (5:19-20) as he talked about restoring fellow believers. Here are some additional Scriptures on restoring others, plus a bonus quote at the end of this post.

Ezekiel 3:18-21 (NIV):

When I say to a wicked man, "You will surely die," and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. [19] But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.

[20] Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. [21] But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.

Ezekiel 33:9 (NIV):

But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.

Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV):

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. [2] Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV):

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

The John Phillips Commentary has this warning against backsliding:

A famous violinist was asked how long he practiced every day. He replied that he spent ten to twelve hours a day with his instrument. "What would happen if you slacked off?" he was asked.

"After one day," he said, "I would know it. After two days, the conductor would know it. After three days, the orchestra would know it. After that, everybody would know it."

That is how backsliding works too. Only the backslider, if he is careful, can deceive people for much longer than that. However, he does not deceive himself or the Lord.

Digging Deeper ... Bring It: Chin Up ... Saturday

Read James 5:19-20 (NIV):

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, [20] remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

How do these verses relate back to the previous ones on prayer (James 5:13-18)?

How does someone “wander from the truth”? Is this the result of casual neglect? Is it the result of apathy?

What is the antidote for wandering from the truth?

Can someone turn back on their own, without help from another person?

Why is it up to us to take the initiative with that person?

Read 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV):

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

What motivates us to restore a believer?

In what ways do you find it difficult to confront another believer about “the error of his way”?

What happens if a sinner is allowed to continue in his error?

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "Chin Up" or other messages.

A Digging Deeper EXTRA ... More on prayer

Yesterday and today in Digging Deeper we've been looking at the topic of prayer in James 5:13-18. Here are some additional Bible passages on prayer and a bonus at the end of this post.

Psalm 6:9 (NIV):

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; 
the LORD accepts my prayer.

Proverbs 15:8 (NIV):

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, 
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Proverbs 15:29 (NIV):

The LORD is far from the wicked 
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Matthew 21:22 (NIV):

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2 (NIV):

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Peter 3:12 (NIV):

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous 
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Alfred Lord Tennyson:

More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.
For what are men better than sheep or goats
That nourish a blind life within the brain,
If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.

Digging Deeper ... Bring It: Chin Up ... Friday

Read James 5:16-18 (NIV):

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[17] Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. [18] Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

If God is the one who forgives sins, then why do we need to confess our sins to each other? List as many reasons as you can think of.

What is a “righteous man”? (Hint: It can’t mean someone without sin; if it did, no one’s prayers would be effective.)

Read the following Scriptures for further insight:

Proverbs 28:9 (NIV):

If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, 
even his prayers are detestable.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV):

But your iniquities have separated 
you from your God; 
your sins have hidden his face from you, 
so that he will not hear.

“Elijah was a man just like us.” Read 1 Kings 19:1-10 (NIV):

Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. [2] So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."

[3] Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, [4] while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." [5] Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." [6] He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

[7] The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." [8] So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. [9] There he went into a cave and spent the night.
 
And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

[10] He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

List the feelings Elijah went through following the high of his great victory against the prophets of Baal.

The lesson of Elijah’s life is that you don’t have to be perfect to pray.

Read 1 Kings 17:1 and 18:41-46 (NIV):

[17:1] Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."...

[18:41] And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." [18:42] So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.

[18:43] "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked.

"There is nothing there," he said.

Seven times Elijah said, "Go back."

[18:44] The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea."

So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' "

[18:45] Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. [18:46] The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things through prayer.

Note that Elijah prayed seven times for rain before a small cloud appeared. What does this teach us about persevering in prayer even when results aren’t immediately visible?

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "Chin Up" or other messages.

A Digging Deeper EXTRA ... More on praying in good times and bad

Today in Digging Deeper we looked at praying as a response to facing trouble and also as a response to happiness (James 5:13).

Here are some more Scriptures on praying in the face of trouble:

Psalm 18:6

Psalm 30

Psalm 50:15

Psalm 91:15

The Life Application Bible NT Commentary has this to say about why people don't pray when faced with trouble:

There are three main reasons for not praying when we realize we are in trouble: ignorance, arrogance, and shame. If we do not know that God wants us to pray when we are in trouble, we are simply ignorant of Scripture. If we do not pray when we are in trouble because we are trusting in our own resources to get ourselves out, we are being arrogant. And sometimes we may want to pray but are ashamed because the trouble we are in is our own fault. James gives permission and encouragement to those who are ignorant. He urges submission to those who are arrogant. And he reminds those who are ashamed that God is full of compassion and mercy (5:11). To all of us he commends prayer.

And finally today, here are some more Scriptures on singing songs of praise as a response to happiness:

1 Corinthians 14:15

Ephesians 5:19

Colossians 3:16

Digging Deeper ... Bring It: Chin Up ... Thursday

Read James 5:13-16 (NIV):

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [14] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

What are James’ directives to those who are:

1. in trouble, 
2. happy, 
3. sick, and 
4. sinful?

Whether you are troubled, happy, sick, or burdened by your sin, is your first recourse to pray in each of these areas? If not, why not?

On a blank piece of paper make four columns labeled “trouble,” “happiness,” sickness,” and “sin.” Now make two rows, one labeled “me” and the other labeled “others.” List as many prayer requests as you can for yourself and others. Use this chart as a guide for your prayers for the next week or two.

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "Chin Up" or other messages.

Digging Deeper ... Bring It: Chin Up ... Wednesday

Read James 5:12 (NIV):

Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

The word “swear” here does not refer to profanity, but to taking an oath.

Compare this verse to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:33-37 (NIV):

Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord." [34] But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; [35] or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. [36] And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. [37] Simply let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No"; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Why would someone have trouble getting others to believe what he says?

Why is honesty and integrity important?

Do people generally take you at your word? Or do they distrust certain things you say?

Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "Chin Up" or other messages.

A Digging Deeper EXTRA ... More on perseverance

Today in Digging Deeper we looked at what James said about perseverance in James 5:10-11. Here are some additional verses on the topic:

Romans 2:7 (NIV):

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV):

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:24-25 (NIV):

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? [25] But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV):

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Hebrews 10:36 (NIV):

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV):

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

James 1:12 (NIV):

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

2 Peter 1:5-9 (NIV):

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.