Shine (James 10) (James 4:7, Matt 6:9-13, James 5:12-20)

"Shine like the moon; reflect the Son"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Corel Painter, digital painting

Yay!  This is the last post from the Book of James.  It's one of the toughest books to read because it's so clear about what's right and wrong.  Hard to take sometimes but like medicine it makes us stronger.  Thanks for bearing with me.

Before I press on, I wanted to share about a few Christian heroes in America.  Feel free to share about heroes you've noticed.

During the tornadoes in Oklahoma, the teachers chose to shield the children with their bodies. They sang "Jesus loves me."  As the storm grew stronger they all sang louder.  Sometimes we hear about those who died and forget to remember the survivors.  I kept singing Kumbaya (Come by here my Lord) during our hurricanes.

This Bible verse is so true 
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

I know, I found peace in the hurricanes : )  The devil says, "You're gonna die!  This is the end."
Jesus says, "Peace be still."
I'll continue to pray for those in Oklahoma.

Our country is struggling right now because there are a few atheists that don't like Christians.  Guess we smile too much making them uncomfortable.  Grumpy people hate smiles. I know I was one. Our constitution states we have "Freedom of religion."  In fact some of my ancestors fought and died for this right.  They came to the USA as Mennonites in the 1600's.  

A few atheists threatened to sue a school district.  A young man was tasked with speaking at his High School graduation ceremony as Valedictorian.  He was told not to include religion.  He prepared a speech, got it approved and stood up to speak.  After a few minutes, he ripped it up and started saying the prayer Jesus taught us.

Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name,
Your kingdom come 
Your will be done
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors,
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever.  Amen
Matthew 6:9-13

Evidently the whole school recited the prayer with him and cheered in the beginning and the end.  We must protect our Constitutional rights and not be afraid.  A lot of Americans love the Lord : )  Jesus' prayer is so applicable to so many circumstances.

This is a favorite song from the Newsboys.  My favorite lines are "Shine make em wonder what you got.  Make em wish that they were not on the outside looking bored."  Newsboys song Shine (link)

My life changed from anger and emptiness to joy and purpose when I became a Christian. There's no need for us to hide under rocks.  We get to shine. When we join Jesus in the end, that light is going to be amazing!  No more mopping floors or baths for sure.  Totally clean inside and out!  Err I need to mop the kitchen today...


James 5:12-20

12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.
When I hear the word "swear" I think of bad language.  But what this verse is saying to me is to be honest in what I say.  If you don't have time to bake cookies for your husband just say it.  Don't say you will and then not do it.  That just destroys trust.  Afraid this is something I need to work on.


13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 
Honestly I've been accused of being overly cheerful.  Yup a shiner... drives some folks nuts.  And people do like it when I sing.  Love the old hymns and contemporary music.  I really don't think about it much but maybe the Lord wants me to do it.  He has stuff for all of us to do.

16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Confessing to others is hard in our world.  It's hard to find people we can totally trust.  Unfortunately sometimes the Church takes on the form of Judge rather than Minister.  All the through the Bible it teaches not to judge- we've all sinned.  We should work on this. I need to think about how trustworthy I am with secrets.  The story of Elijah is amazing.  I want to write about a character next maybe Elijah.  Had lots of fun with Jonah.  

19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
God has provided many ways for us to receive forgiveness.  This one promises that if we humbly correct and restore someone who's fallen from faith, even our own sins will be forgiven.  Sometimes we forget God doesn't want to condemn, He wants to gather and love us.
NKJV

Where's the money? (James 9) (Joshua 24:15, Psalm 139:23, James 5:1-11, 1 Tim 6:10)

Hi everyone-

I'm back.  Sometimes I take a break without realizing it : )  After I wrote about fake reality on TV, I realized I needed to get outside myself.  Funny how God does that.  So, my husband and I planted a garden in our little courtyard.  I've learned to pick off the "deadheads."  Not a rock band at all.  It's actually when the blooms die on the plant.  As I was outside wondering why there were so many deadheads, I made friends with some of the neighbor ladies.  It's been fun.  Soon we may even have an iced tea party : )  And, yeah, I'm a Walmart shopper.  They have a nice Nursery and low prices.  Walmart also has great prices for groceries.

"God's the most amazing Artist of all"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"Charlie" our planter, finally has flowers.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"Marigolds, Petunias and uh....Impatience!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"Fire thing- 'Chiminea,' Petunias, Hastas and flowers : )"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

The New Jersey Boardwalks are coming back.  Gov. Chris Christie set it up that we would break a world record by extending a tape for 5 miles and then cut it.  He did this at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk which opened on Memorial Day.  We haven't been out there yet.  The weather has been very pleasant with cool air and very few high humidity days.

I'm trying to juggle my housework better by doing one thing a day.  So today I planned to sweep and put away the laundry I washed yesterday (that's 2 things- tomorrow is another day).  I set my glasses down at some point.  So I prayed, "Father, I don't know where they are again.  Sorry!  Could you show me?"

Sure enough I had an urge to look at my husband's recliner.  There they were. When I reclined, I squished the glasses and popped out a lens.  As I was thinking I'll never find the little screw to put it back in. I noticed it was still in place.  "Thank You Father, Your love never ends."  Can't wait to see the look on His face when we all go to Heaven.  You too?  No more eyeglasses : )

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:23 NIV

As far as the garden, I told my husband that this is my first try.  We may lose the rose or something, but we'll learn how to do better next year.  Err... I learn best by trial and error.  He's very patient.  After 30 years in business, I learned even I can garden : )

"Roses to remember our Moms and Grandmas"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

James 5:1-11

Back to James now.  This section of James starts out referring to rich people.  Money in itself isn't evil.  It becomes evil when we love it above all else.

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!  2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. 4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.  5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. 
This sounds like what we're experiencing in the USA.  Probably in Europe too.  The government collected taxes.  Employers cut wages to keep their profit margin as high as possible.  Profit must be met for the business owners, and high level officials.  The cost is people's jobs and income.  I believe there are still some companies that won't allow the profit margin to stay above what the company produces.  But I'm sure it's only a few.  

That's one reason people lose jobs.  Another is unions that have created their own profit margin on top of the company's.  The economy is bad for businesses for sure.  It would be great to see business leaders and others who are able to bend in the storms, and not break us.  I don't know how that would happen.  Healthcare issues are not helping at all right now and it's definitely the wrong time to raise taxes.  The verses above describe how God feels about this.  Only God can set this mess straight.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10

This verse describes how money can become more important than it should to us. Have to admit though, I think most of money when I don't have any. It's a miserable feeling. We are doing fine. But my heart goes out to those who are still struggling.  When I am able to put my faith in God and just surrender, I find new strength.

 
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 
We must all be patient and innovative.  Americans are a "resilient" (and stubborn) group of people. We have wealthy and poor people in our country who still care about others.  People God can use to help us out.  Nothing is impossible for Him.  And there's the day of His second coming to earth when we will meet Him in the clouds.  It could be soon, but it will be a surprise for all of us.
 
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
NKJV
We were reading about Jonah on this blog awhile ago.  He went through a lot for sure!  The key in these verses is to not let money become our god.  To me it's saying not to try and put the blame on others but try very much to have faith in God.  He helped me find my glasses in our house today : )  We should never give up, He is full of surprises.

I wake up to either hard rock or Christian music (my husband plays it all on his iPod).  This was the one I heard yesterday morning.  I just had to share it.

Gonna Be Alright, Newsboys (link)

Focus on Today (James 8) (Isaiah 43:18-21, James 4:13-17, Luke 9:62, Matt 6:34)

My prayer and a beautiful song for Oklahoma, Texas and all of us. 

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up those who lost loved ones and homes in Oklahoma.  Such a terrible tragedy and I know that many are in Your arms today.  I am so grateful our lives don't end on earth, and that we have this hope from You.  One day the storms will end.  We will dance around Your throne with no worries or cares.  We will know paradise at last.  Until then, I pray You will pour out Your love and blessings on these people.  Send the angels Father to guide and direct.  Please let Your Holy Spirit give the ministers words to say.  Sometimes we are speechless and just need Your Word to speak to us Father.  Please bring peace to the weather and stop the storms.  Nothing is impossible for You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

After 9-11 (I saw it across the bay from my job), and our NJ storms, this song has been a great encouragement to me.  Hope it blesses others too. 
In my arms by Plumb (link)



I hope I didn't confuse people too much by my comments about Reality TV on my last post.  It did come out harsh.   Sorry!  Suppose I should just say it.  I was watching a movie on the We station and they kept advertising a new reality show.  It will be about pregnant women who are looking for men to date.  My heart broke for God's babies and women who chose not to marry, or maybe didn't have the choice.  I don't get shocked, but that one just sent me over the edge.  So many things on so many levels are not right.  Babies without Dads, women trying to raise kids alone.  This must break God's heart.  We should pray for our country.  Last time we prayed for repentance- I honestly had no idea... wow!  The government has been up to all sorts of stuff.  Yikes!

The concept of time is interesting in the Bible.  God has given us one time period to live in.  Today.  That's all we really have, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow isn't here yet.  If you talk to people from New Jersey who experienced the last 2 hurricanes, and the people in North Texas and Oklahoma about time.  We'd all unanimously agree!  Seize the day.  We just don't know what will happen next.

I'm not a perfect wife in any way.  But, someone told me once to tell your family you love them every chance you get and it stuck with me.  You don't know what will happen in the future.  My husband and I constantly say this.  Even after a fight... "I still love you."

The past:

"Do not call to mind the former things,
or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert..."
Isaiah 43:18-21

The future:
James 4:13-17

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
NKJV

Today:

Jesus said, "No procrastination.  No backward looks.  You can't put God's kingdom off til tomorrow.  Seize the day."
Luke 9:62 The Message

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matt 6:34 NKJV

To be honest though, these verses helped me move beyond the past and into today.  I've memorized these verses and recite them whenever I get stuck on a past mistake or worry about the future.

Reality really? (James 7) (James 4:1-12)

"The richest things in life are free"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.
I was out shooting at a local park last fall and saw this little family.
It was so sweet.  I had to capture the moment.

My prayer for Texas, they actually had a tornado that was a mile wide.  Feel free to join me in prayer if you like.

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up those in Texas to You.  I don't understand the weather these days, yet I know You are in control.  I trust in Your unfailing love. There have been so many tragedies.  I pray You will protect those who were struck by the tornadoes.  Help them find ways to rebuild their homes and businesses.  Please provide the words to say for those in ministry.  Comfort Your people Father, draw us near and help us find strength.  Provide a way for them to move forward.

In Jesus Name, Amen.


This part of James reminds me of American TV.  Don't know what happened and why.  It used to be fun to watch some of the comedies.  But, then everything went to "Reality" TV.  Lucky producers, we pay for cable and they get money for the advertisements.  In return we get "Reality" with no creative writers to entertain us.  If we really wanted "REALITY" would we turn on the TV?  This is probably a very good thing for our country.  My husband, Todd, and I, just watch the News now.  He also watches sports.  I like computer games, reading and artsy stuff. I can hear the neighbor teenagers playing basketball outside as I finish this post.  Wonder how much safer our neighborhoods would be if we all got outside more.


The tone of voice in these verses is a bit harsh.  It sounds as though James is really frustrated as he writes.  This must be coming from deep within his heart.  He really wants to see us all live good lives of faith.  A lot of this has been on Reality TV.

James 4:1-12

1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?

With TV and the internet, we're more aware of the earth,the "world."  The word, "world" James is referring to is the marketplace where people dwell.  Worldliness is the mentality of selfishness, to buy what we don't need and take without considering how it affects others.  It's like the Temple in Jerusalem that had fallen from a house of worship to a den of thieves.  When we are captivated by evil and abuse others, verse 5 says this selfishness makes us an enemy of God.  I can't imagine living without His joy now.  I used to be full of anger. It was a terrible dark place.  We are definitely supposed to spend time with others, without judging, as servants of God.  God is the judge.  

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

"God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."

He has opened his heart to allow us to turn away from sin and receive forgiveness.  Jesus died and became the sacrifice for our sin.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

He wants to protect all of us from evil and harm.  He never gives up on us. We're the ones who get the worst of it when we're selfish. However, if we refuse to repent and turn to God there will be a time of judgement.  

Some good news.  

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

As an artist, I've always loved where it says, "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." ; )  These four verses are some of the top favorites of Christians.  We've all messed up at times.  We can claim these verses to help us out.

Oy!  Here's gossip again.  This must be very important to God, it's humbling for sure.

11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

NKJV

*Made some edits on this post.  I looked at it later in the evening and found problems in my writing.  Sorry!

Wisdom from above (James 6) (James 3:13-18, Matt 6:33, Luke 6:38, Zechariah 4:6)

"Bunnies are so meek"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This part of James is a little kinder so we can all take a breath and relax.

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 

I imagine this as someone who works quietly behind the scenes.  It's a good listener who doesn't interrupt when someone is trying to talk.  A person who focusses on what's going on around them, praying for guidance and inspiration.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

So... the wrong approach to being a Christian is to set out to be the best Christian on earth and seek out all the top positions in the Church. : )  That's not really what God had in mind when He sent Jesus.  We're not to be boasters, seeking what we want first.  

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 6:33

For me, it's like emptying myself and my desires out.  Then I silently pray, "I am Your servant Lord, guide me in your will."  That's when the great stuff begins.  Sometimes it takes a bit to get there.

I mentioned before about stopping to visit an elderly woman who was playing with her dog.  Our friendship has blossomed.  I took a picture of "Bochi," her dog.  So I made a print and left it on her door, because she wasn't home.  I messed up and put the wrong phone number and we both kept missing each other after that.  So I finally went over to her house to check up on her.  I found out she loved the photo.  We sat and talked for awhile.  I told her some of my story and she told me about her family.  We had a great time.  The Lord must've put this desire in my heart because I normally wouldn't think of it.  I just said, "Here's my phone number (the right one).  Feel free to call me if you feel scared or need help.  I'm right here in the neighborhood."

She was so relieved and smiled real big.  Barbara had recently had a knee replacement, and is recuperating before she has the other knee replaced.  Her family lives near by but not in the same housing development.

Now here's another mystery.  As we were talking, she told me that her son is very busy in leadership of a local museum.  She is going to talk to him about my doing a photo exhibit there...  Ok, that was definitely a God enhanced moment!  He is full of surprises.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38

I can testify that this is definitely true.  I've experienced it so many times.  Sometimes His blessings are financial, a new friend who makes your day, healing, or new direction.  He knows exactly what we need, He is God after all : )

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
I want to be like this.  No worries though, no one is perfect.  And His plan is to help us become the people we were created to be.  

 ...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6

NKJV

Taming the tongue... (James 5) (James 3:1-12, John 14:26)

"Words kindle fires..."
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

You might think I'm silly, but Prince Harry from England has come to visit the USA.  That's so great.  I've always thought the English are classy and respectable.  He plans to stop by the Jersey Shore.  How very nice : )  It should be fun to hear how it goes. We heard on the News that Governor Christie (NJ), has been tasked with keeping him out of trouble.  Although I have a hunch he's doing just fine.

This part of James is straight forward, with some strong words.  So brace yourself.

James 3:1-12

1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 
To me these verses are a warning to take our faith seriously.  It reminds me to study the Bible and learn what it means myself.  There's two ways to study: 

1. By reading the Bible believing we already know everything, thus rolling our eyes across the page without any words truly sinking in.  Not sure, but I suspect God might be rolling His eyes too...  I've had days like that too (sigh).  We can also add our own opinions, or a leader's beliefs and use all this to make a point that seems interesting.  It's good to listen to other people's testimonies and ideas but the real source of faith comes from God Himself. 
2. The second way is by praying each day before reading.  Before I write these posts I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me through God's Word.  Including God in Bible Study is best, and leads to a relationship with Him.  Add in some prayers, praise, and maybe a hymn and you have a nice Quiet Time with God.  There's no rules it's entirely between you and God.  He knows we need to get to work or take care of little kids too, so I'm sure He's never disappointed.  

This is the verse describing what the Holy Spirit does:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

Back to James.

3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
Ouch!  This verse reminds me of gossip.  I've done my share of gossiping.  The sad thing is it always leaves me wondering what I was thinking of.  It's such a bad feeling to know I hurt someone.  

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 
That pretty much sums it up...  maybe I'll just be quiet for a minute...

9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 
I don't always think about all of us being made in the image of God.  If God were standing in front of me in a grocery store line, I'd be very patient and kind to Him.  Not so much when I'm driving or impatiently waiting my turn in line with humans.  Maybe I need to realize God is with me everyday in my car, work, and play.

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
It's much better to bless than to curse- but I have to admit sometimes I'm not very kind.  It's probably the ones we love the most, that get the worst sometimes.
NKJV

Faith that works (James 4) (Matt. 7:24-27, James 2:14-26)

This is the perfect time to put faith in action.  We're having a wonderful Spring this year in New Jersey.  The temperatures are in the 50's after 9am.  By May we're usually drenched in humidity and sweltering heat. 

In other states all sorts of weather events are taking place.  There's snow storms in the mid west and fires in California.  One of the islands in Washington is falling into the ocean.  I posted a Psalm a couple of years ago that describes how the earth was designed (link)- never holding still, always changing.  Our country is changing as well.  This is the first time I can remember, that I don't have medical insurance.  Companies are a lot more cautious now because of the government.  So my husband and I will need to wait awhile until he is vested in the company to get insurance.  A good test of our faith.

There's still no boardwalk on the Jersey Shore.  Homeowners are waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.  It's hard for them.  They bought ocean front property thinking it would be a lot of fun to run outside and splash in the waves, to see the sunrises.  Instead it's turned into a nightmare.  It's hard to watch.  I can't help but wonder about the wisdom of building a house on sand, on a coastline that's changing.  All the dreams and memories swept out to sea must be heartbreaking.

Insurance companies want to charge a great deal of money to protect these homes and themselves.  Yet my heart goes out to those struggling.  Prayer for wisdom and understanding is probably the greatest gift we can give.

Jesus had something to say about houses built on sand.

24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:  25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:  27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

Matt 7:24-27 NKJV

God's Word is our rock.  It's solid and steady, no sinking in it.   The only catch is, God gave us His Word to do it.  The promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us.

James 2:14-26 

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 

A lot of people claim they believe in God yet don't want to invest any time into a relationship with Him.  When I spend time reading His Word (like today), I find encouragement and hope.

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 

There's a time to pray for people, for wisdom when they can't see it.  Then there's a time to pass out food, blankets and water.  I've seen many people who've naturally done this. I must admit going through the hurricane was much easier with my neighbors.

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

It's easy to say, "I'm a Christian."  The majority of Americans say this. I believe sometimes we are lazy about our faith.  It's not easy getting to Church every Sunday.

18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

I've heard of Christians who have given great amounts of money to someone in need expecting nothing in return.  Then they receive more than they gave in the end.  If we truly believe God is real and present shouldn't it change how we act?  He has changed my heart from angry and bitter to joy.  And when I step out the joy is magnified.

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!

Ouch.  This is true.  Most of the people I've met believe there is a God, yet they have no desire to know Him.

20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 

Abraham offered his one and only son to God at His request.  He had the knife ready and his heart was broken.  An angel stepped in and told Abraham that his willingness was enough to release his son.  He had a lot of faith.  God made His only Son a sacrifice for us.

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 

God isn't looking for us to change the world.  He's looking for us to allow Him to change it through us.  By our faith.

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 

What will happen next if I believe God?  I'm sure He has a lot more adventures for me.  I was out walking and taking photos on a trail, day before yesterday. I kept seeing this little dog running and catching a ball.  I had to smile and went closer to figure out what was going on.  There was an elderly lady sitting on a bench playing catch with her little dog.  I stopped to visit.  We became friends immediately.  God blessed us both.  Simply stopping to talk is a ministry.

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho before David led Israel through.  She protected Israeli messengers that were sent in to scout out the city from being caught by the bad guys.  God isn't looking for perfect people- He's looking for open hearts.  He wants to use us to share His message of love and forgiveness in this fallen world.

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 

NKJV