James asks us within Christian community to refrain from slandering one another, speaking evil against each other. He reminds us that we are not the Judge and Lawgiver. It is an important reminder that "God is God and I am not." Pastor Bethany reminds us of two stories that help put the command of not speaking against one another in perspective. May you remember today who you are and whose you are--it might just make all the difference.

James calls us to draw near to God and he will draw near to us, then to purify ourselves. Purity is a subject we rarely talk about outside of abstaining from sexual relations before marriage. What else does it mean? How do we purify ourselves in a way that helps us resist the devil, draw near to God, and remain in the posture of humility?

James points out that quarrels and fights are a part of looking like and acting like the world. When we choose the world's ways over God's, we choose to become God's enemies. Ick. The flipside is to be purposeful about becoming God's friends--a real possibility if we're willing to do as he commands. Jump into James 4:4-6 with us!

Today Pastor Bethany looks at James 4:1-3 where James warns against the passions at war within us and the way our sense of lack causes us to fight out of envy. There is absolutely another way, a better way, to live in community peaceably. But first, we must recognize our needs and ask for God's provision.

We continue our conversation for one more day. John Horsley is with Pastor Bethany considering James 4:1-10 and what it teaches about humility, submission, and our ability to resist the devil. John shares a couple of personal examples/stories of struggles with sin and God's faithfulness to help him resist temptation when he submitted to the Spirit and admitted the need for help.

John Horsley joins Pastor Bethany again to talk about James 4:1-10. Focus lands upon the concept of jealousy: How is God jealous? How is jealousy different than covetousness?

A slightly different episode for today. Pastor Bethany is joined by friend and co-laborer in ministry, John Horsley. We hope you enjoy the conversation. We're diving in to our thoughts and connections related to James 4:1-10.

Today Pastor Bethany simply prays over us all, holding us up to the light and life of Christ. 

A quick story about an encounter with God in prayer that motivated me to simply share the beauty and solidness of Psalm 27. May you all find moments of joy and peace with Jesus today.