Plainfield Ponderings - Scripture Meditations

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Ponder with me about how James can say that we are justified by works and not by faith alone (2:24). Ironically, that is the only time in the original language of the N.T. where the phrase "faith alone" is found. This sounds very contradictory to what many are teaching today. Also, it sounds like a contradiction to what Paul says in Romans 3:28. How do these all go together? And more importantly - what does this mean for my faith personally? To God be the glory!

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This episode is a branch off of the last one. James 1 spoke about the prep work we need to do with our hearts, to help us listen to God better. In a context about listening to God, James said, "be slow to speak". This is the topic of a part of Habakkuk's prophecy. He'll speak about being silent before God, but why is that? Join me in this short devotional to find out...to God be the glory!

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Ponder with me about one of the key themes to religion in general - listening. It all begins with listening to God! It's how faith comes. James speaks about how to prep the heart to listen faithfully though. Listening to God with humility and openness does not happen naturally. We have to train ourselves to do this, which we call "prep work" in this episode. What is that prepping all about? Join us and let's dig in. To God be the glory!

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Let's ponder much of the book of Jude together. Jude has much to say about false teachers, and it is very harsh. How can we keep our congregations pure from false teachers? Furthermore, how can we best deal with Christians who may have suffered harm from these messes in the church? Discernment is key here. To God be the glory!

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Ponder with me some of the things Paul reminds the church about when encouraging them to stay faithful. Much of the New Testament letters are designed to help Christians stay true to Christ, and such is the case in Colossians 2. The things Paul reminds them of might come as a surprise, but let's think about them as the reason they were originally written - a reason to stay true to Christ. To God be the glory!

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Ponder with me about what James means when he says that God does not tempt anyone (1:13). This is a statement about God's intentions, so we're going to dive into the mind of God a bit to think about HIs purposes. Also - what happens if my trials are not creating their desired effect? What if they are hurting more than helping? James will step on our toes a bit here. To God be the glory!

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Let's ponder the rest of the story in Daniel 1. Last week we talked about resisting temptation and used Daniel as a case-study about what it means to be resolved against temptation. This week let's look at the results of his uncompromising faith while also thinking about the attitude he did it with. This balance between a strong stand and lovingly respecting others is so vital. To God be the glory!

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Ponder James as a whole with me. We're in a series about Blue-collar Christianity, which is a study of James. I want to throw this into the series to help us not lose sight of the entire book as a whole. It's a reading from James, start to finish, no interruptions. Without a doubt, it's how the early church listened to these letters...and with James, it might even be more helpful than other books. More on that in the introduction of this episode. Hope you'll join. To God be the glory! 

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Let's ponder the battle against temptation. We all are battling it, although some of us may not be engaging the fight like we ought. Daniel, on the other hand, was full of resolve in his fight against it...even though he was in a position of such easy compromise! What was he thinking and how can we think like him? To God be the glory?

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Let's ponder our wealth and comfortability seriously. Are these legitimately helping us spiritually? The way we pursue them, you would think so. James makes a startling comparison - the exaltation of poor Christians vs the humiliation of the worldly rich. Given their historical situation, why this comparison? How can this help prioritize our wealth correctly? To God be the glory!

Please email me any comments or questions at [email protected]