Seek Understanding | Daniel M Harding

As we plan we are to give consideration to how God would have us to act in every single moment. This will challenge our wealth-building strategies that allow us to cocoon ourselves and pretend our lack of responsibility for the lives of others. 

Could James really mean what he said when he said our desires lead to killing and it's wanting what others have that leads to our arguments and fights? Join us for some more bold proclamations from Jesus' brother and the leader of the early church. 

Let's hit a short pause in our study of the book of James. Let's remind ourselves of who this guy James is, and the role that he played in the early church. It's important because James wasn't just writing into empty space. There were real things happening in the church and James was addressing real people with his writings. 

Also check out some of the videoscribe videos that we have been doing of James. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMbmTaN3ejA&t=39s

One of the best known passages in James has to do with our inability to tame our tongues. Let's jump in and examine how this should challenge our daily lives. 

So, what does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Should our lives be shaped by how he lived his life? Are there expectations in how we should choose to live and act. 

We do it so much that we don't even notice in the church. Inviting the visiting politician to stand for recognition. Asking the visiting religious leader to lead in prayer, and on and on we could go. James very clearly teaches that this is destructive to the church. 

So, why do we do it? Well, its because we think we've figured out our biggest enemy: pride. The danger is in that when we act as James cautions us against we get in our own way when it comes to service. 

Two quick reasons on why we continue to teach and produce during our time of limited interaction. I needed this for myself on the day it was recorded. 

Our 4th trip to the book of James and here we are confronted with the results of what is happening internally. Where does this anger come from? How do we respond to outside influence? How is our behavior indicative of future choices?

For a short intro video skip on over to YouTube for a 3 minute video on James 

https://youtu.be/yMbmTaN3ejA

Are people making you feel as if their problems are really your problems? Are you in a situation in which you would rather not be? Take a few minutes and allow yourself to be challenged by The Identifying Jesus turning Water Into Wine. 

What would you do if you were asked to capture the wind. When we live our lives attuned to the presence and reality of God we are able to experience far more than we could ever imagine. Join us!