MAXIMUM Calm Delight! (James)

Continuing my study in James. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; James 1:2

Brethren: a fellow-Christian

Count: (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think

All: the highest degree, the maximum

Joy: the cause or occasion of joy, calm delight, gladness

Fall into: so to fall into as to be encompassed by

Divers: variegated, various in character, diverse

Temptations: adversity, affliction, trouble (cf. our trial), sent by God and serving to test or prove one's faith, holiness, character, a putting to proof

Make the determination (rule over/have the power) to choose maximum calm delight when I am encompasses by a wide variety of trouble as God works to prove me faithful! (Rhonda's paraphrase)

Choose MAXIMUM Calm Delight! 

Attitude and Accountability

Join me as I study the book of James. 

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. James 1:1 (KJV)

Servant: one who gives himself up wholly to another's will

Lord: a person exercising absolute ownership rights; denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights

Greeting: to be well, to thrive, to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off

Being a servant is a choice. And choosing whom you will serve is an important factor to consider! James, chose to be a servant, to God, and the LORD Jesus Christ. 

Because James placed his faith in Jesus Christ, then the Lord has full ownership of James (and anyone else who places their faith in Christ). And as a servant of Christ, there comes responsibilities and accountabilities. 

James begins his letter, with the word "greeting". I like the meaning of that word, "to thrive". And I like that meaning especially as you read verse 2. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." 

But we'll study that verse another day. Today's focus is on my attitude and accountability of being a servant to the LORD Jesus Christ. Since He has full ownership of me, He can choose what comes into my life. I am responsible to handle it with the grace and mercy He provides so that He will be glorified. 

I am to wholly give myself to the LORD (absolute ownership rights) and live my life honoring and representing Him well. 

What Do the Facts Support?

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Kindness: favorable attitude — that is serviceable

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,  in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,  by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,  by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (NKJV)

Commend: referring to facts "lining up" with each other to support something

Ministers: servants, those through whom God carries on his administration on earth; the root of this word means: 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand"

I am to be kicking up dust, as I am hurriedly and obediently sharing the love of God with others. The facts surrounding my life should be that of kindness. A favorable attitude — that is serviceable. I am not to be kind in only words, but in actions. 

Do the facts support that my attitude is put into action? Do I "do kindness"? 

My prayer is: That in all things the facts state that I am indeed actively doing what God wants — with an attitude of kindness. 

Bond-servant vs Slave

2 Peter 1:1

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1

bond-servant:

• one who gives himself up wholly to another's will, 

• is used with the highest dignity in the NT, namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers

• are those whose agency God employs in executing his purposes: 

• properly, someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own

Bond-servant vs Slave

Is there a difference between a bond-servant and a slave? 

I think the major difference is attitude. A bond-servant is one who WILLINGLY wants to serve another. It's a choice of actions and attitude to want to be under the authority and submission of another. 

When you think about it, we all are under the authority of someone. "Not me! I answer to NO ONE!" 

Well, you may think that, but that's not true. For each action and word spoken portrays exactly who you are serving. Your loyalty may be to a group, or individual, or a ideology. The point is that your actions, words, and attitude reflect who has influence over you. 

The difference between a bond-servant and a slave is attitude. A bond-servant wants to do exactly what is asked and required of him. The bond-servant is willing to give up his desires to do the will of another out of respect and love. 

What does God require? 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? Micah 6:8 (AMP)

Bond-slave. 

gives himself up wholly to another's will, who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. 

Willingly live under God's authority. 

Am I willing? 

Christ-Like

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning profitable], whom I have begotten [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.  Philemon 1:10 (AMP)

Paul now states his request of Philemon. Out of love and respect for Paul, he is making this request about Onesimus. 

Who is Onesimus? He is a servant of Philemon's who did not do as he should have done. We know that Oneismus was not where he belonged, in Colossae with Philemon. That fact in an of itself, was enough to discredit Onesimus. Yet, now Onesimus is a changed man, since accepting Christ as His Savior. Paul wants to make that clear, and let Philemon know that Onesimus wants to do the right thing and return to Colossae. 

In the original, the name Onesimus is reserved to come in last in the sentence. The order of the Greek is this: “I entreat thee concerning a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds - Onesimus.” Here the name is not suggested, until he had mentioned that he sustained to him the relation of a son, and also until he had added that his conversion was the fruit of his labors while he was a prisoner. Then, when the name of Onesimus is mentioned, it would occur to Philemon not primarily as the name of an ungrateful and disobedient servant, but as the interesting case of one converted by the labors of his own friend in prison. Was there ever more delicacy evinced in preparing the way for disarming one of prejudice, and carrying an appeal to his heart? 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Here we have three men each who has a major part in this event. 1. Philemon, the employer, who had an employee who did wrong. 2. Onesimus, the servant, who did wrong. 3. Paul, the apostle, the one who introduced Onesimus to Christ. 

Each of these men have a stake in this event. Philemon, will he show Christ-like love and forgiveness? Onesimus, will he demonstrate Christ-like humbleness and obedience as a Christian? Paul, in prison asking another believer to trust him and accept his request based upon Paul's Christ-like attitude and lifestyle. 

In today's society the theme is "what I deserve" or "what is owed me". However, that theme of entitlement is not true. What we each "deserve" and "owed" is NOT based on what we want or how we feel, but rather should be based upon what we do, and how we do it. Work ethic is important. 

Onesimus for whatever reason, left his place of employment, and ran away. Apparently, he thought he deserved more. But after meeting Paul, and learning about Christ and accepting Christ as his Lord, Onesimus had a change of heart—he was now a changed man.

Christ-like attitude is one that shines in all we do and say. Doesn't matter what we are asked to do, we are to do it as "unto the Lord". Christ-like attitude is not based on how I feel, or how I'm treated, rather is is the result of a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Description

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And with [him is] Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here [in Rome].

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a [hearty] welcome.

And [greetings also from] Jesus, who is called Justus. These [Hebrew Christians] alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for [the extension of] God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me. Colossians 4:9-11 (AMP)

Paul continues with a list of friends and how they encourage and minister to him. The descriptions he uses are evident of each man living a God-honoring life. 

If someone was writing about me, what characteristics would they use? How would they describe me? Could they say that I'm faithful? Should others embrace me and welcome me, because I am living a God-honoring life? Do I encourage and comfort others? 

More importantly, if God was writing about me, what would He say? I wrote about this on Colossians 1:7, "What would be written about me?". 

Living a life that is godly is not only God-honoring, but has an impact on those around us. We are to be encouraging other believers, comforting them, and interacting with them. Just as we do this for believers, we are also to be doing it for unbelievers, so that they can see the love of God. 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, will my life be described as faithful, encouraging, and God-honoring. 

Work Ethic

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person’s position may be, whether he is the slave or the master]. Colossians 3:25(AMP)

But he that doeth wrong - It is possible for an unfaithful servant to wrong and defraud his master in a great variety of ways without being detected; but let all such remember what is here said: He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done; God sees him, and will punish him for his breach of honesty and trust. Wasting, or not taking proper care of the goods of your master, is such a wrong as God will resent. He that is unfaithful in that which is little, will be unfaithful in much, if he have opportunity; and God alone is the defense against an unfaithful servant. 

Adam Clarke Commentary

As Christians, there is a higher standard of expectation regarding work ethic. The faithfulness is to God and honoring Him, and that will be reflected in the work done. It's sad that in today's society that many do not know the satisfaction of a job well done. We have come to accept excuses to the lax behavior that we used to call "laziness". 

God views each individual not based on status, but rather as a sinner saved by grace. Therefore, no matter the position, each person is to remember the higher standard regarding work ethic. The servant/slave and master are to both put in a full-day's work each to the best of their ability. 

Having a higher work ethic and doing the very best, begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. For out of the heart, comes the desire to honor God in all aspects of life. 

What would be written about me?

"You so learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ in our stead and as our representative and yours." Colossians 1:7 (AMP)

Faithful minister of Christ. The Message, says "reliable worker for Christ!" God's Word translation reads, " trustworthy deacon for Christ". 

Faithful. Reliable. Trustworthy. And not just in everyday activities, but especially in regards to serving our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I've been listening to some of my older music, and a song by 4Him is "A ManYou Would Write About". The chorus reads:

I want to be a man that you would write about
Oh a thousand years from now
That they could read about
Your servant of choice in whom You found favor
A man who heard Your voice
Generations away it is my prayer
That they will look back and say
Oh to have that kind of faith and love
What a solid man of God he was. 

Faithful. Reliable. Trustworthy. Servant of God. That's what I'd like to be written about me. And in order for that to happen, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

A Star Player

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 11. Here is what I learned.

The Lord ·tests [examines] ·those who do right and those who do wrong [the righteous and the wicked], but he hates those who love ·to hurt others [violence]. Psalm 11:5 (EXB)

The Lord tests and proves those who are right and good and those who are sinful. And His soul hates the one who loves to hurt others. Psalm 11:4 (NLV)

The Lord trieth the righteous,.... As gold is tried in the fire, by afflictive providences; hereby he tries their graces, their faith, and patience, their hope, and love, and fear; and, by so doing, expresses his love to them, since this is all for their good... Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

The Lord trieth the righteous - He does not abandon them; he tries them to show their faithfulness, and he afflicts them for their good. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Q: Why is training necessary? A: Training is necessary because if you don't train, you won't be able to figure out the flaws of what you doing. For example, say a professional basketball player wasn't very good at dribbling. If he doesn't train, he might not perform well in his game, but if he does, chances are he wouldn't do as bad as he would have if he didn't. Keep in mind that just because you train one day doesn't mean that you are going to get better by a significant amount. You have to train excessively. 

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_training_is_necessary

We train in all aspects of our lives. And with training comes testing. When we were children, the training and testing was a constant at school, and in sports. Then as we grew older our jobs have “performance evaluations”.  Our employers want to know if we were being effective in our jobs.

However, when God trains and tests us, we get bothered, upset, and at times angry. “Why me?”, is often the first sound we make when being trained and tested. 

   

But as God tests us, He is highlighting the areas that are successful and identifying those which need revision in our lives. The only way to really understand something is to put it into practice. If a football  player only studies the play book, and never suits up for practice or plays a game, how does he know if he can really play football. Head knowledge is only PART of life. Experience provides an opportunity to see if we really have learned! We have the opportunity to practice what we know. 

Training and testing is part of all aspects of our lives. And when God trains and tests us, it’s not punishment, rather He is allowing us the opportunity to be a “star player” and learn our strengthens and weaknesses. The only way to learn and master anything is to study, train, and be tested. 

Having the opportunity to train, and be tested on God’s team is challenging, but so very rewarding and is the only way to create not only a positive day.... but a positive God-designed life, and maybe become a “star-player”. 

The master answered, ‘You did well. You are a good and ·loyal [faithful] servant. Matthew 25:23 a (EXB)