Larrikin (James 3:15-17)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “larrikin.”  I have always been told by my mentor that wisdom is one of the most important traits of a Christian.  We see in today’s passage that James is pretty adamant about helping people look towards serving others rather than trying to gain personal position.  The people in this church were being attacked by the Evil One and it was up to James to set them straight.

“This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy…” ~Jam 3:15-17

My question is: what is the wisdom that you seek, and to whom do you look to receive it?  I think there’s a lot that one can learn by just reading God’s word, but it takes a whole new level of faith and understanding to put your trust into someone that knows more than you.  As we see in today’s passage, wisdom comes from heaven.  And if we want to avoid the larrikins – those who have ill intentions, and cause commotion - we must look to gain wisdom daily.  My prayer is that you put aside any personal negative thoughts and decided to get a little bit better each day; ask other strong Christians to help you through the journey.  Why not start today?!

Praying for you,

MO

Intemerate (1 Timothy 1:1-7)

Good morning all,

The word of the day is “intemerate.” In a time where so much was getting out of hand, Paul knew that his charge to young Timothy was very important. Paul was not always going to be there to guide the young man. He spoke often about what it would take for Timothy to be effective in his ministry. One of the most important pieces to this puzzle was that Timothy stay pure in heart. The evil one was always going to try and thwart any good deed that might add to the kingdom. Paul knew that the only way to win was to do so with love.

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

~1 Tim 1:5

My question is: do you approach each situation in your life with a pure heart? I guess what I'm really asking is whether or not your intentions are backed by love. It is easier to judge the situation in terms of right and wrong than it is to approach that same situation with the pure heart. We are called as Christians to love one another. Even further than that we are called to love the unlovable. My prayer is that you take Paul's charge seriously and enter each situation put in front of you with an intemerate, or pure, heart.

Praying for you,

mo