Tag: Paula Kirkpatrick

An Unclean Spirit

Old Testament: Isaiah 31 & 32

Poetry: Psalm 74

*New Testament: Mark 5

The man was pacing.  Spewing forth profanities in a low but steady stream.  I was working at my part-time job at the public library and in charge of the building during my shift.  The agitated man was on the open upper level—I was at the checkout counter on the lower level, busy with patrons. 

The troubled man would quiet down and sit, and I would breathe a sigh of relief.  Then he would pop up again, pacing round and round with a new surge of profanity flowing from his mouth.  Slowly, I climbed the steps to the upper level. 

I walked over to straighten some magazines, so I could observe him closeup.  He was thin, wiry build, gray hair and beard, with eyes focused straight ahead, seeing things no one else could see.  He was completely unaware of me or any of the other people there.  I could see the uneasy expressions on their faces as he continued his verbal tirade, circling the floor. 

I knew I needed to take action, but felt confronting him might be dangerous, to me and the other patrons, most of whom were now exiting the upper level.

I walked down the wide, open stairway and called the non-emergency police phone number.  Waiting for the officers to arrive, I kept my eyes focused upstairs.  Minutes passed at a snail’s pace.  Finally, the officers walked in, talked to me, and went upstairs to speak to this distressed individual.

The final outcome—the man left the library, accompanied out by the officers, because he could not agree to quiet his profanity.  I was relieved and saddened at the same time.  It was obvious this man’s mind was troubled, whether it was because of PTSD, substance abuse, or something else.  But it was February, it was cold, and perhaps he was homeless like some of our other library visitors.  Yet, his “demons” had their way, and he lost a safe, warm space to spend a Saturday afternoon.

In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man in much dire circumstances compared to the man in the library.  Jesus and his disciples had just reached dry land after traveling in a boat together.  While out on the Sea of Galilee, a raging storm arose, and Jesus calmed it to utter peace, much to the astonishment and trepidation of the disciples. 

Now, a new, alarming situation awaited the group.  Talk about a night of sheer drama!

A naked, bleeding, shrieking man meets Jesus at the shore.  An unclean spirit lives inside of him, which causes him to behave like a madman.  Consequently, he wanders about the town cemetery, banished from people.  In the past, he had been subdued with shackles and chains, but amazingly they could not hold him for long.  Night and day, he roams through the tombs, screaming and cutting himself with stones.

When the tormented man sees Jesus, he approaches and bows before him, but not before Jesus had already addressed the unclean spirit dwelling inside him. 

“And shouting with a loud voice, he said, ‘What business do You have with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!’ For He had already been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ And He was asking him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said to Him, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’” (verses 7-9)

The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus fully—“Jesus Son of the Most High God.”  It knows his true identity. Jesus asks the spirit its name.  The answer received—“My name is Legion, for we are many.”  A Roman legion could be up to six thousand soldiers.  Whatever the number, the demon possession of this suffering pitiful man is overwhelming in magnitude.

The demons realize their “home” in the man is ending.  Jesus, Son of the Most High God, has calmed the wild sea and he will calm this wild man.  The demons do not want to leave the area.  They implore Jesus to send them into a large herd of pigs nearby.  

Jesus agrees.  The demons enter the herd of two thousand pigs; the pigs promptly rush down the bank into the sea, and drown.  Two thousand pigs destroyed.  All the observers of this frightening scene witness the massive destructive power of Satan.  Yet, what is their reaction to the miracle performed before them? 

The bewildered herdsmen run to share this news in the city and country.  Like any modern day curiosity, gawkers return to see for themselves what has happened.

And what do they see?  The well-known “mad man” is calmly sitting near Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.  At peace.  Instead of being happy for him and the city as a whole, verse 15 says the gawkers become frightened.  They beg Jesus to leave.  They cannot comprehend the scene before them, and they are filled with fear. 

But the “mad man,” now the “miracle man,” reacts as we would expect.  He begs Jesus to take him along, the complete opposite response of the townspeople.

Jesus answers. ”And He did not let him, but He said to him, ‘Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.’”

Imagine the witness this man will be for the Lord.  From torment to peace, from screams to praises, from broken to whole, from darkness to light. 

Past, present future, Jesus changes lives.  Miraculously!  Dramatically!  And yes, sometimes slowly and quietly.  But when you truly encounter Jesus, Son of the Most High God, your life changes. 

I wish there had been a different outcome for the troubled man in the library.  I thought about him for days.  I know God saw him, I know God loves him.  I can only hope and pray his “demons” have left him. 

Jesus, Son of the Most High God, sits at our Father’s right hand, constantly interceding for us.  “Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”  Romans 8:34

Give Jesus your personal struggles.  Give him your anxious thoughts.  He’s ready and waiting to take them all.  Just hand them over.

Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  The demon-possessed man had great strength, and he broke free from shackles and chains.  Why could no one subdue him?
  2. We can’t win in spiritual warfare with our own power.  We need to rely on the Lord.  How do we accomplish this?
  3. The people who came to see the demon-possessed man healed and the pigs destroyed, begged Jesus to leave.  Put yourself in their place.  Would you have had the same reaction?
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The Man with the Withered Hand

Old Testament: Isaiah 27 & 28

Poetry: Psalm 72

*New Testament: Mark 3

My dad had polio.   Polio is an illness caused by a virus. It can sometimes lead to paralysis.  Polio reached pandemic levels throughout the world in the first half of the 20th century.

My dad was diagnosed as a teenager in the early 1940’s, and he spent weeks and weeks in St Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL.  I don’t know much more about that challenging time in his life, because he did not talk about it to my brother and me.  It didn’t occur to us to ask him about it.  We were kids.  We simply knew our dad had had polio and he walked with a limp.  One of his legs had been severely affected by the disease. 

My dad was a carpenter, and he was usually dressed in a gray work shirt and jeans, or occasionally in dress pants and shirt.  But NEVER in shorts.

One day when I was a teenager, my dad injured his affected leg.  My mom needed to render first aid and dad’s pant leg was rolled up above his knee.  For the first time, I saw my dad’s leg that caused him to limp.  I was shocked!  It looked thin, wrinkled, shriveled.  How could the sight before me be a man’s leg?  My dad was strong, rugged, tough, a working man who did hard physical labor.  I turned away, sensing I had seen something I shouldn’t.  At that moment, I began to “see” my dad differently, I began to slowly understand, he had endured pain and sacrifice to provide for his family.  His shriveled leg was a testament to that. 

In the beginning verses of Mark 3, Jesus enters the synagogue and encounters a man with a withered hand.  The hand is useless.  One Commentary says the hand muscles were shrunken and the limb shorter than normal—the cause may have been infantile paralysis.  In any event, the man was unable to work for his living.

Jesus sees his need.  He has compassion for him.  He also sees the Pharisees watching, waiting for his next move.

In recent days, Jesus had healed a paralytic man, and dined with tax gatherers and sinners.  In both instances, the scribes of the Pharisees questioned Jesus’ words and actions. 

Now it is the Sabbath.  Jesus and his disciples had just passed through a grainfield and picked and eaten some heads of grain.  (Mark 2:23-28) The Pharisees had called him out on it, saying Jesus was doing work on the Sabbath, the day of rest.  By the time of Jesus’ ministry, the Mosaic law of Sabbath rest, (Exodus 20:9-11) had been “enhanced” by the religious leaders through the years to include countless petty regulations and rules.  Jesus had deflected the Pharisees in the grainfield encounter, citing David’s eating of the shewbread (I Samuel 21:1-6) and declaring, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.  Consequently, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Perhaps minutes to hours later, the Pharisees are now ready to pounce again with a new Sabbath challenge.  Jesus is prepared.  He asks the disabled man to step forward, so all the crowd can see him. (verse 3).  And then Jesus addresses the Pharisees.

“Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” (verse 4)

We can imagine the silence was deafening.  Because, indeed, the Pharisees did not respond.  And then we come to verse 5, filled with emotions, drama and action.

“After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” 

Jesus looks deep into each Pharisee’s eyes, face, inner feelings.  He is angry at their lack of compassion, at their challenges to his God-given authority, at their unhearing, unseeing judgement.  The anger turns to grief as Jesus witnesses the hardness of their hearts to his ministry.  The Pharisees choose their “enhanced” laws over a poor man’s plight, choose their power OVER him, instead of a blessing FOR him. 

Then brilliantly, Jesus asks the disabled man to stretch out his hand.  The hand is cured without any labor, but simply by Jesus’ voice.  Jesus does not break the Sabbath labor laws, and neither does the man.  Surely the Pharisees will approve.  Their reaction is recorded in verse 6.

“The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might put Him to death.”

The Pharisees’ reputation with the people has been thwarted.  They will not accept this outcome.  Immediately their plans for Jesus’ destruction begin.

Only the man with the withered hand was rewarded.  Healed, restored, able to work and enjoy his life.  Forever blessed by the Savior.   

My father awaits that blessing too.  At Jesus’ return, he will rise up from the grave, his withered, diseased leg fully restored.  No more limping, no more pain.  Oh, what a day that will be.  I can’t wait to see him.  I can’t wait to see my coming King.

Paula Kirkpatrick 

Reflection Questions

  1.  Think about a person you know who will be healed when Jesus returns.  How does that motivate you to share the good news of salvation in Jesus?
  2.  Jewish law had “evolved” to extreme regulations about what was considered work on the Sabbath.  How do you feel about businesses that stay closed on Sunday, to honor the Lord? 
  3. Are we ever guilty of “following the rules” instead of having compassion for people in a difficult situation?  What example can you think of?
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Prayer of an Aged Saint

Old Testament: Isaiah 25 & 26

Poetry: Psalm 71

New Testament: Mark 2

When I was a young pastor’s wife in my 20’s and 30’s, I had many older role models in our congregations.  These special saints had been faithful through the years despite the challenges and sorrows of our present world.  They trusted God’s direction and His goodness, and they were still devotedly serving Him at church and in their everyday lives. 

I, (and my pastor-husband), valued and yes, cherished the encouragement and support they lovingly gave us.  How I long to see them again!

Various dear ones come to mind—the balding Wisconsin farmer, cracking jokes, yet tender-hearted; the precious old Indiana couple who held hands in church, except when they held my year-old son while I played the piano for the worship service; dear Missouri ladies who “loved” on my children and us; the welcoming Minnesota saint who hugged me at our first meeting, and could outwork women thirty years younger! 

Psalm 71, one of our readings for today, has brought to mind these beloved individuals, as well as many others, who we were blessed to know and love in the pastorates we served.  An apt title for this Psalm could be “Prayer of an Aged Saint.”

The writer of this Psalm begins by saying he has taken refuge in God, and he asks for deliverance.  He turns to God to rescue him, basing his trust on the help he has received from Him down through the years.

“For You are my hope;
Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
 I have leaned on you since my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.”  Verses 5 and 6 

Then, the Psalmist confirms he is no longer a youth.

“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age;
Do not abandon me when my strength fails.”  Verse 9

Even at his advanced age, our writer once again faces an enemy.  “Wrong doer, ruthless man”, (verse 4); “adversaries” (verse 13) are some of the words used to describe this enemy. 

And yet his ultimate trust in God’s intervention in his life is evident. 

“But as for me, I will wait continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the art of writing.
I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” Verses 14-16

The Psalmist’s worship turns into a declaration, a witness of the greatness of God.  And it doesn’t end there. 

“God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

 And even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.”  Verses 17 and 18

Throughout the writer’s entire life, from his youth to his old age, God has been present and working in his life.  And now, as he nears the end of that life, his firm desire is to declare God’s strength and faithfulness to succeeding generations.  He wants the younger individuals that are part of his life, or simply have observed his life, to understand the ultimate “goodness of God.” 

Once, I too, was young.  Now, I can identify with the writer of this Psalm.  How good and faithful our mighty God has been to me.  He has rescued me from troubles. He has daily strengthened me.  He has been my Rock (verse 3) when all else failed. 

The dear saints in our pastorates that I grew to love, left a legacy of faith for me and others.  I pray my life is also “declaring God’s strength to this generation.” 

 Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you have an older Christian who is a role model to you?
  2. Have you told those role models what they mean to you?
  3. The Psalmist says he doesn’t know the art of writing, so he needs to make mention, to declare, God’s righteousness and strength.  Think about ways you can talk about and show your friends and loved ones what God has done in your life. 
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The 23rd Psalm

Psalm 23

Saturday, July 9, 2022

What comes to your mind when I say “The 23rd Psalm?”  Perhaps you know that it is the most famous of all the Psalms, or even the most well-known chapter of the Bible.  You might think, “Ahhh, the Shepherd Psalm.”  Maybe you remember its author, David, and that he was a shepherd boy.  Or, perhaps you know that Psalm 23 is identified as a Messianic Psalm, picturing Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  These thoughts are all reasonable when considering Psalm 23.  But here are my thoughts when the words “The 23rd Psalm” are said to me. 

I remember a little 4-year-old girl attending the Church of God Illinois State Conference Bible School in Oregon, Illinois in the summer of 1956.  During our lessons that week, the children in attendance were challenged to memorize Psalm 23.  The little girl thought she could memorize it just as well as her older brother, and she was determined to do so.  At the end of the week, each child was asked if he/she wanted to go in front of the gathered students, and recite this beautiful Psalm.  The little girl was shy, but went up in front, by her teacher, and proudly recited the Psalm.  There were a few missed words, but she finished well, and was applauded for her efforts.  She was so proud to receive a ribbon with a “Shepherd and sheep” seal upon it, as an acknowledgement of her accomplishment.  She kept that ribbon for years!

As I (the little girl, as you probably guessed) grew older, I would occasionally recite the psalm to myself.  Years later as an adult, I realized I couldn’t recite it anymore.  I was disappointed in myself.  I made an effort to re-memorize the Psalm, and now it is a part of me.

If you are sad, recite the 23rd Psalm.  Are you stressed, weary, needing direction?  Quote Psalm 23.  Is everything swirling about you, are the burdens weighing too heavily on your shoulders, is hope fast disappearing before you?  Say the 23rd Psalm to yourself.  It offers comfort, strength, and encouragement every time. 

As you say the words, picture yourself as a sheep, lovingly cared for by Jesus, our Good Shepherd.  He leads you to green pastures for grazing, quiet waters for a refreshing drink, and guides you THROUGH dangerous territory, “the valley of the shadow of death.”  He draws you close with his staff, and he rubs oil in any wounds you might have.  What reassurance and love the Shepherd gives his sheep.

As Jesus states in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

The 23rd Psalm’s words are a treasure to all who read or recite them, providing immeasurable solace in the midst of life’s challenges and troubles. 

The opening sentence actually sums it up.  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Questions for Reflection

  1.  When you hear the words, “The 23rd Psalm”, what comes to your mind?
  2. What scriptures provide comfort and peace to you?
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No Words

Like God’s Words

Psalm 19

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Have you ever heard the phrase, “There are no words?”  Perhaps you used it in response to receiving a wonderful gift, when you couldn’t find the appropriate words to express your appreciation.  Conversely, maybe something tragic has happened, your heart is broken, and “there are no words” to express the magnitude of your grief. 

In verses 1-6 of Psalm 19, God reveals Himself in the glorious heavens and celestial bodies.  God’s greatness is proclaimed without a single sound—“NO WORDS.”  The amazing beauty of the skies—unique cloud formations, streaming sun escaping the clouds, indescribable sunrises and sunsets, breathtaking rainbows—boldly declare the majesty of God each day.  Searching for God?  Go outside and look up.  “There are no words.”

BUT, if you NEED words to find God, the second part of Psalm 19 is your answer.  In Psalm 19, God reveals Himself first in nature, (verses 1-6) and then in the Scriptures.  Verses 7-11 give us a perfect progression of what God’s Word, HIS WORDS, can do in our lives. 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”  (7a) God’s Word gives us everything necessary for salvation.  His law, his commandments, revealed God’s holiness and our sin.  Paul wrote in Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

“The testimony of the law is sure, (steadfast, trustworthy), making wise the simple.” (7b)  We can put our trust in God’s testimony—it will hold us up.  The “simple” are those open-minded to instruction.  James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously, and without reproach, and it will be given him.” 

“The statutes (precepts) of the law are right, rejoicing the heart.”  (8a) God’s Word is just and righteous.  As we understand more and grow in wisdom of God through His Word, it brings joy and gratitude.  Consider Hezekiah, king of Judah, who honored God by repairing the house of the Lord and called the people to consecrate themselves and gather to worship.  Greater understanding produced tremendous joy in the people.  II Chronicles 30: 21, 23 says, “The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests were praising the Lord day after day with loud instruments to the Lord.  Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy.”

“The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”  (8b) Purity of God’s Word gives us new vision for this life and the one to come.  Matt. 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  And consider Ephesians 5:8, “for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” 

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.” (9a) Why is the Word of God called “the fear of the Lord?”  When God reveals His will, it is awesome!  God’s will is fearsome because of our sin, and when we are confronted with it, we realize how unrighteous we are. 

Consider Josiah, the boy who became king of Judah when he was eight years old.  Though II Kings tells us he did right in the sight of the Lord, when he was 26, a high priest found a book of the law in the house of the Lord and a scribe read it in the presence of the King.  “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.”  II Kings 22:11.   

Josiah realized that his people were not following God’s laws, and idol worship had crept into the land.  Josiah instituted reforms that destroyed the idols.  “Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, and all his might, in conformity to all the Law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.”  II Kings 23:25

“The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. (9b) We can depend on God’s judgments.  They are true, trustworthy, and righteous, as Josiah discovered, as we can discover in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”  Our future is secure, eternal life, because the judgments of the Lord are true. 

Have you FOUND God as you meditate on His Word?  Have you FOUND God as you gaze at the heavens?  He is in plain view, accessible, desiring to be part of our lives, each and every day.  No AUDIBLE WORDS are needed.  But if you would like to respond to His glorious presence in the skies and in His Word, speak out loud the last verse of Psalm 19, as your humble prayer.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Questions for Reflection and Application

  1.  What part of God’s creation moves you to say, “There are no words?” 
  2. Think about Josiah.  The Bible tells us he did right in the sight of the Lord at a very young age, and yet at age 26, he realized how much he and his people needed to improve.  Does Josiah’s story help you realize how much we need to keep growing and learning from the Lord?  (It helps me realize it.) 
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Planted by the Water

Psalm 1

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

When I was young, we often sang this song during our Sunday School opening. 

“Jesus is my Savior I shall not be moved
In His love and favor I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters Lord
I shall not be moved.

I shall not be I shall not be moved
I shall not be I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters Lord
I shall not be moved”   (John T. Benson, Mrs. James A. Pate, Words -1950 New Spring)

When I was researching the song, I found this verse which lines up better with the writer’s words in Psalm 1. 

“Glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved.

Anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved.

Just like a tree that’s planted by the waters Lord
I shall not be moved.”  (Alfred Henry Ackley, Lyndell Leatherman; Words, Public Domain)

What a wonderful visual and reminder to stand firm in God.

Psalm 1 is a contrast between a Godly man and a wicked man.  The Godly man isn’t walking, standing, or sitting with the wicked.  Instead, he is delighting and meditating in God’s law, God’s Word.  The presence of God’s Word in his life is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water. 

Have you ever seen such a tree?  It is usually bending toward the water, and often you can see the large, exposed roots.  It gets constant nourishment, constant life-giving water because of its proximity to the water.  The tree is fruitful, the leaves don’t wither.  This is the picture of a man rooted in the Lord and immersed continually in His Word.

The last three verses of the Psalm picture a completely different person, a wicked person.

Have you ever seen chaff blowing in the wind?  Chaff is the dry, scaly protective casing of seeds or other plant material.  In Hector, Minnesota where we lived for many years, there was (and still is) a celebration called Corn Chaff Days.  It was an appropriate name, because corn chaff often blew from the large grain elevators all over the streets and sidewalks of this little farming community.  It scattered everywhere, and eventually disappeared with the strong winds, lost forever.  Just like the wicked man. 

Two scenes in God’s creation

  • Strong, firmly rooted tree by the waters
  • Blowing, dusty chaff, cast off and receiving no nourishment

Two men presented

  • Godly man who does not STAND in the paths of sinners
  • Wicked man who does not STAND in the judgment

The choice is ours. 

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.  As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15a,d

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  What contrasts in nature remind you of the Godly man and the wicked man?
  2. What can you do in your own life to root yourself deeper in God’s Word?
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Words, Works & Wisdom

James 3

The two prominent subjects in James 3 are the tongue and wisdom.  Though the tongue is a body part and wisdom is intangible Godly knowledge, James manages to successfully contrast their attributes for the reader.  And as we have seen in the previous chapters, he does not “sugar-coat” his words! 

James again uses word pictures to introduce us to this most necessary part of our body, “the tongue.”

“Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well.” (verse 3)

The bit is an important part of a horse’s tack and controls the horse’s mouth.  The bit, bridle and reins work together to control the horse’s head for its rider.  The average bit size is 5 to 6 inches, quite small compared to a horse’s size. 

James continues with another word picture to “set the stage” for his coming discourse on the tongue. 

“Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines.”  (verse 4)

A rudder is a flat piece hinged vertically near the stern or rear of a boat and is used in the steering process.  But as James points out, compared to the large ship it directs, its size is incredibly small. 

  • Small bits control/direct—large horses
  • Small rudders control/direct—large ships
  • Small TONGUES control/direct large bodies—US!

“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.  See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (verses 5-8)

Tell us how you really feel, James!  Oh, he did!

Our tongues can get us into so much trouble!  Remember, James told us in 1:19, let everyone be, “quick to hear, slow to speak.” Once we share that small bit of gossip, respond with rudeness, call out a mean-spirited comment, or answer in anger, the “fire” has started.  It quickly gains ground and can no longer be easily extinguished. 

Proverbs 12:27 says, “A worthless man digs up evil,
While his words are like scorching fire.” 

Think of the massive forest fires that have destroyed thousands of acres in the USA and Canada this past summer.  Think of the devastation of homes and property and the loss of human and animal life.  NOW, think of the lives wounded, ravaged, and ruined because of thoughtless words from tongues. 

 “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” (verses 9-10)

What a humbling reprimand!

James finishes this serious warning with another word picture.  “Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brothers andsisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.”  (verses 11-12) James wants his readers to “see” the disparity of an uncontrolled tongue.

James’ discourse on the tongue, (“a world of unrighteousness”), contrasts with the wonderful wisdom from above, wisdom from our heavenly Father.   Worldly versus Heavenly.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom” (verse 13)

Notice that if we have Godly wisdom, it will be evidenced in our daily lives—what we do, who we help, how we serve.  Don’t you love that James says our deeds should be done “in the GENTLENESS of wisdom?”  Softly, thoughtfully, kindly.

These WORKS contrast greatly from the “LIP service faith” of the tongue.  As James said in 2:17, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

Verses 14-16 tell us jealousy and selfish ambition have no place in our “works.”  If they live in our hearts, we don’t have true wisdom, but instead, “disorder and every evil thing.” 

What constitutes the wisdom from above?  “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”  (verse 17)

When we have this wisdom described in detail by its eight desirable characteristics, the end result is peace—peace within ourselves, peace in our relationship with others. 

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (verse 18)

Be wise and grow a Godly garden of goodness, living out your FAITH through your peaceful words and WORKS.   

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Jeremiah 49-50 and James 3

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Giving Life to Your Faith

James 2

As we consider the second chapter of James today, the writer gives us another easily understood illustration, as he warns about an attitude of personal favoritism.

“My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,’ have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?  Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called?” (verses 1-7)

We must note that James is not saying we should ignore the rich in our Christian outreach.  But he is saying rich people should not be elevated above others because of their bank accounts. 

The result of the sin of favoritism is found in verse 9. “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators.”

So what is the solution?  Verse 8– “If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”

This is why I love the book of James.  Simple and direct—easily understood. 

A modern-day story I have heard several times fits right in here. 

A Pastor transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000-member church where he was to be introduced as the head pastor that morning.

He walked around his soon-to-be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service– only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food — no one in the church gave him change.

He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was asked by the ushers if he would please sit in the back. He greeted people only to be greeted back with stares, dirty looks, and people looking down on him. As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements.

When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation. “We would like to introduce to you our new Pastor.” The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. The clapping stopped with all eyes on him. He walked up to the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment then he recited,

“Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all that he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry, and many heads were bowed in shame. He then said, “Today I see a gathering of people, not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples. When will YOU decide to become disciples?” He then dismissed service until next week.

I hope this story moves you as it moved me.  And James reiterates these thoughts in verses 14-17. 

“What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”

Faith without works is dead.  They go hand in hand, like salt and pepper, bread and butter, peanut butter and jelly.  James’ impassioned words teach us that our faith should totally transform our lives and daily actions.  Our faith should be reflected in the life we live.  “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” II Corinthians 5:17

James sums up his thoughts with two examples from the Old Testament, Abraham and Rahab.  “Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.” (verses 21-23)

We cannot imagine the agony Abraham faced on that mountain, preparing to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac.  But he had ultimate trust, FAITH, in God and followed through with WORKS, laying Isaac on the altar before the ram was revealed for the burnt offering.  “And as a result of the works, faith was perfected.”

Such an unfathomable example of faith and works, Abraham was called the friend of God, an honor bestowed on no one else in Scripture.

“In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”  (verse 25) The account of Rahab is found in Joshua 2.  Rahab hid the two spies Joshua sent into Jericho.  This daring deed brought a rewarding outcome for Rahab and her family, as they were saved when Jericho was defeated by the Israelites.  Rahab’s faith and actions blessed her descendants as she is found in the genealogy of Jesus.

James concludes his thoughts with verse 26.  “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”

Without the breath of life, we are dead.  Without a life of daily ACTIVE Christian living and service to others–our works— our faith is dead.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Jeremiah 47-48 and James 2

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How-To-Do-It Manual

James 1

We begin a new book of the Bible today—James.  James is one of my favorite Bible books.  I participated in Bible quizzing on James as a teenager in IL, and coached Bible quizzers on James in IN and MN.  More than half of the verses of this first chapter of James are underlined in my Bible.   

James’ writing style differs from the author of Hebrews.  He is blunt and forthright in his writing.

The author of James was most likely the son of Joseph and Mary, which made him the half-brother of Jesus.  Interestingly, James and other family members did not initially accept the teaching of Jesus.

In Mark’s account of Jesus, we find these verses.    

 “He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. And when His own people heard about this, they came out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, ‘He has lost His senses.’” Mark 3:20-21

The book of John tells us “For not even His brothers believed in Him.” John 7:5

However, after Jesus had risen from the dead, (“then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles” I Cor 15:7), James’ life was transformed.  He became an important leader of the church in Jerusalem and the surrounding early churches.

The first verse of James ties in with his widespread influence to the churches.  He addresses his letter “to the twelve tribes which are dispersed abroad.”  This audience was actually Jewish Christians, many of whom had been forced to leave their homeland due to persecution.  They were new in their faith and needed instruction and encouragement that was straight forward and easily understood. 

Think about the opportunities and choices available today for people who want to be a “do-it-yourselfer.”  Whether it is home building or remodeling, cooking, gardening, crafting, “you name it,” there is a book, a manual, a TV program, a YouTube video, or a website that can help you out.  (DIY network, HGTV, Craftsy, are a few that come to mind.)  Paul A. Cedar calls the letter of James a “how -to-do-it manual for the Christian life.”  James offers solid, practical instruction for Jesus’ followers.

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

Verse 2 tells us to be joyful when we face trials.  It seems like a difficult thing to do, but remember, the Christians who first received this letter had experienced extreme trials to the point they had fled their homes to survive. 

Paul writes in I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

This is the joy we should have when trials confront us.  And, as verse 3 says, “the testing of your faith produces endurance.”  When we experience trials, our faith grows in the Lord, as we work towards our “perfect self” in God’s Kingdom.  (verse 4)

James’ brother Jesus, our Savior, often told parables, or simple stories to help his audience understand his teaching.  I find it interesting that James, like his brother, uses several illustrations in his letter to further explain his instructions to his readers. 

If you lack wisdom, ask God for it, but don’t doubt you will receive it.  One who doubts “is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  Let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  (verses 5-8)

Blunt and to the point!  No commentary by me needed! 

Story/illustration #2–Verses 9-12

“Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.  Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

A Christian with limited means for livelihood “glories” in his coming inheritance in God’s Kingdom.  A rich man/Christian should glory in the fact that his wealth is temporary, only of this world.  Verse 11 gives us a visualization of the fleetingness of this life—hot sun, scorching wind, dead grass and flowers.  (This picture reminds me of the drought areas around the US this past summer.)  Both men are equal in their future reward, a “crown of life,” IF they “persevere under trial.”

James continues with straightforward, sensible instruction.

“No one is to say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

God, the Father of Lights, loves us, and is a generous giver.  His greatest gift was His Son Jesus and the plan of salvation, but He has also given us the beautiful natural world to delight in and discover its wonders each day.  God has given us our families, friends, jobs, food, homes.  How blessed we are.  And His care, His protection, His love never changes—“with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  This phrase reminds me of one of my favorite verses, Malachi 3:6a. “For I, the Lord, do not change.”

James continues with his direct approach in verse 19.  He tells his readers to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”  Why? Verse 20 says, “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (Insert drum rimshot here!)  Obviously!

Quick, Slow, Slow.  In other words, 30 seconds to think and respond during a contentious conversation.  Even Thomas Jefferson had this sage advice.  “When angry, count to 10 before you speak.  If very angry, a hundred.” 

Verses 21-25 bring us another story/illustration to make James’ point, if we still don’t get it!  The guidance is repeated with action words this time to begin the illustration. 

  • “Put aside filthiness and the remains of wickedness.”
  • “Receive the word”
  • “Prove yourselves doers, (not merely hearers, who delude themselves.)”

Don’t hold back, James! 

Here comes the explanation/story.  “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.”  (verses 23-25)

A man looks at himself in a mirror, walks away, and immediately forgets what he looks like.  This man is like a person that listens to God’s Word, hears what “the preacher says,” and then leaves church on Sunday and lives his life the rest of the week not connected to God. 

However, one who not only looks into God’s Word, (the perfect law of liberty) abides in it, and follows through with appropriate actions, is truly blessed in his life.  Paul said it this way, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” Galatians 5:4.  Where do you start? 

James gives us an example in the last verse of James 1, verse 27.  “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” 

Simple love in action.  The Bible is our guidebook/how-to manual.  We can’t just read it and not follow through.  James 1 is direct instruction for the do-it-yourself generation. 

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Jeremiah 45-46 and James 1

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Wise Final Instructions for the Best Outcome

Hebrews 13

When children finish high school, and they go off to college or to live on their own for the first time, those frenzied final weeks before leaving are usually a flurry of activities.  To-do lists are checked off and then added to, last minute shopping trips become a daily occurrence, and packing everything needed seems an impossible task.  Finally, the day arrives, and the slightly panicked parents are often confronted with this stark realization:  did I prepare them sufficiently for the challenges they will face in life?  And so ensues final reminders, gentle warnings, and many sentences starting with “Don’t forget,” or “Remember.”  The parents want the best experience for their children at college and in life.

The writer of Hebrews also desires the best outcome for his dear readers, his spiritual children, as he finishes his letter.  Of course, that best outcome is eternal life in the Kingdom of God.  Thus, Hebrews 13 concludes with straightforward instruction to reach this prize.

Consider the direct instructions found in verses 1-7, and the reasons WHY these instructions are important.  

  • “Keep on loving each other as brothers”
  • “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers—(WHY?)—”for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
  • “Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated—(WHY?) – since you yourselves also are in the body.”
  •  “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; – (WHY?) – for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.”
  • “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; – (WHY?) – for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you.”
  • “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; – (WHY?) – considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.”

Verse 17 goes hand in hand with verse 7.  “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, – (WHY?) – because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Hebrews 13:8 can be a stand-alone statement and beloved promise, easy to memorize (and it should be) and underlined in your Bible.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

What an assurance to us that Jesus has not changed and will not change—he is our Savior and coming King.  Perhaps the writer felt a plain statement of our basic hope was warranted after his beginning list of directives. 

Building on that simple reassurance, verse 9 warns the early Christians and us today, not to “be carried away by varied and strange teachings,” just as parents might advise their departing children—stay true to your foundation, the principles of your upbringing.  It is firm, it is solid, it will keep you grounded. 

Now, remember our reading from Hebrews 10 a few days ago. 

“But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,waiting from that time onward until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Heb. 10:12-14)

Continuing in Hebrews 13, verses 15-16 should be OUR response for this sacrifice. 

 “Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name.  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Our Salvation Gift from God:

Jesus—ONE SACRIFICE for all time

Our Response:

CONTINUAL SACRIFICE of

  • Praise
  • Doing good
  • Sharing

As the end of verse 16 says, “for with such SACRIFICES God is pleased.”

The writer concludes with a benediction or ending prayer in verses 20 and 21 that sums up his thoughts in this chapter. 

“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

This prayer serves as the perfect final reminder for young adults off to college, and for each one of us. 

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Jeremiah 43-44 and Hebrews 13

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