James 1:21 – Stop Listening to Your Heart!
James Series | Writings

James 1:21 – Stop Listening to Your Heart!

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. When I was small, I remember getting so frustrated with life that I informed my parents I would soon be running away from home. My Dad, most likely suppressing a hearty chuckle,…

James 1:16 – Stop Whitewashing the Fence
James Series | Writings

James 1:16 – Stop Whitewashing the Fence

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. For our around-the-table reading, our family just finished up the Mark Twain classic, Tom Sawyer. One of the iconic scenes of that book, of course, is when the title character dupes his friends into whitewashing a fence for him. Using techniques that any self-respecting used car salesman would…

James 1:15 – A Fateful Wrong Turn
James Series | Writings

James 1:15 – A Fateful Wrong Turn

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. The day was sunny, and the prospects bright. Itacyara and I were beginning a long-awaited, much-needed vacation in the company of very good friends. It was our first day in the beautiful Chapada das Mesas region…

James 1:13 – God and the Blame Game
James Series | Writings

James 1:13 – God and the Blame Game

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. James 1:13 While in Bible College, I spent a couple semesters as the president of the Student Missions Fellowship. Among my responsibilities was the scheduling of speakers for our…