Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
Let Them Fly By
Excuses!
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
This is my ouch verse! There have been times in my life I know I have been asked to step out and do something. My fear got in the way. I turned into a Moses with all of my “yeah, but Lord…” My daddy used to sing a song called “Excuses.” One of the verses said, “the devil he’ll supply them if the church you stay away.” I can’t put this one on the devil. I am good at supplying my own excuses.
Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
Peacemaker Not Doormat
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
This verse hit my heart today. I so want to be that peacemaker. However, I have to remember to rely on God’s peace. In other words, I can’t do the ‘keep everybody happy all of the time’ manufactured peace. That doesn’t work. That is not true peace. The peace that comes from God is beyond all understanding. I am not meant to agree with everyone. I am just meant to love them which brings Godly peace.
Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
Listen…
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
Quick to listen.
Slow to speak.
Slow to become angry.
I know this is the go-to verse for holding your temper. I believe it is much more than that though. It says, slow to speak. How many times do I offer my advice or try to fix things when I should just be there for someone? How many times have I gossiped about someone or something? How many times have I stuck my nose in somewhere where it doesn’t belong? Slow to anger is just part of this verse. Listening and knowing when to speak and when to just listen are also part of this verse.
Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
Self-Discipline is Yuour Tool
2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
I have read this verse in the past when I was frightened or anxious or in a PTSD moment. In the King James version instead of self-discipline, it says sound mind. That is the verse I always remember.
When I read it today in the NIV and it said self-discipline it reminded me of James 1;12 James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” I can overcome these temptations and trials. I was given a spirit of self-discipline. I do not face these challenges on my own. I have nothing to be anxious about. This warrior has the tools, she just needs to use them!
Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.
Keep on Trying!
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
I think too many people look at this verse and see themselves as complete failures. They gave in today and now they are failures. They don’t remember all the times they stood. They don’t think about all the times they will stand again. God never expected us to be tested once and pass or fail. No! Grace picks us up when we stumble so we can try again. Star Athletes are not made over one event. They are honed over years of practice. That is the reason the word persevere is used in verse 12. We will face these trials over and over again. We will stumble from time to time. It is the fact that we persevere or keep trying that matters.
Copyright © 2019 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved.