Monday, September 24, 2012

Hearing & Doing

This weeks Bible study was on the remainder of James 1, were he talks about hearing the word, receiving the word and then doing it.

In verse 19 he commands us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  This is in direct conflict with how our earthly bodies.  We want to do the exact opposite.  We want to have the first and last word and if we don't get our way, we're upset.

I explained that listening was learned.  Everybody who has ears and isn't deaf can hear, but if you want to learn to listen, it takes practice.  First off, you can't possibly listen if your talking.  So, when your in a conversation that may not be going your way, instead of thinking of the next thing to say, actually listen to what is being said.

Not all anger is sinful.  Jesus was angry that they were defiling the temple to buy and sells goods, but He did not sin.  the difference is when we allow sin to control our emotions.  Anger is sinful when it leads us to lose control.  Look and Abel & Cain, sin manifested in Cain when he grew angry thinking that God favored Abel over him.  This lead to Cain becoming the first murderer.

James goes on to say that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires so we should put away all filthiness and wickedness.  Another way to say it would be vulgarity, vile of dirty.  We must put away these things so that we can receive with meekness and humbleness the implanted word of God.  Again, something that is directly against our earthly bodies.  Meekness, gentleness is the exact opposite of harsh and angry.

Along with this knowledge, we must then become doers of the Word.  James says be the person that looks in the mirror and sees what he wants to be and then makes the change.  By looking into the perfect law, the law of liberty, the Word of God, we can do this.

***

Heading into the bye week, the varsity team was 0-3.  It wasn't because they didn't play well or because they aren't that good.  It all comes down to playing as a team, each person knowing what their individual roes are and executing them.


Every chance I get, I tell these young men how valuable they are in God's eyes.  I tell them to go out and play with the enthusiasm and joy that God made them for and show God how they use their talents and treasures.

Each week, I see the varsity team coming together more and more...


Last Friday, the varsity came together for their coming out party with a win over Bullard.  Playing more and more like the team that they want to be.  

I get so inspired by the calling God as lead me to and by watching these young men grow each and every week.  Just when I think God is at His limit, He reveals that He is so much more Awesome than I'll ever know.


I invited some of the guys to join me at church, not thinking that they would, but some did.  

After the last game, I had a mom come up to me and tell me she was talking with some of the other moms and they were inspired to start a Wednesday night prayer meeting.  She said they were going to get together and pray for the team.

This team will amaze many, not only by what happens on the field.

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts towards us; none can compare with You!! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told - Psalm 40:5

1 comment:

  1. A great needed reminder that Jesus got angry but did not sin. I have come to realize that when we do sin in anger it is for selfish reasons. This blog was a good reminder, thanks!

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