February 9 Daily Reading February 9, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentThursday, Feb. 9 – Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. We break from our reading in James to pick up a passage in Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes to the wealthiest and most educated church of that day. Throughout both letters to the Corinthians, Paul’s reprimands them for their selfish ambition, arguments and lack of generosity. Here, Paul points out their lack of generosity. In this passage, he uses the poorest church of the day as an example of true generosity and faith. How would you compare these words from II Corinthians to the words from James? Is it not the case that we are one of the wealthiest, most educated and talented societies in the world? What is keeping you from following God’s call to radical generosity through tithing and sacrificial giving?
February 8 Daily Reading February 8, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentWednesday, Feb. 8 – Read James 2:14-26. This is the most misunderstood passage in the letter of James. It is here that it seems James is promoting a work’s righteousness. “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” (James 2:17) James is not advocating that we earn our salvation by works alone. Instead, James is emphasizing the importance of faith and works. Our greatest temptation as a follower of Jesus Christ is to think our salvation by faith is a free ride. Instead, God calls us to an even higher life of service out of love. What is one thing can you do for Christ today? How are you using your gifts and talents for Christ?
February 7 Daily Reading February 7, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentTuesday, Feb. 7 – Read James 2:8-13. James now starts to really meddle in our lives setting a high standard for our life with Christ. He calls us to mercy over judgment and love over all. I am reminded by these hard words of James we truly are saved by faith and not by works. It is only by the sacrifice and forgiveness of Christ that any of us find atonement from God. Start your day by giving thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ. End your day by confessing where you have faltered and pray again the same prayer of thanksgiving for Christ.
February 6 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentMonday, Feb. 6 – Read James 2:1-8. James reminds us that there is no social distinction in God’s family. All believers are one in Christ. Christians should never show favoritism based on position, power, race, color, wealth or popularity. Are you tempted to show favoritism in your life and faith? Do you expect to be treated better than others because of your station in life? Examine your attitude and motivations today. Pray that God will give you a pure and open heart to all persons.
February 5 Study Guide February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentBelow is an excerpt from today’s Study Guide. If you would like to view a complete copy of the Study Guide, visit http://www.tmumc.org/sermonstudyguide2012.htm.
Outlive Your Life
“Working with the Holy Spirit” (Week 2 of 6)
Acts 2:1-4 — The Word from the Bible (The Message Version)
1WHEN the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
February 3 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentFriday Feb. 3 – Read Hymn 399, Take My Life and Let it Be. Sing or read this hymn as a prayer for the day. Give thanks for the privilege of serving God and the growth that it brings to our faith and life. Focus especially on verse three and the need to release our will to God.
February 2 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentThursday Feb. 2 – Read James 1:19-27. Focus on verses 23 and 24 – “…be doers of the word and not merely hearers…” Follow the advice of James in verse 24. Begin your day by looking in a mirror and seeing the person God has created. Remember through the day the image of God you saw in the mirror at the beginning of the day. As James reminds us, our words as well as our actions affect the way we are seen as followers of Christ.
February 1 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentWednesday Feb. 1 – Read James 1: 12-18. As James moves through the challenges of life he now addresses temptation. He reminds us that temptation is not a test from God, but rather part of our inner human struggle. The warning is clear that temptation left unchecked leads eventually to death. Likewise, every “generous act of giving” connects us to the work of God in this world – “first fruits of God’s creatures”. Start your day by identifying your greatest temptation. What is separating you from God? What act of generosity can pull you closer to God today?
January 31 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentTuesday Jan. 31 – Read James 1: 9-11. Now James begins to address the different aspects of our lives. In this short passage James briefly mentions the unimportance of wealth or poverty in the eyes of God. He makes the statement, “in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.” In other words, no matter if you are rich or poor; if you are too busy your life will lose its meaning. Today review your schedule for the week. Do you have time for those persons in your life you love? Have you left time to pray, to worship, and to study God’s word? Are you too busy? As your day ends, pray for direction in clearing your schedule for what is really important.
January 30 Daily Reading February 6, 2012
Posted by tmumc in : Daily Readings , add a commentPlease note: The book of James is a book I like to read at least once a year. During the next few weeks the study guide will follow the book of James.
This book is often misunderstood as emphasizing works over faith. Martin Luther in the 16th century referred to James as the “epistle of straw”. Luther believed that the focus of “salvation by faith” is lost in James as he teaches his reader about the importance of works as a person of faith in Christ.
James’ message is for the person who has lost touch with the high call of Christ in their behavior. It is far more than an “epistle of straw”. As the apostle Paul says, “By your fruit you shall be known.” Likewise, James knows that our life with Christ begins in faith, and then leads to a new way to live. The Study Guide readings allow you to dig deeper.
Monday Jan. 30 – Read James 1: 1-8. James introduces his letter with an invitation to faith. Clearly, James is using the need for wisdom as a beginning point as evidence of faith. James states that nothing comes from God except through faith. Begin this day by asking God for wisdom. In faith, expect God to provide wisdom. In faith, expect God to provide wisdom for you in each circumstance in your life. Have you shown wisdom in your relationships? At the end of the day thank God for what God has done through you.