It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

To fulfill God's purpose, a Reflection on James 1:17-21

God gave birth to us.

We are to view this as a gift and as a responsibility.

God created us with God's purpose in mind. So, we are to act in a way that will fulfill God's purpose.

The first requirement is a hard one: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Also, eliminate sordidness and wickedness.

What kind of person would be like this? Oh, right. The kind of person that will be able to welcome God's word that can save our souls.

Look at Psalm 34:11-18 for themes underlying this passage from James' letter:
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.

The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.

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