City View Ministries International

September 3

James, a half brother of Jesus, saw a danger of having faith without corresponding works; i.e. works that result from faith. 

James saw that what the spirit is to our body in the natural, works are to our faith in the spiritual.  He challenges us not to merely “speak” about things, so the admonition to guard our mouths is given.  But whatever we talk about, put into action so that our walk authenticates our words. Abraham and Rahab are given as two witnesses to this truth. 

Chapter one deals with the distinction between trials and temptations.  Trials are tests allowed by God that when properly responded to produce endurance, maturity and wholeness of life (1:2-4). 

When we endure trails, there is an eternal reward, The Crown of Life, promised.  If we succumb to temptations, there is another eternal consequence, Death.  James makes it clear God is NOT THE AUTHOR OF TEMPTATION, because temptation uses “evil” to entice.  Trials entice us with endurance, maturity, wisdom, and approval with God.

James gives 6 ways we can respond to temptations, 1:19-22.

 1.  Be good listener, especially to the Word of God whether in written or from the Holy Spirit; but also listen to        people. 

2. Cut down on the amount of talking we do.  James reminds us that our words can kindle fires that bring destruction.

3. Don’t jump to a conclusion that fosters anger.  Angry people anger people. 

4. Walk in purity and stay away from things that can defile.

5. Receive God’s word with humility, not arrogance or pride, thinking “I’ve arrived.”

6. Be a “doer” of the Word, not just a “hearer” of the Word.

Be an over comer of any temptation and you’ll gain the Crown of Life.

September 2

Endurance was one of the objectives I had for athletes as their coach.  If they could “endure” I could guarantee them they would win more matches than they would loose. 

The writer of Hebrews gives a greater guarantee by stating if we endure, we get the Biggest Win of our lives – Eternal Life. 

As a coach, it was my responsibility to not only exhort the wrestlers to have “endurance,” but how they could build and strengthen their endurance.

The closing of Hebrews, in particular chapter 12, lists fifteen keys to Endurance.  Note some of those given.

•   Vision – 12:2; Keep our vision on Jesus, not man.
•    Thought Life – 12:3; Keep our thoughts on how Jesus endured.
•    Discipline – 12: 5; Embrace discipline, don’t run from it.
•    Guard against weariness – 12:5; sometimes it seems all we get are corrections, but align with the correction and don’t get tired of being corrected.
•    Strengthen Ourselves – 12:12; our faith is strengthened by reading the Word of God, and then applying the Word to our daily lives.
•   Stay focused – 12:13; There are many “good things” we can do, but if we try to do everything, effectiveness is minimized at best and often leads to frustration.
•   Maintain Relationships – 12:14; with men and with God.  Be at peace, wholeness with men; be sanctified (set apart) to God. 
•   Stay Free of Unforgiveness – 12:15; Unforgiveness does more damage than we understand.  It jeopardizes our relationships at every level.

Be encouraged to read this chapter to glean insights to being an enduring saint that won’t come short of the grace of God. 

 You are a champion!

September 1

“Better” is the key word in Hebrews.  There are least 6 “betters” listed in Hebrews 7 – 10 referenced that are significant to our growth in Christ.

7:19 – A Better Hope, 7:22 – A Better Covenant, 8:16 – A Better (Excellent) Ministry and Better Promises, 9:12, 23– A Better Sacrifice (Jesus), 9:12, 22 – Better Blood and 10:12 – 14 – A Better Offering.  All these are Better under the New Covenant than what was available under the Old Covenant.

Each of these come from the work of Jesus Christ based on His resurrection.  Our Hope is better because He not only was resurrected, but He ascended.  Our Covenant is better because Jesus is our guarantor.  His is a better Ministry, because gives each of us direct access to the Father’s Presence.  The Promises are better because they are written on our hearts.  The Sacrifice of Jesus is better because He gave His life, one time for all people of all time and all places.  His Sacrifice also gained Him access into the Holy Place.  His Blood is better because “all things are cleansed with blood.”  The Offering of Jesus is better because there is no need for another Offering or Sacrifice; His was the perfect Sacrifice & Offering.

All these lead to making forgiveness available to those who embrace God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.  The writer of Hebrews then encourages us t “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” 10:22

One of the Best “Betters” is we now have a “better possession” (10:34).  That “Better” is eternal life through Christ.  With these “Betters” we are encouraged not to “throw away our confidence which has great reward.” Each of these betters can give “endurance”, we won’t “shrink back” and we’re protected from “destruction.” 

We are “better off” with Jesus.  Keep Him in your life, if you don’t have Him in your life; invite Him in.  You’ll be better for Him.

August 31

A personal bias I have is the opinion that the books of Romans and Hebrews are two of the most important books in the New Testament.  The key word in Hebrews is “better” in that there are “better” things in the New Covenant.  As you read these chapters, take note of the word “better” and observe what is better. 

An interesting note, the writer of Hebrews isn’t referenced anywhere in the book.  Many speculate, based on style, that it was Paul. Whoever penned the book, we know the Author, as “all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit.” 

One thing we have “better” in the New Covenant is a “better” High Priest, Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 4:15,16  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Under the old covenant, the high priest struggled and failed just as any other person.  As new creations through grace and faith, we have a better High Priest, Jesus.   Better because He not only could sympathize with our frailties, because He encountered them as we do; but He also didn’t succumb to them, He overcame them without sin. 

As a High Priest, one of the roles served is that as an Intercessor.  Because He cares for and loves us, because He went through what we do without failing; we can come with confidence, with boldness, to Him and receive mercy (not getting what we deserve) and find grace (getting what we don’t deserve) whenever we need it.

There is no problem too great God can not solve it, there is no pain so deep He can not heal it.  There is nothing we need to hold back from God.

He really is better!

August 30

Philemon, one of the shortest books in the Bible, has one of most important “faith verses” in all of scripture. 

Philemon 1:6 I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.

Paul encourages this ministry team and the church that met in their house, one way their faith will be “effective” or energized. 

That encouragement is realize, acknowledge, the good that is “in you.”  We understand it’s by grace we’re saved, not ourselves; but after we’ve accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we can say with Paul “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”  Do you believe Jesus is a “good thing?”  Well there are other “good things” Jesus brings with Him.  Patience, peace, wisdom, power, strength, endurance, love, mercy; the list goes on and on. 

Paul writes that these three leaders would have “effective faith,” faith that would active and accomplish things for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.  The impact of “effective faith” goes beyond human comprehension.  Jesus said that “greater works that I do you shall do because I go to My Father in heaven.”  Think of it, greater works that Jesus did we can do because of “effective faith.”  Our faith becomes effective when we begin to acknowledge what’s inside of us through the gift of God – Jesus Christ.

August 29

Titus is another of the Pastoral Letters written by Paul.  Throughout these Pastoral Letters, Paul never refers to himself as a “prisoner of Rome,” rather he calls himself a “bond-servant of the Lord Jesus” or a “prisoner of the Lord Jesus.”  Paul was communicating that the circumstances surrounding his life were not in charge; rather Jesus was Lord not only of his life, but everything surrounding his life.

First Timothy and Titus list qualifications for leadership in local congregations and how to relate to those in leadership as well as other believers in the fellowship.

Titus 3:9 addresses dealing with argumentative, obstinate people. 

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

Titus apparently had some people in his congregation that kept going around in circles and wouldn’t allow a situation to be resolved.  There are enough principles given in the Word that we can respond and deal with them on the basis of truth and grace, even if they are specifically referenced in scripture. 

Paul isn’t addressing the sincere, honest questions all of us have and will have, rather he’s speaking about people that won’t let something go and keep rehearsing the same scenario over and over. 

Someone has said, “Major on the majors and minor on the minors.”   That’s good advice.  If scripture is silent about a topic, that might be an indication so should I.

August 28

Paul’s second letter to the young pastor, Timothy, reveals the heart of this spiritual father for his son’s ministry welfare and personal life.  We sense Paul’s compassion and passion for Timothy in the opening verses, as he pens “I constantly remember you,” “longing to see you, even as I recall your tears.” 

There is an admonition to Timothy we do well to pay heed even as Paul desired for his protégé. 

2 Timothy 1:6, 7 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Paul’s admonishment to literally “fire up your gift” because situations will come to try and steal the vision, dream or purpose God has for our lives.  Peter reminds us that we’re called to be a “royal priesthood,” what is referred to as the “priesthood of every believer” not for a select few.   As we function in that calling, the enemy will try to dowse the fire of God we had in the beginning of our walk. 

Keeping the fire lit will be a guard against our operating without faith, “God has not given us a spirit of timidity.”   The root word for timid means to be “faithless.” 

As we keep the gift lit, the gift will give us boldness to continue, face strongholds and prepare the way of the Lord to our culture and generation.

With the gift lit, there is a release of power – miraculous works, love – not based on performance and sound mind – correct thinking from God’s perspective.

There are a number of ways to keep the gift lit, but one that is vital is staying in relationship with a local expression of the Body of Christ.  Isolation and being independent makes us susceptible to having the fire quenched.

Stay connected!

August 27

Timothy is considered a “Pastoral Epistle” in that Paul is writing to the young pastor, concerning a number of issues vital to being effective in pastoral ministry.

Due to Timothy’s  youth, Paul gave special instructions so he would not be looked down on.  These instructions are valid for those of us that have been in ministry for many years as well.

1 Timothy 4:12 -14 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 

Each of these first give areas ministry is to be an example of are susceptible to impulsiveness.  Words spoken too quickly, conduct where the consequences aren’t thought out, love based on performance, faith that is presumptive and purity that is compromised.  Guarding our words, thinking through our actions, walking in unconditional love, faith based on God and His Word, and purity that is unflinching; will bring respect to and for every minister.

Reading the Word is vital to our personal life and the life of our congregation, when coupled with exhortation and teaching.  

Every minister has a gift, a uniqueness that sets them apart.  Paul admonishes Timothy, to release that gifting given, that gift which makes him who he is.  Don’t hold back where God has gifted you.

August 26

Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians gives us a key to walking in corporate victory. 

2 Thess. 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

The context of this admonishment deals with giving and receiving correction. 

Those who are parents understand that as we are perseverant with the discipline of our children, one day they’ll mature and won’t require constant supervision.  In the life of every congregation, there will come a time when correction must come. 

Paul understood the challenge that would be for some.  But he reminds us that it’s “doing good.”  

What “good” comes from discipline or correction of another member of the Body of Christ?  Many benefits could be listed, but the primary benefit is maturity.

The one being disciplined matures, the one giving the discipline matures and the Body matures too. 

When you are corrected, know it’s for good, for everyone involved.

August 25

Can I share how to bring JOY to your pastor?  Yes it’s important to be faithful with your financial gifts; every church could do more with more money.  It’s equally important to be available to serve not only the church, but our neighbors as well.  Every pastor appreciates those who are faithful to the services provided, as they are designed to equip and encourage the entire congregation. 

The ultimate goal of every true shepherd is found in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. 

For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 

You can bring JOY to your pastor by making heaven your eternal home.  When your pastor corrects, reproves and instructs; it is for your eternal good.  When they come to the hospital, drop a note, greet you, ask you to do something or visit someone; it’s so that you will be “in the presence of the Lord Jesus at His coming.” 

The immediate joy comes to a pastor when they know the people they’ve been given responsibility for and to be working to fulfill the vision God has given for that congregation. 

Be encouraged to bring JOY to your pastor, now and in eternity.