Worship, teaching, faith and works

New Guest: Most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that label.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Devotions: Ps 94, 97, 99; Hab 3:1-18; Jas 3:1-12; Lk 17:1-10

Lord, great Judge, rise up and put an end to the mischief of the wicked. They arrogantly oppress Your people; they kill widows, wanderers and orphans. And then they say: ‘There is no god; but if one exists, he has no power to intervene—where’s your God when you need him?’ I know they’re fools—the One Who created the eye and ear can see and hear! Blessed are they whom God need not chasten. God will not forsake His people; He will do justice; He will have mercy. If YHWH were not my Helper, I’d long ago have perished; He has sustained me in steadfast love every time I faced catastrophe. When my heart-cares are crushing, God, You cheer my soul. YHWH is my Stronghold, the Rock of my refuge. And He will cleanse His creation of those who continually sin against Him. Let all nature rejoice that God reigns! Nature knows—how can sentient beings fail to notice? He preserves the lives of those set apart to Him; light dawns for the righteous and joy for those with true hearts. Let us take joy and give thanks to our Holy One. Extol Him and worship at His footstool. YHWH our God is holy and loving.
Habakkuk prayed: ‘Lord, I have heard testimonies about You. Your coming is blinding-bright; nature quails before You. You reign over every nation and all the earth. The cosmos is in Your power. Yet You exert Yourself to defend and protect people who love You. Whatever comes, I will rejoice in YHWH and take joy in the God of my salvation. You are my Strength; You enable me to make way in this world—to scale the heights and keep my balance.’
James advised: ‘Not many should aspire to be teachers, because teachers are held to a stricter standard of judgment than others. Consider how small reins direct large horses, and tiny rudders steer great ships: so is the tongue for humankind—speech has immense power to do good or evil. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the same vocal apparatus we bless God and curse those made in His image; blessing and cursing spring from the same mouths. Oh, friends, this should not be! Let the source and the message be consistent, and good!’ [We must act as we believe, and our speech and conduct must be consistent and godly.]
Jesus taught His disciples, speaking especially with reference to the teachers in Israel, the scribes and Pharisees and priests: ‘Temptations come—that’s a given; but woe to the ones through whom they come. It would be better for them to be tossed into the sea with millstones around their necks, than that they should lead the innocent into sin. First, discipline yourselves; then, seek to help your brothers: rebuke their offenses, and forgive when they repent—as many times as necessary. (And that could be a lot of times!)’ To this, the apostles responded: ‘Increase our faith!’ And the Lord replied: ‘A mustard seed-sized faith is enough to do wonders. God doesn’t give special credit for doing your duty. Let it be enough to serve Him and do His will. If you want extra praise and blessing, you must go beyond perfect obedience to the commandments.’