James M. Helms

Scripture

“God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.  Therefore, as the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord’ “  I Corinthians 1:28-31

Observation

All the awards, medals, ribbons, and plaques in the world don’t mean a darn thing do they? We can boast about our accomplishments and pat each other on the back and wear our medals on our chest. In the end it’s all just emptiness. We wear our accomplishments so that our past victories will have a lasting reward regardless of future actions. We build monuments to people who inspire us. We seek the approval of our peers and man.

In the end all that really matters is our relationship with God through Christ.

Our badge is one of humility, we are servants of the Lord.

…I think I need to work on this one…

Application

I need to stop seeking the approval of beings that are infected with humanity. I need to focus on pleasing the one true God, because his approval is all that really matters. I need to be more sensitive to the voice of God as I trip, stumble, and fall through life.

Out of my brokenness I need to rise and declare that I can only do things because of Christ who strengthens me. Any wisdom or strength that I have been given comes through him. It’s God whom I serve and not man, and it’s God who deserves all the glory. I need to boast only about the Lord.

And why should I do that? Isn’t Gods grace enough to cover all of our shortcomings?

If we want people to be reconciled to God through us we need to let God do the work. If we get in the way it’s not going to happen. We’re not reconciling anything, right?

Prayer

Hey God, a little help please. I know, when you look at me you see that I am cleansed by your Son Jesus and that’s why I can stand here and talk to you. It’s really cool how all this works. But if you were to take your Son out of the equation I would fry, I’m just saying. Can you help me be a better servant? Can you help me be more humble and be more able to give you the glory in everything that I do? Thank you.

{ 0 comments }

Scripture

“There, in a foreign land, you will worship idols made from wood and stone—gods that neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell.  But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:28-9 (NLT)

Observation

james: “But, but, God! I don’t want to worship idols, I just want to worship you!”

GOD: “Are you kidding me? Wake up dude. What about the idol you made out of that Twinkie? Have you noticed how many times you let your job, your toys, your selfish pursuits, come before me?”

james: “That Twinkie? What in the…world…are you talking about?”

GOD: “James, look, the world is full of idols, anything that you depend on more than me can become an idol.”

james: “Hah, you’re right, what about the idea that we can be our own gods and create our own destiny…I’m sure you’ve seen all of those self help books”.

GOD: “Yes, I’ve noticed, let’s not even go there right now. I just want each of you to know that I love you and I want you back. If you search for me with all of your heart and soul, you will find me”

james: “Sweet, I love you too. Hey look, a new Land Rover Discovery, six cylnders, 4 wheel drive…”

GOD: “Knock, knock, knock. I’m standing here knocking! I just want you to seek me first and put me before everything.”

GOD: “…James? you spelled cylinders wrong, James? Hello?”

Application

james: “Hi God, I got distracted for a second. It’s so easy to fall away and start putting things before you.”

GOD: “I never said it was going to be easy did I? I’m not going to brainwash you into seeking me first before everything. I want you to seek me first because you love me. I want you to want to know me. ”

james: “And I want me to want to seek you first too! I would love to know you more! I think consistently seeking you in the morning before everything else is a great start. It’s becoming a habit, and I really enjoy spending time reading the bible…most days…and spending time with you.”

GOD: “It’s working out pretty good isn’t it? I love spending time with you too!”

james: “I love you God”

GOD: “and I love you”

Prayer

God, thank you for your patience and un-dying love that you have for us. Thank you for loving us and giving us a chance to know you more. Help me become more consistent in pursuit of you.

{ 3 comments }

Scripture

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44 (NLT)

Observation

Let me point out the obvious: God measures the heart of the giver and not the amount of the gift. Compare and contrast that with us humans and we find that we are greedy little creatures. We measure things in finite amounts of exact measure. We want to pay the least and get the most. We want to receive more than we give and as a result live more abundantly than the ones we stand next to.

God doesn’t want two Tablespoons of your heart he wants one Godspoon. He isn’t looking for a token of appreciation, no, he wants your complete adoration. Godspoons are really big, in fact they are exactly everything.

Application

When we give we need to do so out of love and faith, not out of greed and with a resentful heart. In everything that we give we need to measure it with Godspoons.

Prayer

God teach me how to measure out my giving in Godspoons. Teach me to give out of love and faith in everything that I do.

{ 2 comments }

Scripture

“The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.  He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit.  Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.” Mark 11:12-14 (NLT)

Observation

I would have made that Fig tree not bear bear fruit too. Why? I’m human and I get a little ticked at things that disappoint me. We all get ticked off, even Sheryl or my favorite mother in law Cheri (I’ve seen them get ticked at me!).

After Jesus trashed the temple and threw out the money lenders we read that:

“The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”  Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” Mark 11:20-23 (NLT)

I like to think that  Jesus passed that tree and gave a wink to his disciples. As if to say, “pretty cool huh”?  Because it IS cool. That’s just one reason why I’m already like Jesus, I think making a fig tree whither is cool.

Application

Jesus wants to know all of us. Me, you, that bum on the street corner, everyone. He doesn’t want to meet the “churchy you” on Sundays, nope, he wants to know you personally.  As a matter of fact you’re so in that God, the creator of EVERYTHING wants to know you just like that too.

When we are able to know God intimately we are able to hear him. As we seek God our relationship grows. As our relationship grows our faith builds. And when we have faith (with no doubt in our hearts) we can kill fig trees, or hurl mountains into the ocean. It’s going to be a blast.

Prayer

God, I want an intimate relationship with you. I know that you have work for me to do, and I’ll do it. When we get to know each other a little better I sure would like to move mountains…just keep that in mind.

{ 7 comments }