Judged by the Law

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.”

James 2:12 (NIV)

When my son was small, I learned a children’s song. “O Be Careful.” The verses speak warning of our need to exercise caution for our eyes, our tongue, and our feet, our hearts and our minds to stay away from doing things that bring harm to us because He loves us.

“Oh, be careful, little eyes  what you see.” (Repeat 2 times)

Chorus: “For the Father up above is looking down in love.” (Repeat verse 1 time)

“Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see.” (Repeat 2 times)

Chorus:

(Repeat verse 1 time)

“Oh, be careful, little ears what you hear.”

(Repeat 2 times)

Chorus

(Repeat Verse 1 time)

"Oh be careful littel tongue, what you say" (Repeat 2 times)

Chorus

(Repeat verse 1 time)

We are saved by grace- the unmerited love of God. He is our only judge; His law, when we obey it, gives us freedom from sin.

something to listen towww.youtube.com/watch?v=pqFrXwpTI-w&list=RDpqFrXwpTI-w

graphic: lifehopeand truth.com           

Servants of God

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom

 as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

 1 Peter 2:16

Peter tells his first Century readers and us to live, using our freedom wisely. He guides his readers to not disguise bad thoughts, ideas or deeds by covering them over with good and kind behavior.

How can we live as ‘servants of God?’ A servant places his masters’ well-being above his or her own. One who serves obeys orders from the master. He or she always does as the master says.  

In our 21st Century, overall, people seem to follow the ways of the Old Testament Israelites; they do what is right in their own eyes. These actions cause harm to those around us. We choose carefully when we venture out at night. When we read our newspapers or watch the news broadcasts, we discover events that heighten our awareness of how far our world has fallen.

When we make our plans for our days and even our lives, let’s remember to choose God.

Graphic:faithful for him.wordpress.com

Freedom vs. Slavery

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves

 are slaves of depravity- for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”

2 Peter 2:19 (NIV)

Peter writes to the believers, to warn them about false teachers in their midst. The phrase ‘while they themselves are slaves of depravity’ makes me think. How can these false teachers promote freedom when what they have is another brand of slavery?

In our 21^st Century world today, we see several types of modern slavery; we know them as addictions. Our society is filled with many groups that offer help for people to rise above the desire for the addictive substances.  I applaud their efforts to break the attraction of these forces.

We see people who seek acceptance by others, who begin to develop certain lifestyles. People don’t always understand that some of these habits are actually detrimental to their health.

There are times when those ways become harmful to their health and well-being. These lifestyles can affect their work. These choices can also affect marriages and families.

Jesus told the Jews,” . . . You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.’ John 8:32 (NIV)

If you know of someone who is caught in an addictive lifestyle, pray for him or her. Then, if that person is close to you, seek help for yourself, in order for you to learn how to deal with the problem.

   

Graphic: drhurd.com