Gilbert Thurston

Random Thoughts About Life, Ministry and Whatever Else Happens to be on my Mind

James Chapter 5

by Leave a Comment

Note: This post is part of the James challenge where I encouraged everyone to read through the book of James (chapter per day) and to summarize each chapter in their own words and then give themselves a personal application step for the day. To follow is what I put. Please feel free to comment with your own summary and application point as well.

7-10-09  James Chapter 5

1. James begins by reminding us not to hoard earthly wealth or resources.  He continues then by telling us to persevere, be patient and not grumble in the face of persecution.  He concludes by reminding us that prayer should be our first option, not our last resort.

2.  Today is my day off which also means it’s the day I sit down to pay the bills.  As I’m going through our finances today I’m going to do a check-up on our financial situation.  Are we being good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with?  Have we found the right balance between saving for the future and being gernerous to others today?  I’ll reconfirm to God that it’s all His anyway and that I’m open to what He wants.

James Chapter 4

by Leave a Comment

Note: This post is part of the James challenge where I encouraged everyone to read through the book of James (chapter per day) and to summarize each chapter in their own words and then give themselves a personal application step for the day. To follow is what I put. Please feel free to comment with your own summary and application point as well.

7-9-09  James Chapter 4

1.  Many times instead of trusting God for what we want or need, we don’t humble ourselves and wait for God’s timing to bring it to us.  Instead we forge ahead with wrong motives and trample and slander people along the way to get what we want.  James says is there any wonder that there are fights and quarrels amongst you.  James goes on then to remind us that life is short.  Therefore we shouldn’t be boasting about the future but rather taking it a day at a time.

2.  Today in light of what we read I will try to fully obey what Paul instructed in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself”.

James Chapter 3

by Leave a Comment

Note: This post is part of the James challenge where I encouraged everyone to read through the book of James (chapter per day) and to summarize each chapter in their own words and then give themselves a personal application step for the day. To follow is what I put. Please feel free to comment with your own summary and application point as well.

7-8-09 James Chapter 3

1. The little things usually make the biggest difference. James says it’s no different with the tongue. What he’s getting at is our speech is so important, but yet we just blurt things right out, many times not thinking about the impact on others. James goes on to say that envy and selfish ambition are not wise.

2. James in chapter one said to be “quick to listen and slow to speak” now today he’s talking about taming the tongue. Anything you repeat like that must be pretty important, so today I will remember that like money, time and possessions, my words are a resource that God has given me and I must “spend” them carefully…in other words, I will be a good steward of my words today.

James Chapter 2

by Leave a Comment

Note: This post is part of the James challenge where I encouraged everyone to read through the book of James (chapter per day) and to summarize each chapter in their own words and then give themselves a personal application step for the day. To follow is what I put. Please feel free to comment with your own summary and application point as well.

7/7/09    James Chapter 2

1.  So many times we judge people by their outward appearance…do they have money, are they good looking, dress nice, etc.  What is even worse is when we give people special treatment just because of one of the above.  God doesn’t operate that way and wants us to love all people equally.  James also tells us to “walk our talk”.  It’s not enough simply to believe soemthing or say we believe soemthing, we prove we truly believe by our actions.

2.  Today as I meet with people and go throughout our community I will consciously see all people as people whom Jesus loves and died for…nothing more and nothing less.  Then if presented with an opportunity I will share that with them.

James Chapter 1

by Leave a Comment

Note: This post is part of the James challenge where I encouraged everyone to read through the book of James (chapter per day) and to summarize each chapter in their own words and then give themselves a personal application step for the day. To follow is what I put. Please feel free to comment with your own summary and application point as well.

7-6-09   James chapter 1:

1.  We shouldn’t complain about trials and temptations, but rather accept them as something God is allowing in our lives so that we can grow to become more like Him.  Also James says that it’s not enough just to hear the truth, we must act upon it as well…in other words, if you don’t apply God’s Word to your life, then your religion is worthless.

2.  James says that we must be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Today as I’m in meetings I will attempt to listen much more than I speak.