He Is With You

the way [is] not being fond of money, enough that he is with you for he himself says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5)

To find that it is enough that he is with us, that he will never leave nor forsake us, is very profitable for those who seek the way.

The deceit of earthly riches is one way the devil tries to choke out our growth. We loose our way if we are fond or love money, as the love of money is the root of all evil and we can not serve two masters as we will only be devoted to one. Other ways the devil tries to defeat us is to afflict us so that we are burdened down by anxieties and cares of this world, and through persecution. Things that become deeply rooted in our lives become like walls impossible to overcome. But God offers a way and he is powerful above all that we can think or imagine.

any wise and understanding among you? From your good way of life show his works in gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13)

James writes that the purpose of endurance has the intended work to mature us (James 1:4). And if we lack wisdom to find the way to endure ask God in faith and he will supply (James 1:5). Every good gift and maturing gift comes down from our heavenly Father so that according to his plan he brings us forth through the word of truth so we exist fruit of his creation (James 1:17-18). We are a new creation in Christ according to his plan so that we mature into the likeness of the image of Christ. The source of our boasting and the demonstration of God's power through weakness will distinguish God's wisdom from that of men.

According to James, wisdom comes from the God of lights being revealed to the ones who ask in faith. How do we receive wisdom? Firstly, the source of God's wisdom is Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). Secondly, we must be rooted and founded in faith and love (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:7) so to grow up to endure the thorns. Thus the word is implanted in us so that it grows up to bear fruit (James 1:21). Thirdly, we receive the word in meekness. Lastly, it is gift, an effect of grace so it is not according to works, lest we boast.* This is how we mature, becoming a doer and not a hearer only.

all good gifts and all maturing gifts exist from above coming down from the Father of light... (James 1:17)

What does wisdom look like? The Sunday school answer is Jesus, the more practical answer is that every good gift of wisdom that comes down is so that we mature. The gifted wisdom provides the way; the way out of temptation, the way to deal with persecution, distress, and affliction... Wisdom points us to true north, establishing us in the way. The practical application of wisdom comes through God's power and the knowledge of Jesus.

Not only is Jesus our wisdom, and righteousness and redemption but he is also our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). When we are saved, we are given all for life and godliness through the knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3). This understanding takes a huge burden off our shoulders and puts them on God's. We know the key to godliness and life is based upon maturity through the "knowledge of him." It is through the knowledge of him because he is our wisdom so that we grow in grace and in knowledge of him, maturing into the statute of his image through the knowledge of him (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:13-16). This is what God purposed in Christ Ephesians 1 tells us.

what then shall we say in response to these things? if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31).

Wisdom from God penetrates head knowledge into the experiential of God's promises and power. For example a practical application of wisdom that God has shown me which gets me through persecution and offense, is to know that God is with me. If he is for me who can be against me? To know that he cares and is with me is a powerful realization of his sovereignty and power. Wisdom that comes down from above gives us practical ways to endure hardships. Sometimes we might not receive wisdom the first time so the trial is repeated. It is God who justifies and condemns, not men. It is a powerful thing to know that he is with you, that nothing, nor no one, neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution... nor death, nor life... nor powers, nor rulers... can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:34-39). He is with you.

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...

True Widows: A Biblical Perspective

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Word Of Life

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life. " 1 Jesus is the Word, He was in the beginning with God. 2 All things were made through Him. He is the Word and Light of men, the way, the path, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." 4 Thus we can say as the Psalmist, Jesus, the Word, is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path. 5 "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." 6 Concerning the Word of Life, " the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life ," Proclaimed, that our joy may be complete, a glory like that in the beginning, fellowship with the Father, with one another, and with his Son Jesus Christ, the Word of Life. "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot...

The New Living Way

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New Testament Love: Loving One Another as Christ’s Brethren

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Putting On the New Self

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Persuasion and Free Will in the New Testament: A God Who Wins Hearts

🕊️ Persuasion and Free Will in the New Testament: A God Who Wins Hearts, Not Controls Them Introduction The New Testament presents a radical vision of divine-human relationship—one not built on coercion or fear, but on persuasion, transformation, and love. At the heart of this vision lies the Greek word πίστις ( pistis ), commonly translated as "faith," but etymologically rooted in the idea of being persuaded. This nuance reframes faith not as blind submission, but as a reasoned, Spirit-led transformation of ones mind. It suggests that God, rather than demanding robotic obedience, lovingly persuades us of His goodness, inviting us into willing devotion. Faith as Persuasion: The Divine Appeal Paul’s declaration in Ephesians 2:7 (MOUNCE) captures the persuasive nature of God’s grace: “... so that in the ages to come he might show the incomparable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus .” This is not the language of domination—it is the language...

Fear and Love in the New Testament: Reconciling The Tension

🕊️ Fear and Love in the New Testament: Reconciling The Tension The New Testament presents a rich tapestry of theological themes, to be sought in a spirit of wisdom and understanding. Among the most seemingly paradoxical are the concepts of fear and love . At first glance, they appear to be opposing forces—one rooted in reverence or dread, the other in intimacy and assurance. Yet Scripture does not treat them as mutually exclusive. Instead, it invites believers into a nuanced, relationship with both, characterized by subtle shades of meaning revealing that fear and love, rightly understood, are not contradictory but complementary in the life of faith. 💖 Love That Casts Out Fear In 1 John 4:18 , the apostle John writes with striking clarity: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and the one who fears has not been perfected in love.” (ESV) This verse is often cited to emphasize the security believers have in God's lo...

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

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The Persuasion of Faith: Theological Foundations of Trust, Persuasion, and Transformation

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