http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/-t1.htm Do you receive devotionals in your email inbox? Feel free to post some of your favorites. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:56:44 GMT 10 http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/11/98/56/13/solas10.jpg http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/-t1.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-4-1-thessalonians-13c-t629.htm LaRosa Prayer of Thanksgiving: Part 4 - 1 Thessalonians 1:3c Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, August 24, 2009 In our past few times together, we have seen Paul beginning to build a magnificent blessing of thanksgiving to God the Father on behalf of the believers in Thessalonica. From his continual thanksgiving to his abundance of prayer, Paul is nothing but encouraged by these believers. When we were last together, we looked at one of the things that Paul was thankful for, which was these ... Devotionals Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:56:44 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-4-1-thessalonians-13c-t629.htm#2679 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-4-1-thessalonians-13c-t629.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-3-1-thessalonians-13-t628.htm LaRosa Prayer of Thanksgiving: Part 3 - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Paul's abundant prayer life has become evident in our previous two studies. In verse 2 we saw him constantly giving thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers. And, in the first part of verse 3 we found him continually bearing them in mind as he approached God in prayer. Now, when Paul was praying, he mentions that there were particular things that were at the forefront of his ... Devotionals Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:38:21 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-3-1-thessalonians-13-t628.htm#2678 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-3-1-thessalonians-13-t628.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-2-1-thessalonians-13-t627.htm LaRosa Prayer of Thanksgiving: Part 2 - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, August 12, 2009 When we looked at verse 2, it became abundantly clear that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had a deeply intimately relationship with the believers in Thessalonica. This compassion became evident in their prayers and the multitude of thanks that they offered up to God on their behalf. If that wasn't enough, as we move on to verse 3, we begin to see Paul elaborating on the details that ... Devotionals Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:21:43 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-2-1-thessalonians-13-t627.htm#2677 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-of-thanksgiving-part-2-1-thessalonians-13-t627.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-3-1-thessalonians-11c-t624.htm LaRosa Opening Greetings: Part 3 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1c Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, July 24, 2009 We've covered two-thirds of 1 Thessalonians' opening greeting; today we will look at the final third. Thus far, we have looked at the authors (Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy), as well as the recipients (the group of believers in Thessalonica), and we have unearthed a wealth of information from just a handful of words. Today, we will conclude by studying the formal greeting that Paul gave to ... Devotionals Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:23:05 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-3-1-thessalonians-11c-t624.htm#2669 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-3-1-thessalonians-11c-t624.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-2-1-thessalonians-11b-t622.htm LaRosa Opening Greetings: Part 2 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1b Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Last time, we started our verse-by-verse study by looking at the first part of Paul's introduction in 1 Thessalonians 1:1. In that lesson we detailed the typical salutation used in Greco-Roman letters which included the author(s), followed by the recipient(s), and then the greeting. We have already looked at the authors of this epistle (Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy), so our focus now turns ... Devotionals Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:22:59 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-2-1-thessalonians-11b-t622.htm#2667 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-2-1-thessalonians-11b-t622.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-1-1-thessalonians-11a-t621.htm LaRosa Opening Greetings: Part 1 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1a Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, July 17, 2009 Confident that we've spent an adequate amount of time laying the foundational groundwork for this epistle, we are now ready to start our verse-by-verse study of 1 Thessalonians. As always, we're going to start with chapter 1, verse 1 and work our way through the entirety of the letter. To begin our study, we are going to spend a little bit of time looking at the opening greeting or salutation. ... Devotionals Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:21:08 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-1-1-thessalonians-11a-t621.htm#2666 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/opening-greetings-part-1-1-thessalonians-11a-t621.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-5-overview-t619.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 Overview Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, July 15, 2009 We have walked through 1 Thessalonians chapter by chapter, surveying the contents of Paul's epistle. In many ways, we have seen that this is one big thank you letter to Thessalonica Bible Church from the Apostle Paul. Today, we conclude our overview with a survey of chapter five. It is in this chapter that Paul gives some final words of encouragement to these believers before closing his letter. If ... Devotionals Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:10:17 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-5-overview-t619.htm#2664 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-5-overview-t619.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-4-overview-t618.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 Overview Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, July 13, 2009 Thus far, in our survey of 1 Thessalonians, Paul has primarily spent the first three chapters reflecting upon his time with the Thessalonians and praising them for their faithfulness. It is not until the fourth chapter that Paul begins to delve into instructional teaching, which is what he dedicates the remainder of his epistle to. Today, our attention will be given to surveying this fourth chapter; so, ... Devotionals Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:53:36 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-4-overview-t618.htm#2663 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-4-overview-t618.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-3-overview-t617.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Overview Written by LaRosa Johnson Thursday, July 02, 2009 So far, in our overview of 1 Thessalonians, much of what we have encountered has been Paul expressing his love and appreciation for Thessalonica Bible Church and recalling the ministry that was performed during his brief stay in the city. Our study today, in chapter 3, remains very much in line with what Paul has already covered. This chapter is more of a recap, at least for us as readers, and gives ... Devotionals Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:06:21 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-3-overview-t617.htm#2661 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-3-overview-t617.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/evolution-2-corinthians-516-17-t614.htm LaRosa Evolution - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Written by LaRosa Johnson Fri, 06/12/2009 Artist: 116 Clique (Sho Baraka) Song: Evolution Album: 13 Letters You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialise correctly. This devotion is written with several things in mind and on my heart this morning, and I also think it fits in perfectly with what we recently studied in the epistle of James over the past year ... Devotionals Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:25:45 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/evolution-2-corinthians-516-17-t614.htm#2649 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/evolution-2-corinthians-516-17-t614.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-1-overview-t610.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1 Overview Written by LaRosa Johnson Wed, 06/10/2009 Having looked at 1 Thessalonians as a whole, we now want to begin to digest things a bit further as we begin to survey each chapter. Today, we're going to focus our attention on the first chapter and get a broad look at how Paul opened his letter to Thessalonica Bible Church. So, if hearts and minds are ready for the study of spiritual truth, let's dive in. First looking back at our general outline for ... Devotionals Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:18:19 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-1-overview-t610.htm#2641 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-chapter-1-overview-t610.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-overview-t608.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Overview Written by LaRosa Johnson Thu, 06/04/2009 Now that we've taken an adequate amount of time doing the background work and have set the scene, we are now ready to begin taking a look at Paul's first epistle to the Thessalonians, which is also believed to be his first epistle overall. But we aren't ready to dive into the verse-by-verse study just yet. First, we want to take time to look at the letter as a whole and become familiar with the overarching themes so that ... Devotionals Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:13:05 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-overview-t608.htm#2625 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-overview-t608.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-3-t606.htm LaRosa 1 Thessalonians Introduction: Part 3 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tue, 06/02/2009 Continuing where we left off in our introduction to Paul's epistle to the Thessalonians, we want to spend our time today looking at the circumstances that led Paul to pen a letter to this group of believers. To do that, we're going to look at the account that was given to us by one of Paul's traveling companion, Luke the physician, who penned the gospel of the same name, as well as Acts. So, if hearts and ... Devotionals Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:09:34 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-3-t606.htm#2617 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-3-t606.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/66-books-matthew-2229-psalm-12-isaiah-408-t594.htm LaRosa http://www.trailblazinministries.com/devotions/66-books-b-morr (click here if u wanna hear the accompanying song) Artist: B. Morr Song: 66 Books Album: Self Denial You know, one of the things that I enjoy most about the Bible is that it has been able to stand the test of time and any criticism that has come its way over the course of centuries. No matter what schemes people have come up with to disprove the validity of the Bible, there is always something unearthed that continues ... Devotionals Fri, 22 May 2009 12:56:59 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/66-books-matthew-2229-psalm-12-isaiah-408-t594.htm#2577 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/66-books-matthew-2229-psalm-12-isaiah-408-t594.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-2-t591.htm LaRosa To begin our study in 1 Thessalonians, it's only appropriate that we begin by getting some background information on the city that we're dealing with. Just like you wouldn't move to a new city without first finding out some pertinent information, you shouldn't begin studying a book of the Bible without first getting yourself oriented to the geography, culture, and people that the author is writing to or about. If you don't have that basic information, it becomes very easy to put your own spin ... Devotionals Thu, 21 May 2009 12:55:42 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-2-t591.htm#2568 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-2-t591.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-1-t590.htm LaRosa "To the church of the Thessalonians…" As we embark upon our next expositional book study, I think it’s best that we start slowly and put first things first. Before we dive right into a verse-by-verse study of a new epistle, it’s important that we first lay the ground work for this letter, which includes some fact finding and answering basic questions such as: who? what? where? when? and why? Over the course of the next few studies, that is what we’re going to focus on before we ... Devotionals Thu, 21 May 2009 12:53:55 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-1-t590.htm#2567 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/1-thessalonians-introduction-part-1-t590.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-holy-spirit-is-the-comforter-but-jesus-is-the-comfort-t584.htm Michael The Holy Spirit is the Comforter--but Jesus is the Comfort! (Charles Spurgeon) "The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit." John 14:26 This age is especially the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers us, not by His personal presence, as He shall do in glory--but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Spirit, who is evermore the Comforter of His people. It is His office to console the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; He illuminates ... Devotionals Mon, 18 May 2009 14:23:46 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-holy-spirit-is-the-comforter-but-jesus-is-the-comfort-t584.htm#2511 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-holy-spirit-is-the-comforter-but-jesus-is-the-comfort-t584.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/if-god-predetermines-everything-why-pray-t529.htm Michael If God Predetermines Everything, Why Pray? As a Christian who holds to what are appropriately called the doctrines of grace, this is a question often posed. Those who are on the other side of the issue of Calvinism, often wonder why it is we pray, even though God has determined all things before we were even born. I think that's a reasonable question. It's one I had myself before I came to really understand the doctrines of grace. I could write a whole chapter's worth of information ... Devotionals Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:35:54 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/if-god-predetermines-everything-why-pray-t529.htm#2211 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/if-god-predetermines-everything-why-pray-t529.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-5-james-519-20-t521.htm LaRosa Prayer and Restoration: Part 5 - James 5:19-20 Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, December 01, 2008 After giving encouraging instruction on prayer, James closes his epistle with one final appeal for his readers. If we look at the sum total of this letter, we can easily see that James spent a lot of time correcting misunderstandings and incorrect attitudes of believers, in essence correcting the misguided believer. With that, he sums up the letter with some heartening words for those who ... Devotionals Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:23:22 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-5-james-519-20-t521.htm#2179 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-5-james-519-20-t521.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-4-james-517-18-t520.htm LaRosa Prayer and Restoration: Part 4 - James 5:17-18 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, November 26, 2008 In the past few verses, we have seen James give significant instructions on prayer from the weary calling the elders of the church to the importance of sharing our struggles with other believers so that they can pray alongside. As we saw in our last study, he ended verse 16 with a statement as to the effectiveness and fervency of prayer. In our passage today, James continues with this ... Devotionals Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:33:34 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-4-james-517-18-t520.htm#2178 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-4-james-517-18-t520.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-3-james-516-t519.htm LaRosa Prayer and Restoration: Part 3 - James 5:16 Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, November 24, 2008 In our previous lesson, we looked at James' instructions for the weary to call the elders for prayer as a means of receiving spiritual refreshment. The passage concluded with a note on the forgiveness of sins, being that during prayer, any sins committed will be forgiven. Today's lesson continues in that same line of thought as we move forward to verse 16 where we find more talk on confession ... Devotionals Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:08:29 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-3-james-516-t519.htm#2177 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-3-james-516-t519.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-2-james-514-15-t518.htm LaRosa Prayer and Restoration: Part 2 - James 5:14-15 Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, November 21, 2008 In addressing the close of his epistle to the suffering and persecuted, James has primarily focused on the character and conduct that they are to have. In verse 13 he shifted the focus to prayer and praise, depicting what we need to be doing at the appropriate time. In today's passage, James goes on to give instruction for those who are facing these circumstances. He realized that they ... Devotionals Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:52:26 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-2-james-514-15-t518.htm#2176 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-2-james-514-15-t518.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-1-james-513-t516.htm LaRosa Prayer and Restoration: Part 1 - James 5:13 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, November 18, 2008 If the words of encouragement that James had given weren't enough, he closes out this epistle with a final charge for those who are facing persecution, and it's something that he hasn't mentioned at all up to this point. He's already told them to be patient and to remain steadfast in character, but now he is emphasizing something that will help in carrying out what he had already instructed. ... Devotionals Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:24:51 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-1-james-513-t516.htm#2174 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/prayer-and-restoration-part-1-james-513-t516.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-4-james-512-t513.htm LaRosa Be Patient: Part 4 - James 5:12 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, November 05, 2008 Over the past few studies, we have taken a look at a handful of verses where James is writing to encourage believers who are under oppression and persecution. A large part of his message to them was encouraging them to remain patient and steadfast in living out the Christian life. In doing so, both reason and example were given as to the need for patience, from the soon return of the Lord to the prophets ... Devotionals Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:46:51 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-4-james-512-t513.htm#2166 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-4-james-512-t513.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-3-james-510-11-t512.htm LaRosa Be Patient: Part 3 - James 5:10-11 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, November 04, 2008 For those believers who are enduring oppression and persecution at the hands of others, James' words of encouragement are to be patient. In previous verses, we have seen the imperative to be patient, including a farming example to solidify the thought in the minds of his readers. He even encouraged them to remain steadfast in their walk, realizing that the coming of the Lord is near. Today, James ... Devotionals Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:23:22 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-3-james-510-11-t512.htm#2165 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-3-james-510-11-t512.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-2-james-59-t511.htm LaRosa Be Patient: Part 2 - James 5:9 Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, October 31, 2008 Having taken a look at James' words of comfort to his readers, we see a strong sense of concern and care for these believers. In the midst of their circumstances and oppression, he encourages them to remain patient in doing the right thing, reminding them that the Lord is soon to return. Today, we continue our look at James' consoling words as he now turns to their manner of conduct and how they should ... Devotionals Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:41:24 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-2-james-59-t511.htm#2162 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-2-james-59-t511.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-1-james-57-8-t509.htm LaRosa Be Patient: Part 1 - James 5:7-8 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, October 29, 2008 After spending six verses condemning the rich, James turns his focus to those who were being persecuted by their rich oppressors. His purpose here is to give them encouragement and provide a means of comfort so that they can continue to walk in a Christlike manner even in the midst of their affliction. This passage spans multiple verses, from verses 7 to 12, but today we're only going to focus in on ... Devotionals Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:11:06 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-1-james-57-8-t509.htm#2159 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/be-patient-part-1-james-57-8-t509.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-3-james-54-6-t508.htm LaRosa Warning to the Rich: Part 3 - James 5:4-6 Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, October 27, 2008 Up to this point, we've seen quite a bit of talk concerning these rich believers. James has told them that they need to mourn and weep for the miseries that were about to come upon them. He then went on to detail the kind of misery that they would encounter as a means of divine judgment, which was the loss of their wealth. With everything that has been said thus far, the one thing that hasn't ... Devotionals Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:08:45 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-3-james-54-6-t508.htm#2158 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-3-james-54-6-t508.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-2-james-52-3-t507.htm LaRosa Warning to the Rich: Part 2 - James 5:2-3 Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, October 24, 2008 Now that we know who James is referring to in this particular passage, a group of rich believers who are walking in carnality, let us continue on in our study of the text as we move forward to verses 2 and 3. It is here that we find James progressing in his judgment and condemnation towards these believers as we begin to see why these rich were commanded to weep and howl. If hearts and minds ... Devotionals Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:59:37 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-2-james-52-3-t507.htm#2156 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-2-james-52-3-t507.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-1-james-51-t502.htm LaRosa Warning to the Rich: Part 1 - James 5:1 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, October 14, 2008 When last we were together, we gave a complete overview of the entire chapter of James 5. Today we're going to dive right into the text and begin to extract the Biblical truth and see what James has to say concerning the rich. Our study today is going to focus on the first verse as we get a picture of who James is addressing at this point in the letter and what he had to say to them. To begin, ... Devotionals Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:22:04 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-1-james-51-t502.htm#2122 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-to-the-rich-part-1-james-51-t502.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/chapter-5-overview-james-5-t492.htm LaRosa Chapter 5 Overview - James 5 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, October 01, 2008 We have finally reached the final chapter in our James devotion series. Over the course of the first four chapters, we have learned quite a bit about living out our faith. As we have seen thus far, there has been a natural progression in the content that James has delivered; each topic has built upon the previous one and presents the reader with an astounding amount of practical application. Chapter 5 ... Devotionals Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:29:08 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/chapter-5-overview-james-5-t492.htm#2096 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/chapter-5-overview-james-5-t492.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/make-my-life-a-prayer-to-you-t485.htm Jewel Hey Guys. For those that know me (I mean really know me) I am an OLD HEAD. I like hymns and praise and worship music from way back in the day. Anyway, there is this guy that we use to listen to in the 80's named Keith Green. He came out with music in the late 70's/ early 80's, so you can imagine what the music sounds like. BUT!!!! The words! GOOD GRIEF. Man...its just killer. I was listening to a song this morning and it really touched me, so I thought I'd share the lyrics. ... Devotionals Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:46:19 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/make-my-life-a-prayer-to-you-t485.htm#2083 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/make-my-life-a-prayer-to-you-t485.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/it-s-sin-james-417-t480.htm LaRosa It's Sin! - James 4:17 Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, September 12, 2008 Sin always induces intense conversation and usually leaves people with a myriad of emotions. After having spent four chapters discussing practical Christianity and the steps necessary to walk in the Spirit, James now hits the topic of sin head on with his final verse of chapter 4. This chapter was particularly in-depth in its discussion on sin, and it's only fitting that James would give us a summary statement ... Devotionals Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:52:19 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/it-s-sin-james-417-t480.htm#2069 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/it-s-sin-james-417-t480.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/beware-of-prideful-boasting-james-413-16-t478.htm LaRosa Beware of Prideful Boasting - James 4:13-16 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Up to this point, the entirety of James 4 has dealt with the issue of carnality and returning to right fellowship with the Lord. As we reach the close of this chapter, James gives yet another warning concerning sin, and this is one that many find themselves taking part in, whether we're aware of it or not. Unlike the overt sins that were spoken of in the beginning of the chapter, this particular ... Devotionals Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:16:21 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/beware-of-prideful-boasting-james-413-16-t478.htm#2058 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/beware-of-prideful-boasting-james-413-16-t478.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/don-t-judge-your-brother-james-411-12-t466.htm LaRosa Don't Judge Your Brother - James 4:11-12 Written by LaRosa Johnson Thursday, August 21, 2008 Now that we have finished our look at the imperatives from James 4:7-10, which gave the remedy to overcoming worldly desires, we are ready to move on to our next passage of Scripture. Not deviating too much from our previous subject matter, today's passage takes a look at a reality that is common in many circles: slander and judging one another. In all actuality, this passage speaks back to the ... Devotionals Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:18:03 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/don-t-judge-your-brother-james-411-12-t466.htm#2011 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/don-t-judge-your-brother-james-411-12-t466.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-7-james-410-t457.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 7 - James 4:10 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Having looked at nine imperatives, we have finally reached the tenth and final imperative that James has given as a remedy to the worldly indulgences that his readers were giving themselves over to. Their sinful state wasn't a pretty picture, but James has given them clear instructions over the course of these nine imperatives, showing them the steps that they need to take in order to ... Devotionals Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:54:25 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-7-james-410-t457.htm#1974 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-7-james-410-t457.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-6-james-49-t456.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 6 - James 4:9 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Now that we are in verse 9 of this passage, we have looked at half of the imperatives that James has given concerning the matter of turning from worldliness. Up to this point, James has instructed his readers to submit to God & resist the devil (v. 7), draw near to God, cleanse their hands and purify their hearts (v. . So far, all of these have dealt with the actual turning away from ... Devotionals Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:58:48 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-6-james-49-t456.htm#1970 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-6-james-49-t456.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-5-james-48-t452.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 5 - James 4:8 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, July 29, 2008 In our previous study, we looked at what it meant for a Jew to be ceremonially clean and saw how that related to James' plea for moral cleansing in the lives of Christians when he stated, "cleanse your hands, you sinners." This cleansing does not stand by itself though, at least not in this context. Along with having clean hands, James tells his readers that they also need to purify ... Devotionals Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:13:36 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-5-james-48-t452.htm#1952 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-5-james-48-t452.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-4-james-48-t445.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 4 - James 4:8 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, July 23, 2008 We are still in James 4:8 where we are taking a close look at the imperatives that are contained within. In our previous time together, we spent a good amount of time discussing what it means to "draw near" and walking through both the Old and New Testaments to get a comprehensive understanding of what that means. Our study today takes a look at the first half of the second sentence ... Devotionals Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:13:08 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-4-james-48-t445.htm#1934 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-4-james-48-t445.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-3-james-48-t423.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 3 - James 4:8 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, 08 July 2008 In our previous study, we laid the groundwork for our look at the imperatives found in verses 7 to 10 as we saw how foundational the first two were in setting the tone for the remaining imperatives. Today, we are focusing in on verse 8, which gives us a total of three imperatives, with the last two being closely related and something that James' readers would have been all too familiar with ... Devotionals Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:17:14 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-3-james-48-t423.htm#1843 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-3-james-48-t423.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-2-james-47-t414.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 2 - James 4:7 Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, 01 July 2008 After some introductory work, we are now ready to begin our look at the ten aorist imperatives that James gave to his readers as a remedy to their current state of worldliness. In looking at these imperatives, we're going to take it one verse at a time, with the number of imperatives increasing with each verse, from verse 7 to verse 9, and concluding with a final imperative in verse 10. Our ... Devotionals Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:07:43 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-2-james-47-t414.htm#1808 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-2-james-47-t414.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-1-james-47-10-t407.htm LaRosa The Remedy to Worldliness: Part 1 - James 4:7-10 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, 25 June 2008 We have spent the first six verses of James 4 looking at the problem of worldliness and the trouble that believers can get into when they choose to chase after their lustful pleasures, instead of following the ways of the Lord. We have seen how it can lead to envy that can ultimately result in murder. This is far from the Christian way of life that God envisions for us. Now that the problem ... Devotionals Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:01:18 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-1-james-47-10-t407.htm#1779 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/the-remedy-to-worldliness-part-1-james-47-10-t407.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-8-james-46b-t387.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 8 - James 4:6b Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, 17 June 2008 In our previous time together, we took a close look at what it means for God to give a greater grace. We detailed exactly what that greater grace was, and what this grace was greater than. Now that we have that comfortably under our belt, we can now move on to the second half of James 4:6. Our passage today is a look at God's reaction to the proud, as well as His reaction to those ... Devotionals Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:20:23 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-8-james-46b-t387.htm#1719 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-8-james-46b-t387.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-7-james-46a-t378.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 7 - James 4:6a Written by LaRosa Johnson Thursday, 12 June 2008 The last time we were together, we took a good look at some of the textual difficulties that were present in James 4:5 and how it tied into our understanding of verse 6. Today, we want to carry over what we learned from that study of the Scriptures so that we can walk away with the correct understanding of verse 6. We covered the difficulties last time, so we won't waste time there; ... Devotionals Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:05:18 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-7-james-46a-t378.htm#1686 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-7-james-46a-t378.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/special-thanks-to-larosa-t375.htm Michael LaRosa, I just want to thank you for faithfully posting your work. The study of the book of James has been a blessing. I don't get a chance to read them as much as I'd like, but your labour of love is greatly appreciated by me, as well as I am sure it is appreciated by others who are blessed to read them. As a brother who has worked tirelessly on a similar ministry, I definitely understand the hard work and dedicated effort it takes to get those messages out timely. Thank your ... Devotionals Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:35:02 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/special-thanks-to-larosa-t375.htm#1681 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/special-thanks-to-larosa-t375.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-6-james-45-t357.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 6 - James 4:5 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, 04 June 2008 Up to this point, we have been looking at James' harsh words towards those who were giving in to their worldly passions and desires. Most recently, he was telling them that befriending the world is to make oneself an enemy of God. Our passage today continues that thought, but it presents some interesting interpretive challenges, which we will spend a fair amount of time taking a ... Devotionals Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:05:26 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-6-james-45-t357.htm#1600 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-6-james-45-t357.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-5-james-44-t329.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 5 - James 4:4 Written by LaRosa Johnson Wednesday, 21 May 2008 Last time we spent our entire study looking at the implications and importance of a single word. In that study, we got a full understanding of what it means to commit adultery and the reason why James chose to call his readers "adulteresses" as opposed to something else. Today, we are going to continue and conclude our look at verse 4, picking things up right where we left off. So, ... Devotionals Wed, 21 May 2008 12:40:22 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-5-james-44-t329.htm#1469 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-5-james-44-t329.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-4-james-44-t322.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 4 - James 4:4 Written by LaRosa Johnson Monday, 19 May 2008 With the first few verses of this chapter, we have taken a good amount of time covering the in's and out's of the quarrels and fights that were taking place amongst these believers; we got so far as to find out that the root was lustful desires and passions, even so far as going to the Lord praying for Him to fulfill their evil desires. In our passage today, James is beginning his rebuke ... Devotionals Mon, 19 May 2008 13:12:12 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-4-james-44-t322.htm#1442 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-4-james-44-t322.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-3-james-42b-3-t318.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 3 - James 4:2b-3 Written by LaRosa Johnson Friday, 16 May 2008 In our previous study, we took a look at the first two sentences of James 4:2 to get a more precise look at what James is accusing these Jewish believers of. We saw that they were lusting and fighting with one another because they could not get it, which eventually ended in murder in some cases. This is a very tragic situation for James to have to deal with; yet, we know that under ... Devotionals Fri, 16 May 2008 12:09:06 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-3-james-42b-3-t318.htm#1416 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-3-james-42b-3-t318.htm http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-2-james-42a-t312.htm LaRosa Warning Against Worldly Indulgences: Part 2 - James 4:2a Written by LaRosa Johnson Tuesday, 13 May 2008 In our previous study, we took a look at James' rhetorical question concerning the very serious matter of quarrels and disputes among believers in the assembly. In the study, we outlined the depth of this conflict as well as the source (lust) that was at the root of such disputes. Today, in verse 2, James continues to describe the problem and the source of the conflicts that have arisen ... Devotionals Tue, 13 May 2008 11:47:03 GMT http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-2-james-42a-t312.htm#1390 http://byhisgrace.heavenforum.com/devotionals-f12/warning-against-worldly-indulgences-part-2-james-42a-t312.htm