Daily: James - A Next Level Look - National Community Church

Interconnected

July 22, 2022 • Pastor Kiersten Telzerow • James 5:19–20

When I read James’ exhortation at the end I read this as– him saying– be concerned with the salvation of others around you. Be in prayer and be watchful when your brothers and sisters turn away from the faith. My part is to communicate the faith in such a way that I continuously live out the hope, the freedom, and the restoration that Jesus offers with my words and actions.

Dream, Pray, Think

July 21, 2022 • Pastor Kiersten Telzerow • James 5:16–18

James isn’t condemning us for not remembering– instead, he’s doing the opposite- he’s empowering us to remember and believe that our prayers matter. Our prayers make a difference. Our prayers have impact– so much so that they can cause rain to stop or rain to come. When was the last time you believed in the power and efficacy of your prayers THAT much?

Faith as a Muscle

July 20, 2022 • Pastor Kiersten Telzerow • James 5:12–15

Today we are going to dive into verses 12-15. There’s something so beautiful and powerful about a simple faith.

Present Suffering

July 19, 2022 • Pastor Kiersten Telzerow • James 5:10–11

Just when you think James is done with making his point about patience, he highlights it again, ultimately saying, “No, really, I don’t think you understood it in the last verse so let me say it again.” ”Blessed are those who persevere.”

Unhurried

July 18, 2022 • Pastor Kiersten Telzerow • James 5:7–9

Today’s verses, 7-9, are rooted in patience. Some coin it as “the patience in suffering” passage. Two words I don’t like very much- patience and suffering. Mostly because I’m not a big fan of processes in life. Maybe you can relate. I like structure and things that have a process from point A to point Z. I just do not like going through the process that isn’t systematic–meaning, I actually do not like going through things where there’s uncertainty of what to expect on the other side. Shocker– I know. It’s a regular wrestling I have.

God Hears

July 15, 2022 • Pastor Amber Phillips • James 5:4–6

James warns us about being too narrow-minded, too short-focused, that we lose sight of the coming return of Christ, and instead value our own self-confidence and self-reliance over God’s sovereignty. He warns us against arrogance in our relationships, our planning, and our finances.

Treasure That Lasts

July 14, 2022 • Pastor Amber Phillips • James 5:1–3

James is reminding us that at the end of the day, or at the end of times on judgment day, the wealth and material possessions that we have gathered will amount to nothing. But what will remain are the treasures that have been stored in heaven, as Matthew 6:19-21 describes.

Do Good

July 13, 2022 • Pastor Amber Phillips • James 4:17

The good we ought to do is about helping those within enough proximity of us to assist, in a timely manner. If we see a neighbor in need and have the power to act, that is our faith being put into action. Caring for the vulnerable in society, such as a child without guardians, is a sign of true religion. Faith is forged through action.

Life is a Mist

July 12, 2022 • Pastor Amber Phillips • James 4:13–16

As people that are just a mist, are we placing faith in our own self-confidence and personal willpower, or are we placing our faith in God’s plan and sovereignty? It requires humility to recognize that ultimately it is God’s plans that will come to fruition, and not our own.

God is Judge

July 11, 2022 • Pastor Amber Phillips • James 4:11–12

As we read and study this portion of James, it may feel most natural to start with an outward perspective. You may hear a verse that reminds you of someone else or seems to tell you something about society at large. It’s easy to view these scriptures through the lens of how it relates to others. Let’s challenge ourselves to instead start with an inward perspective.

Draw Near to God

July 8, 2022 • Pastor Jenni Clayville • James 4:7–10

James is encouraging his reader or hearer to humble themselves in repentance. To turn back and find their way back to God – a God who forgives. In humility, wisdom from above finds a true resting place in the lives of those willing to choose the kingdom of God over their own empire.

Everyday is New

July 7, 2022 • Pastor Jenni Clayville • James 4:4–6

Today’s deep dive can help us process through the things we do that we place at a higher importance than God and the Imago Dei. What overwhelms our minds during the day? Where do we spend our money? What algorithms show up in our social media feeds? So let’s think through that today, and reset to what God is asking of us. And we can do that because every day is a new day!

Asking From True Wisdom

July 6, 2022 • Pastor Jenni Clayville • James 4:1–3

Today, let’s ask God how we can resolve the disputes and conflicts in our lives and begin to ask for the things that come from His true wisdom.

True Wisdom

July 5, 2022 • Pastor Jenni Clayville • James 3:17–18

What counts is the godly life reflected in action resulting from genuine faith and wisdom. This kind of wisdom is not proud, self-serving, and contentious, but instead, pure, generous, peaceable, humble, and sincere. So today, let’s tap into the true wisdom that God has given us access to. Let’s be the people of peace.

Wisdom From Above

July 4, 2022 • Pastor Jenni Clayville • James 3:13–16

James’ “wisdom from above” is not about how to “get ahead” in life or how to achieve worldly success. It’s about how we reflect the life of Christ, the one who identified himself as meek and lowly. Anything that generates jealousy or selfish ambition is a denial of the teaching of Jesus. James is saying that every ostensibly “good” thing that earthly wisdom produces is at best morally worthless.

National Community Church

Daily: James - A Next Level Look

June 13 - July 22