Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Okay, just because life gets tough, is that any reason to give up? Life can be tough! But remember this: there is somebody out there who has it worse than you, and they are fighting on. If they can, you can too. James writes in chapter 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into different temptations, knowing this: that the trying of your faith works patience. But, let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Ride it out. You’ll be better for it, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Man, there sure is a lot of unrest and tension in our world. At the same time, it seems like folks are all about feeding their desires with all the goodies in life, including, well, you know. James’ letter speaks to this. Chapter 4 begins: “Where do wars, and fightings come from among you? From your lusts, that war in your members.”
The original Greek word for ‘lust’ is where the word ‘hedonism’ comes from. It speaks of personal pleasure being the goal in life. That describes our society well, doesn’t it? The disciple’s life is one of disciplining ourselves, rather than gorging on stuff. Let’s be disciples of Jesus Christ, brothers and sisters.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
My grandfather had a farm in upstate New York. I remember him burning the field, like the Native Americans did, to increase the crop yield the following year. So I tried that once. Before I knew it, the fire was out of control. I took a broom and hit a spot, and it immediately started five more fires! I had to call for help to put it out.
In James 3, he talks about the tongue. In verse 5 through 6, we read: “Even so, the tongue is a little member and boasts great things, behold how great a matter a little fire kindles. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, and defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” Friend, we need to bridle our tongues to speak good things.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
At certain times of the year, in the early morning, there is a dew that appears on the grass. Then the sun arises and the dew evaporates very quickly. James says, “Our life is even a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).
Against the backdrop of eternity, our lives are really very short. We needto make them count for more than just this life. In Psalm 90:12, we find this encouraging prayer, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Make today count, my friend, as though eternity depended on it. May you havebeautiful day, too.