James 1:26-27; Psalm 139:7-24

James 1:26-27
OK, here's a warning about that pesky tongue again! Apparently, how we control our tongues is a pretty good indicator of how spiritual we are. We'll be seeing this again in chapter 3.

In the same paragraph we see that it pleases God to do good for people who cannot reciprocate. In New Testament times, widows and orphans had few options for supporting themselves. God instructed the church to take care of these helpless ones. To give with no expectation of receiving is still pleasing to the Lord.

Psalm 139:7-24  What does Psalm 139 say about God?

• God is all-knowing and all-seeing. vv. 1-6  And He sees us as individuals.
• God is omni-present or everywhere present. vv. 7-12.   We can't escape God's presence even if we wanted to. Everything and everyone is always in the immediate presence of God.
• God, the Creator, is still creating. Every baby that is conceived is a part of God's handiwork. vv. 13-16  These verses are powerful evidence that human life begins at conception. Therefore, as hard as it may be to accept, abortion is taking a human life that is made in the image of God. 
• God considers us important, even precious. vv. 17-18  When we suffer from low self-esteeem, we should meditate on Psalm 139. After all, God doesn't make inferior merchandise!

David considered his enemies the enemies of God. vv. 19-22 We will sometimes feel the same anger David did with those who seem to be God's enemies. We must remember however, that it is God Himself who must deal with them. Actually, our job is to pray that they will turn from their wicked ways and recognize their need for a Savior before God's judgment becomes necessary. Remember that Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world.

vv. 23-24 has been called "exploratory surgery" for sin! We all tend to kid ourselves about our sin--that it's not so bad, not as bad as some other people, etc. These verses are a good prayer to help us to be truly honest about ourselves.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."  When God shows us our sin, we can repent and be forgiven.