No Religion

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself form being polluted by the world.

- James 1:26-27 -

Photo courtesy: The Writing on the Wall

God desires a relationship with us, not religion.  There are many religions in the world, but there is only one God accepts; that is, to look after orphans and widows and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  It stresses the importance of relationship.  Religion is man-made, but relationship is from God.  Religion cannot save man; relationship with Jesus can. We can do all religious activities, practices, and traditions faithfully and religiously, and yet we do not keep ourselves in check if we act and speak accordingly.

The Promised Crown of Life

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

- James 1:12

Father God,

I praise You and worship You for Your mercy and faithfulness are new every morning! Thank You that I have a reward waiting for me -- eternal life! Lord, thank You for Your grace You are giving me to persevere under trial.  Lord, by Your grace I am able to stay faithful under pressure.  It's okay. This suffering is temporary.  There is an end to every suffering. I am looking forward to Your reward -- an everlasting reward: to be with You in eternity!

I give You all the glory and honor and praises that You alone deserve in Jesus' name. Amen!

[Journal entry: January 11, 2012]

Genuine Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.


But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

- James 3: 13-18