If we backtrack in this same chapter, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, commends many of the fellow servants in the Church. Listen to his commendation:

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ… Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise, greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion, my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.”

Conclusion: Someone has said, if you study the real thing (God’s Word), then you will be able to detect the counterfeit very easily. Can you detect false teaching?

The word “confess” is ἐξομολογέω (ex-om-ol-og-eh’-o), which means to acknowledge, or even to give thanks, or perhaps acknowledge a debt. Truthfully, one of the most difficult things after becoming a Christian is admitting our failures. Why? Because it often makes us FEEL BAD! We do not want to feel bad unless God the Holy Spirit is convicting us, which means we are God’s children (see Heb. 12:5-11).

Yet, much like dreading a visit to the dentist for an extraction or filling because of the initial pain, ultimately, afterward, it brings great RELIEF! And so it is with our walk with Jesus. Having sweet fellowship with Him through confession and cleansing makes it well worth taking a step of obedience with transparency.

However, we need to add a word of CAUTION: Beware of sharing confidential information with just anybody who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Why? Because most Christians are not ready to hear or respond from a biblical point of view rather than a fleshly point of view—not to mention keeping it private without gossiping. A tidal wave of irreparable damage can result from innocently “sharing.” Be extra careful!

The word “faults” is ἁμαρτία (ham-ar-tee’-ah). It has to do with missing the mark. It can also refer to guilt. Literally, it means sin, or it can mean a fault or a failure (in an ethical sense)—a sinful deed. We have all missed the mark! Unfortunately, at times, we take our eyes off Jesus, like Peter, who began to sink after being distracted by the wind and waves. Do you ever get distracted from Jesus?

By the way, this verse does not insinuate that we need a Pope, priest, or preacher to confess all of our sins to. Instead, this seems to indicate some accountability along with responsibility. This, of course, is only after we’ve done business with the God of the Bible.

• Do you need to be more accountable?
• Are you one that just hits and misses in church when you want to?

Conclusion: Our Father in heaven knows what is best for His children. Therefore, He led James by His Spirit to pen these words. Confession is good for the soul! Without it, our heart gets as hard as a rock. However, with it, God softens our heart to be pliable.

Balancing and knowing what we can’t control vs. what we can control is very difficult at times. It can create an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Can you relate?

Worrying is for the BIRDS! Wait a minute… Jesus said even they do not worry—so why worry? Look, worrying will not make you grow taller. In fact, more than likely, it will send you to a premature grave!

While we cannot control everything, we can control some things. So focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot do. In addition, pray this: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Conclusion: Using wisdom to do what we can—instead of wasting unnecessary energy and time on things we cannot change—enables us, by the GRACE of God, to live in PEACE and harmony with our Lord day by day.

Balancing and knowing what we can’t control vs. what we can control is very difficult at times. It can create an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Can you relate? So what should we do?

During those times, we must totally rely on JESUS, taking those cares and concerns to Him and leaving them there, trusting His peace, presence, and power to see us through the things (people—loved ones) we can’t control. That’s the hard part! This is a major challenge because most of us are fixers! We want to fix others’ problems, and often, we cannot.

Sometimes, they mess up. Then, we need to be there to pick them up, to love them while giving them spiritual guidance. This is God’s will. Our Heavenly Father does the same for us.

So bless His name! His grace is sufficient—no matter what—knowing that His goodness and grace abound brings comfort and confidence to fight against our fears while feeding our faith.

Remember that our Lord is working on us through this calling to be an intercessor. He is teaching us to trust Him more! He is carrying us through experiences that we cannot control. But in the end, He is conforming us into His image. As we decrease and He increases, His life shines through our weaknesses.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

Much like a grain of wheat before being planted is useless. Yet, when planted in the ground, it goes through the process of the hard outer shell (self) being cracked open, and the life of the plant begins to germinate. Jesus Christ spoke of a grain of wheat dying and producing fruit—even though He was referring to His own death. However, the same principle applies to us—death to self (the flesh).

So take some time to let your mind wind down (walking outside, enjoying His creation, etc.). Remember, Jesus told His disciples to “come apart” for a while. He knows because He faced these challenges head-on and overcame them. At times, we need to get refreshed and renewed. Today’s stress and pressure can wear us down. Troubles and cares can weigh us down.

But that is what distinguishes a Christian from a non-believer—being able to take our cares and prayers to Him—CHRIST in us, the HOPE of GLORY!

(Isaiah 26:3-4)

If we focus on all our PROBLEMS and things we cannot CONTROL, then we become OVERWHELMED with CARE. But if we look to JESUS and TRUST in Him then we can have His PEACE and PRESENCE.

Remember, Isaiah prophesied during the reign of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). These facts reveal that his ministry was recorded from 740–701 B.C. Guess what? That was approximately 150 years before the fulfillment of the prophesied King named Cyrus, who came to the throne! Amazing, isn’t it? Do you know of another document with such consistent pinpoint accuracy?

Did you notice that Isaiah named the Persian King Cyrus, who would show favor to Israel and, more specifically, to Jerusalem? (Isaiah 45:1,13)

“Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him… I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.”

3. Archaeological Evidence of King Cyrus

4. Historical Affirmation by Josephus

Finally, as an interesting highlight, Josephus, the Jewish historian, stated that the Jews in Babylonian captivity showed the Persian King Cyrus the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures, which contained his name and described his role in the biblical plan of God. The historian says that it was this circumstance that motivated the ruler “to fulfill what was written” (Antiquities of the Jews 11.1.2), leading him to issue his proclamation permitting Israel’s return to her homeland.

Conclusion: Prophetic accuracy is another confirmation that the Bible is a supernatural book, all pointing to a supernatural God. Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:6-9, etc.), and others affirmed that He was God. His power over demons, death, and disease demonstrated He was God.

Our Lord’s encouragement through Paul to the Church then and now was to work together, not apart; love each other, not fuss and fight; and serve Him to accomplish His will rather than your own will.

Are you working together? Are you intentionally loving each other with Christian love? Are you serving the Church of Jesus Christ with a spirit of cooperation instead of division?

Please take a moment to reread this verse in the Bible. Do you recall what the word “strife” means? Here it is—it means selfish ambition, rivalry, self-seeking, a feud, or a faction.

So instead of prideful arrogance—a “know-it-all” attitude—or trying to one-up everyone, believers in the Church should remain teachable as well as leadable.

Do you know what? The only way you and I can fulfill this instruction is by taking our place at the cross. Why? Because we are selfish by nature and therefore look out for number one—me, myself, and I!

Conclusion: Don’t forget: UNITY = Maturity + Diversity.

In other words, what makes a great Church is great members. Go back and evaluate to see if you fit this criteria, which is marked by harmony, humility, and honesty.

Did you know the Hebrew word for “gone astray” is תָּעָה (taw-aw’)? It means to err or to wander. Furthermore, it has to do with vacillating or reeling. The truth is that we can GO ASTRAY on a SUNNY DAY (times of prosperity) or on a STORMY DAY (times of apostasy). In other words, whether things are going good or bad, we can GO ASTRAY.

The Hebrew word for “sheep” is שֶׂה, which refers to a lamb, sheep, or goat—a member of a flock. The word “lost” means to wander away.

Sheep need a SHEPHERD. Unintentionally, they can nibble on the grass and get further away from the fold without even realizing it. Meanwhile, danger is lurking in the dark, like a wolf or bear ready to devour the lamb or sheep. Just like lost sheep, we too can go astray from the GREAT SHEPHERD.

The Hebrew word for “seek” is בָּקַשׁ (bah-KASH or baw-kash’), which means to search, to request, or even to desire. Lastly, it can refer to striving after something.

Conclusion: Do you need to go home? Will you recommit to returning to the fold? Have you been going astray?

This particular bird, called a sparrow, can be seen in every McDonald’s parking lot, under the eaves of house roofs, taking dust baths in fields, and just about everywhere you go. Speaking of these little insignificant birds, historical information reveals that there have been numerous attempts to eradicate these winged creatures. Surprising evidence shows that in some countries, people’s taxes were lowered if they could bring in sparrow heads!