Great Video, with thanks to Dockerland.

See the post two down.

Really really enjoyed looking through the book of James this past month.
Comes to the end this week as we look at James 5.
“James wants them to understand that their own life is not theirs to take. God holds their life in His hands…remember last week we spoke about our life being a mist? Ultimately life and death decisions are not ours…we are human, we are finite, and one day our time will come. But that is not ours to determine. And you know what, as Christians the responsibility and authority for our lives, we have given that to God, we submit to His will for our life!
This does take patience, something James implores us to have. remember James was Jesus brother. he had to learn patience eh? Grew up with Jesus, wondered what was happening with this strange unusual older brother he had, finally believed, and now he had to wait for Jesus to return. He knows about patience. Lord give me patience and give it to me now!
He uses the real friendly greeting, brothers, sisters.
James does not ignore their problem, or misunderstand their situation. in a few years time Paul the apostle has to plead with other churches to send financial assistance to the Jerusalem church because its members were starving, literally. where is God there?
we all have issues, we all have problems, but not having enough food to eat is probably up there…and why is not God helping with that, patience with God develops trust and faith.
focus on the big picture, take a long view…look forward to the Lords coming. “

Bookies have Freo as favourites.
I am not so sure.
Two months ago we (Dockers) would have smashed em.
But now, we have 9 of our best out of the 22.

West Coast Coach John ‘denial’ Woosha has stated that this game means far more than a normal one. In fact some might suggest this is the Eagles “Grand Final” this year.

With a lot of Freo players out, a lot of players tired….

If ever West Coast are in with a chance, it is this derby.

One of their best….

Spoke on James 4 on Sunday.
I think this is the verse that sheds light on the chapter.
“14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.”

You know that concept, puts everything in this passage into perspective. Perhaps everything in life!
What James is saying here, and it follows on from chapter three…our contentment should not be based on our circumstances. But the truth is, if we are honest, and if I am honest or frank….contentment for many of us so dependent on our circumstances, someone said to me the other day, “Just when I declare my state of happiness a figurative pigeon drops one on my shoulder”

You know it might be quite depressing to think of your life as just a vapour, like mist, quickly forgotten.
Don’t be depressed…because God actually brings meaning to this mist of a life. and that has been the whole point. when we weigh up this life, without God, it is a mist, nothing. with God, it is the importance he places on us, which gives this life meaning.

Its not that God does not want us to make plans, and be wise…and think about our futures…
but the important aspect is to recognise God in the midst of those plans. If the Lord wills it, as the message puts it, Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”
I have to say, I am amazed at how many christians make massive life altering plans and dont even acknowledge God in any way. Acknowledge God, and He will direct your paths.

Sigh….butter would not melt…

Ruby
Originally uploaded by Jeff and Rebecca Murray