Monthly Archives: June 2014

Ever Present

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Don Merritt

I think we all have times when it seems that our world has been turned topsy-turvy. I think we all have times when we aren’t quite sure which way to go or how best to proceed… We might cry out … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Day in the Life

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

The alarm didn’t go off that morning, and this chilling reality sent shock waves through Dave’s groggy brain; “Oh no, I’m late!” He jumped out of bed and into the shower, then he got dressed and ran out the door. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

James and Legalism

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

Some commentators have claimed that James is a legalistic book, are they right? Personally, I don’t think so, but I can see why they say it.  There seems to be an impulse in some traditions to assert rules and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

James: Misconceptions and Insights

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Don Merritt

I knew when I decided to take this tour through the book of James that I would receive comments, lots of comments, and I’d like to thank each and every one of you who took the time and effort to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Photo of the Week: June 3, 2014

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

This is the “Retro Rad Chef,” Emily Ellyn during a Cooking Demonstration last Saturday at the Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival in Centerville. This lady is definitely a character as you “Food Network” fans probably know, and as I … Continue reading →

Posted in Photo of the Week | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Finally, prayer

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

James 5:13-20 In concluding his letter, James speaks on prayer in the only passage in his letter that doesn’t have a direct parallel in the Sermon on the Mount. Actually, this is one of the strongest statements concerning the power … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Patience my friends!

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Don Merritt

James 5:7-12 This passage opens with the words, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters…” (James 5:7a) and to really lock our understanding of it up, we should look at the word “then.” The Greek word here is oun which means “then, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Let’s Keep it in Context!

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Don Merritt

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Priorities

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Don Merritt

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Quiet Lives

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Don Merritt

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments