Hazelwell Weekly Contact 1st September 2024

30 Aug 2024 • Weekly Notices

Hazelwell Morning Prayer 10.00am

led by Janet Thomas, Preacher Andy Harris

The residents of Ashburton Road & Haytor Avenue
All pupils and teachers who will be starting a new class or school this week.
All patients in hospices and those who care for them.
The Thursday morning meet-up meetings will start again from 26th September with a new start time of 11.00am ( in the quiet room) , participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy afterwards ALL WELCOME

Plans are being finalized for the joint Hazelwell / St Bede’s church (non-residential) weekend is to be held at Lickey Church 6.00pm Friday 20^th September and 10.00am Saturday 21^st September. Catering and child-care provided. Please contact Matt for further information.

Reflection on James 1 vs17-end

Verse 17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

This verse reminds us of God's unchanging nature. He is the source of all good things in our lives, and unlike the changing shadows, He remains constant and dependable. Reflecting on this, we are encouraged to trust in God's consistency and recognize His blessings, understanding that everything good in our lives is a gift from Him. Allow this awareness to foster a sense of gratitude and reliance on God's unwavering goodness.

Verse 18: "He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created."

Here, James emphasizes that our spiritual rebirth is initiated by God through His "word of truth." This rebirth makes us the "first fruits," implying that we are set apart, valuable, and a sign of the greater harvest to come. Reading this passage we can appreciate our identity in Christ as those who are born anew through God's truth, are called to live in a way that reflects our status as first fruits—dedicated and consecrated to God.

Verse 19: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

This verse is a practical instruction for daily life. Being "quick to listen" and "slow to speak" promotes understanding and harmony in relationships. "Slow to become angry" suggests controlling our emotions, allowing reason and patience to guide our reactions. Reflecting on this, we are encouraged to practice restraint and empathy, listening more than we speak, and approaching conflicts with a calm and thoughtful demeanor, which aligns with the character of Christ.

Verse 20: "Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

James points out that human anger, often driven by pride or frustration, does not lead to the righteousness God desires from us. We are encouraged to recognize the importance of managing our anger and responding to situations in ways that promote peace and righteousness. This challenges us to seek God's perspective in our responses and strive to act in ways that align with His righteous standards.

Verse 21: "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

James calls believers to cleanse themselves of moral corruption and embrace the transformative power of God's word. We are encouraged to engage with the ongoing process of sanctification—where we actively reject sinful behaviours and allow God's word to take root and grow within us, leading to spiritual growth and salvation. This verse encourages us to approach God's word with humility, recognizing its power to change us from within.

Verse 22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Finally, James underscores the importance of action. It’s not enough to simply hear God's word; we must also put it into practice. We are challenged to live out our faith authentically, allowing God's word to guide our actions and decisions. This calls for a commitment to be doers of the word, demonstrating our faith through tangible actions that reflect God's will.

In Summary

James 1:17-22 challenges us to live a life that is deeply rooted in God's unchanging goodness and His word. It calls us to a faith that is active and transformative, urging us to listen carefully, speak wisely, manage our emotions, and most importantly, to live out the teachings of Scripture. This passage invites us to reflect on our own lives—are we truly embodying the values and truths we profess to believe? As we meditate on these verses, we are encouraged to align our lives more closely with God's will, becoming true reflections of His character in the world.