#to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world

[aspirant1598]

[missrosemaris-stuff]

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[gfablogs]

What Is the Connection Between Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation?

Abuse, neglect and exploitation are all forms of human rights violations. No matter the age of the perpetrator or the victim and no matter the relationship between them, anything that deprives someone of life, liberty and security of person, or any action that results in slavery, servitude, inhumane treatment or punishment, is violating that person’s rights as a human being.1

Human rights violations can come in the form of sexual or physical abuse, human trafficking, violence, child neglect, prostitution, debt bondage and much more. No one feels safe or cared for in any of these scenarios. The long-lasting effects of ensuring any one of these include mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, self-harm and the inability to create or maintain healthy relationships.

Genesis 1:27 tells us,

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (NKJV).

Each human on this planet is a reflection of the good and kind Father in heaven who longs to be in relationship with His children He created. He never intended for any of them to experience harm at the hand of another.

James told us how we can reflect Christ:

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”2

Click here, to read more about this article.

Click here, to read more blogs in Gospel for Asia.Com

[swarehime73]

James 1:27 -Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. ,, God's view on religion is vastly different than our view. God puts great importance on people, especially the poor and widows as well living like Jesus and not the world.

[pistol247]

‭James 1:27 NKJV‬

[27] Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.1.27.NKJV

[angelojamal]

”Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ——- Let no one say when he [or she] is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he [or she] is drawn away by his [or her] OWN desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬-‭25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

”If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.“

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[albertfinch]

INTERCESSORY WORSHIP

Jesus simply could not look upon the multitudes and not have compassion for them (Matthew 9:36, 14:14). His heart was so full of the love of the Father that He couldn't look without compassion.

We are to live the same way. We should be so full of God's love that rivers of living water should flow from our hearts and change lives and atmospheres everywhere we go. This is what Jesus was referring to when, in Matthew 10:8, He said, "Freely you've received, freely give."

He said to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raise the dead. 

Matthew 25:34-40 - "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

THE MINDSET OF JESUS

 James 1:27 -"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

The mindset of Jesus was to ignore His needs and instead focus on the needs of the poor and the sick. We need to be unspotted or uncontaminated from the ways of the world and simply fix our eyes on Jesus and follow in His footsteps.

Once we get to that place of deep worship, that place where the glory falls, it is then we should begin to cry out for the lost, for the broken, for the sick, the poor, and the dying. That is a natural thing.

There is a very fine line that separates worship and INTERCESSION— the two go hand in hand.

LIVING LIKE JESUS

Worship is more than just music or art; it's a lifestyle (Romans 12:1). We need to live like Jesus -- not just to see the need, but also to meet the need. Anyone can be a THERMOMETER and just gauge the spiritual temperature, but we're called to be THERMOSTATS and to change the spiritual temperature! We're not called to just point out sickness, poverty, and sin; we're called to change those ashes into beauty. After all, it's Christ in us that is the hope of glory!

As we spend time in INTERCESSORY WORSHIP, crying out. 

We begin to truly experience more of Him and less of ourselves, more of the Spirit and less of the flesh. It stirs up boldness within us to step out and love and DISCIPLE the unloved and to have compassion for the multitudes.

Once we've gotten to the place of interceding in worship, there is still one more step—GO FIND HIM. To find Him in the broken, to find Him in the poor and the sick, to find Him in the lost, to find Him in the widow and the orphan. The promise is that if we seek Him, we will find Him. He's calling out, "Come find Me." Will you go?

"Keep on asking and it wil be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 AMP

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[nekonekochan]

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:19‭-‬27 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.1.19-27.NKJV

[chawsl]

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27 NKJV

[allsoulspriory]

The Development Of Christian Character

Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world. — Jas 1:27

It is the experiences of life that reveal us to ourselves. They cannot put into us qualities that are not there, but they can develop them. This excellent chapter is filled with the diverse discipline of life. “Manifold trials” (Jam 1:2), which probably refer to the persecutions and losses of the early Christians. “Temptations” (Jam 1:12) refer to the solicitation of evil from without and within. The burning heat of the fire of prosperity (Jam 1:11). The “good gifts” strewn around our pathway by the Father of lights—home, parents, friendship, love!

The most incredible training ground for us is God's Word (Jam 1:21-25). It is here compared to a mirror that reflects us to ourselves, but alas, we often go our way and forget what manner of men we are. The human soul has a beautiful habit of forgetting statements that seem to reflect on itself and contradict its notions of pride and respectability. If, however, we avoid this mistake and set ourselves to doing and not hearing only, we shall grow into strong, brave, and beautiful souls and be blessed in our deeds.

Do not stand gazing at the imperfections which the Word of God reveals but having learned where you come short, dare to believe that Jesus Christ is the true counterpart of your need; He is strong where you are weak and full where you are empty.

“Keep himself unspotted from the world.” We love the dimpled innocence and purity of a sweet child. But there is something nobler—the face of man or woman who has fought and suffered in the great battle against corruption that is in the world through lust. To keep oneself unspotted from the evil of the world, though perpetually accosted and surrounded by it, is a greater thing than to live in a glass house where the blight and dust cannot enter; what training for a character is this daily warfare!

To visit those in affliction. We are related to the world of pain and sorrow by the troubles constantly overtaking those with whom we interact daily. Where the conditions of life are challenging, we obtain our best perfecting in Christian character.

Prayer

Make our life more profound, more robust, richer, more Christlike, more full of the spirit of heaven, more devoted to Thy service and glory. Amen.

[aspirant1598]

[christianotome]

I don’t really like the word religion

John R. Cross, in The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus, defined religion as the human effort to reach God. However Jesus said “[...] I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Therefore any effort men make to reach God is vain. There are a couple of verses about religion at the New Testament

“Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20‭-‬23)

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:26‭-‬27)

This is what I understand by reading this:

Doing this for the sake of showing off means nothing to God

Following rituals mechanically is worthless

We must watch out for what we do and be careful to what we say

What God really wants is for us to love first Him and then other people

What I really want to say is that true christian belief it’s not about what we can do to reach God, but that He reached us through the sacrifice of His son. And that’s why I don’t like the word religion, but I don’t know any other word that can be used.

[g0ds-g1rl]

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Thu., Feb. 4, 2021

Commemorated on January 22_by the New calendar

The Holy Disciple Timothy (+ 96) 

     The Holy Disciple Timothy was from the Lycaonian city of Lystra in Asia Minor. Saint Timothy was converted to Christ in the year 52 by the holy Apostle Paul (+ c. 67, Comm. 29 June). When the Apostle Paul and Barnabas first visited the Lycaonian cities, the Apostle Paul at Lystra healed one crippled from birth; many of the inhabitants there then believed in Christ, and among them was the future youthful disciple Timothy, his mother Eunice and grandmother Loida (Lois) (Acts 14: 6-12; 2 Tim. 1: 5). The seed of faith, planted in the soul of Saint Timothy by the Apostle Paul, brought forth abundant fruit. He became a zealous student of the Apostle Paul, and later his constant companion and co-worker in the preaching of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul loved Saint Timothy and in his Epistles called him his beloved son, with gratitude remembering his devotion and fidelity. He wrote to Timothy: "Thou hast followed me in teaching, in life, in disposition, faith, magnanimity, love, and patience in afflictions and sufferings..." (2 Tim. 3: 10-11). The Apostle Paul in the year 65 ordained Saint Timothy as bishop of the Ephesus Church, which the saint administered for 15 years. And finally the holy Apostle Paul, situated in prison and knowing, that the act of martyrdom was before him, summoned his faithful student and friend, the Disciple Timothy, for a last farewell (2 Tim. 4: 9).

Saint Timothy ended his life as a martyr. At Ephesus the pagans made a feastday in honour of their idols and they carried them through the city, accompanied by impious ceremonies and songs. The holy Bishop Timothy, zealous for the glory of God, attempted to halt the procession and reason with the spiritually blind idol-worshipping people, by preaching the true faith in Christ. The pagans dashed angrily upon the holy disciple, they beat him, dragged him along the ground, and finally, they stoned him. The holy Disciple Timothy's death by martyrdom occurred in the year 80. In the IV Century the holy relics of the Disciple Timothy were transferred to Constantinople and placed in the church of the Holy Apostles. Holy Church venerates Saint Timothy as amongst the number of the Seventy Disciples.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.

James 1:19-27 

19So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Mark 10:17-27

17Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"18So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.19You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'20And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."21Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."22But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.23Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.26And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"27 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

[pistol247]

‭James 1:26-27 NKJV‬

[26] If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. [27] Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.1.26-27.NKJV

[albertfinch]

INTERCESSORY WORSHIP

Jesus simply could not look upon the multitudes and not have compassion for them (Matthew 9:36, 14:14). His heart was so full of the love of the Father that He couldn't look without compassion.

We are to live the same way. We should be so full of God's love that rivers of living water should flow from our hearts and change lives and atmospheres everywhere we go. This is what Jesus was referring to when, in Matthew 10:8, He said, "Freely you've received, freely give." 

He said to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raise the dead. Why? All for love. Freely we receive His love and freely we must pour it out! All of those actions are targeted on "the least of these"—the sick, the dying, the oppressed and the dead!

Matthew 25:34-40 - "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

"Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

THE MINDSET OF JESUS

James goes so far as to incorporate the least of these into the very definition of pure religion in James 1:27:

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

The mindset of Jesus was to ignore His needs and instead focus on the needs of the poor and the sick. We need to be unspotted or uncontaminated from the ways of the world and simply fix our eyes on Jesus and follow in His footsteps.

Once we get to that place of deep worship, that place where the glory falls, it is then we should begin to cry out for the lost, for the broken, for the sick, the poor and the dying. That is a natural thing.

We need to break out of the mold that says to separate those things, and just allow God's heart to penetrate our times of worship. For years we've been singing about His love and now it's time to sing, "Father, give us a revelation of your great love for us."  It's time to pour out all that He pours into us. There is a very fine line that separates worship and INTERCESSION— the two go hand in hand.

LIVING LIKE JESUS

Worship is more than just music or art; it's a lifestyle (Romans 12:1).  Anyone can be a THERMOMETER and just gauge the spiritual temperature, but we're called to be THERMOSTATS and to change the spiritual temperature!  We're not called to just point out sickness, poverty and sin; we're called to change those ashes into beauty. After all, it's Christ in us that is the hope of glory!

We begin to truly experience more of Him and less of ourselves, more of the Spirit and less of the flesh. It stirs up boldness within us to step out and love and DISCIPLE the unloved and to have compassion for the multitudes.

Once we've gotten to the place of interceding in worship, there is still one more step—GO FIND HIM. To find Him in the broken, to find Him in the poor and the sick, to find Him in the lost, to find Him in the widow and the orphan.

 The promise is that if we seek Him, we will find Him. He's calling out, "Come find Me." Will you go?

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY