Joyce Bible Church

06/26/2026

06/26/2026

Recognizing Demonic “Wisdom”

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
-James 3:14-15

Not all “insight” or “strategy” is from God. James says there’s a kind of so-called wisdom that is fueled by pride, jealousy, and self-seeking—and its source is not heaven, but hell. He is the powerful deceiver who subtly and regularly tricks us into self-centered thought patterns and actions. Why does Satan do this? Since he cannot steal a believer’s salvation, since in Christ we are eternally secure, he can, however, neutralize our Kingdom effectiveness through being self-focused.

One of his strategies is to make us feel spiritually advanced because we have a lot of Biblical knowledge, even as our lives are marked by envy, harshness, or selfishness. We feel “deep,” but our character looks nothing like Jesus. So unfortunately, in those instances we are not living for Christ, but living under the influence of Satan.

Is there any area where you feel spiritually “arrived” but your character is out of step with Christ? Do your reactions to adversity show the Spirit’s fruit—or the world’s methods?

Pastor Brian

06/25/2026

Devotion: Poison of Bitter Jealousy and Selfish Ambition

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
-James 3:13-14

James makes it clear, when my heart is overrun with jealousy for what others have or my ambitions are purely self serving then I do not understand God. Jealousy does not count others as more significant than myself (Philippians 2:3), and selfish ambition does not care about the interest of others, let alone God. Rather they reveal heart that say “Life is about me getting what I want.” Both reveal a heart that doesn’t really trust God’s goodness and sovereignty.

When these live in us, they rob our joy, distort our relationships, and open the door to “disorder and every vile practice.” Instead of resting in God’s care and being content that He has truly provided everything we need, we selfishly yearn for more. We need to seek the heart of the Apostle Paul: contentment in Christ: “I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The beauty of contentment is that by definition, it is not a settling for less but finding peace, joy, and happiness in the fact that God has provided everything we need.

When I am so self focused, whether it is jealousy or selfish ambition, I am lacking true wisdom and understanding that God is fully sovereign, all powerful, all knowing, everywhere, and all loving. If it is something I need, would God withhold this from me? Or in the perceived deficiency, I need to allow this trial to build my faith, trust, wisdom and understanding of God and His will for my life.

Who or what am I jealous of right now? Where is selfish ambition driving my decisions more than God’s will or others’ good?

Pastor Brian

06/25/2026

Praise God for an AWESOME VBS!
-28 Kids
-1 First Time Decision for Christ
-$633 Raised for 9 dairy goats to impoverished families through Samaritan’s Purse

Thank you to all the faithful volunteers and prayer warriors for making this possible!!!

06/24/2026

Devotion: When Knowledge Puffs Up but Love Builds Up

…knowledge puffs up, but love builds up
-1 Corinthians 8:1

It’s possible to know a lot about God and still be spiritually immature. James warns those who want to be “teachers” and appear wise, yet live with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. That kind of “understanding” isn’t from above—it’s “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” Truly knowing and and understanding our God gives can bring great wisdom wisdom which doesn’t inflate our ego; it deepens our love—for God, for His people, and even for our enemies. The more we truly understand God’s grace to us, the less room there is for boasting and the more room there is for compassion and humility.

Where are you tempted to feel superior to others? Has what you “know” about God actually made you more loving and humble? Knowledge puffs up, but intimately knowing our savior and His love builds up.

Father, protect me from being puffed up with knowledge. Let everything I learn about You produce more love, humility, and Christlike character.

Pastor Brian

06/21/2026

Join us for prayer tonight at 6:30!

06/17/2026

We’re halfway through VBS and having a great week! A big THANK YOU to our awesome volunteers and those of you praying! Lord willing, the kids are growing in wisdom and stature and having a blast!

06/14/2026

VBS starts tomorrow at 9am. Still time to sign up your kids! Message Brian Rice if your kid needs a ride to/from.

Register at: joycebiblechurch.myanswers.com/wonder-junction

06/11/2026

Church’s Yard Sale Friday & Saturday at 9am.

100% of proceeds go to JBC’s benevolence fund, helping out individuals in need our community.