...But God

James 1: 7-8

Creators & Guests

Host
Chad McBeam
Business Leader, Foster Advocate and Fighter of Human Trafficking, Chad enjoys hosting this podcast channel as a way to spread and highlight the great examples of those who live out their faith daily. He can also be seen on occasion on your TV or Film Screen or be heard narrating one of your books as his love of acting has stuck with him since his childhood.
Writer
Aaron Marcarelli
After getting his under-graduate degree from Cal State University San Bernardino where he played college baseball and received all American honors. he was a graduate assistant baseball coach at both Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.  He received his master’s degree in Teaching from Whitworth, with plans to someday be a head baseball coach at a university.  However, God had other plans.  Aaron started teaching English and History and coaching baseball and other sports at the high school level and found out how much he loves high school kids, and he has been doing that for the past 27 years.     Personally, heI has been married to his wife Sharon for 32 years, they have one daughter, Amanda Parrish, who has been married to Austin Parrish for 2 years. Aaron also has two grandsons Travis age 2 ½ and Aden who is 13 months and are blessed to have another on the way due in May. Aaron loves reading, golfing, and spending time with his wife and grandkids.
Designer
Linda Cowen
Linda Cowen of San Antonio Christian School is our gracious and talented art designer for the But God, weekday morning devotional series.

What is ...But God?

A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam

“For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:7-8 NASB2020
Either you have the faith inspired by the Holy Spirit as stated in the beginning verse 6 “But he must ask in faith without any doubting” or you lack faith and are not relying on His Holy Spirit and you are like the second part of verse 6 “for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:6 NASB2020
In verse 7-8 James is referring to the person in the second part of verse 6. These are hard things to hear, but James as a brother in Christ is challenging us as followers of Christ to rely on The power of the Holy Spirit and His righteousness. He has given us the tools and weapons to fight. Too many of us try to have faith alone and to rely on ourselves rather than the creator of the Universe who has a perfect plan for us.
A friend of mine, Brad Livingstone sent me this quote about Lukewarm believers:
“Many Christians are spiritual streakers. They run around with the helmet of salvation on and nothing else.”
Don’t forget the other tools. We are called to have more on than just that helmet of salvation. In so many scriptures is says God will never leave us or forsake us. “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
Psalms 55:22 NASB2020
Once again let us look at all the tools and weapons God gives us:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:10-17 NASB2020
He gives us these tools and weapons “so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” He knows it’s a fight, and therefore He has given us what we need. All we have to do is put on the armor, trust and have faith in His good, pleasing and perfect will. It is not easy but it is ohhh so worth it!
Lord God we thank you for your perfect love. We thank you for giving us what we need when we need it. Help us to follow you as you have called us, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Give us the strength we need to trust you and your perfect will. In Jesus Name we pray Amen!

Shalom, Shalom blessings! Press in and Press On!