The Key
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beatuy is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, afer desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.
James 1:2-18 NIV
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Not only is everyone dealing with rediculous trials today, even now as I type, but even some are dealing with the greatest trials they have ever faced.
Being there myself, I can say, and obviously so, it's not easy to find joy in these trials. Even so, as my prayer and devotion life stinks, to bring my trials to God, where I may expereience rest in His arms, and there find joy is an idea that I just can not attain.
Maybe trials should be joyous because instead of relying on ourselves, we rely on God. However, relying on God means that we have faith and devotion strong enough to do just that, making joy far fetched.
The key? Put away pride. Go to God. He is good. His grace is sufficient for all (thanks Blake!). I have some praying to do.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beatuy is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, afer desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.
James 1:2-18 NIV
---
Not only is everyone dealing with rediculous trials today, even now as I type, but even some are dealing with the greatest trials they have ever faced.
Being there myself, I can say, and obviously so, it's not easy to find joy in these trials. Even so, as my prayer and devotion life stinks, to bring my trials to God, where I may expereience rest in His arms, and there find joy is an idea that I just can not attain.
Maybe trials should be joyous because instead of relying on ourselves, we rely on God. However, relying on God means that we have faith and devotion strong enough to do just that, making joy far fetched.
The key? Put away pride. Go to God. He is good. His grace is sufficient for all (thanks Blake!). I have some praying to do.