Wisdom from Heaven

What Godly wisdom looks like: pure (sinless, blameless), peace-loving (peaceable, not contentious or quarrelsome/marked by freedom from strife or disorder), considerate (thoughtful, gentle), submissive (willing to yield, quick to show deference to others), full of mercy (compassion, forbearance shown especially to an offender; charity, clemency, grace), full of good fruit (the good/positive effect or consequence of an action, the fruit of the Spirit--Galatians 5:22 and the fruit of the light--Ephesians 5:9), impartial (fair, showing no favoritism), and sincere (honest, without hypocrisy).

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18) We are called to be peacemakers...to sow seeds of peace.  If we do so, we’ll reap the fruit of righteousness. Godly wisdom is the gift of God; it’s practical wisdom that preserves unity and peace. James 3:18 is in contrast to James 1:20. Peace producing righteousness vs. anger not producing righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I need Your wisdom! Please help me be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, fruit-bearing, impartial, and sincere. Please forgive me when I contribute to conflict instead of resolving it and when I add fuel to the flames of discord instead of seeking and sowing peace. Please enable me to be a peacemaker and a messenger of hope, joy, peace, grace, mercy, and love. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

What Comes Out of Your Mouth?

People can tame all kinds of wild animals yet cannot tame their tongue. The tongue is an out-of-control, unruly, wild, evil, full of deadly poison! All sorts of evil such as envy, pride, greed, deceit, hatred, idolatry, blasphemy, etc. find their expression through the tongue. The tongue is a primary cause of difficulties and failures as we walk through our daily life. It's definitely a struggle for all of us (more so in some people like me :)). We can't tame our tongue but God can! We need to pray for God's help and we must think before we speak ("slow to speak"). 

When you curse human beings who have been made in God's likeness, it's like you're also cursing God, their Creator. Christians ought not to allow cursing (swearing, profanity, words that express great hatred or anger) come out of the same mouth that gives praises to God. We cannot pretend that our life is on the right track if we continue to praise and curse with the same tongue. The inconsistency of our tongue will discredit/hinder our testimony. Our words can be used either constructively or destructively. We must bring our tongue under the control of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to make it an instrument of praise and blessing.

How many times have you wished you didn't say what you just said? We can't take our words back! Words can heal, help, or hurt. Words matter; they reveal what's in our hearts. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:34b-37) It is so important to constantly guard our tongue.

"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who hold his tongue is wise." (Proverbs 10:19)
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3)
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." (Proverbs 21:23)

"One of the first things which a physician says to his patient is, 'Let me see your tongue.' A spiritual advisor might do the same." (N. Adams)

"When anger spreads through the breast, guard your tongue from barking idly." (Sappho)

"Sometimes you can make a more effective statement by holding your tongue." (Unknown)

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." (Benjamin Franklin)

Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others (Mark 12:29-31). Expressing our love to God includes using our mouth to sing, worship, praise, and pray. Expressing our love to people involves using our words to edify, encourage, and comfort others. Let's evaluate what comes out of our mouth. May we implore the Holy Spirit to be our "Tongue Tamer" and may we be obedient and cooperate!

I made up an acrostic to help myself remember how my speech should be...
Gentle and gracious  (Philippians 4:5, Proverbs 22:11)
Respectful                (1 Peter 2:17)
Encouraging             (Hebrews 3:13)
Appropriate              (Ephesians 4:29)
Truthful                    (Ephesians 4:15, 4:25)

Have a "G.R.E.A.T." talk today and everyday :)!

Prayer: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer!" (Psalm 19:14)

The Power of the Tongue

The analogies here indicate that we must not underestimate the power of our tongue. Just as small bits can make horses obey, a small rudder can steer large ships, and a small spark can set a great forest on fire, our tiny tongue can corrupt/defile the whole body and destroy lives (ours and others').

The tongue is truly powerful. It can be used for good or for evil. Relationships are built up or destroyed by what we say. Mean words, careless words, and/or untrue words have wrecked many families, divided the Body of Christ, and led many people to shame and despair. We should look for opportunities to encourage, edify, and bless one another with our words. Speak the truth in love with grace, respect, kindness, and gentleness. Quit complaining, criticizing, cursing, boasting, lying, exaggerating, insulting, yelling (in anger), nagging, manipulating, gossiping, slandering, and hurting others with words. In our families, let's speak loving words of encouragement, appreciation, and affection to our husbands and children. Words are powerful tools that can be used to build people up or tear people down. Let's use them wisely and for God's glory! 

"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." (Proverbs 15:2)
"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4)
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24)

"When I want to speak...let me think first:
-Is it true?
-Is it kind?
-Is it necessary?
If not, let it be left unsaid." (Babcock)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You know how much I struggle with my tongue/words. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can speak kind and loving words to all. Please give me patience, grace, humility, gentleness, and thoughtfulness to bless others and show Your love with my words even when the kindness is not appreciated and/or not returned. Please grant me wisdom to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Please help me speak only words that edify and encourage others, bring hope and healing, and glorify Your Name. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Faith Without Deeds Is Dead

Fake faith/false faith that does not demonstrate in works is not a saving faith. A faith that does not care about the needs of others isn't faith at all. Anyone can claim to have "faith"/claim to be a "Christian" but that doesn't mean he/she is saved, born again, and follow Christ. 

Good works (deeds, action) do not and cannot save us, but good works demonstrate that we are saved (good works should be manifested in our lives because we are saved). James is not contradicting Paul's teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. Paul confronted those who wanted salvation by something they did while James confronted those who wanted salvation without doing anything. We are not saved by works but we are saved (and created) for works. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Faith without fruit is dead, useless, and unacceptable. Authentic, saving, living faith bears good fruit. Belief that doesn't transform our life is "dead" faith; a transformed life results in good works. Our faith and our words are worth nothing (meaningless) if we do nothing to help those in need. Saying is not doing. Walk the talk! Live what you believe! We are to actively demonstrate Christ's love to all people. We must put our love and faith into action.

James gives us a test here to evaluate ourselves: Are we genuinely saved? Is our faith accompanied by action? You may have heard this before but I think it's a great reminder: "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

Prayer: Father, thank You for saving me by Your grace and by Christ's finished work of redemption on the cross! May my faith in You be living and active, bearing good fruit for Your glory and Your kingdom! Please give me Your eyes to see others' needs and show me how I can meet those needs. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

The Royal Law of Love

The royal law is linked to James 2:5 ("Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?") The royal law is for the heirs of God's Kingdom; it is the law of love. James points out that by showing partiality to the rich, they're breaking the royal law of loving their neighbor as themselves. If we truly love others as ourselves...love them like Jesus...love them with God's unconditional love, we won't show favoritism which is sin. "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly...Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself, I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:15, 18) 

"We cannot choose whom we will love if we claim to be Christians." (Unknown)

Favoritism Forbidden

"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?" (James 2:1-7)

Believers in Jesus Christ must not show favoritism/partiality/prejudice. All people are created in God's image and are equal in His eyes. We should never judge people by appearances and/or accomplishments. We should never favor the rich and powerful over the poor and weak. It is inconsistent to hold to the Christian faith and at the same time show partiality. Favoritism is sin, whether the distinction is made over economic, social, educational, physical, political, or national differences. It says in this verse that with evil thoughts, we are deciding that one person is more important than the other (the rich man receives special treatment). 

According to one commentary, "Have you not discriminated among yourselves?" means "Are you not divided?" This division is between profession and practice...between the profession of Christian equality and the deference to status and wealth. By such action, they reveal themselves to be unjust judges with evil thoughts. God wants us to love everyone and makes everyone feel welcome! 

God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him. We're never poor since we have riches/inheritance in Christ. James pointed out why they should not favor the rich. The rich were the ones who have persecuted the Christians (exploiting them, oppressing them and taking them to court) and blasphemed the name of Jesus Christ. Often material prosperity is a hindrance to faith because the rich are tempted to place their security in their wealth rather than in God. We must not dishonor the poor. We must show them the same respect that we show to the rich.

"For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:11)
"I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism." (1Timothy 5:21)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally and for not showing favoritism! Please help me to treat everyone with love, kindness, and respect. Please enable me to live, give, love, and serve like Jesus, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine Your light in this world of darkness. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Obedience Matters

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:22-27)

Be doers of the Word, not just hearers. When we only listen to God's teaching but do not obey, we're fooling ourselves. This reminds me of Matthew 7:24-27 (the wise and foolish builders). Obedience/fruit is the proof of transformed lives...the tangible evidence of our faith. "The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth." (Matthew Henry) Hearing without doing is useless. Doing without hearing is dangerous. Both are vital just like breathing in (spending time with God in prayer and in His Word) and breathing out (doing what God's Word says/putting what we know into practice). Just knowing God's Word is not enough. Even Satan knows God's Word. It's not how much Scripture we know; it's how much Scripture we live. We must humbly accept His Word to transform our hearts, renew our minds, and guide our actions. We're to be kingdom-builders and world-changers.

"The perfect law that gives freedom": the law was made perfect by Jesus Christ and through Him, we've been set free from sin, self, and spiritual death. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Now we live freely by Christ's law of love (loving God and loving people). This perfect law of love and liberty guides us internally through the Holy Spirit. God's Word brings sanctification. Blessed are they who continue to be in God's Word, remember what they learn, and do what it says/obey the Word. "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart." (Psalm 119:1-2)

Those who consider themselves religious by going to church, praying, reading the Bible, fasting, etc. but fail to control their tongue in everyday life deceive themselves and their "religion" is futile. Tongue-control is very important. If we fail to control/stop gossiping, complaining, slandering, lying, using bad words (filthy language), etc., we're fooling ourselves if we think we're living a Christian life. Our profession of Christianity will thereby mean nothing. Our testimony will also be tainted or destroyed. What kind of witness would we be? Ineffective and pretty much useless.

God calls caring for orphans and widows in their distress pure and faultless (undefiled). Orphans and widows are two of the most helpless groups in this world (no parents, no family, no spouse, no one taking care of them). They cannot repay you or do you any favor. What you do for them reflects pure love (agape) and kindness! This reminds me of Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats). True religion is to live and love like Jesus does, to be more Christ-centered and other-focused, to live a life of compassion, free from attachment to earthly things. "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." (Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision) In addition to helping those in need, maintaining personal purity is another way in which true religion expresses itself. "To keep oneself from being polluted by the world"--We must continually make a conscious effort to stay away and protect ourselves from worldly influences/worldliness (which pollute/corrupt/harm us).

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and light to my path! Please empower me to apply Your Word in my daily life, to keep a tight rein on my tongue, to care for those in need & defend the defenseless, and to keep myself from being polluted by the world. Please help me to use my time, talents, and treasure wisely for Your glory and for Your kingdom. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Humbly Receive God's Soul-Saving Word

This is a very important advice for Christian living. Be a good listener. Watch your tongue (think before you speak). Control your temper (do not become angry easily). Have nothing to do with filthiness (moral corruption) and wickedness/malice. Humbly receive God's soul-saving Word.

These qualities are needed in trials: Be quick to listen to the Word of God, be slow to speak/blame God for your trials and temptations, and don't get mad easily when things don't go your way/when you face trials. Anger is not the response God wants. When we Christians give vent to wrath, we are not exemplifying the righteous kind of living that God desires. It displeases God. Do you think a Christian who seems to be angry or grumpy all the time will make an effective witness for the Lord...will draw people to Christ? Very unlikely. He/she is more likely to turn people off and away from Christianity.

Let's put James 1:19 into practice daily! Our family and friends will be very grateful and feel loved. Essentially, these are some ways we show our love: taking time to listen attentively without interrupting, carefully watching what and how we communicate orally (words can help, heal, or hurt), and not being easily angered/annoyed/frustrated/irritated.

It doesn't do much good to hear God's Word, hold our tongue, and be patient then turn around and engage ourselves in the world's filthy lusts and pleasures. Love God; hate sin! We must get rid of all evil desires, attitudes, words, and deeds. We need spiritual consistency in every area of our lives. When one continues to live in sin, he/she has no desire to read/study God's Word because God's Word contradicts and convicts his/her lifestyle. Moral filth and evil in our lives hinder God's Word from effectively working spiritual maturity in us. They can make us deaf to God's voice (the Holy Spirit's leading) and Word. A receptive heart prepares the soil for the implanted Word of God to blossom by removing all the weeds. "The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:15) James is not teaching spiritual perfection here but he is telling believers to put their faith in action and to confess their sins to God (and they'll be cleansed from all unrighteousness). Continue to receive God's teaching in humility/with meekness (teachable spirit). "When you receive the Word with meekness, you accept it, do not argue with it, and honor it as the Word of God. You do not try to twist it to conform it to your thinking." (Warren Wiersbe) When the Word of God is implanted within our hearts (not a mere head knowledge), our soul is saved from spiritual disaster (including fleshly lures, temptations, worldliness, sinning) and from apathy for God's kingdom work.

"Have you done a heart check lately? If your heart is apathetic to God’s word, James says, “Be quick to hear.” If you’re prone to spout off arrogantly with how much you know, James says, “Be slow to speak.” If you’re fighting some aspect of the word that you don’t like, James says, “Be slow to anger.” If you’re tolerating the crud of sin, James says, “Put aside all filthiness.” If you’re resisting God’s commands that are designed to rescue you from sin, James says, “In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (Cole)

"It is not the ship in the water but the water in the ship that sinks it. So it is not the Christian in the world but the world in the Christian that constitutes the danger. Anything that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it." (J. Wilbur Chapman)

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness! Thank You for being patient with me as I fail time and time again. Please help me to listen attentively, speak kindly, and respond calmly in any situation. Please empower me to not be easily offended but to be quick to forgive when wronged. Please reveal to me anything in my life that does not please or honor You and enable me to get rid of them. Your Word is my delight. Show me Your ways, teach me Your paths, lead me in Your truth, and mold me into Christlikeness. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus Paid It All

"The right time" refers to the appointed time in God's redemption plan. At just the right time, Christ undid what Adam did. We were powerless/helpless to save ourselves. We all need a Savior to rescue us. Christ died for all the sin-sick souls. Some people wrongly believe that they have to clean up their acts first before they can surrender their lives to Christ. They have it backwards. We must surrender our lives to Christ first and the Holy Spirit will sanctify us.

God demonstrates the depth of His love for us in this ultimate action. Christ died not for the good or the righteous, but for sinners who deserve wrath instead of love. This proof of God's everlasting love for us was fulfilled/completed on the cross. While we were still living (but dead) in sin and rebellion, God of all creation stepped out of Heaven and gave His life for ours. Jesus took the punishment that we deserve so that we may gain forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life with Him. Christ's love is grounded in God's pure grace and does not depend on any inherent worthiness found in us, but on His own desire to give it. A perfect Savior died for wicked sinners. Inconceivable! He died on behalf of us. He died so that we may live. 

God's love for us is agape love (unconditional, sacrificial, selfless love). It seeks the highest good for another no matter what the cost may be, as shown by Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf. God gives us His Best and Greatest Gift while we're at our worst state. Christ took the punishment that we deserve because He loves us. He paid the price/penalty that we could never pay. God loves the ungodly, the unworthy, the unlovable, the ungrateful, the undeserved. God loves us in spite of our sins, failures, mistakes, etc. God doesn’t love us because we are lovable but because God is Love (that's who He is) and He is always loving. God did not wait for us to become good or to acknowledge Him before He decided to save us. Christ died for our sins even when we're still enemies of God. God loves us before we turn to Him...before we seek Him...before we love Him. His love for us does not depend on who we are or what we do. I'm so glad it doesn't because this means God's amazing love for me never changes! 

Perfect Gift Giver

Do not be deceived thinking that God tempts you. God, instead of being the source of temptation, is the Source of all good gifts/all blessings. God is our kind, loving, giving, creative, & all-powerful Father. He is the Creator of the universe yet He cares about us. What He gives to His children is only good and perfect. "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

God is completely consistent; He never changes. One of His attributes is immutability. It's truly comforting to me to know that I can always trust Him no matter what. He and all His attributes are unchangeable! "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

God chose to give us birth (new life, regeneration) through the word of truth (His Word, the proclamation of the gospel). "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God." (1 Peter 1:23)
It's God's desire/choice/will for us to be saved, born again, and have eternal life. The early Christians were called "firstfruits" because they were an indication that many more people would eventually be born again as a result of the spread of the gospel. Verse 18 shows the ultimate "good and perfect gift" from God to us. We're reminded here that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Prayer: Father, thank You for all the gifts/blessings You have given me! Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ! Thank You for the gift of eternal life! Thank You for the gift of Your Word that teaches, guides, transforms, encourages, and comforts me! Thank You for being faithful and immutable! Please help me to trust You completely and not be deceived by Satan's lies. Please empower me to boldly share the gospel with those who need to hear and to use my gifts for Your glory and Your kingdom. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Persevere and Take Responsibility

There's a blessing/reward for those who love God and faithfully endure trials/temptation/ suffering to the end. They will receive the crown of life. What a beautiful promise from God! We're reminded of the Heavenly life to come. The hope of Heaven inspires us to persevere through hardship in this life. This world is not our home. This life is temporary. Trials are temporary. Our eternal reward is waiting for us. Stand steadfast through trials and testing. We're truly blessed for all eternity because we have an intimate relationship with God and we will be with Him forever.

Verse 12 made me think of 1 Peter 1:6-7, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trails. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." and Revelation 2:10, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." 

God cannot be tempted by evil because God is holy, pure, and perfect. And God is never the source of temptation (enticement to sin) or sin. Instead of blaming God, we must take personal responsibility for our sins. We must deal with our inner trials. It starts with a desire of the flesh/an evil desire in the mind (in our thought). If pursued, that desire gives birth to sin (acting out the desire). That sin grows and brings forth death (spiritual death which is in contrast to the eternal life God gives to those who love Him and faithfully persevere under trials/temptations in verse 12). As Christ’s followers, we’re in a constant battle between our sinful nature and our new nature. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can rise above the flesh. Through studying and memorizing God's Word, we can be strengthened and equipped to resist and overcome temptations. Through God's grace and faithfulness, He promises to provide us a way out when we face temptations. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) We will be blessed/happy when we persevere. Perseverance is the fruit proven by the testing of our faith, which leads to spiritual maturity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of providing me a way out when I'm tempted. Please help me to take the way out and avoid sinning against You. Please empower me to die to self daily. Please enable me to persevere through the trials of this life. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen. 

We All Have to Face Trials

God is no respecter of persons. Rich or poor, we all have to face the trials of this sin-cursed life. Both the rich and the poor need wisdom (including an eternal perspective) to rightly respond to trials, the testing of their faith. The poor glory in seeing that poverty doesn't make them less in God's eyes. Through trials, the rich realize that wealth doesn't make them immune to the curse, nor does it make them any better than the poor. Trials and sufferings are allowed (and used) by God to keep both the rich and the poor from being too enamored with this world...from being preoccupied with the cares of this life and the pursuit of material treasures. Neither wealth nor poverty gives us special status in God's eyes. Therefore, we must not let either determine how we view other people or how we treat them. 

We are reminded of how brief life is and how fleeting and temporary all of this is-- material possessions, achievements, status, earthly success, etc. They all will wither and disappear. Our status, not here, but in eternity should be our main concern. In Christ, believers in humble circumstances are to rejoice that they have been given true wealth. They're now heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. In Christ, the rich are to rejoice that they have been brought down to a level where the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for more and more things no longer have a hold on them. Wealth is a testing just as poverty is; both reveal where we place our faith and hope. Trials/difficult times help remind us that our joy and contentment are not found in the riches of this world, but are found only in the riches of God's grace.

Prayer: Father, I am thankful that my life is in Your hand. I need Your wisdom, grace, and strength as I face various trials. Your presence and sovereignty comfort me. Please guide me and empower me to grow and glorify You through trials. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Pray for Wisdom

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." (James 1:5-8 NIV)

We can always use more wisdom, can't we :)? Indeed, we need God's wisdom to do God's will. Wisdom includes practical insight, discernment/sound judgment, and spiritual understanding. This is not a one-time thing. God doesn't fill us up with His wisdom once to last our whole lifetime. We must come back to Him again and again. This helps us realize our dependence on Him and it also builds our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

When we're facing trials, we need God's wisdom to know how to deal with them, how to endure, how we can have joy in the midst of them, and to see what God's purpose is in those trials. "The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one's difficulties. It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes." (from my NKJV Study Bible's commentary) 

There are two conditions/requirements for receiving wisdom: 1. Ask God for it and 2. Believe/don't doubt. Pray with unwavering faith that stands firm in all the storms of life. God could simply give us the wisdom but He requires us to ask for it so that we recognize our need for it and understand & acknowledge where that wisdom is coming from. God is generous and He enjoys giving. He wants to give us wisdom because He is a loving Father desiring to see His children make wise decisions and live a blessed life. He gives wisdom generously to all who ask for it "without finding fault"/"without reproach"--without reminding us how we don't deserve it, without expressing disappointment about how foolish we are or how slow we are (at learning and trusting). When we pray for wisdom (or anything for that matter), we must not be "double-minded" (indecisive, wavering in mind, insincere, can't be trusted, uncertain, two-faced, divided in loyalties). Doubters are unstable/unsteady in all they do. Faith or lack of faith (doubt) will affect everything...our character, feelings, thoughts, actions, reactions, and prayers. God is a jealous God. He wants only our single-minded/undivided devotion. Doubt in our communication with God (our prayers) hinders our relationship with Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being patient, gracious, and generous with me! Please give me wisdom to do Your will, to know Your heart, to understand Your Word, and to learn what You want me to learn. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joy through Trials

Even though James was the brother of Jesus, he introduced himself as "a servant (bondservant) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". I love his humility. I want people to know me as a servant of God, too. James addressed his letter to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed by persecution.

We're encouraged to respond to trials as positive things...almost as if we should even welcome them since they are opportunities to test our faith. Most people don't enjoy tests but tests do serve some valuable purposes. They reveal strengths and weaknesses. They demonstrate what we know and what we do not know, and they teach us how to apply knowledge. Our faith is tested by how we respond to trials (conflicts, sufferings, troubles, difficulties). It will show who we really are and what we really believe. It will show whether our faith is strong or weak, genuine or fake. Trials are unpleasant but they are great opportunities to witness how God works in our lives, for our lives, and through our lives. Testing highlights God's faithfulness in our lives and in the lives of others. "Let every trial teach me more of Thy peace, more of Thy love." (Valley of Vision) God uses difficult situations to teach us about ourselves or about other people. Use them as stepping stones to grow in Christ. Growth through trials will help our character shine and bring glory to God.

Perseverance/patience/endurance is the fruit proven by testing. This passage in James reminds me of Mark 4: 16-17, "Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away." True saving faith will stand steadfast under pressure and endure to the end...come what may! "Mind and heart and character are bettered by the endurance of affliction." (Alexander Smellie)

"Count it all joy/consider it pure joy"! We can have joy by focusing on the value of trials in our lives. Trials authenticate our faith, develop perseverance, strengthen us/our faith, draw us closer to God/make us depend on God more, glorify God as He sustains us through our trials, help us learn lessons that we need to learn, and enable us to help encourage and comfort others who may experience similar trials. The result/reward for passing the testing of our faith and persevering includes spiritual maturity, completion, not lacking anything = complete contentment/wholesomeness.

One thing that helps me during trials is to focus on the Author and Finisher of our Faith. "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3) Such a beautiful and powerful example to help us endure our trials! Did you notice the words we see in these verses that we also see in James: perseverance and joy?

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your beautiful and faithful promises! My family is going through many trials of life right now. We are grateful that You are with us always, comforting us, guiding us, watching over us, and carrying us through it all. Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to face each day. Please teach us what we need to learn from these trials. Please help us persevere and find joy in You through any storms. May we honor and glorify You in everything we do and say! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.