Today’s scripture – James 1:2-17 (Full Scripture at bottom)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James, the brother of Jesus, was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the temple (over a hundred feet down) when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. James tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
Have you ever noticed that when you are giving your life to something truly important you experience trials, testing and suffering? How joyful are you under trial and suffering? Can you count it pure joy?
We are less than one week away from the Break the Silence conference at Crossroads. click here to learn more . The preparations have included trials, testing and yes, even some suffering. It stands to reason that when you are trying to free human beings from slavery you will face opposition so we shouldn’t be surprised. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” James said, count it all joy. We are allowing James and Dr King to mentor us today. Try the 3G practice to strengthen your perseverance under trial
3G Practice –
Give In – to considering it pure joy during trials and trouble.
Give up – comfort and temptation to back down.
Give out – tireless, passionate concern and dedication to those who are in distress.
Considering it pure joy,
Clare and Scott
PSRegister for Break the Silence Conference or Community Gathering here
James 1:2-17
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.