New International Version
Trials and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
James 1:2-3
Tag: James
James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:21 NIV
Worship Him In Spirit And Truth
Our worship of God is not limited to what we write, say, or sing. We worship Him by every element of our conduct. The way we act and react says something about how much we fear, worship, and love God. When we don’t say or do or even think in line with God’s Word we are saying something about how little our desire to worship Him is.
When we are able to relate all circumstances and situations to Scripture we are saying something. When we have no time to read the Bible we are saying something. When we cannot enter into any conversation without mentioning the goodness and glory of God we are saying something. When we enter into ungodly conversations we are saying something. When we demonstrate deference and humble ourselves we are saying something. When we seek justice for ourselves we are saying something. When we sing praise and worship songs as our hearts swell with worship we are saying something. When we go through an entire day without giving thanks to God in prayer we are saying something.
This list could go on and on, but I trust the point is clear. If we live our lives for God only when in the presence of other believers or only in the sight of the godly and fail to ‘bring it back to God’ when in the presence of non-believers then we are not worshiping Him in spirit and truth. John 4:23
James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
- Jonathan G Ettrick
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NIV)
We Can’t Change People – Though We All Wish We Could And We All Try To. This Is Reserved For The Holy Spirit Alone
If things don’t happen as we think they should we tend to become impatient. Especially with people.
We often want to change people around us to suit us better.
The Christian walk is all about change …a changed heart, a changed life, a changed covenant with God. But none of this change is brought about by us.
We can’t change people either – though we all wish we could and we all try to. This is reserved for the Holy Spirit alone.
That’s a big challenge to accept – especially in close relationships – to take our own hands off – and let the heart of God in.
In other words to be ready to take my eyes off another’s issues and to turn to the Lord with the attitude of heart to say, “Lord what do you want to do in my heart through this situation?”
This leads us to the cross. To lay down my own life and find God’s Grace. My faith and patience will be tested – but nothing is proved genuine until it’s tested.
Matthew 7:3
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
James 1:3
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
- Mark Saunders