September 4, 2011
First let me start with a wish of HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my oldest, Doug! He is 24 this day and I still remember the day he was born and that awesome feeling of happiness I felt when I held him in my arms the first time in the delivery room at the hospital 24 years ago. I knew then he was going to be awesome son and he has not disappointed!
Today's scripture is James 1:2-8, 12:
James 1:2-8
New International Version (NIV)
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider 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. 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.
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.
Trials have been plentiful in the past year and today's sermon points to these words from James. The key is to look upon all trials with pure joy! These testings of our faith should produce perseverance. Perseverance brings maturity, completeness, and we'll lack for nothing! If the trial is beyond our wisdom, ask God for help, believing he will help and while having no doubt that he will help! Doing these things, God (who gives generously to all who ask without finding fault), will take care of your trial!
In James 1:12, we're told that those that persevere under trial, having stood the test, will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love him.
Thank you Pastor B. I needed this message today!
Dear Lord, I lack the wisdom to sail the rough seas that confront me right now, so please take the wheel and steer me to calmer waters!
Amen.
