Monday – May 30th – James 1:2 -----
1:2) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
THE GREATNESS OF THE PROMISER ENHANCES THE GREATNESS OF THE PROMISES.*
Good Monday and Good Memorial Day to you! Today we pause from our normal beginning of the work week planning to take time to reflect on those who have given their lives in service to our country. Many folks will also travel to cemeteries to decorate the graves of loved ones who have graduated to life eternal. Whatever are you plans, activities, or traditions for today may we give thanks that we are able to gather with family and friends because others have sacrificed for the privilege of living in freedom.
In our pick verse today, James instantly brings reality to the human condition. Even for those who chose to become followers of Jesus we are reminded in this verse that we are not exempt for everyday trials or challenges. Some folks mistakenly pursue Christianity only as a means to escape life’s struggles and to live worry free for the rest of their earthly life. Even some of the strongest Christians I know will at times be tempted to question why life is filled with struggles. James strongly refutes this notion of a trial-free Christianity and instead flips it upside down by stating that we should count it as “all joy” when we are confronted with times of trail and testing. I am not sure if I have ever run headlong into a challenging situation in my life and my first thought was to embrace it as pure joy. Yes, eventually (most of the time) I can arrive at the joy stage but only after my initial reaction subsides. Over the next couple of days, we will continue to drill down into James’ explanation of this seemingly contradictory statement. Maybe by mid-week pure joy will come more easily as our first response to life’s trials and troubles.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Tuesday – May 31st – James 1:3
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Locations 27958-27959). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
1:2) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
THE GREATNESS OF THE PROMISER ENHANCES THE GREATNESS OF THE PROMISES.*
Good Monday and Good Memorial Day to you! Today we pause from our normal beginning of the work week planning to take time to reflect on those who have given their lives in service to our country. Many folks will also travel to cemeteries to decorate the graves of loved ones who have graduated to life eternal. Whatever are you plans, activities, or traditions for today may we give thanks that we are able to gather with family and friends because others have sacrificed for the privilege of living in freedom.
In our pick verse today, James instantly brings reality to the human condition. Even for those who chose to become followers of Jesus we are reminded in this verse that we are not exempt for everyday trials or challenges. Some folks mistakenly pursue Christianity only as a means to escape life’s struggles and to live worry free for the rest of their earthly life. Even some of the strongest Christians I know will at times be tempted to question why life is filled with struggles. James strongly refutes this notion of a trial-free Christianity and instead flips it upside down by stating that we should count it as “all joy” when we are confronted with times of trail and testing. I am not sure if I have ever run headlong into a challenging situation in my life and my first thought was to embrace it as pure joy. Yes, eventually (most of the time) I can arrive at the joy stage but only after my initial reaction subsides. Over the next couple of days, we will continue to drill down into James’ explanation of this seemingly contradictory statement. Maybe by mid-week pure joy will come more easily as our first response to life’s trials and troubles.
Blessings
Pastor Jim
Tuesday – May 31st – James 1:3
*Tyndale. The Daily Walk Bible NLT (Daily Walk: Full Size) (Kindle Locations 27958-27959). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
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