Tag Archives: the book of James

November 6
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“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.”  (James 1:12, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus receives a test as a good thing.

Although times of examination are seldom pleasant, the outcome of testing reveals the nature of the stuff we’re made.  Only the person who has persevered under trial knows — really knows — the stuff of which he or she is made.  Without testing, we’re just guessing.

To “pass” a test of our spiritual selves requires only perseverance.  We need not persevere perfectly, but we do need to persevere faithfully.

The strength to persevere comes when we keep ours eyes fixed on Christ under even the most difficult of circumstances.  Doing so assures capital “L” Life for us.  We apprehend it in no other way.  – Luther

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November 5
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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”  (James 1:19-20, NIV)

There is not a more succinct statement of what the disciple of Jesus should aspire than what we read in today’s scripture.

Whomever first uttered the bromide: “The reason God gave us two ears and one mouth is that we should listen twice as much as we talk,” was on to something.  We all should major in listening and minor in speaking!

When you “listen” with every sense the Lord has given you, you will see what others do not see; you will hear what others cannot hear; and when you are compelled to speak, your sentences will convey the wisdom of God.  – Luther

 

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March 24
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“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.”  (James 1:5, NIV)

Decisions.  Decisions.  Decisions.

Having wisdom makes the burden of making the decisions in our lives much lighter.  The source of wisdom is God, “who gives generously to all.”

The humorist Will Rogers said, “Learn from the mistakes of others; you won’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”  So true.

God’s wisdom is not derived from the collected errors of humanity, but from a perspective that sees all things perfectly.  Invite the wisdom of our heavenly Father into your decisions today.  – Luther

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