Tag Archives: the book of James

March 24
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. ” (James 5:13a, NIV)

Prayer is not the first resource for many of us when we encounter trouble — although we keep it in reserve as a “last resort.” We want first to get free of trouble with our own resources (e. g. intelligence, cunning, friends, wealth. . .).

For the disciple of Jesus, our heavenly Father is not just our first resource, He is our only resource!

Trouble both hunts and haunts all of humanity.  Don’t be surprised when it comes.  However, when we run first to God, we will be amazed at how quickly trouble passes; and at our composure during the ordeal.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
March 23
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“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.

Better still is God’s wisdom, which 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

Tagged , ,
December 6
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:11, NIV)

Suffering is the “tax” that all of God’s creatures pay for the corruption of Creation. In a perfect world, suffering would not exist. Yet, our world — though wonderful and good in so many respects — is not perfect.

Suffering is difficult, inconvenient, confounding, and often expensive in time and treasure. If you do not think suffering to be a blessing — you are correct to think so! It is perseverance through suffering that we admire. It is fidelity through adversity that we cheer.

The blessing in perseverance is not the “finish line,” but the course (whether it be an obstacle course, a race course, or a course of study).

Perseverance not only reveals the nature of our character, and improves it; it reveals God’s character for what it has always been: Full of compassion and mercy.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →