Asides

March 18
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Uncategorized Aside

“Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13b, NIV)

James reminds us that the rhythm of a disciple’s life is not all labor and toil.  There are many periods of happiness and joy.  

As we ought to run to God when trouble arrives, we ought also to give thanks to God when our path is smooth, the weather is fair, and we are at peace with our neighbors.  

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God, such as luck, one’s personal knowledge or skill, or the favor of others. The disciple sees only God (even when God is acting through others) as the source of all blessings.  

James recommends this response: Praise God in song.  Indeed, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. . . ”  – Luther

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March 17
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“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 might keep it in reserve as a “last resort.” Too often, we prefer 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!  (When others help us, such assistance arrives through the mercy of our heavenly Father.)

Trouble hunts and haunts all of humanity.  Don’t be surprised when it arrives at your door.  However, if we turn first to God, we will be amazed at how quickly the storm passes, and at our composure during the ordeal.  – Luther

 
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March 15
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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)

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

Wisdom lightens the burden of decision-making. The source of wisdom is God, “who gives generously to all.”  We need only ask for it to receive it. 

Another thing: God’s wisdom is not derived from the collected errors of humanity, but from a perspective that sees all things perfectly; and aims to deliver us to each way point in life whole, ready, and on-time.   

Will you invite the wisdom of our heavenly Father into your decisions today; or will you persist in living by trial-and-error?  – Luther

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