When God shows you the door, walk through it…
We do not work in our own time. God has an appointed time for everything and that is not up to us to decide. When he opens a door, even if you are afraid, walk through knowing that the same God who brought you to the door, will take you through the door.
On a Personal Note – Hello/Goodbye
Life is this series of simultaneous hellos and goodbyes. As I’ve embraced seasons of newness, it’s often bittersweet. There’s an inherent grieving process as I head into fresh beginnings. What I’ve found is if we’re not careful, how we manage our goodbyes can taint our transition into the next season.
#hello #goodbye #december #newyear #new
God hears our heart
When we are low on words or feel like God is distant, we must remember God will even hear our faintest cries and he will come to our rescue. Take assurance in the fact that God will never leave you, nor forsake you and as his child, you have direct access to him even when you feel unheard.
Restless
So often we are spiritually burned out. We don’t bring things to God because we don’t feel like we are good enough Christians or we feel that the issue is too minor to worry our big God with. Because of this, we end up spiritually tired.
On a Personal Note – Refine.
If we are going to do all that God has called us to do, we have to fully submit to the refining.
On a Personal Note – Are you Seasoned & Prepared?
Are you Seasoned and Prepared?
The Danger of Double-Mindedness
In verses 2-4, James shares a powerful truth; The only way out of trials is through them. As he continues his letter, he transitions to talk about wisdom and double-mindedness. He starts verse 5 with If… It’s almost as if he recognizes that trials expose a lack of wisdom and insight. The type of insight that only God can give.
Encouragement for Today
God hears ALL of our prayers.
On a Personal Note – Productive Struggles…
As I reflected on James 1:2-4, this concept of productive struggle really resonated with me. James lets us know that we will endure challenges and that our posture should be that of joy. Simply because we know that God is building our faith and deepening our spiritual maturity.
Consider it All Joy
James is not ignorant of the trials of life. The language used for meeting trials meant that it was inevitable. We, just like everyone else, will have different situations that cause us trouble. Not all of our situations will be the same, but we know that eventually we will encounter them. It’s important for us to view each hard time with the right perspective.
Encouragement for Today
God requires us to do His will.
On a Personal Note – No Name Dropping Necessary…
As I reflected on James 1:1 this week (Read Here – Rooted in Christ), I recalled this conversation and I was struck with this thought, ‘James was so rooted and confident in his purpose, calling, and identity that he didn’t feel compelled to name drop.
Rooted in Christ
The book of James was written to encourage believers to be patient in trials, increase their faith, and examine their doctrine and practice. James understood the need for endurance while being tested and that testing produces maturity in Christ. He highlighted the importance of unwavering faith and what Christian belief looked like in everyday life. He taught that faith in God resulted in changed behavior.
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The Danger of Double-Mindedness
James 1:5-8 Before studying any passage, it’s important to understand the context. For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick summary of James. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask
Encouragement for Today
“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven,your name be honored as holy.10 Your kingdom come.Your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us today our daily bread.12 And
On a Personal Note – Productive Struggles…
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance
