At any given moment of the day, when we least
expect it, circumstances arise that cause fear and despair to darken our
attitude. Heaviness shrouds our spirit and joy flees in retreat.
Eventually anger may arise to shield us from
impending pain and we explode and strike out at those around us. For the
smallest offense, we react with severe sharpness that leaves the other person
cut to shreds.
Our soul pours forth a storm of abuse that drenches
the recipient to the point of drowning! Then we feel guilty for over-reacting
and causing someone else pain and unhappiness.
Our anxiety and depression deepen and we withdraw
into a stoic abyss. James did not believe in his half-brother's deity until
after His resurrection.
However, God used James mightily to further His
Kingdom in Jesus' footsteps. He remembered things Jesus taught and shared them
with the Body of Christ both then and now.
One very famous concept was something very similar
to what the apostle Paul taught. James reminds us that when we are tempted to
sin, we can consider it a joyous time.
This occurs because we know without a doubt that
when our faith is tried, the circumstances allow God's Spirit to use our faith
in Christ to work patience into our life.
As we learn patience, we lose much of the anxiety
and grief which circumstances previously spawned in our life. Life is much simpler;
we want less of this world and more obedience to His Spirit.
We realize that regardless of issues we are
experiencing, we have need of nothing. God is our supply, and He has everything in
His control (James 1:2-4).
Prayer:
Father God, You are the same Creator who made the majestic
mountains, the depths of the sea, the myriad of galaxies in the heavens and the
variety of species of plants and animals on this earth. You also have a
wonderful plan for each of us, filled with love and peace through our Rock,
Jesus Christ.
Most people prefer to make our own rules and live
according to the dictates of our own heart, rejecting You for much, most, or
all of our life. Some of us totally spurn Your offer of love and lead a hate
campaign against You. Others attempt to earn our salvation by our good works.
A few of us will receive Your free gift of
salvation through Christ (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Even then, we look to You to
forgive us each day for transgressing against Your will and way for our life.
Thought for the Day:
As we allow God to sanctify our carnal nature, we
grow into a more mature Christian, exhibiting the fruit of His Holy Spirit and
having the nature of God as we readily and fully surrender to God’s sanctifying
process.
