Wrestling with James, Part 4

Posted on September 8, 2011 by LesJr.
Categories: Uncategorized.

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)

It’s kind of hard to think about persevering when it involves a trial or a test. We instinctively know that having trials in our lives and facing tests of our faith and character is hard. Not only hard, they are often painful with consequences beyond much of our control.

And yet, James says there is a blessing in standing tall. There is a blessing in finishing the race.

Maybe you are catching something significantly missing in this passage. We are not being urged to be victorious in the sense of us personally winning the fight.

Why is that significant? Because we live in a culture where being “in it to win it” implies our own strength and ability.

But that is not what James is imploring us to do.

Our energy is to be spent in persevering. That means keeping our heads straight, staying focused on God, and remembering the battle belongs to the Lord!

Les, Jr. (Source: Article by Perry Noble, 21 Questions Leaders Must Wrestle With)

3 comments.

Wrestling with James, Part 3

Posted on September 1, 2011 by LesJr.
Categories: Uncategorized.

Have you ever heard the old cliché that sometimes life throws you a curveball? Whether you are familiar with the cliché or not, I think we have all experienced the unexpected.

When the unexpected comes, there are a lot of ways to handle it. You can throw up your hands in defeat. You can rant and rave. You can sink into a deep, dark, depression.

On the other hand, you might take a more positive approach and seek guidance and help from family, friends, and those who specialize in finding answers and solutions to whatever has turned your cart upside down.

I found a real positive step for those times when you encounter what you are not very equipped to deal with: Just because something unexpected has temporarily knocked the wind out of you it doesn’t mean that your life is over, that you’ll never achieve the things that you want, or that you’re doomed to fail and struggle for the rest of your days. (http://abundance-blog.marelisa-online.com/)

Yes, having the right perspective goes a long way to handling whatever has occurred. I am all for positive thinking, having the right perspective, etc. But then I wonder, how did we get so “enlightened” that we forgot or failed to bring God into the situation?

James 1:5, 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.

God is not just the best answer, ultimately, He is the only real and lasting answer! When ;life throws you a curveball, seek God. Better yet, long before the pitcher gets wound up to throw your the unexpected, seek God!

Are you spending time on your face with God in prayer? Are you spending time in His Word? That’s where the best answers will always be!

Take a look at the old lyrics from Casting Crowns What if His People Prayed?

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captive free
And not let satan have one more?

What if the Church, for heaven’s sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God’s promise
And stormed hell’s rusty gates?

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His faith, yeah
And turn from their old ways?

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way?
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day!

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth?
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do?

Wrestling with you,

Les, Jr.
(Source: Article by Perry Noble, 21 Questions Leaders Must Wrestle With)


 

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