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trust in God in suffering

James 1:12-18 – God cannot change

Verse 12 reveals the purpose in trials which is maturity. This verse shows us that loving God keeps us faithful to Him through the trials so that we persevere and endure.

In verses 13-18, James shows believers how to resist in temptation. Sometimes the trials are testings on the outside, and sometimes they are temptations on the inside. Trials may be tests sent by God, or they may be temptations sent by Satan and encouraged by our own fallen nature. It is this second aspect of trials—temptations on the inside—that James dealt with in this section. Believers are in danger of falling before the attacks and pressures of trials. But they are also subject to falling before the attractions and pleasures of temptation. Just as a wrong reaction to testing will obstruct spiritual growth and maturity, so will a wrong response to temptation. James outlined three pieces of temptation for the believer to think about: source of temptation (vv. 13-14), the steps in temptation (vv. 15-16), and the solution for temptation (vv. 17-18).

One may ask, “what is the relationship between testings on the outside and temptations from within?” The answer is if we are not careful, the testings on the outside may become temptations on the inside. When our circumstances are difficult, we may find ourselves complaining against God, questioning His love, and resisting His will. At this point, Satan provides us with an opportunity to escape the difficulty. This opportunity is a temptation

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James 1:1-4 – Endurance

All too often trials prompt groanings and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse. Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out. James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • God has a plan for us that will refine us, purify us, and cause us to be more mature. This growth will develop in us the traits necessary to have spiritual victory.
  • When we face trials with an outlook of growing in Christ and becoming more mature, this will allow us to take joy even though we are in pain
    • Remember Joseph. Enduring affliction had produced in Joseph an ability to see God’s greater hand in the malicious intentions of his brothers. God had used trials to make Joseph mature and complete.
    • We should look at trials as an occasion for joy because of their potential for producing something good in us
  • Endurance is the staying power that believers can have because they trust God. Tested faith becomes spiritually tough and rugged.
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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

APRIL 20 – PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15

LIGHTS IN THE WORLD

Continuing our reading plan, we stay in Philippians 2 by looking at verses 12-15. In this section today, Paul returns to the exhortations which he began earlier in verses 2-4. Verses 14-15 (and 16) give specific instructions on how to work out God’s “good purpose” (v. 13) concerning daily Christian living. Paul had shown them in 1:27-2:13 the kind of attitude and actions they were to follow. They were to demonstrate in their corporate and individual life this kind of conduct that would prove worthy of the great calling that God has given them. He uses all things to emphasize the inclusiveness of this command.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

April 14, 2020 – The Majesty of God:

Today, we turn our attention to the Majesty of God. We focus on the only God there is and whose handiwork is all around us. Today, we look at Psalm 8 and look to follow the example of David by acknowledging God and His majesty:

1 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The majesty of God
    • The word majestic suggests splendor and magnificence. It is a fitting note of praise for the Lord of Creation.
  • We are created as majestic creatures
    • We and all other human beings are valuable because God Himself created us in His own glorious image
  • God’s plan
    • God can use all of us no matter how strong or weak to silence evil

Context/summary:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

April 13, 2020 – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

“His Kingdom”

Today, we continue our “Unshakeable” reading plan by looking again at Philippians 1. This time we look at verses 15-18. The passage reads:

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (ESV)

Key Takeaways:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22

April 7, 2020 – Psalm 22

Today we look at Psalm 22 which talks of the Messiah being pierced. Due to time and size of discussion on this classic psalm, I will skip the verse-by-verse and instead give an overview. Much has already been said about this psalm in detail that we will skip here. There are a few verses that I want to touch on, but this is really a general overview about this classic psalm.

General Overview:

David apparently felt forsaken by God, as he was surrounded by his enemies’ scornful persecution. He lamented his tremendous suffering and his desperate struggle with death, pleading with God to deliver him from such a horrible end. Apparently, his prayer was answered, for he was able to declare to the elect and to the world that the Lord answered his prayer.Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 7 Psalm 22