NIV
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
NLT
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad.
Greetings!
Faith and Endurance
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
6 comments:
What if we could truly adopt this kind of mentality? Ask yourself a question, how manypeople do you know that would consider it pure joy when facing trials? How about yourself? I can only answer for me, and well,,,,,I have some work to do.
I am praying for you guys today.
Blessings,
cas
LORD, we read of Your healing power in the Word - men, women, sons, daughters. Countless times through the years You have healed your children without our knowledge. Today, once again, we raise TJ and his family to you, asking for Your healing touch on one of Your children. Have mercy on TJ; give wisdom to those treating him; calm his family. Draw them all close to You today and the healing power of Your touch. AMEN.
tba
I've got a long way to go in this regard. Having joy during trials? Some maybe that allow me to expand my skills, character but that's not even a majority let alone most of the time.
One question I did have was if you lack wisdom and don't ask for it, where does that place you even if you believe? In the room with the people tossed by the wind that will receive nothing. Or in a room with people who are happy with what they have and who may have the gifts given to them for God loves us so.
I read this today and wept. TJ is not doing too well. His fever is back to 104.1. Docs aren't sure what the cause is but the good news is that some of his labs came back normal. I am so trying to read this verse and find the joy in my trial. But I have to admit, it flat out stinks. I am praying my heart out and just pleading to God for his healing on TJ. I need God to hear my pleas for help. I am trying to be a faithful servant right now. I am leaning on Him.
God my son needs you. will you please heal him? Will you please have mercy on us and provide your healing hands upon him? Amen
TRD, My heart hurts with you, my brother! My wife and I have been praying today for TJ.
Continue to lean on him and approach Him with EVERYTHING you're going through!
This is still one of my favorite verses!
There were many many times in school when I would fail to live this verse, but as time goes by afterward, I wish I would have enjoyed the trials as they happened more often.
TRD our thoughts are still with you and TJ, I pray your weekend brought good news.
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