Prayer – Lord, I thank you for friends that encourage me and challenge me to dig deeper into Your word. Please give me joy deep down in my heart—like in the kids’ song. You said that if we lacked wisdom, to ask for it—and You’ll give it to us. Wisdom would be good for me, too—so pour that out on me. I feel that with more wisdom and joy in my life, I can serve You better. Let it be.
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. James 1:2-4
Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.
Yesterday I wrote about suffering and
enduring. A friend reminded me of some scripture that addresses the trials
of life. Sure, we all face trials. Read in the focus scripture again today what God wants
us to learn about trials in the book of James. Trials give an opportunity for joy!
The passage continues with advice for asking for wisdom, which provides
guidance through the worst of times.
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. James 1:5-8
James adds a blessing to getting through
that challenging time. A reward is always motivating and here is an ultimate gift
that many hope to receive.
God
blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will
receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James
1:12
Note that the crown of life is also
mentioned in the letter to the church at Smyrna in the Book of Revelation.
Suffer for ten days. Can you do that? Jesus tells those at Smyrna not to be afraid. Good advice for us, too. We don’t have to be afraid—no fear—no anxiety. I claim this because Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us. I cling to that every day.
Where are you with the
Lord? What are you doing TODAY to draw closer to God, to Jesus Christ, and to
the Holy Spirit?
Verse of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of your
salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:12
Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Ah, the luck of the Irish. I’m one of those blessed with Irish
heritage. Saint Patrick’s Day – What shall we eat to celebrate? Traditionally,
it is corned beef and cabbage, or Shepherd’s pie…and anything green! Green milkshake,
green beer, green jello, green frosting on chocolate cupcakes, green eggs and
ham, or green applesauce (ugh—food coloring). What else green have you served
or eaten on St. Patrick’s Day? I’m trying to get into the Mediterranean Diet habit
and they suggest fresh fruit for special occasions, rather than cakes—so how about
some green kiwi or even green grapes to commemorate this special Irish day?
Happy
Birthday – Mary JR
May
God continue to bless you!
You
are an inspiration!
© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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