Finding Joy in Trials: James 1:2-8

On Sunday afternoon, my 7-year old son asked me why God allows bad things to happen. I thought to myself: “Why couldn’t you have asked me where babies come from – I could answer that one for you!!!!” I fumbled through an answer, but didn’t feel really good about it. This question continued to weigh on my mind and it was at the forefront of my mind when I sat down for my quiet time on Monday morning. The Lord is always good and He met my unspoken questions with this Word from Him:

The Scripture: 

James 1:2-8

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But 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. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

The Facts

1. Consider it joy, when you face trials (vs. 2)
   
2. The testing of your faith develops perseverance (vs. 3)
   
3. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (vs. 4)
   
4. If any lacks wisdom ask God (vs. 5)
   
5. He gives generously to all, without finding fault (vs. 5)
   
6. When he asks, he must believe and not doubt (vs. 6)
   
7. He who doubts is like a wave on the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (vs. 6)
   
8. That man should not think he will receive anything (vs. 7)
   
9. He is double-minded, unstable in all he does (vs. 8)
   

The Lessons

1. When (not if) we face troubles, we should welcome it with “pure joy,” as if it were an exciting, new adventure (vs. 2) Things I think of that I consider to be a “pure joy” – a new baby, Christmas morning, my kids’ “belly laugh,” playing the piano, sitting on the beach
   
2. There is purpose in trials – it is to develop perseverance in our faith; troubles are not unexpected or random (vs. 3)
   
3. Perseverance also has purpose – to make us mature and complete. If we never encountered difficulty, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to become mature and complete (vs. 4)
   
4. We should not try to navigate the difficult circumstances alone; we must ask God for the wisdom we need. Perseverance doesn’t mean “how long can you do it alone.”  Rather, God wants to teach us to come to Him when we need him so that we are able to persevere. (vs. 4)
   
5. God is a generous and forgiving God. He will not heap condemnation on us when we come to him authentically, humbly seeking Him. Rather, he will meet us where we are and generously supply us with the wisdom we need to navigate the storms of life. (vs. 6)
   
6. We must come to God with an attitude of expectancy and BELIEVE that God will act and be faithful to His promises. (vs. 6)
   
7. When we doubt, we become even more uncertain and life becomes that much more tumultuous. (vs. 6)
   
8. The one who doubts -- because he doesn’t come to God expecting anything – SHOULDN’T expect to receive anything. This is a warning against unbelief. (vs. 7).
   
9. When we doubt, we are double minded. We may have 1 eye on God, but we still have 1 eye also on the world. This WILL make us unstable in everything we do. We MUST be singularly focused on God. (vs. 8)
   

The Lessons for Me

1. Do I meet trials with the same attitude of excitement, peace, happiness, and satisfaction as a new baby, Christmas morning, my kids’ “belly laugh,” playing the piano or sitting on the beach? 
   
2. Do I welcome trials as something with a purpose? Something that will have a positive outcome? Something from which I can learn?
   
3. How have past trials/perseverance made me more mature and complete? Are there areas of my life where I need to grow in maturity and become more complete? Can I appreciate how trials in my life can and will help me to grow in Christ? 
   
4. Do I always seek God and ask Him for His wisdom in the midst of trials? Am I seeking the world’s wisdom instead? (Interestingly, God specifically mentions asking for wisdom here; not asking for peace or joy or contentedness; but wisdom because that is what we NEED in order to ACT in our time of trial. I believe peace, joy, and contentedness will RESULT from relying on God’s wisdom and growing in perseverance and becoming “mature and complete.”  We find God’s wisdom in His Word – the Bible. This is why it is so important to consistently -- daily -- be in The Word.)
   
5. What keeps me from seeking God? Is Satan whispering lies in my ear about condemnation? Am I digging into God’s Word, which is where I will find His wisdom?
   
6. Do I BELIEVE God will supply my needs? Do I live each day, each moment, and each trial with a heart of expectancy that God will fulfill his promises?
   
7. Have I examined the areas of my life that feel unstable? Is there unbelief there?
   
8. Am I singularly focused on God or do I still keep one eye on the world?
   

What I’ve learned

In every trial we experience, God has: purpose, provision, and protection for us.

Purpose:  The purpose of trials in our lives is to develop perseverance, which result in maturity and completeness (which may be characterized by a sense of peace, joy, and contentedness in our circumstances).

Provision: God does not ask us to face trials alone, he GENEROUSLY gives us His Wisdom when we authentically and humbly seek Him. He has given us His Word – the Bible – which is the source of His wisdom. We don’t have to guess. We don’t have to sit in silence and wonder if our ideas are from the Lord. HIS ideas are in black and white. It doesn’t get much more accessible than that.

Protection:  God loves us and wants the best for us. He does not want us to become “unstable” – and he warns us that if we keep on eye on the world, we will become unstable. His protection is this caution, that if we are “double-minded” – keeping one eye on the Him and one eye on the world – we will doubt and become unstable in ALL we do. 

The Aim

To be singularly focused on God; and in times of trial, to seek God's wisdom, taking comfort in His purpose, provision, and protection.

Why We Must Know Him - Hebrews 1:5-14

Today's post is in answer to some follow up questions spurned by Wednesday's scripture study. Why, Lord? Why is it important that I know your character? How does knowing your character change me? I did not have to travel very far in my Bible for the answer, for I found it as I continued to read in the first chapter of Hebrews. This was how He answered me:

The Scripture

Hebrews 1:5-14:

5For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." 7In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."

8But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."

10He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end."

13To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

 

The Facts

1. To which angel did God say, “You are my son; today I have become your Father? Or “I will be his Father and he will be my Son?” (vs. 5)
   
2. Let all God’s angels worship him. (vs. 6)
   
3. He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire (vs. 7)
   
4. About the Son, he says: Your throne will last forever and ever; righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. (vs. 8)
   
5. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; God has set you above your companions. (vs. 9)
   
6. You laid the foundations of the earth; the heavens are the work of your hands. (vs. 10)
   
7. They will perish, but you remain. (vs. 11)
   
8. You remain the same; your years will never end. (vs. 12)
   
9. To which angel did God say: sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool (vs.13)
   
10. All angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. (vs. 14)
    

The Lessons

1. God calls no one else His Son, not even angels. There is no one else who can take Jesus’ place (vs. 5)
   
2. All of the angels worship Jesus (vs. 6)
   
3. The angels serve Jesus (vs. 7)
   
4. Jesus is a King, sitting on a throne. Righteousness is his scepter. (Historical note: a scepter was an ancient symbol of authority: Jesus’ righteousness is his authority!) (vs. 8)
   
5. Jesus is set apart from all others because He loves righteousness and hates wickedness (vs. 9)
   
6. Jesus is the Creator of the heavens and the Earth (vs. 10)
   
7. Even the heavens and Earth, which Jesus created, will die, but Jesus will never die (vs. 11)
   
8. Jesus never changes. He is always the same. There will be no end to Him. (vs. 12)
   
9. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. His enemies are his footstool. (vs. 13)
   
10. The purpose of angels is to serve believers. (vs. 14)
    

The Lessons for Me

1. There is no one else who can take the place of Jesus. In what ways do I try to use other things to take Jesus’ place in my life? 
   
2. How do I worship Jesus in my attitude?  How do I worship Jesus in my actions?
   
3. How do I serve Jesus in my attitude?  How do I serve Jesus in my actions?  What does the Bible say about how we serve Jesus? (Item for further study)
   
4. Do I acknowledge Jesus as King?  Does Jesus have authority over my life?  Do I approach Jesus in my posture, emotions, attitude, reflections, obedience the same way I would if it were a political King or Queen present in this world?  If I were invited to the home of the Queen of England, how would I approach her?  What would my posture be?  Would I be brimming with excitement?  Would I feel honored just to be in her presence?  How would I feel if she actually began to talk to me?  How closely would I listen to her words?  If she gave me advice, how would I consider it?  Do I acknowledge Jesus at KING and approach Him in my attitude, attentiveness, focus and respect that same way?
   
5. Do I love righteousness?  Do I hate wickedness?  Truly?  What does it mean to love righteousness and hate wickedness?  In attitude and in action?
   
6. Do I see Jesus every time I observe Creation?  In a tree? A meadow of wildflowers? The expansive blue sky?  The rain?  The mountains?  Do I really see Jesus’ handiwork and worship Him for it?
   
7. Do I put my full faith in Jesus, knowing that all else will perish but him?
   
8. Jesus never changes!!!  Do I trust that promises of Jesus from the Old Testament as much as the new?  Do I call on and trust in the power of Jesus in the same way the prophets of the Old Testament did or the apostles of the New Testament did? 
   
9. Do I live a life of victory!!!???
   
10. In what ways do I serve others? 
    

Facts Outline

A.      The Angels:

1.       Who they are

a.       Are not the Son (vs. 5)

b.      Worship Jesus (vs. 6)

2.       What they do

a.       Are in the winds and fire (vs. 7)

 B.      Jesus:

1.       Who He is

a.       Has a lasting throne, the authority of which is established by his righteousness (vs.8)

b.      Loves righteousness; hates wickedness (vs. 9)

1.       What he does

a.       Created heaven and earth (vs. 10)

b.      Lives forever (vs. 11)

c.       Remains forever (vs. 12)

 C.      The Angels (again)

1.       Who they are

a.       Are not equal to Jesus (vs. 13)

2.       What they do

a.       Minister to Believers (vs. 14)

Conclusion: What I've Learned

God is very specific in this passage about telling me who the Angels are and what they do; as well as who Jesus is and what He does. Therefore, I think that these are two equally important distinctions to God not only about Jesus and the angels, but also about us. It’s not just what do we believe?  But also, how do we live out our beliefs?  It’s not just what are my actions – how do I serve others?  But also, what is the heart attitude of my service?  Both our attitude and our actions define us.

By learning more about whom Jesus is and what He does, I receive greater understanding of God’s purpose for my life!  

My Aim

To demonstrate Christ in me in both who I am and what I do -- everyday!

I Want to Know You More - Hebrews 1:1-4

On Monday morning this week, my prayer was simple: "Lord, I want to know you more."  I've been a Christian all my life and yet, my prayer is always: "I want to know you more.  Reveal yourself to me in a new way.  Give me fresh insight into your person.  Reveal your character to me and through me."  Confident that God would be faithful to answer me in His Word, I opened my Bible.  This is what He said:

The Scripture

Hebrews 1:1-4 - 1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Facts

1. In the past, God spoke through the prophets (v. 1)
   
2. In these last days, he has spoken to us by His Son (v.2)
   
3. He [Jesus] is the heir of all things (v.2)
   
4. Through Jesus, God made the universe (v.2)
   
5. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory (v.3)
   
6. The Son is the exact representation of his being (v.3)
   
7. Jesus sustains all things by his powerful word (v.3)
   
8. After Jesus provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (v.3)
   
9. Jesus became superior to angels (v.4)
   
10. The name Jesus inherited is superior to theirs (v.4)
    

The Lessons

1. In the past, God didn’t speak directly to His people.  He spoke through the prophets.  The prophets were godly men.  God couldn’t speak directly to His people.  He couldn’t have a relationship with them because of their sin.
   
2. Since the death of Jesus (“in these last days”), which atones for our sin, the Father is able to speak to us through Jesus, who makes the way for us to have relationship with the Father.
   
3. All things belong to Jesus
   
4. Jesus has been with the Father since before the Creation of the Universe since the Father made the Universe through Him
   
5. We see God’s glory through Jesus
   
6. Jesus is exactly the same as God
   
7. Jesus is so powerful that even by His words, he sustains all thing
   
8. Jesus is majestic
   
9. Jesus is superior to angels
   
10. Jesus is equal to the Father
    

Lessons for Me

1. What sin in my life is keeping me from relationship with the Father?  If the Father’s voice is silent and seems distant, what areas of my life do I need to examine to see the things I need to confess?  Let me ask the Holy Spirit in me to reveal those areas of my life that might be hindering my relationship with the Father.
   
2. I am not capable of removing sin from my life; only Jesus can do that for me.  Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ will I hear the voice of the Father and KNOW His will and His purpose for my life.
   
3. Do I treat people, myself, my children, my money, my home … all things … as if it belongs to Jesus?  It does.  How do I treat items I “borrow” from someone else for a time versus the way I treat things that I “own?”  How can I change the way I approach everything and everyone in my life to reflect its rightful ownership? 
   
4. Do I worship Jesus as God?  Do I become so focused on Jesus as Friend, as Emmanuel – God with Us – that I forget that He is fully God? (Related to #6 below)
   
5. Do I worship Jesus with a sense of His glory and God’s glory? 
   
6. Do I worship and acknowledge (and live) Jesus as God or have I somehow demoted Him in my mind? (Related to #4 above)
   
7. Do I seek Jesus to reveal and unfold His power in my life?  Do I specifically ask Him to? 
   
8. Do I worship Jesus with a sense of His majesty?
   
9. Do I value and understand that because Jesus is above the angels due to his name, that I, having been adopted by grace into the family of God as well, also share the same name as Jesus and am also an heiress to the Kingdom?  Do I live in that Truth, with a grateful heart, every single day?
   

Conclusion

Jesus is:

• How we communicate with God
  
• Our means of relationship with God
  
• The owner of all things
  
• The same as God
  
• The reflection of God’s glory
  
• God
  
• Powerful
  
• Majestic
  
• Superior to angels
  

Amen.

Do You KNOW You Will Go?

In my first post, I outlined my statement of faith because it is the cornerstone of my perspective from which I will study, understand, and write my learning of Scripture. And while I am maintaining this blog as a record of my Bible study, my prayer is that God will use this blog to touch someone's life, somewhere. It may be someone who already knows the Lord, it may not. I may never know if that happens, and that is perfectly okay. After all, I say: To God the glory be, not me!!!  

A FEW ASSUMPTIONS

So, since you are reading this blog -- and you are undoubtedly a busy person, because really, these days, who isn't? -- I think it is safe to assume that you are not just wondering if I'm doing my homework each day, but perhaps you are hoping to glean something personal from my study as well? I hope you do.  

It is also safe to assume that you come from one of two perspectives: you are either certain of your eternal salvation or you are not. I mean, there really is not much middle ground on this issue. It's not a statement of judgment, it is simply a fact: either you know with certainty that you are going to heaven when you die or you are not sure.  

Perhaps you are not sure because you're not sure if heaven and hell really exist.  

Perhaps you're not convinced that the Bible is anything more than a book of history, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom.  

Perhaps you've been hurt, offended, or disregarded by Christians in the past and so reading from the Bible just doesn't appeal to you because after all, those people supposedly read the Bible and it didn't seem to change them. 

Perhaps you know you're a nice person and you have good morals and you keep most of the 10 Commandments (you've certainly never killed anyone); you attend church weekly; you may even be in a small group or a group Bible study yourself, and you hope all that is enough to "get you in" but still, you're just not sure.

HOW DO I KNOW?

Can a little girl of 6 years old be a sinner? Yes. The Bible says we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). Not all adults. Not all teenagers and adults. Not all people who do [fill in the blank] or who are above the age of [fill in the blank]. It says: "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." 

From my earliest days, I grew up going to church and from that experience, I knew that Jesus loved me and wanted to save me from my sin. So, when I was a little girl of about the age of six, I told my mother I wanted to invite Jesus into my heart and so she led me in a simple prayer. The prayer went something like this:

Dear Jesus, I know that I do things I shouldn't because I am a sinner.  I am sorry for those things. Please forgive me of my sin and come and be in my heart forever.  I want you to be the leader of my life. Amen.

That's it. That's all it took. No lightening struck. No thunder rolled. But, the moment I prayed that prayer, I became born again into the family of God and because of that moment in time, I KNOW. Because I prayed that simple prayer as a little girl, I KNOW. 

A LITTLE MORE INFO

Because I am a sinner and because God is holy, we can never be together without someone or something erasing that sin from my person. Someone has to pay the price, right? Well, they are my sins, so it's only fair that I should have to pay that price, don't you think?  

Can you remember when you were in the first grade and everyone in the class had to miss recess because one unruly classmate broke the rules during lunchtime? It wasn't fair that you had to pay the price for someone else's misbehavior. But that's exactly what Jesus did for us. 

You see, the Bible says: "The wages [something we earn] of sin is death, but the gift [something we are given] of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) This is clear. Just like going to work every day where we earn our wages as payment for our service, the "wages" we earn -- the payment that is due to us -- for every sin -- no matter how big or how small; whether it is gossiping at the water cooler or committing murder; no matter how many or how few; they are all equal in God's eyes (James 2:10) -- the payment is death.  

THE GOOD NEWS

But here's the Good News: God so loved you -- God so loved me -- that He sent his Son, Jesus, to be our payment instead. God sent Him to die for us so that we could live forever with Him in Heaven when we die (John 3:16). God wants you and He wants me. But quite frankly, when we live it apart from Jesus, our imperfect, sinful lives -- are not be enough to bring us into an eternal relationship with God.  

But, when Jesus died, his death -- a death he did not earn -- paid the price for our sin.  

He took the punishment that should have been yours -- the punishment that should have been mine.  

This gift is free for the taking to ANYONE who will sincerely tell God how sorry you are for your sin and humbly ask Him to forgive you and come and live in your heart to guide you.

WHY WAIT?

One of the most exciting parts of having a relationship with God (to me anyway!) is that we don't have to wait until we die to begin experiencing the thrill of a life with Him!! Jesus said: "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full!" (John 10:10, emphasis mine). He meant ... life right now!! I don't know about you, but this is exciting to me! I don't have to wait until I die to experience God's goodness! When we read daily from God's word, we learn to hear His voice. He guides us and walks with us in good times and bad. We know His purpose for our lives and we enjoy the fruit of His faithfulness. Why wait???!

I KNOW ... DO YOU KNOW?

If you have already prayed that simple prayer above at some point in your life, please KNOW: you ARE going to Heaven.    

If you have never prayed that simple prayer, would you like to? Would you like to KNOW with certainty that you will spend forever in heaven, but can begin to bathe in the light of God's love right now? Would you like to have an absolute certain purpose for your life?

If the answer is yes, please pray that prayer and then get in touch with me by emailing me. I would love to offer you some suggestions for what to do next.

So, I ask again. The question is quite simple and very direct: Do you KNOW, with absolute certainty, that you will go to heaven when you die?

The Daily Seed

"The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you ... the seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:10-11)

Welcome.  I believe that God gives us His Word because He is a God who wants relationship with us.  Just like any other relationship, if we are to remain in touch with Him, we must make an effort to communicate with Him on a regular basis.  This means both talking and, more importantly, listening.  God gives us prayer so we can talk to Him and He gives us His Word, the Bible, so we can listen.  How often do we say to ourselves: "I just wish God would send me a written letter of instruction so I'll know what to do" or "If God would just TELL me what to do, I would do it."  

Well, I have exciting news!!  He has!!!  There is no reason to guess anymore ... it's all right there in front of you.  With as many modern translations of the Bible as are available today, we have no excuse not to sit down and read it for ourselves.  We do not need a seminary degree.  We do not need a commentary or a pre-published Bible study.  All we need is our Bible and the Holy Spirit. When we ask The Holy Spirit to come and open the gate of understanding into our hearts so that we might know Him more, He is faithful to lead us!! Our part is to purposefully submit our hearts to His leadership and yield our lives to His teaching.

Before I begin, I should outline a statement of my faith because it will be the cornerstone of my perspective as I write: 

I believe in God the Father, who is the Maker of the Universe, seen and unseen.

I believe in Jesus Christ, who is the holy and begotten Son of God.  He was born to the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, in perfect accordance with the Scriptures.  I believe Jesus sits in Heaven at the right hand of the Father.  I believe Jesus will come again, calling all those who believe in His name to live and reign with Him in glory forever.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, who, at the very moment we ask forgiveness for our sins and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, comes to us in our hearts to be our Comforter and Counselor.

I believe that the Bible is the holy, inspired, infallible Word of God.

My purpose for this blog is to have a place to record my study of the Scriptures.  These posts (which will hopefully become daily) are not prewritten "messages."  They are not intended to preach.  They are intended to be a public "diary" of sorts -- a diary of my own walk with the Lord through Scripture.  I will be sharing my on-going study of God's Word as I seek to know Him, see Him, hear Him, and love Him more.  My hope is that by recording my Bible study publicly, I will have a sense of accountability to my committment to daily time in the Word.  

I have just one final word in closing: the excerpt from the verses in Luke above say that God's word is the seed.  I will be examining the passage from which that excerpt comes in the coming days, but for now, please understand that the title of this blog comes from the idea that God gives us His word -- the Bible -- as a seed He plants in us for a purpose -- these are not random bits of wit or wisdom.  These words have purpose -- for us -- for you and for me -- and that purpose is to grow something beautiful and lovely in us; something that will bear fruit in our lives and continue to feed us!!  How exciting is that?!