THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Enduring Trials ~ James 1:2-4 June 10-14, 2013

Monday: Read James 1:1-4 James sets out first and foremost to declare who he is. In the opening verse he lists his only credentials that are needed. A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James declares loud and clear that he serves God and that Jesus Christ is lord and boss in his life. If you were writing a letter like this, what would your opening statement be to describe yourself and clarify your position with Christ? Do people in your life know you to be a servant of God? Do people closest to you see that Jesus is lord in your life? Why/why not? Why was it important for James to state this immediately in his letter? Tuesday: Read James 1:1-4 James can only write about and live out the content of this letter, especially verses 2-4, because he is following Jesus Christ as lord. Verse 2 instructs us to consider it pure joy when What is pure joy? How do you define joy? Does joy depend upon our circumstances? How do you choose joy? Wednesday: Read James 1:1-4 This first part of James resembles the bumper sticker that says, When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade! It is easier said than done, but this early part of James makes it clear that our outlook determines outcome and our attitude determines action. God tells us to expect trials, not if trials come. We need to expect trails in our lives and we need to be prepared to choose an attitude of joy. In your life are you expecting trials? When trials come are you able to adopt a joyful attitude? What is holding you back in that choice? Thursday: Read James 1:1-4 Verse 3 is very clear for us that the testing of our faith develops perseverance. In the 2nd verse we are to count it towards joy when we face trials. In the 3rd verse we are to know and understand that: Faith is always tested Testing works for us, not against us Trials help us to mature How has your faith been tested lately? What have you learned from a recent trial? What is perseverance? How do trials in your life help to develop perseverance? Friday: Read James 1:1-4 In verse 4 we are told that perseverance leads towards producing something in our lives. Without our surrendered will and letting God mature us, we hinder the maturing process. God cannot build our character without our cooperation. God greatly desires to build our character and he allows us to journey through trials that will move things that direction. He wants a finished product that is mature and complete. God has a goal of maturity for our lives. God builds our character before He calls us to service. If He must work in us before He can work through us, what work is He doing in you right now? How might He be trying to mature you? Endurance cannot be attained by reading a book. What difficulties in your past can you look back and see how God was growing you? Were you able to choose joy at the time? Could you choose joy in a trial today?