Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life circumstances and wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” Recent events have shocked you. Chronic conditions are not resolved. Stress and tension have pressed in on you. The circumstances of life afford us unparalleled opportunities to trust God.
Read More temptation, trial, testing, wisdomJames knows that the greatest temptations we face are often not those trials on the outside; they are actually the inward enticement we feel to do wrong. If we are not wise outer trials quickly lead to temptations on the inside. We entertain the possibility of satisfying a good thing in a bad way.
Read More bait, sin, death, obedience, choice
Have you ever been talking to a person and notice that they are scanning the room to see who else is there? It makes you feel unimportant doesn’t it?
James is speaking directly to this issue of showing favour towards one person over another.
Read More humility, partiality, relationshipsWhen I lived in Calgary I served for four years as a crisis intervention worker at the Foothills Hospital. During that time I carried a pager and would get ‘buzzed’ when there was a “crisis.” Now a crisis in a hospital is when the very capable staff are facing a situation they could not handle or take the time to handle.
Read More faith, actions, aliveOn Keats Island in British Columbia I was speaking to junior high schoolers at a camp. (My respect for junior high teachers grew exponentially after this experience.) However, I captured their attention by asking them to keep a secret with me. On Wednesday of that week, I had arranged to have a deadly weapon brought onto the island.
Read More discipline, tongue, weaponWe don’t pay enough attention to jealousy.
It is a trait or tendency that can sneak up on us. We couch it with all sorts of terms like, “I aspire to be like him or her.” But underneath can lie an insidious spirit that brings out the worst in us.
Read More jealousy, envy, discontentWhen reading this section of James we are often captured by the instruction to ‘resist the devil’ yet the verse begins by reminding us first to submit ourselves to God.
The only way that you and I have a chance of resisting the temptations and attacks of the Evil One is through the strength that comes from God.
Read More wisdom, strength, prayer, temptation, the devilOur church is located in the heart of downtown where we are surrounded by business folks who spend a lot of time strategizing how to make a profit. It is a fair concern for that is their work. But, James reminds us that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Most people view this as a warning to be cautious for terrible things could happen tomorrow.
Read More blessings, tomorrow, God is in control