| Archive - February 2008 PerseverancePosted Feb-20-08 05:59:56 PST 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.
James 1:1-4
James doesn't say if you face trials, but whenever you face them. He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook ("consider it pure joy") because of what trials can produce in our lives. James tells us to turn our hardships in to times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance. It may not be fun, but it can be very worthwhile. Remember that hindsight is 20/20. We can always look back and see how God has moved in our lives at certain times. As we look back and see the hand of God upon our lives, we can also look to the future with greater faith as we know that God will continue to orchestrate the circumstances of our lives.
God bless you,
JH God's LovePosted Feb-13-08 06:04:49 PST You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8
We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. Not only did Christ come at a good time in history; He came at exactly the right time - according to God's own schedule. God controls all history, and hH controlled the timing, methods, and results of Jesus' death. By the same token, He controls the timing and methods of the circumstances of your life. We must remember that God is in control. Especially when it appears as if everything is spiraling out of control.
While we were still sinners - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but simply because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God's love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loves you when you were rebellious and stubborn, He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return.
God Bless you,
JH |
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