Our Peace

meditations in James

James 1:2-5 (ESV)

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

v. 2 Count it all joy This isn't a one time thing. It is a consistent joy, a joy that is a once-and-for-all attitude. Joy that God gives that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

v. 4 let steadfastness (Or, endurance NASB) have its full effect This is a cause and effect relationship.

cause: steadfastness
effect: perfect and complete

v. 5 In the context of this verse, one who lacks wisdom asks God for wisdom facing trials. It is important to remember that. Even though, I am sure there is an application outside that. But it is interesting to note how often it is taken from the context so readily.

To ask for wisdom we have to realize that we are lacking (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). And the first step is clear Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
            fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Praise Him, Praise Him

My Pastor brought an encouraging message on "The Power of Praise" last night. He said the outline was borrowed. And although it is simple, it is something we ought to remember.

I think it was Dr. Berg who always told us, to change your emotional state (or how you're feeling, eg. anger --> calm; sadness --> joy), you have to change what you are thinking about. It's a focus problem. That's really what this means too. And as Christians we are supposed to be doing this; in fact, we of all people (we who are redeemed) should have praise on our lips and a song in our hearts.

The verse for today (verseoftheday.com) is 1 Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you."

So let's consider the great things God has done for us, and let's be encouraged in His great love for us!

Here's the outline and a few thoughts that I had from the message:

1. It's better to praise than to panic.
God is Sovereign. He is in control. He will work things to His own glory. He promises that He gives good things. That must mean that in every situation (even in trials), He is seeking for us to grow in Christ.

2. It's better to praise than to be pessimistic.
Pessimism is a general disposition to look on the dark side and to expect the worst in all things. Though the Bible shows us what sin is, it also explains how we can be victorious over sin. Therefore, we should have a positive outlook, knowing that Christ has given us the victory through His sacrifice for us.

3. It's better to praise than to be problem-conscious.
We don't have immediate answers to everything. That's part of our life in this world. God wants us to trust Him completely. So, by praising Him and not worrying about problems, it's not that we are avoiding reality, it is knowing that He is the answer not us. We can't solve things in our own strength; we have to wait for Him, and move in His time and by His power. Amazingly, we can have joy and rejoicing in that wait, rather than worry and defeat. And that separates us from the world. It also gives us opportunity for witness (Acts 16:25).