Mini Bible Lesson: Overcoming Lifes Trials

I didn't really pay attention to bible class today... a little too theatrical for my taste. But I did read some great passages while waiting for the discussion to move on and this comes from James 1:2-16.

"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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But 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. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

This is a great passage for those of us who constantly complain of their dire circumstances. How dire is it really? Every dire circumstance I have ever become aware of could be solved with three simple principles. Submit your life more fully to God. Embrace his love and forgiveness, and he will stop forcing you to realize your need for him. Let the church help you. Your circumstance, like the blind men put in Jesus' path, may be for the purpose of glorifying God. Stop complaining and realize that trials could be put in your path to help you grow spiritually. A child of God like the children of parents need to be told "no" every so often. The reasons are obvious. The children need to learn that they can't always have everything they want and if a parent gives in to their child, then the child will have a much harder time later in life. The children of God need to know of God's power and his inability to be associated with sin.

I'm skipping the part about the rich men and withering wildflowers because I don't completely understand that one, but the passage continues... "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."

How eloquent. Hope you enjoyed my mini lesson and hope you all enjoy the super bowl game tonight! Be sure to hold accountable the evil things you may see tonight to those who are responsible and make your voices heard. Write in to those people that you are not happy with them. Let us help turn football back into the American "family" past time.

Weight: 176lbs