Lord God

Christmas.

Lord, thank you, and help me.

Amen.

Temptation vs Gift

Happy are we who persevere under trials and difficulties.

Because when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to us who love Him.

If we're tempted, not one of us should say, "God is tempting me."

Because God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does God tempt anyone.

But each person is tempted by their own evil desire.

When we're tempted by our own evil desire, we're dragged and enticed.

After that evil desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.

We are to be cautious.

We ought not be deceived.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

James 1:12-18

Taking Pride In Our High/Low Position

If we are poor, we ought to take pride in our high position.

But if we are rich, we should take pride in our low position.

Because we will all pass away like a wild flower.

Even the plant is withered by the scorching heat of the sun.

The plant's blossom falls and its beauty is soon destroyed.

Likewise, the rich person will fade away and die even while they go about their business.

James 1:9-11

How To Receive Anything From God

James encourages us to consider it all joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance.

James says perseverance must finish its work so that we would be mature and lacking in nothing.

He exhorts us to ask God if any of us lacks wisdom.

We should ask God because He gives generously to all people without finding fault, and surely the wisdom will be given to us.

However when we ask, we must not doubt but believe!

Because he who doubts is like a moving wave of the sea, tossed and blown by the wind.

If we doubt like that, we should not think that we will receive anything from God.

Because we would then be double-minded, unstable in all we do.

James 1:1-8

How To Know The Will of God

What is the will of God for my life?

It can be confusing sometimes.

Here's an excellent article, knowing the will of God.

How Can I Know God's Will?

God's Vision For His Life At An Early Age

This is Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church, talking about the vision he received at an early age.

Hope Story 3

Asuka Endoh shares the story of how she came to faith in Jesus: "I had hope because I could believe God's promise that He has prepared the best possible path for me.

Source: Jesus.net Japan


Asuka Endoh's Hope Story from Jesus.net Japan on Vimeo.