[My awesome, loving and wonderful Grandchildren, whom I pray for every day…] “CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” (Jam. 1:2)
[“Pure joy” is not the phrase that normally comes to mind when we are facing trials and temptations, so why do we have to face them?]
“BECAUSE you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (grit, determination). Let perseverance finish its work so that you MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.” (Jam. 1:3-4)
[Trials put our faith, and all the graces given to us, TO PROVE the fact that we can stand in these trials gives proof that the salvation Jesus has “purchased” for us IS SOUND! The result of these “challenges” help to establish us in the faith and COMPLETE US for our services the Lord has called us to preform!]
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU.” (Jam. 1:5)
[Wisdom indicates true knowledge for the great finish, and the best means of attaining it; but in Scripture it signifies the same as true religion, the in-depth hands-on knowledge of God, of our own self, and of Jesus Christ our Lord.]
“But when you ask, YOU MUST BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (Jam 1:6)
[If we are not clearly convinced that if we ask of God WE SHALL RECEIVE, we resemble a wave of the sea; constantly in a state of continual agitation; driven by the wind, and tossed: now increasing by hope, then plummeted by despair.]
“That person should not expect TO RECEIVE ANYTHING from the Lord.” (Jam. 1:7)
[If we have a divided mind, and are not properly convinced either of our own wants or GOD’S ABUNDANCE. We may pray, but having no faith, we will get no answer from God.]
“Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (Jam. 1:8)
[If we are constantly unfocused; and have trouble with trust our Abba Father wants our focus TO BE ON HIM!]
“Blessed is the one WHO PERSEVERES under trial because, having stood the test, that person WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (Jam. 1:12)
[That is why there is so much emphasis on fasting because it helps to increase our faith:]
“Is this not the fast which I choose, To…BREAK EVERY YOKE [of unbelief]? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery [of our faith] will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (Isa. 58:6-8)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
WE’LL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE; THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM!
Notice it says: […We must understand that Jesus said “When you fast – not if”!!!!] That’s for you: Stephanie, Ethan, Camden, Olivia and Aidan