Scripture Reading: James 1:1-18, Genesis 50:15-21, John 16:33, Romans 8:18-23, 1 Peter 4:12-19
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
The Book of James: Written by James, the brother of Jesus, this book instructs and admonishes readers to seek godly wisdom. It also counsels them to avoid internal conflicts within the Church and to express their faith through good works. James encouraged believers to persevere in this calling in spite of trials, as God is faithful to mature His people in the midst of suffering.
How James Fits into the Story: James continually calls for obedience to the law of God, showing believers that their obedience to God’s instruction is an indication of a living faith. Some oversimplify the distinctions between the Old Testament and the New Testament by saying that the Old Testament is grounded in works and the New Testament is grounded in faith. James brings both testaments together to show that faith and works are integrally related in both the old and new covenants.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why does James say to be joyful during trials? Practically, how can you express joy in the middle of your current challenges
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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93 thoughts on "James"
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Dear Father,
Thank you that your Word tells me that anyone who endures temptation and who faces trials is blessed. I did not realise how much work I needed when this trial began, but thank you that, in your grace, you are gently showing me my own shortcomings and bringing them to the light. Oh Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Lord I lack wisdom; Lord Jesus, you are wisdom, and I pray that this will be given to me today. Father in heaven, I cannot do anything without you. You are the Holy King, the Holy Judge, and the Holy Redeemer, and Lord help me to be so in awe of this that I tremble but also so in awe that I recognise that you are the only One I can run to. Thank you for your provision of wonderful people in my life, but thank you that you are the source of truth, so Lord please do not leave me but please Lord stay near. Cleanse me from my sin, and may I not deceive myself when it comes to my own sinfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom… um… ME!
Reflection Questions:
1. Why does James say to be joyful during trials?
Because it we learn to endure, and through endurance we learn to be wise.
Practically, how can you express joy in the middle of your current challenges
I don’t know how to express it during trials, but I know to do it afterwards. From a “hindsight is 20/20” perspective, we have time to accurately reflect on what happens. I don’t think I have the bandwidth during a trial to do anything other than concentrate on what is going on. If y’all know, please let me know♥️
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Endurance. One of the keywords of the Bible.
James says when we face trials and tempations to see it as pure joy all brothers and sisters, because we will face trials of a lot of kinds all cause we know that when God tests our faith it creates peservance. And we need to let the peservance finish its work so we can be manture also complete with not lacking anything. God is working out all things for our own good because He loves us. Jesus fixes the broken hearted so we can be made whole in Him cause we all share apart in His suffering.
I had asked for prayer for my friend Debbie. They basically have sent her home to live out the rest of her life. Chemo stopped working and there is no other treatment for her. She has peace. Please pray for continued peace.
My other friend, Ashton is pregnant with baby #4. The baby has CPAM. A tumor on his lung and it is pushing his heart over to the side. They will have to do surgery once he is born or shortly after. She has strong faith and seems pretty grounded. Please pray for her and her baby. We are hoping for a good outcome.
Traci I am so sorry to hear about your friend Debbie. I have been praying for her & will continue. May God give her His abundant grace as she navigates this last season of her life. ❤️
Also, prayers for Ashton and her precious baby that will begin life outside the womb with a challenge. Prayers for the parents, this must be so hard on them.
Thank goodness Debbie is at has faith and peace, may God be with her. It will indeed be glorious going home!!
Prayers for peace for Debbie to continue until her last breath. Prayers that this tumor will not grow any bigger and that he will be safely delivered and have a successful surgery! Praying Ashton remains grounded in her faith in God through these days. ❤
So sorry to hear about your friend, Debbie. I will be praying for peace and comfort for her. Also, praying for
Praying for both of your friends, Traci. ❤️
Oh my, Traci. Thank you for letting us know about Debbie and about Ashton & her baby too.
Hello, all! I have an update on my friend’s 10-year-old, Andrew, who was diagnosed with a diffuse brain tumor last year. The recent MRI showed no growth, so that is positive. Please be praying for a successful surgery on Monday – he’ll be having the shunt replaced. The shunt relieves the pressure from the buildup of brain fluid, but the current shunt is releasing fluid too quickly when Andrew is doing physical activities, leading to bad headaches. The new shunt has a better valve to regulate that. Please pray that all goes well with this next surgery. Thank you!
Thanks for this update! Heavenly Father, first of all giving thanks for Andrew’s recent MRI results! Please guide the hands of the surgical team on Monday. Let the surgery be successful with no surprises and please protect Andrew from infection or other setbacks during his recovery. In ?Jesus’ Name, amen ❤
Amen
Amen
Praying for Andrew – that all goes well & he has a quick recovery, and for his parents – may ago give them peace & grace as he goes through surgery.
Amen
Amen
Praying for Andrew and his upcoming surgery
Thank you, friends!
Thank you for that update. Prayers that all goes well with this new shunt.
❤️ I am highlighting 1 Peter 4 19 in my study guide right now! Even in the midst of the challenges that arise during the day, we are still walking towards the good things that we are able to do confident that God is completely in charge and will show us at the right time what He has planned for us ❤️
Just watched retelling of the Pan Am flight 103 bombing. The Scottish people of Lockerbie went out of their way to offer dignity to the dead, compassion to the multi-national families affected while they themselves were suffering the loss of friends neighbors and family….A very moving tribute of doing good in the midst of tragedy.
How can we express joy in the middle of our current challenges? 1 Peter 4:19 answers that beautifully… by entrusting ourselves to God WHILE doing good.
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Everyone’s comments and songs just hit right for today! Trials bring us closer to God! Genesis 50:20 has been one I remind myself of a time I don’t understand why I’m going through something. God always uses it for good.
Praying for all.
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(I love getting on my phone rather than the usual laptop to finally be able to ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!
Ditto!
I like this commentary on James 1:2-3
“James is not telling believers to enjoy suffering itself. Instead, he encourages them to “count it all joy”—to consciously view trials from the perspective of what God can accomplish through them. Joy here is not merely an emotion but an attitude rooted in trust.”
When I focus on my suffering, my hardships, my fears, it robs me of my joy. But when I focus on how God is going to use this season to develop steadfastness (firm, faithful, and unwavering), I am encouraged.
I believe God gave me this verse lately to change my attitude. Jeremiah 31:16 Thus says the Lord: “Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord.”
Enough crying, I just need to get up and do the next right thing because God is doing a work in me and I don’t want to get in the way! Have a joy filled day, sisters.
❤️ yes, love the way it’s out there!
good word Jane K!
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what commentary was that quote from? it’s really good!
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Oh trials and hardships, they are everywhere it seems. So many sick or afflicted with disease or cancers, or conditions or chronic pain like myself. Deaths of love ones, marriage problems, children problems, finance problems…on and on…depression, despair…storms and fires, pits and valleys…my goodness!!
How do any of us survive and have joy…
I can be sad like CeeGee just with a cloudy day, I need my sunshine!!
So honestly, I felt like our moods and outlook were just about choosing! I had a sunny disposition, and rolled with the punches for most of my young life and into my 20’s. (I was blessed indeed though, with a good family and stability!) Then when I hit 30 and my husband decided he wanted to ruin my world by divorcing me…well, I finally couldn’t control my own happiness! This was good, because it finally destroyed my pride, and I hit my knees and needed God. Finally. I needed Jesus desperately to get me through.
That taught me many lessons and drew me to the Lord in such a way that I never had growing up as a Christian.
Since then, we have only gotten more tight. I started reading the word for myself, and religion turned into a relationship through these two things. Hardship and Him.
So thankful for that valley I was in.
And so many will tell you the same thing
The song plays now “Thank God” by Leanne Crawford.
And now..Forrest Frank’s “Thankful!” God ALWAYS plays the perfect songs when I’m here in the mornings.
We play many songs in jail as well of praising in the Storm…(Casting Crowns!) And “Even If” by Mercy Me, and “Make It Well.”
I have playlist of “Discouragement” that I can flip on quickly.
“Oh My Soul” by Casting Crowns now.
Oh how I LOVE music that helps me to sing and lift of my soul NO MATTER what is happening.
Just remember..God is turning our
mourning into dancing, ashes to beauty, pain to purpose, tests to testimonies, messes to messages!!
If we didn’t go through trials we wouldn’t be able to come aside others when they go through it!! God will bring just the people into your life that you can testify of His goodness to!!
God will bring joy in the sad. Find it. Let it comfort you and hold you. The light can penetrate the dark. But you have to open the curtain. YOU have to step into faith. You have to ask, or tell your sisters in faith that you need prayer, you need help. Don’t let the devil isolate you in your trial. Or tell you God isn’t good or “this” wouldn’t be happening. God is shaping you and working a good thing in you! Amen.
Thanks for sharing! I was recently diagnosed with a chronic condition… and am learning how to manage the pain.. find my triggers, and also am reminded to keep pressing on.. and grow deeper in my faith, relying on Him daily! It’s been a hard year, but I must try to stop isolating. …and have to seek God and those he’s put into my life to encourage me
We (me and a friend) started a group at our church for those that deal with on going pain called “Enduring Chronic Pain!” It has been so good to gather and have people that understand the daily challenge month after month,year after year of physically hurting. You do not feel so alone when someone “gets it!” We did some wonderful studies over the last few years and we always come back to the most important thing…keeping our eyes on Jesus!
There are a couple great books I would recommend!
“When Chronic Pain & Illness Take Everything Away: How to Mourn Our Losses” (Chronic Pain and the Christian Life) by Ester Smith
“The Hem of His Garment” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
“Why Doesn’t God Fix It” by Kimberly Rae
Maybe God is going to use you to start a pain group at your own church?
Praying for you!
How can we be joyful in trials? Because the testing of our faith produces perseverance – the ability to stay strong and hold on to your faith.
I can express joy in my trials by praising God in the midst of my circumstances and thank Him for all the blessings in my life thus far.
Not always easy – but needful.
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Have a blessed day sisters! Got to run out the door but will pop back in later to read your comments & prayer requests.
My trials brought me to Jesus. Without them I believe I would have been skirting through life willy nilly. Not thinking I needed a Savior. Not giving God one bit of attention. Those trials have been a blessing. So yes, they have brought me to a place of joy. Be thankful for them.
Amen! You have been a great testimony to us friend! ❤️
Hugs!
Yes, I second Rhonda’s comment! ❤️
KING JAMES Study Bible notes:
“It is not merely one’s presence in such trials but one’s victory over them that brings spiritual growth and maturity. Those Christians whom God can use the most are those whom God has bruised the most.”
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How can I live with JOY through this ‘bruising’? I can ‘let go and let God’ have His way. As LISA A said, It’s about ‘TRUST’.
Thinking of the hymn TRUST AND OBEY. What does it say?
‘for there’s no other way to be HAPPY in Jesus…”
I believe that HAPPY IN JESUS = JOY.
Reminded again of my flag with Nehemish 8:10 on it.
The JOY of the LORD is your [my] strength.
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1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you..
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Love, hugs. and prayers (and JOY) on this gloomy SC morning. I know the sun will shine again soon! ❤
Sunshine brightens my spirit too. Thank you for praying for my niece and nephew. The typhoon has passed Okinawa and is now heading towards mainland China. It was downgraded from a hurricane strength four to a two before it made landfall. Praise God.
Oh, what wonderful news! Thanks so much for this update, Maria J! ❤❤❤
Praise the Lord Maria for God’s protective hand!
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Amen to that!
It has helped me to reframe Joy in an acknowledgment that it is a deep and inner peace. Not just a happy mood. So much more than that.
Yes, Joy is different then being happy. Important to distinguish!
Something along this type of thought/phrase has been in amongst the Christian communinty for years and my version that I repeat over and over to myself or have shared with many for years…..we should not wish away the things that keep us on our knees before the Lord. Anythings that puts us in a place of needing to call out to Jesus, to seek Him, to know Him more is good. And, because we know Him, we know can we can trust Him. James tells us that we are getting stronger because of the trials. That pressing on through them builds resilience, character and endurance. When we learn a new skill, create a new habit or routine we practice to get better – it takes time. The joy comes from knowing that because we have taken the time to truly know God, our perspective shifts to see His goodness and faithfulness during trials and we can praise Him despite the very hard. Finding reasons to give praise, for gratitude and being thankful go a very long way in trials and take our eyes of the difficulty and shift them to Jesus who gives us strength, peace, hope and comfort. My mind is scattered todsy and I’m not sure that I am articulating my thoughts well but hopefully that makes sense.
Thank you all so much for your words to me yesterday. Your encouragement and faithful ness in prayer is such an example and lifted my heart.
Praying for the many requests as well. Blessings on your day.♥️
“.we should not wish away the things that keep us on our knees before the Lord. Anythings that puts us in a place of needing to call out to Jesus, to seek Him, to know Him more is good”
Woooo! Yes! I said that the other day to my butterfly that has been out for almost a year. That we don’t go to our knees when the trial is over, and she was like..you are so right…I need to hit my knees in the good as well!” Good for us all to remember. This past year or so, I have started praying on my knees at night. It is a sign of submission and honor to our God. I like to pray out loud as well because it kinda puts it in a different frame than just going in our mind if that makes sense.
Wendy, you are articulating your thoughts perfectly. Thank you for the reminder how trials are a blessing. Praying for strength and a clear mind for you today.
Beautifully said Wendy! I looks forward to reading your comments every day! You are a blessing admiat your trials to many! ❤️❤️
Yes me too. She always articulates beautifully what I try to say! :)
Thank you all for praying for Rita.I am grateful for an army of consecrated women of God praying for Rita and her family.
1. Question 1. I think James tells us to be joyful because if we aren’t tapping into the supernatural joy of the Lord we will be defeated and overwhelmed by the adverse circumstances of life. Nehemiah tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. We can express joy through worship and making sure our identities are rooted and grounded in Christ.
2.Question Being redeemed has given us a whole new set of privileges and access to an ever present God who will not leave us or forsake us.
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First a lighthearted comment! Every time I think of James a childhood song pops into my mind. Way back when our Sunday School classes were divided differently, there was a junior department. Our song was:
Out of James 1:22 comes the call for juniors true
Be ye doers of the Word!
Be ye doers, doers of the Word
And not hearers only
Be ye doers of the Word!
Probably, next to John 3:16, that was the one I memorized first! Such memories
Back to our trials. Another hymn comes to mind. “It Will be worth it all, when we see Jesus!”
Have a blessed Friday and a great weekend!
We must be close to the same age. I grew up in the junior department and sang that song too. Those were some great days!
Choosing joy can be difficult, but those situations can bring us closer to the Lord if our heart is right. The endurance theme today goes along with the race idea from yesterday’s reading.
James reminded me that joy in trials is really about trust. I may not enjoy the hard seasons, but I can choose to believe that God is using them to grow my faith and make me more like Christ. Right now, joy looks like thanking Him for His faithfulness, staying rooted in His Word, and trusting that He is working even when I don’t understand everything.
Today’s reading also shaped my understanding of redemption by reminding me that God is not finished with us. He continues to refine, strengthen, and transform His people, and that ongoing work is part of His beautiful story of redemption.
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Finding joy in trials gives us a spirit of gratitude which allows us to draw nearer to God. Romans 8:18 has been my life verse since high school. I can find joy in the trials because I know that God will redeem the situation and use it for good no matter the circumstance!
Ummmm, to paraphrase, pride goes before a fall … joining the ranks of “I lost most of my original comment this morning” after being just a bit ‘look at me writing it in my notes app to copy and paste” in the past. I don’t what I touched rather than ‘copy’ but it was done in the blink of an eye. Here’s what I could recall
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Q1 “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials”
IMO it takes a mature, in the Word daily, seasoned Christian to even attempt to see and appreciate the joy in the moment that comes from trials and the positive effects of increased patience and strengthened faith. When I’m faced with a trial or can see one in the making (and not just me conjuring up worst cases scenarios in my mind :/), my first thought is not, Oh, how joyful!
Praying to be able to find that joy sooner than later.
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Reminded of the song that TINA ❤️ shared and also some of the lines from I’m Gonna Walk Right Out Of This Valley, written (I think) by Hazel Trubee and sung by many.
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Well, now the road that we’ve gotta travel to that city
Well, it won’t always be on the mountain top
Well, you know the valley that we’ve gotta face
God said, He’s gonna give us grace,
to come up on the hill, where the sun is shining bright.
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Well, I’m gonna walk right out
of this valley, lift my hands and praise the Lord
Said, I ain’t gonna let old Satan
get me down, down, down,
Down, down, down, I’m gonna walk right
out of this valley with my Lord!
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Please continue to pray for June and her daughter as there is no known progress in finding a way for them to see each other, and June’s health continues to fail. And when I saw her this week, nearly her entire right forearm was badly bruised. She has not been able to recall the CNA’s name from that night a few days ago and apparently that is the key to the facility being able to discipline or terminate the employee. No words to fully describe what I think/feel about the elderly being mistreated.
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KELLY (NEO) ❤️praying for insurance approval
CEE GEE ❤️
WENDY B ❤️ praying for effective, quick working meds and that you will feel improvement sooner than expected! Also praying for your MIL
B ❤️
LINDA IN NC ❤️ “Our race is both individual and collective.”
BESSIE H ❤️
Good morning SEARCHING ❤️ I have not been checking comments lately but, read this today and was searching the previous days to learn more about June but couldn’t see it…prayers for her and all our vulnerable ones!!
Same, I don’t recall you posting about something with June and some abuse?
Recap us please Searching!
Always good to “see” you Foster Mama
Foster Mama- I was thinking of you yesterday! Good to see you! ❤
Sorry about your comment; our loss for sure! ❤
I am so sorry to hear of this situation with June!!! Maybe it could be used as leverage to get a visit by daughter approved. Praying so and praying June wilk recall the name. Why can’t they show her pictures of the CNA’s on duty in her room that night!? Outrageous. Praying!!! ❤
That’s a great idea Cee Gee! How horrible and appalling! Will pray for protection for Jane and justice AND that the perpetrator is divinely prevented from causing further harm to other vulnerable people.
yes, totally outrageous. She doesn’t have dementia, just mid 90’s, VERY frail from a stroke (at least 2 years ago) and somewhat traumatized from the interaction which she said involved being screamed at. I don’t know exactly what happened (sometime in last 2 weeks) and she tried to tell me what she could remember but had difficulty with a play by play, so to speak. I don’t know who directs her care, though definitely not her daughter, and it’s basically impossible to find out anything with HIPAA. Lots of prayer needed.
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Those trials produce in us good fruit and faithfulness to God. It brings us into maturity, helping us to become more like Christ!
We can not complain, thank God for what He is doing, by faith, knowing this isn’t the end but a season.
Amen❤️
To be joyful during trials is a result of having the right perspective of their purpose–transformation into being more like Jesus.
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Expressing joy in the middle of my current challenges looks like guarding my mouth from complaining and guarding my heart from becoming bitter or resentful.
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Today’s reading shows that my redemption journey is not going to be full of rainbows and unicorns, but in the end, all the hardships will be worth it.
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No word from the insurance for my young mama. Continued prayers appreciated.
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Praying for your requests, too ♥️
Lord, you know how difficult waiting is for us. Especially when it is health related. In your great power, mercy, and love move the mountain named Insurance and allow this young mamma to receive the help she needs. Amen.
Amen Kelly!
O Lord, set a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips!! For they are so very prone to complain.
Same here!
Kelly, that is all so perfectedly stated! Now, for me to live it out perfectly! ❤
Continued prayers for ‘young mama’ and her ‘little man’- healing, security, grace, and favor for placement. And for you as you struggle (I know you do) with this situation! ❤
Amen, prayers!
I think when you have the faith that you know holds you, no matter what, When, as Horatio Spafford hymn says..
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When peace like a river attendeth my way.
when sorrows like sea willows roll, when life throws you lemons, whatever your lot, remember, remember the LORD GOD, who has taught you to say.
It is well, it is well, indeed it is well with my soul.
This hymn has carried me through many a lost moment, a brokenheart, a confusion, a ‘what is going on’ moment!
The words are so perfect when the storms of life come, and we know the storm Horatio Spafford faced.. he was still able to pen this beautiful hymn..
It is well..
I wonder if you get to this point when you know also that the joy of the LORD is your strength to face all things, ALL things.. good, bad, ugly, joyful.. His strength in you gives great comfort and hope.. covered in HIS joy for a brighter day..
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AMEN..
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Just some thoughts for today..
Be blessed my dears,
Much love,
Tina♥️
Amen ❤️
Yes, the testimony of that song, of him penning it in the loss of 2 daughters…yet “it is well” BECAUSE YOU, LORD, you are holding me IN the loss. To lose a child is horrible and he lost 2. Others have lost whole families (Holocaust and other reasons)
I see my sister’s faith in the loss of her daughter. And we know the loss of your daughter brought you to the Lord.
What a song to sing…
That is what inspires others to know it can be okay in great loss with God.
Not that it really matters, a child is a child, but he actually lost FOUR daughters in the sinking boat, just two years after the death of his son to scarlet fever and the loss of much of his wealth in the Chicago fire. This man knew suffering. I can’t wait to meet him someday and hear how God sustained him through those trials.
that’s right!! thank you for correcting…can you imagine…! Then saying “It is well with my soul”..??
Great thoughts!!! ❤❤❤
Sweet Tina!!!! I saw your comment yesterday!!! happy Friday sweet lady!
James encourages us to maintain joy even as we walk through trials because these trials are used by the Lord to work maturity in us, the daily sanctification work that is promised to us as Believers.
I can express joy during my season of trial and waiting by trusting the Lord’s character to sustain and grow me, and by relying upon His daily grace to give me hope, energy, presence, faithfulness, thankfulness, and peace moment by moment. Praise God for His presence, love, and intentionality with us in every season! Lord, help me to rest in it!
You stated that so well, Kayla! ❤
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