A Little Blah

Read: James 3

"For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well." James 3:2

Examine:

Nobody is perfect and able to live without sin. The goal of the Christian life is not earthly perfection. As long as we are of this world perfection will be unattainable. The goal of the Christian life should be the passionate pursuit of the heart of God; knowing that perfection will come in the life that follows this one.

Apply:

In reading this chapter I am reminded of two key areas in which I will stumble. First, the things that I say. James uses the analogy of a rudder directing a ship to describe the power a man's tongue has on his life. I have the power to speak blessings or curses. In just a matter of seconds something can slip from my mouth that can cause untold amounts of pain for me and for others. I need to pay close attention to words I speak.

The second key area in which I will stumble are the things that I think. What I think will ultimate be revealed in the fruit of my life. The thoughts I entertain in private will eventually play themselves out in the things I say and do. Thoughts of self- depreciation, selfish ambition, bitter jealousy, or vengeful anger are caustic poisons. I need to pay close attention to the things I think.

Pray:

Father, I am feeling a little isolated today. As I sit here this morning I am really struggling with what to pray. I am not sure of what is up. I feel sort of "blah." Something just feels out of place and it is really frustrating me. When I get really frustrated controlling my thoughts and tongue becomes increasing difficult.

I pray to You this morning asking for Your help. Your word says that You are a God who draws near. I ask that I be able to sense Your presence this morning. Invade my heart, mind, and soul. Comfort me. Restore my strength. Nurture my soul. Fill me to a full measure of all that I need to live the life to which you have called me. I ask that the overflow of my heart produce actions that are bathed in Your gentle wisdom and words that speak of Your heart and peace.

Persevering Trials

Read: James 1

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

Examine:

Trials are clearly part of spiritual growth. Contrary to some of today's Christian teaching, following Christ does not mean living an easy life. The scriptures all point to a central theme of war, battles, struggles, and testing. Any expectations to the contrary must be released and followers of Christ must gird up and strap it on. James gives us a few ways to do that in the first twelve verses of chapter one.

Apply:

Stop sulking and get excited. No trial will ever overwhelm me. No struggle will ever beat me completely down. The absolute worst this world has to offer can only serve to strengthen the eternal riches that I will inherit. A bad attitude or depressed emotions will do nothing but put at risk the good that can come of a trial. If I truly believe in God, if I truly believe in my position in Christ, then why would I allow a trial to do anything but increase my joy and strengthen my faith?

Stop wondering and start asking. God is not some cosmic concept. He is alive. He is active. He is a God who draws near. He is a God who moves and responds. He is the one true God. He is the Master of the Universe. I never have to be without any wisdom I need to accomplish anything He sets before me. I need to passionately pursue God's wisdom and movement above everything else in life.

Stop waffling and start standing firm. Be a man. Be firm. Be bold. The life of a Christ follower is not a passive journey through earth. I can not doubt God and hold to faith. The word says that I can not expect to experience God and doubt him at the same time. I may have one but not the other. I need to lose my excuses, lay to rest my fears, unpack my questions, and just believe.

Pray:

You have never abandoned me and You never will. You have never let me down and never will. You have never withheld Your joy from me and never will. These truths are at the core of my heart and I know them to be perfect.

Managing my emotions during the weight and pressure of a trial is not an easy task. I get cranked up and frustrated. I get angry and lose control of my thoughts and my tongue. I make foolish choices and carry myself away from You. I ask that you forgive me for allowing the discomfort of trials to lead me to sinful choices.

I ask today that You fill my heart with joy. My life is Yours and all that is in it belongs to You. In the midst my struggles and trials I ask that You allow my joy to be full in knowing that good will result if I persevere.

I ask that You give me wisdom today. I am not smart enough to navigate the things that are before me today. I am not strong enough to stand against the forces that I face. You alone possess the wisdom and knowledge I need and I ask You for an abundance of it.

Holy Spirit, make my faith complete today. I am prone to wondering and waffling. I ask that You make my faith a strong tower. Make me stand firm today and be unflappable in my confidence of Your movement in my life.