SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
In today’s passage we read about two kinds of people, the poor man and the rich man. Again we face the truth that both the rich and poor are going to face trials. The hard truth lands on the rich man. All of us that live here in America are the “rich man”. Whether you think you are or not. We are all richly blessed to live in this land with freedom and riches. When trials come, the Lord doesn’t want us to fall back on our wealth. Our perspective must be eternal. Our present riches no matter how great or small will not last. They will fade like a flower in the summer heat. When trials come lean upon the Lord not upon yourself. When we can have faith like that we will truly experience the promise in verse 12.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Endure, stand, fight and never, never, ever give up! Trials are hard but steadfastness, perseverance, will let us receive the crown of life! Now you may wonder what the crown of life is. Many believe it refers to our eternal glory in heaven but that is not right. The crown of life is here and now! It is what John wrote about in his gospel.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Satan wants to steal your hope, kill your joy and destroy your faith but Christ came to give us so much more. He came to give an abundant life, life to the fullest! God promises it and I can’t think of anyone else who can keep a promise like God can. Bank on it.
When the trials come and you have endured, you will be a different person. You will be stronger, more faithful and more importantly more like Christ. James gives hope that when life is hard we rejoice because God is working within us.
Keep on keepin’ on! Never Give up!
Make it happen!
-Pastor Matt
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