Faith, Endurance, Perfection

”Consider it all joy my brethren,
when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4

Endurance.  Perseverance.  Hanging on.  Not letting go. Pushing through. Having stamina.  Going the hard mile.  How do we develop this endurance?  James says that it through the testing of your faith.  Faith is like a muscle.  When you strengthen it, it is able to be strengthened further and it makes you stronger.  When you are asked to pick up a hundred pound weight of frustration, circumstances, anger, etc…, you can if your faith muscle has been strengthened with smaller weights and you have continued to show up and do the reps.  I lift 3 and 5 pound weights each morning to strengthen my arms and keep them from getting flabby.  I won’t win any competitions this way, but as I continue to strengthen my arms, they will have more strength as I get older and I will be able to use them for the long haul.

The testing of your faith produces endurance.  Ever wonder why God allows the hard things in life to come in and challenge your faith?  Here’s your answer.  He wants you to be able to hold on through the long haul.  He wants you to stand firm in the hard times and be strengthened to withstand the weightier times of life.  He wants you to endure through the fire and the flood and be found faithful when you stand before His throne and enter into His kingdom. 

As faith leads to endurance, endurance leads to your “perfection” or maturity, your completeness.  Colossians 2;10 says, “…and in Him you have been made complete…”  This is our eternal reality, nothing else is needed for us to be complete in God’s eyes.  Jesus’ death accomplished it all.  But in our temporal bodies and existence here on earth completeness is a process.  It is becoming more like Christ.  It is living in holiness.  It is walking so close to the Savior that even the difficult situations of life don’t crush you.  You are able to endure because you have exercised faith and learned endurance.  You know the Scripture promises of God and you walk in that reality with Jesus every moment of every day.  That is the perfect result.  God desires relationship above all else.  Let you hope and joy and peace stem from being in His presence.

Endure.  Know what you believe.  Stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  Delight in the presence of God through praise.  Put you faith in His word, not in life’s circumstances.  Eternity will come and this world will pass away.  Put your apples in the right basket!

 

Joy and Trials

“Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.                       
James 1:2

We don’t usually think of joy and trials as a pair.  Joy is about happiness and goodness and trials is the hard stuff of life.  But in God’s economy, we are to find joy in the midst of trails.  In order to do this it is of the utmost importance that we first remember that Satan is the Father of lies, the first sinner that ushered sin into our world and tempted Adam and Eve.  Satan is the prince of the power of the air.  He is the spirit of the age, the evil one.  He is the source of all evil and illness and death – not God!  And yet, we so often jump immediately to blaming God.  True, God is able to reach down and save us from suffering, but so often He does not because He knows that suffering is leading us to Him – to a deeper walk and trust and a more profound faith and hope in His eternity. 

So when circumstances overwhelm you, blame Satan – trust God.  He is there and He cares for you.  He has a plan and a purpose.  He will work all things out for good for those who love Him.  So where does joy come in?  Joy is not happiness because joy is not based on how we feel about our circumstances.  Joy is a deeper all-abiding knowing and contentment that God is there and that He loves you unconditionally and forever.  Joy is knowing that the things which we see are temporal, but the things that we do not see are eternal.  Even in the midst of grief, anger, sadness, or depression, we can experience an inner joy.  If we focus on that joy through praise and thanksgiving, joy will overtake the other emotions. 

Joy is an interesting study throughout Scripture.  It is more often than not coupled with being in the presence of the Lord.  That trial that you are facing should drive you to your knees and there in the presence of the Lord you will find joy in the midst.  God is able to comfort your mind and relax your spirit and bring peace in the middle of turmoil.  He promises us that if we are, “…anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. 

The other reason that we should consider trials as joy is because we have posed a threat to Satan and therefore we share in the suffering of Christ Jesus.  Satan let’s those who are complacent, stay in their complacency.  But those who are fighting for the Kingdom of God in their own souls and encouraging and teaching others God’s truths pose a threat and Satan attacks with vengeance.  I speak and teach all over and can almost predict trouble within a week of God’s working through me.  When I have a deadline is when my physical pain is so bad that I can barely accomplish what needs to be done.  But the joy comes in the doing and being faithful knowing that it is God’s grace that will allow me through it.  He will never leave me nor forsake me. 

 

Loving Your Enemies

“Do not give what is holy to dogs,
 and do not throw your pearls before swine,
or they will trample them under their feet,
and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Matthew 7:6

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned,

and turn away from them.
For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites;
and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”
Romans 16:17-18

This is hard teaching.  As Christians we get the wrong impression that we are supposed to love everyone.  The vengeance and harshness that David shows towards his enemies in the Psalms repulses us.  But, these are Jesus’ own words.  How do we live this out?

We are to reach out and encourage one another within the church.  We are to reach out and witness to and show by our love the love of God to others.  But, whether in the church or outside of the church, we are to be discerning.  If you find that someone that you are trying to help is lying, backstabbing, gossiping, misusing what you have given, etc…, then you should pray about it and probably back away from that person.

My husband and I have been in the ministry for many years.  There are three types of people: 1.) those who want help, respond to your help, and change 2.) Those who respond to your help, but over time continue to make bad choices and refuse to apply God’s word and your help to their lives, and 3.) Those who don’t want help and lie to you or use you up with no intent of changing or growing.  This is where your discernment must be used.  The second type of person is the hardest to figure out.  Always take all things to God in prayer.  Maybe offer a one-time help rather than becoming a friend. 

And no guilt!  Jesus was not best friends with the Pharisees!  Rather He called them white-washed tombs!  He healed many but did not become friends with all of them.  Only those that He knew would listen and change and be sincere did He allow to become friends.  Friends should be equals in spiritual matters.  “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?  Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever:  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16a)  This is often applied to marriage, but should be applied to all areas of our lives – friendship, business, etc…

Jesus does tell us to love our enemies and then He gives us the way to do that: pray for your enemies. (Matthew 5:44).  Only God can change a heart.

 

Answers

“I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me. 
He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.”
Psalm 57:2-3

 Just rest.  God’s gotten it taken care of!  Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).  He will accomplish what concerns you (Psalm 138:8).  No, that doesn’t mean that troubles won’t come, but it does mean that God will use those troubles for our good and His glory and that He will see us through them.  He promises not to give us more than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).  But we must remember that only through Christ can we do all things! (Philippians 4:13)

 "God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.”  These two weapons are all we need against Satan’s lies.  First, God loves us so much that He sent His son.  We are worth a lot in His eyes.  We are His sons and daughters!  Even if we don’t feel lovable, act lovable, or know the love of others – God loves us!  God’s truth will combat the Father of Lies.  Jesus used God’s words against Satan in the wilderness, and so can we.  First we recognize his lies, then we tell him God’s truth and ask him to leave.  When we resist the devil, he will flee from us! (James 4:7).  Cling to God’s love and truth , and you will be triumphant!

 

Tithing

“Will a man rob (defraud) God?
Yet you are robbing Me! 
But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.”

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,

so that there may be food in My house,
and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, 
"if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”
Malachi 4:8 and 10
 
Just a reminder!  God gave you so much – your every breath, as well as the physical, spiritual,  and mental power to accomplish any task that you are able to do.  He lets you keep 90%!  NO, we are not under law, but often the  law is just an action that reveals a heart for God.  Is your heart right? Do you worship God through giving?  Are you able to trust Him enough to give Him His tithe first, and know that He will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory? (Philippians 4:19)  With five active boys, God met every one of our needs above and beyond what we could have ever expected.  Even in the bleak times, we tithed and trusted our God Who Is Faithful!  Let Him reveal Himself to you in this way.  Be obedient and trust.

 

Homecoming Party!

“Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
His glory will not descend after him.”
Psalm 49

I just read an interesting, but true story.  Teddy Roosevelt was returning home from an African safari on a large steamer ship.  Also on board was an elderly couple who had spent their lives as missionaries in Africa and were returning with the tickets purchased by their last pennies.  Throughout the trip the missionary watched as Mr. Roosevelt received accolades and privileges and the best of everything, while he and his wife ate very little.  Bitterness began to settle into his heart as he thought, “God, it’s not fair, I have sacrificed my life for your work.  I have been faithful and no one notices my wife and I.  All that Mr. Roosevelt did was go and shoot a few beasts, and he is being given everything.  All his needs are met.”  This missionary became solemn and withdrawn as the ship neared New York harbor.  When he heard the bands playing and the crowds cheering for Mr. Roosevelt, he became even more angry.  AS he and his wife walked off of the boat unnoticed by anyone, he began again to rail at God.

This couple were soon settled in a small flat and the wife suggested that her husband spend some time with God over this issue.  He went into the bedroom, got down on his knees, and poured his frustration out before God.  He exclaimed that it was just not fair that Mr. Roosevelt received such a homecoming, when he received nothing.  He stayed on his knees for some time.  Peace finally came over him, and he was able to let go of his anger.  When he returned to the living room, his wife saw such a change that she was amazed.  “What has happened?” She exclaimed.  “Well, God said that yes, Mr. Roosevelt was getting a fine homecoming upon his return home.  Then He reminded me that I am not home yet!”

Our homecoming will be a grand affair!  We will get to sit at the supper table of the Lamb!  Many will cheer us across the river into heaven.  If I am there when your homecoming arrives, know that I will be waiting for you with my party hat on!

 

Holiness and Joy

“’I will dwell in the and walk among them;
I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord.
‘And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me.’ Says the Lord Almighty.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved,

let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit,
 perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Therefore.  Whenever you read the word “therefore” in the Bible, always look just before it and see what it is there for!  Why should we live a life of holiness?  Because we are sons and daughters of the King!  We should leave the midst of those who live in evil and sinfulness, and be separate from them.  That is the very definition of holiness.  We don’t do it to earn our salvation, or to gain favor with God.  We do it because we are saved and  because we already have His favor.  We do it for the fear of the Lord – the awareness of His awesome power and might and love and joy and sacrifice and plan for our future.  Sin just keeps us far from experiencing all that is ours as Christians.  Sin keeps us from walking with Jesus and dancing before God’s throne. 

If you are not waling in fellowship with your Father God, perhaps it is because you have sin in your life.  Pride, arrogance, judgment, selfish ambition, etc… are just as deadly as theft and murder.  Be quick to repent and reclaim your position as God’s precious son or daughter and live holy lives in great joy and exultation

Denying Self

“Then Jesus said to His disciples,
‘If anyone wishes to come after Me,
he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it;
but whoever lose his life for My sake will find it.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels,
and will then repay every man according to his deeds.’”
Matthew 16:24-27
 
Start at the end.  “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels.”  That should be our first motivation.  Keep an eternal perspective.  Yes, we must work and play and live life, but it should be done with the knowledge that in the end, Jesus is coming!  How will Jesus sum up your life when it is over?  Will He say that you were His?  That you followed His calling and that you trusted Him?  That doesn’t mean that everyone has to be a missionary or a pastor.  It does mean that when you hear Jesus’ voice, are you obedient?  He may be calling you to a certain profession, or for a one time smile or word of encouragement to someone.  Are you listening and willing to go and do as He directs?

Then comes the second motivation – We will be repaid according to our deeds.  That is not salvation by works, but rather as a saved son or daughter of the King what is your life about?  Are you doing good, seeking peace, abstaining from evil, speaking the good news, and most importantly, are you obeying the Savior’s call?

Once our heart is right with Godly intent and motivation, then we can go back to the beginning of these verse.  If my heart’s motivation is to please Jesus and look for His coming and be about deeds that are of the KIngdom, then denying myself and taking up my cross is not so foreign or hard.  I trust Jesus.  He is coming back.  He saved me.  He is in control.  Any “cross” that comes my way, He will give me the strength and wisdom to handle Biblically.  I can give up my desires, expectations, whims, time, dreams, etc… for the King of Kings Who is coming back for me!  I can turn over the results to the God who saved me and know that He wants what is best for my eternal good not merely to make me feel good now.  When I hear His voice, I am free to obey knowing that He will work all things out after His will.

There is great peace when we surrender to God’s desire and will.  There is rest when we trust.  God is good and able and will support me in anything He calls me to do.