Tag: James 1:19

Miserable comforters?

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday, Job--BibleTrekToday - May 22, 2024 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for May 22: Job 15-17

Isn’t it amazing how we can see the faults of another person and feel that we know the answer to their problems and the cause!  Theologians and students of the Bible can get proud about what they know and forget that they are studying God’s heart and His way.   Job’s friends again attack his character and accuse him of a lack of understanding of God.  (Job 15:3-5)  Job was told that his sin has caused his mouth to be crafty and deceitful.  He was accused of being impure and therefore under God’s wrath. (Job 15:30) They were ‘miserable comforters’ and took the role of ‘accuser’ of their brother!

Job’s response to these new accusations was to label his friends “miserable comforters”.  (Job 16:2)  Job needed encouragement and understanding.  He needed someone to pray with him and seek God’s help and answers.  Job was in despair over these latest accusations and the trouble he was experiencing.  He wondered why God had broken and crushed him.  He was depressed but in faith stated that his Advocate was also on high and his Witness was in heaven.  (Job 16:19)  Job seemed to know that although his physical body was broken, God still knew him, loved him, and would help him.

As I think on this passage, I realize that I have been the “miserable comforter” to some.  Sometimes it is easy to have glib answers and quote standard Bible texts.  God wants us to have His heart of compassion for the hurting and downcast.  We must listen to them and hear their heart.  Sometimes this alone is the best thing we can do.  We must seek to let the Holy Spirit speak through us and address the real needs.  What is on the surface is not always the real issue.  My prayer today is that I would be sensitive to each hurting person that I encounter and that God would use me to be a true friend!

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God,”

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Trials and faithfulness

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday - October 5, 2021 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for October 5th: James 1

Key Scriptures: James 1: 2-8 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James was the half-brother of Jesus and the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. He was a man of prayer and some commentators say had the nickname of “camel knees” from spending time in prayer. As he wrote this letter to the church, James encouraged the believers to embrace trials of various kinds. He knew that this was part of being a follower of Christ and that these trials, if properly embraced, would produce spiritual growth in faithfulness and patience. During these trials, believers were encouraged to pray to God for wisdom and to expect answers from a Father Who would give generously to those having faith. He warned them about doubting and being double-minded. This would not bring steadfastness, but instability and a tossing and turbulence to life liken to that of a wave of the sea in a strong wind. His Mentor was his brother, Jesus Christ!

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.”

Faith confession and prayer: Father God, forgive me for not counting it all joy when life’s various trials come. Fill me with fresh wisdom to discern Your plan and purpose in each trial and to grow in faithfulness and Christ’s character. Thank You for Your generosity in giving wisdom to those who will humbly ask for it. I desire the crown of life for me and those I love!

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers (and sisters): be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

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