Tag: joy
Are you ‘weak’ or ‘strong’?
Scripture reading for July 2nd: Romans 14
“For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” (Romans 12:3) Paul had exhorted the believers to dedicate their bodies to God and renew their minds with His word. He had instructed them to think soberly about their own lives, calling, and gifts. Some, however, were not as strong as others in their faith and walk of liberty with the Lord.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:1-4) Some of the believers with ‘stronger’ faith were passing judgment on those who limited what they could eat to vegetables. Those with ‘weaker’ faith were also passing judgment on those who ate everything. Under Christ’s New Covenant of grace, each person would answer to God in matters like diet that were disputable.
As New Testament believers and children of God, we must seek to please the Father by walking in faith. It is Christ who will enable each believer to stand before the Father through what He has done on our behalf. We must not judge one another on matters that are disputable!
Temptations, trials, and faith!
Scripture reading for November 17th: James 1:1-18
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to count it joy when a trial of my faith comes my way. There is something in each person that would prefer good times, pleasure, and the easy life. But inside of us, there is also a desire for adventure and excitement that comes from entering into the unknown. I am learning how to embrace God’s plan for my own life and to ‘consider it pure joy’ when I face the inevitable trials. Well, maybe my joy isn’t too pure yet!
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. When tempted, now should say “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death.” (James 1:12-15) James tells us it is a blessing to stand firm in a trial. God will reward those who stay true to Him through these testings with a crown of eternal life.
One of the temptations in a trial or test is to blame God for it. James reassures us that God is holy and is not capable of evil or of tempting anyone. The source of temptation is found in our own flesh and it’s desires. We are first enticed by the lusts of our eyes or flesh and then when we yield, we are dragged away by sin. It is likened to a pregnancy that comes from an act of passion. Conception takes place, and when the sin-baby is full grown, it is birthed to bring us death. (Romans 6:23)
But we shouldn’t allow our flesh to entice us! The good gifts we desire really come from God in the promises of His word. He has good plans for His children. His gifts are all good and he has chosen to give us birth through His word. If we will put our faith in Him, He will bring us through all trials and tests. He is the ‘Father of Lights’ who is faithful to shine His love into our lives through every trial.