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opportunities for great joy


We began our study walking through James more than a month ago.  It remains true that the theme is this: Struggles are real, and we need God.  

Here is a simple history of the sermons I have shared and the topics that are powerful.  Take some time to read back through James 1.  We will make our way Through James 1 after Easter.  Here is the synopsis:

Joy During Our Struggles

James 1:2-4  NLT
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

The Wisdom from God

James 1:5-6  NLT
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  

Our need for humility or being poor in spirit 

James 1:9  NLT
Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them.

The way we will succeed 

James 1:23  NLT
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 

James 1:25  NLT
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

The best ministry we should be part of

James 1:26-27  NLT
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.  Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

The things I have learned through this chapter are huge.  Look back through them again especially where you feel or hear God speaking to you the most.

The biggest for me, well at this time, is the thought from James 1:2 about opportunities for great joy.  Not a little big of joy but great joy.  Choose those opportunities and go with it!
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