Some thoughts for your week. Life with the Promise of Eternity
Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. 37:22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be cut off. 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. 37:24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. 37:25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.
• The person in whom God delights is one who follows God, trusts him, and tries to do his will. God watches over and makes firm every step that person takes. If you would like to have God direct your way, then seek his advice before you step out.
James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
• Life is short no matter how many years we live. Don’t be deceived into thinking that you have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy your loved ones, or to do what you know you should. Live for God today! Then, no matter when your life ends, you will have fulfilled God’s plan for you.
James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
• The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain but to have a positive outlook (“consider it all joy”) because of what trials can produce in our lives. James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us endurance.
James 1:11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
• We find true wealth by developing our spiritual life, not by developing our financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary (our money and possessions).
James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
• This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell. Poor people, however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness. Thus, it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation. One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation.
May this find you well and happy, Have a blessed week.