Ask In Faith—could This Be A Test?

Ask In Faith—Could This Be A Test? James 1:1-8NKJV

Developing maturity in the Christian life is the theme of the book of James.

As we examine the book of James we can anticipate maturity also spiritual growth.

James 1:1NKJV James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

James was a half brother to Jesus. However, having Jesus as his half brother wasn’t nearly as important as having Jesus as his Savior.

In others words, to James, the blood on the cross that saved him was far more important than the family blood in his veins.

Notice verse 1b, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad…

The twelve tribes refers to the Jewish people. The Jewish people are the offspring of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Jacob’s twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, Benjamin (Genesis 49:1-28; 50:24; Exodus. 1:1-5).

God has scattered His special people, Israel, throughout the world because of their sin (Jeremiah 25:8-9).

I think it amazing that James offered greetings to these 12 scattered tribes—James offers mercy and grace to his Jewish brothers and sisters.

To me, the book of James is—God’s extended hands reaching up and out unto hurting humanity. P.H

James 1:2NKJV My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

We tend to forget many life lessons. Lesson 101 is simple: “Nothing is as bad as it first seems.”

There’s always two choices—A person can totally focus on the negative aspects of trials, or a person can find—joy, peace and fulfillment in the middle of life’s storms.

Do you want a joyful day? James say’s, brethren, count it all joy as test come!

We should be quick to remember—Nehemiah 8:10NIV ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”

Let me explain— “The Jewish families that Nehemiah led back to Jerusalem felt torn, living with remorse, because Ezra, the priest, for days read God’s word to them. God’s people heeded, and their heart, soul, and mind felt heavy, experiencing the conviction of love and grace from God Almighty!”

Therefore, Nehemiah gave these Jewish followers, a prescription to lift their loads—

Again, Nehemiah 8:10NASB—Nehemiah told the people, 10 Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The joy of the Lord is a constant gladness and cause to rejoice. It stems from an inner- strengthening from our relationship with Yahweh.

“When Jesus died for our sins, He restored us and gave us His peace, it cannot be undone." P.H 

Remember this—“Your joy rests on God’s joy…” 

“If you’re weighted down, think about your salvation Jesus paid dearly for. He accomplished it so, we might help others, serve others, bring laughter to every situation and trail.” P.H

Again, James 1:2Phillips When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!

Integrity Test:

We might be like the Salesman I read about. He was waiting to see the Purchasing Agent so he could submit his Company’s bid. While he was waiting, he couldn’t help but notice that his competitor’s bid was sitting on the Purchasing Agent’s desk.

Unfortunately, the actual figure for the Competitor’s bid was covered by a coke can.

He got to thinking: “How could it hurt if he took just a quick look? No one would ever need to know.” So he reached over and lifted the coke can—But his heart sank as he watched thousands of BB’s pour out from the bottomless can and scatter across the desktop.

It was a test set up by the Purchasing Agent … and he failed it. Needless to say, he didn’t get that company’s business.

Here’s an important fact—If you belong to Jesus everything you face becomes created to make you more like Him (Romans 8:28). P.H

James 1:2TM Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.

“I believe that there are people within God’s sheepfold, who are wandering around—They wanted it easy, but some certain trail, or test, has left them hurting and isolated.” P.H

James 1:2TPT My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!

David penned in Psalm 144:14NKJV Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!