James - 05.30.24

SCRIPTURE -James 5:8 AMP

“You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts 

[keep them energized and firmly committed to God], 

because the coming of the Lord is near.”

OBSERVATION 

The Book of James reads like a current

“How to Put Your Faith in Christ— into Action” Lesson Plan. 

It’s clear, concise and practical. We are challenged through each verse—

that the Faith we claim to have must be demonstrated—

in how we live our lives and respond in real time 

to situations at work, home, in our neighborhood, at church, or out doing life.

Knowing God is not enough-

Real Faith-is the Application of God’s Truth-expressed in our lives.

APPLICATION 

Can You SEE my Faith?

When we face trials or persecution it is easy to lose our patience with the circumstances or people involved. I have been tested in this area recently and I am finding out first hand-God has surely enabled me with everything I need to “Be Patient”. That certainly does not mean that it is easy. I’m sorry to say I haven’t reached the fullness of “Joy IN Trials yet! I fear I might continue to face trials as I told God I wanted to get to the point that I could have Joy IN trials. 

 What was I thinking?

With pitch perfect clarity, James reminds us through the Power of the Holy Spirit we are supernaturally enabled as HE supplies us with everything we need to live our life pleasing to HIM.

 Be Patient-

Makrothumeo-is a Command in the aorist imperative, which means a decisive action to DO THIS NOW, AT ONCE, COMPLETE IT.

Strengthen your hearts-

sterizo-  is also an aorist imperative command which stands for supporting something so that it is inwardly fixed and immovable. It has the connotation of weakening our own self-confidence to place our iron-clad confidence in Jesus Christ.

Whenever we face trials of many kinds-the ONLY way we can “Be Patient” and our “Hearts Strengthened” is to remember that it is the Work of the Holy Spirit as we Turn to Him for our Full reliance—and Take Courage knowing that—The Day of HIS Coming is Drawing Near-when we will SEE Him Face-to-Face!

God put HIS Holy Spirit IN us—as a Guarantee of what’s to Come AND an enablement to Love His Commands and desire to obey them.

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV)

““For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds 

[even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding], 

And engrave them upon their hearts [effecting their regeneration]. 

And I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

(Hebrews 8:10 AMP)

“[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while 

effectually at work in you 

[energizing and creating in you the power and desire], 

both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.”

(Philippians 2:13 AMPC)

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

Thank YOU for Your Goodness Beyond measure. Even in trials, even when I am not faithful and grumble, YOU are ALWAYS Faithful and Loving, Full of Grace and Mercy.

Help me Lord Jesus to be willingly and fully submitted to YOU in ALL my ways that I may Glorify YOU in ALL my circumstances. When the darkness closes in-Still I will say-Blessed be The LORD-for every blessing You Pour Out-I’ll Turn it back to Praise.

May I be mindful of the JOY that is always mine because Heaven is mine. And yesterday Larry and I began counting our blessings and we have so many! You are SO generous to us! Lead us Lord, in Unity, in the way we should go. Fill me fresh with Yoir Spirit for any opportunities You provide for ministry today.

And Help me to Hear Your voice and have Your eyes for the One.

In Jesus Name. amen.

Tina L Kudelka