After returning from Camp this year, I began to realize that many of the Students of Shiloh do not study the Word of God. I want to provide a resource that will help you in your journey to having a consistent daily time with the Lord through prayer and the reading of His Word.
If you struggle reading God’s Word . . . today is a new day. Don’t beat yourself up like I used to do. Instead, you need to Sing a New Song! God has given us this day to know Him through His Word. Since we are beginning a study in the book of James, I figured James would be a great place to start. So what are you waiting for? Get your Bible and let’s get started!
Today’s Verses:
Read James 1:1-4
Wow. I don’t know about you but I have and continue to face trials of many kinds. My most recent trial is trying to build our home. We haven’t even broke ground and we are running into walls! All I know is that God is in control of our lives and if we trust Him, He will work out all the details. There is no way I’m going to let Satan steal my joy.
Discussion Questions:
1. What trials are you facing today?
2. Are you allowing your joy to be robbed through this trial?
3. Once you get through this trial, what do you think will happen with your faith?
4. What makes it hard to perservere through your trial?
5. How can we pray for you?
So now it’s your turn. What do you think? Post a comment if you read James 1:1-4 today. I also want to encourage you to share your thoughts about these verses and how they apply to your life and what you are going through right now.
My prayer is that this blog will help you to study the Word and begin to apply it to your life!
Bro. Michael
This really hit home to me too, as I am guilty of not reading the WORD as I should. Yet, here I was expecting a particular student to read at least 1 verse a day to help him in his struggles. So … challenge accepted! James 1:1-4 all taken care of…. and more!
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
What an awesome thought that our faith is being developed when we face trials! I think of lyrics of the song “through the fire”. ”
It says” He never promised that the cross would not be heavy; or the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered victory without fighting but he said help will always come in time. Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in; just hold on….our Lord will show up. And he will take you through the fire again!
If you are not being tested you are not standing up and standing out. If you are not being tested….you’re not doing anything to get the devil to notice you. Don’t be afraid to be tested!!!
What makes it hard for me to get through my trials??? I struggle with letting go and letting GOD!! I was so in tune with the message last night, but not just about taming my tongue. I forget sometimes to let God be in control. I jump before I think things through and then I have to go back and let God fix the mess I made. It would be so much easier if I would just let Him do it to start with. I am reading James and I hope it will jump start me to be more in His word so He can be more in control.
I love that phrase ” Sing a new Song” It makes me think of Psalm 40:3.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Thats where it all begins. When we turn our lives over to God he will put a new song in our hearts.
The book of James is an awesome book. James actually did not become a believer until after the resurrection of Jesus. (thought that was kind of interesting)
Trials are hard and sometimes we may feel so very alone during them. But God says we are not alone. He is there and He can pull us through any trial we may face. GOD IS GOOD!
It is so hard to realize that when we are being tested that it is so we can grow stronger in our walk with the Lord. I know for myself I always ask why instead of looking at an opportunity to grow closer to God. I too am guilty of not reading the Bible as much as I should. Challenge accepted. God Is So AWESOME!!
Bro. Michael,
Thanks for putting all of us to the test. Reading God’s word will protect our hearts and show us right from wrong. Great message on doing not just being, and controlling one of the most powerful muscles in our body. With it we can destroy or soothe, my prayer is that I am a healing balm. Joan
I love the book of James. He was a “Real” person, someone to relate to. We all, I believe, struggle with patience and I am no different. I have more patience for non-believers, than I do with my own family,some days. I think it’s because I know my family knows better, they just dont choose the “Better” sometimes. And then I remember that I fail daily too, sometimes minute to minute, but God is always graceous to forgive me, and I don’t deserve his mercy or love. God continues to bless me and my family. I was totally overwhelmed this week with bessings! God always keeps his promises even when we are not always faithful to him and what he wants to accomplish through us. We serve an awesome God!
I really think this is a great idea! I’d like to hear what others think?
I really appreciate the great comments from our adults but I would also love to hear from our youth too.