In James 1 we find help in times of trial and temptation. On our own, we just don’t know how to process a trial. We aren’t wise enough to see the good, meaningful purpose behind them. We are prone to be stuck “in the moment”, only able to comprehend the sorrow that we are experiencing in the trial. James addresses this deficiency in our wisdom by telling us to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all with out reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5  ESV)

It takes humility to turn to someone for help when you are in a trial. Most of us would rather suffer to ourselves than admit weakness and seek help. This attitude is foolishness, and ultimately it is pride. James urges us to turn to God and request wisdom from him. He is the gracious Father (James 1:17) who promises us to give wisdom and steadfastness when we ask for it. Why would we turn elsewhere? The wisdom that comes from God opens our eyes to see the profit of trials. On our own, we see chaos and destruction. God promises to show us purpose, but we must ask Him for wisdom, trusting that He will freely give it to us.

Let me encourage you to not interpret your trials apart from prayer. Don’t submit to feelings of hopelessness and chaos in trials. Rather turn to God in humility, and ask for wisdom. “Father, I don’t know why you would have this for me now. But I pray that you would show me, and I pray that you would grant me faith and understanding that this trial might be used for my good and your glory. I am not wise, I need Your wisdom.”

In doing so we will not waste our trials by simply enduring them, but we will learn from them, and be perfected and completed through them (James 1:4).

Desiring God has put together a few different packages that they suggest as gifts as we approach Christmas. They have packages for: mom, dad, missionaries, etc… These resources are God-centered, and would be a great gift for anyone that you are wishing to see grow in Christ this coming year.

Check out the sale here.

Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)

“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Kevin DeYoung offers a brief article that challenges us with this fact, “Prayerlessness is Unbelief”. I was particularly challenged by this brief word. Here’s an excerpt:

“Prayerlessness is an expression of our meager confidence in God’s ability to provide and of our strong confidence in our ability to take care of ourselves without God’s help.”

You can read the rest of the article here.

Desiring God by John Piper is being offered, in audio format, for free this month. This is considered to be one of Piper’s foundational works. In it, Piper works out the reality that we ought to be happy in God, and that God’s desire to receive glory and our desire to receive joy are not at odds with one another. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him”.

If you have never read Desiring God, then you are missing one of those books that could really change the way that you understand your Christian life. The book is loaded with Scripture and is very easy to listen to in this audio format. If you have never read it, please download this audio book. It’s free, so there is nothing to lose!

Click here to check it out. This won’t be free forever, so don’t wait too long.

1 John 2:15-17

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (ESV)

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Yesterday, I failed to remind everyone during our announcement time about our Reformation night fellowship. This event is planned for October 31st at 6:30pm at the McGinnis’ home. Please plan on bringing some chairs to use in the lawn, as well as a snack to share with everyone. Everyone is welcome! Please join us for a night of fellowship.

One of the most important things that you can do in regard to the Sunday corporate worship service is prepare for it. We will participate in the service differently when we pursuing him prior to that service. Let me encourage you today to participate in pre-service worship. Today, listen to Christ-centered music, read the Scriptures, work on the fighter verse, pray, these are ways that we can prepare our hearts to engage with God tomorrow. Pursue a satisfaction in the Lord today and you will be more mindful of his presence tomorrow.

“Oh sing to the LORD A NEW SONG;
SING TO THE LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.”

-Psa. 96:1-13 (ESV)