perseverance

Build Day 8 Building Perseverance

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Nehemiah 6:1-7:73
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Romans 5:1-5

Build, Day 8

Ice cream cone in hand, the woman walked to the nearest park bench. As she sat, her dog planted himself in front of her with a laser-sharp focus on the sweet treat.

The woman ate her ice cream at a contented pace and appeared to enjoy watching the activity around her: young families caravanning by with their bikes and strollers, other dog-walkers out for a leisurely stroll, and rambunctious squirrels playing tag amidst the trees.

Her dog, however, paid little attention to his surroundings. The occasional shifting of his ears indicated his awareness, but his focus never strayed more than a moment from the yummy goodness in his owner’s hand. She rewarded his calm patience with the last bite of the cone.

Just like that, the spell was broken. All evidence of the cone licked clean, the dog looked around him, taking in the activity and sniffing his surroundings.

The entire interaction was quite mesmerizing to observe, and served as a prime example of Nehemiah’s focus on building the wall.

Nehemiah possessed a similar focus and determination. He, too, could have become distracted by the efforts of Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and those others opposing the rebuilding of the wall. However, he kept his focus on the Lord and His glory. (Nehemiah 6:1-4)

Such focus required intentionality and a great deal of faith. His enemies sought to cause Nehemiah to give up on completing the wall. They constructed false narratives about Nehemiah planning to declare himself as king. (Nehemiah 6:5-9) If he’d attempted to clear himself of these accusations, Nehemiah’s energy and time invested in the wall would have been derailed.

When he persisted in building, the tactic changed.
False prophets began to warn Nehemiah of those coming to kill him. (Nehemiah 6:10-14) Nehemiah could have hidden in fear and declined his leadership role in order to save himself. However, much like the dog focused on the ice cream cone, Nehemiah kept his eyes and ears trained on the Lord. He listened for the Lord, did not hear the Lord confirming the warnings as true, and proceeded to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the wall.

Nehemiah showed great perseverance throughout his leadership of the rebuilding project. Successful perseverance is predicated on knowing the what and the why of a goal. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was a large-scale what, and the why rested solely on the promises and character of the Lord. Nehemiah’s responses reflected his understanding of these concepts, and displayed a conscious choice to trust the Lord’s faithfulness.

Additionally, Nehemiah did not build the walls alone, and others followed his demonstration of the same faith-filled perseverance. Without all Israelites working together, the rebuilding would have taken longer or may never have even been completed. As the wall took shape, the team then needed to continue persisting in their faith by guarding it effectively.

The Lord’s focus and perseverance are also interwoven deeply throughout the story. He provided Nehemiah with favor, supplies, leadership grace, humility, wisdom, and courage. All of these, in turn, blessed the people whom Nehemiah led and displayed surrender to the Lord’s plan to rebuild the wall.

Evidence of the Lord’s faithfulness didn’t stop there! He prompted Nehemiah to gather the people according to genealogies. These names and numbers, listed in chapter 7, show the ongoing fulfillment of promises the Lord made to Abraham regarding his descendants being more numerous than the sand of the sea. (Genesis 22:17-18) Talk about a long-term example of perseverance!

The Lord’s perseverance and faithfulness continue to endure long past the close of Nehemiah’s story. His faithfulness is displayed today as He is near to each of us, waiting for us to lean into Him and His building plans for our lives. We are invited to persevere with Him as He builds His kingdom in and through us. While the context of our individual needs for His presence to pursue us varies, the foundation for our perseverance is the same: Jesus.

How has the Lord spoken to you in your current scenario? Are there specific verses, promises, or elements of His character you can focus on to empower your obedience?

The Lord has great rewards for our perseverance, rewards which may not be experienced for some time, or even in this lifetime. However, they are coming! (James 1:2-4) We may experience ridicule, misunderstanding, exhaustion, and many other challenges in our journeys, much like Nehemiah. For those who surrender to the Master Builder, Jesus, every trial will be accompanied with the joy of knowing obedience honors the Lord and His work carries an eternal impact.

Dear sisters, the effort and probable pain of perseverance is always worth it when Christ is the laser-focus of our life’s purpose. May we keep our gaze unswervingly on Him.
He sees it all and will reward our faith and trust in Him.

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Terrain Day 14 The Island Of Patmos: Digging Deeper

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Terrain Day 14 The Island Of Patmos: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

August 19, 2021

Christ,Digging Deeper,Faith,Faithfulness,Fullness,God,Joy,Kingdom,Love,persecution,Power,Strength,Suffering

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "The Island of Patmos"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Thessalonians 1:4-12

Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring. 5 It is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering, 6 since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us.

This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, 8 when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength 10 on that day when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.

11 In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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The Original Intent

1) How is perseverance through persecution clear evidence that God counts us worthy of His Kingdom? (verse 5)

Paul was pleased with the Thessalonian believers because they continued to remain faithful to the Lord through the trials they suffered because of Christ. Many converts were former Jews, “which angered the Jews and caused them to resort to violence and mob activity”. (Bible.org) Even amid persecution, the new Christians held to their faith, which Paul called “clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering”. (2 Thessalonians 1:5)

The wording here can make it sound like these Christians were worthy of God’s Kingdom because of their suffering, but that isn’t accurate. People can’t do anything to make themselves worthy of God’s Kingdom. We can only gain Heaven through Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. (Titus 3:5-7) Suffering for God’s Kingdom, though, shows love for God and faith in His Word and His promises.

It is a mark of genuine, saving faith in Christ. It is easy to fold under pressure, and enduring the face of persecution demonstrates authentic faith; it pleases the Lord when His children endure. Author Steve Lewis asserts, “Something about the Thessalonians was a plain indication . . . that God does indeed judge righteously. The indicator was not the trials themselves, but their response to the trials. Their perseverance and faith provided solid proof that God was at work within them, enabling them to behave in ways that were opposite to their natural desires.”

The fact that the Thessalonian believers allowed Christ to empower them proved they belonged to Him, had His Spirit within them, and were truly part of His Kingdom. Author David Guzik suggests “Paul’s prayer was that the worthiness of Jesus may be accounted to the Thessalonian Christians.” Paul was pleased to know the Thessalonians stood strong in their faith in Christ and His power at work in them.

The Everyday Application

1) How is perseverance through persecution clear evidence that God counts us worthy of His Kingdom? (verse 5)

I coordinate children’s church volunteers, and I quickly recognize those who will stick and those who will hand in their nametags before they even get smudged with finger paint. The ones who stay endure toddler tantrums, diaper blow-outs, eye-rolling tweens, and difficult parents because they love serving the Lord. They believe sharing the Good News of Jesus with kids is essential. Their willingness to serve, despite the challenges, blesses the Lord and plays an integral part in growing God’s Kingdom.

Truly following Jesus always means struggle and suffering. Depending on location in the world and your dynamics, that suffering looks different. Sometimes it’s loving on hard-to-love kids, being rejected by your friends, or choosing the unpopular decision to follow Jesus first. For many believers around the world, following Jesus means literally putting their lives at risk because of their faith. This was the case for the believers in Thessalonica.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Paul wrote, “Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.  It is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering.” Paul lauded the believers for walking out their faith in trying times.

Author David Guzik observes that “Where suffering is coupled with righteous endurance, God’s work is done. The fires of persecution and tribulation were like the purifying fires of a refiner, burning away the dross from the gold, bringing forth a pure, precious metal.”

When Christians experience difficult things and come through on the other side with their faith intact, they mature and develop the characteristics God desires in His Kingdom people. May we seek the Lord’s grace, wisdom, and strength to endure hard times so we can grow in our faith and fulfill the role God has for us in His Kingdom. 

The Original Intent

2) Why is it just for God to “repay with affliction those who afflict you”? (verse 6)

In verses 6-7, Paul encourages the persecuted church by writing, “it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us.” This resonates with many because it doesn’t seem fair when someone is mistreated for no good reason and the perpetrator goes unpunished. Everything in us cries out for justice! 

Acting justly is a crucial component for believers in accurately reflecting God’s character. (Micah 6:8) However, God does not want us to exact justice for ourselves. (Matthew 5:38-39) He tells us vengeance is His alone. (Deuteronomy 32:35)

God instructs us to seek justice and show mercy; because He is Righteous and Just, He must let justice be served. Author David Guzik explains how “God’s judgment is based on the great spiritual principle that it is a righteous thing with God to repay those who do evil. Since God is righteous, He will repay all evil, and it will all be judged and accounted for either at the cross or in hell.”

The Scriptures tell us God is a jealous and avenging God (Nahum 1:2) and that God will judge everyone according to what they have done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) The wicked will face the wrath of God, but Christians are righteous through Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30) because He sanctified us through His death on the cross, which cleansed us from our sins.

He took the punishment of sin on Himself, fulfilling the justice of God. We can rejoice because, unlike those who don’t have faith in Christ, God’s wrath is turned away from us because Jesus’ blood makes us righteous before God.

The Everyday Application

2) Why is it just for God to “repay with affliction those who afflict you”? (verse 6)

Have you ever fumed at someone speeding past you at a ridiculous rate on the highway only to rejoice a few miles later to see an officer giving a speeding ticket? Something in our nature hates to see wrongdoers get off without penalty. It is satisfying to know that justice has been served. It seems easy to agree with Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 when he writes, “it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us.”

It is fitting for the Righteous God to enact justice on sinners, but it can be very tempting for us to take matters into our own hands. God is very clear that making wrongdoers pay is His job, not ours. Jesus tells us in Romans 12:19-20, “do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. ”

Not only does God tell us not to avenge ourselves, He tells us to treat our enemies with love. We are to show kindness and let Him repay the evildoers. Treating those who afflict me with love and letting God handle the justice is not as natural as cheering on the punishment I think they deserve, but it is what God requires.

It’s a helpful perspective to remember that, in view of God’s supreme holiness, we are all sinful and rebellious. (Romans 3:23) My prayer is that seeking justice and loving mercy becomes easier as we humble ourselves before God and allow Him to be the Righteous Judge over every situation in our lives.

The Original Intent

3) What does it mean to “pay the penalty of destruction from the Lord’s presence and from His glorious strength”? (verse 9)

Paul describes what will happen to those who persecute God’s people in verses 9-10 when he writes, “They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength on that day when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed . . .” While Paul does mention “flaming fire” in verse 8, the greatest penalty for the wicked is being cut off from the gracious, good presence of the Lord.

Author David Spence Jones explains, “As the presence of the glorified Jesus will constitute the happiness of heaven, so banishment from His presence will constitute the misery of hell, because the soul is then cut off from the source of all good and of all holiness.”

In the beginning, before sin entered the world, God walked with humans in the Garden of Eden, communing with them in perfect harmony. After their sin, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden, never to walk in perfection with the Lord again. (Genesis 3:4-24) Their sin separated them from the presence of their Holy God.

Being deprived of God’s presence is disastrous because it is only in His presence we can find fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11) The persecutors of the saints were also cut off from the glorious strength of the Lord, for it is the joy of the Lord that is our own strength for believers. (Nehemiah 8:10)

The Everyday Application

3) What does it mean to “pay the penalty of destruction from the Lord’s presence and from His glorious strength”? (verse 9) 

Being a Mom means having “superpowers” such as Finder of Lost Things and Healer of Boo-Boos. But the best “superpower” is that Mom’s presence can instantly make things better. Kids sleep better and worry less when Mom’s around. A mother’s presence brings incredible peace to her children! The Lord’s presence blesses His children in infinitely greater fashion. 

Zephaniah 3:17 declares, “The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing.” In God’s presence, we experience His salvation and the delight of His love. In John 15:5-6, Jesus remarks, “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. . .” 

Jesus tells us that if we stay in His presence, we are productive and alive. Without His presence, we are like useless, withered branches. Paul describes the loss of God’s presence in verse 9, when he notes that those who persecute the Church will “pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength.”

Eternal destruction is described as being apart from God forever. Author David Guzik explains how the phrase, “From the presence of the Lord”, sums up the Bible’s teaching on hell. Nothing more needs said of its horrors, other than hell will be completely devoid of God’s good presence and every kind aspect of His character. Only His unrelenting holy justice remains.

Just as being in God’s presence is a blessing, being apart from Him is punishment. We delight and take comfort in God’s presence, and we suffer when our sin separates us from the Lord. Anyone who finds themselves deprived of the Lord’s presence need only repent and turn from their sins to experience refreshing from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19-20) We serve a mighty and merciful God!

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Terrain Day 13
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Ocealus sat down to rest and drink water from the skin he’d packed. Heaving a deep breath, he adjusted his pack and trod down the path toward the cave.

Ocealus had heard the rumors surrounding the man living there. At the entrance, he removed a small torch and flint from his pack, and struck the flint. The torch’s meager flame did little to penetrate the gloom.

Even in broad daylight, Oceanus shivered at the cave’s foreboding air. Torch in one hand, he unsheathed his dagger and stepped inside. He had no idea what to expect from this man he was commissioned to see.

“Helloooo,” he called into the darkness.
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Fervent Day 13 Strength Training

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:1-21
Ephesians 3:1-21
1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Fervent, Day 13

They say some things are taught while others are caught.

I’m not exactly sure who “they” are, but I couldn’t agree more.

In reading Paul’s letters, I find in the midst of teaching so many truths, Paul exudes much to be caught. His words are not always explicitly cut up for us to ingest quickly and easily, but are implicitly intended to be chewed upon and stirred up in our hearts.

Paul wrote to the church and challenged them to actually be the Church. Today, his words challenge us to be the Church. Paul is the biblical equivalent of a spiritual personal trainer. In order to be a personal trainer, one must have a passion and love for physical fitness that extends past the practical knowledge of exercise.

Paul’s passion and love for the Lord and the gospel are evident throughout his letters. I challenge you to open just one of his letters and not find references to the gospel. Paul knew his why (introducing every possible person to Christ), and it became the foundation upon which all of Paul’s efforts were built.

Paul pleads for God to strengthen His Church, but at the same time, we, as the Church are not called to passive inaction. Like an athlete, Christ’s Body is urged to grow up in Christ by strength training disciplines and put in hard work to build strong muscle. This is Paul’s strength-training prayer for every believer and every local body of believers.

While we do have a role to play in practicing daily submission to the Holy Spirit, this strengthening cannot happen apart from Christ. The Spirit functioning in our lives enables the strengthening, just as He is the motivation for it. John 15 declares we can do nothing apart from Christ, and abiding in Him is vital by staying in close consistent connection with Him. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God. Praying, worshipping, and fasting are a few spiritual disciplines that help us grow stronger in our faith journey with Christ.

So what are some of the strengthening elements we can “catch” from Paul’s words, beyond his direct teaching? Think of these as the components of a workout a trainer might emphasize, demonstrate, encourage, or adjust in order for the exercise itself to be more effective.

In the three portions of Scripture listed at the beginning of this study, multiple concepts stood out to me, but I’ll only focus on a few. The Holy Spirit may highlight other topics as you read; this is the beauty of the Word being living and active! (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Before His Word can be active in you, it must first be read. If you missed it, I urge you to go back and Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:1-21
Ephesians 3:1-21
1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Humility is the proper form needed to carry the weight of sharing the Gospel. Paul understood the rich truth of the Good News was for both Jews and Gentiles. Therefore, he approached everyone around him with a confident humility, explaining that while he had credibility to teach the Truth, he would not wield it like a weapon against them, instead he held it out in love. Paul’s posture lent credibility towards the Savior who had lovingly rescued him!

Boldness is the determined intensity with which Paul proclaimed the gift of the Gospel. When exercising, I can tell the difference in the effectiveness of my workout when I boldly take on the movements, rather than simply going through the motions. Paul spoke up and did not hesitate to share with any and all who would listen. How often do I fail to obey the nudge of the Holy Spirit to speak up? May I be a bolder person for His glory.

Perseverance is the endurance needed to take the Gospel all the places the Lord calls us to go. While this will look different for every person, all of us will have our perseverance tested at some point. The call to be a Christian will be too much, too out of our comfort zones, too counter-cultural, too costly, too overwhelming, and a myriad of other realities.

Similarly, Paul could have listed a variety of trials that might have caused him to stop his Gospel mission. It’s too painful after another flogging. It’s too scary after surviving a shipwreck. It’s too humiliating to surrender the prestige of his former life.

He could have said all of these things, but instead he stepped into a personal trainer role and urged us to keep going.
Press through the pain.
Press through the rejection.
Press through the costs incurred to invite another soul to experience heaven with us.

My dear sisters, we can do hard things with the Spirit of the Living God at work within us!  Christ will carry us through, and He will train our hands for battle. (Psalm 144:1-2)
Let’s put in the work to allow the Lord to strengthen us, to teach us how to be the Church, and to catch Paul’s passion. May we be proven answers to Paul’s prayers.

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Esther Day 5 In The Details

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Esther 2:19-23
Matthew 10:28-31
2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Esther, Day 5

I’ve always felt a special connection with Esther. Maybe it was the Bible study I did in middle school, or the movie I saw with my best friends as a young teenager, or maybe the tattoo I have from her story: “for such a time as this” from when I was in Kenya. (You bet your bottom dollar I got a tattoo in Africa and lived to tell about it!)

For whatever reason, Esther and her story have always held a special place in my heart, so writing about her and God’s redemption story in this book of the Bible feels second nature to me, as if I’m typing out my own life description here.

One detail that has always captured me about Esther, is how God’s name isn’t mentioned even once in the entire book. An entire book in the Bible without one mention of God’s holy name?! Yes! But His silence amplifies His presence.
Here, in absence of His written Name, we catch a glimpse of how He works through minute details and His people to bring about His redemption story.

In one brief recording, we see God’s perfect timing and attention to detail to save His people. Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gates when he heard of a plan to kill King Ahasuerus. Two of his eunuchs were angry with the king and plotted to kill him.
God, in His intricate attention to detail, placed Mordecai at the gate where these eunuchs ‘just so happen’ to discuss their plan.
Mordecai would ‘just so happen’ to have an “in” with Esther, who was now Queen, and told her what he’d overheard and the King’s life was saved!
Then the King would ‘just so happen’ to ensure this was recorded in the book of the chronicles, which would later play a tremendous role in promoting Mordecai.

Maybe this little rabbit trail of a story doesn’t seem important, but it is.
Because nothing is wasted with the Almighty.

Mordecai was later honored for life-saving act, which would become a tipping point for a man called Haman, whose goal was to eradicate every Jew.
Like divinely placed dominoes, God then used King Ahasuerus to help save the Jews from annihilation. Which, of course, he needed to be alive to do!

The book of Esther so obviously points us to the cross, when God would piece together so many small, seemingly insignificant details to ultimately save His people again…
This time, however, that salvation would not be for Jews alone, but for all people across all time.

Just like it was so easy to believe darkness had won when Jesus died on the cross, it may appear like darkness would win in Esther’s story as well.
The king was to be killed.
The Jewish people would be destroyed.
Darkness would win!
But our God works in the details.

Jesus was to be killed.
His disciples were too afraid to show their faces.
Christianity would die.
Darkness would win!
But our God works in the details.

You and I are dead because of our sin.
We have no hope for earning our way out of Hell.
Our destiny is separation from God.
Darkness would win!
But our God works in the details.

He’s in the details as you’re reading this Journey Study, as you pick up your Bible, as you connect with someone who loves Jesus, as you are encouraged by a friend, as you encounter God in the tiniest whispers.
Because our God hand-crafted the details to point you to His heart of love and redemption.

Nothing is wasted.
Darkness will never win over Light

Esther became the new queen.
Details.

Mordecai helped save the king.
Details.

Esther boldly told the king of Haman’s plot to kill the Jews.
Details.

With so many more details intertwined throughout the entire book (and really, the entire Bible), how can it not be the hand of our Mighty Creator?

Does this theme feel new to you?
Do you ever wonder where God could possibly be in the midst of the darkness that seems to be winning in your own life? I’ve wondered, too. 

He’s there. I promise He is.
He’s teaching us patience, perseverance, and trust as we wait for His story of redemption to unfold.

He is in the details, even when He is silent.
He’s simply giving room for His presence to be magnified,
so one day we can look back and say,
“You were there, God. You were in it all.” 

Darkness will never overcome.
The God of the details has already won!


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Focus Day 2 Do I Really Want To Follow Jesus?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Do I Really Want To Follow Jesus?!

The Questions

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?

2) Do trials today have a purpose?

3) JOY…What is it?

James 1:1-18

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.
Greetings.
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
5 Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double minded and unstable in all of his ways.
9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.  11 For the sun rises and together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.

    12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

  16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Original Intent

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?
James addresses his letter to the twelve tribes dispersed “abroad”, meaning the original twelve tribes no longer physically existed in one location in Israel. They have been dispersed or scattered over time. The term “twelve tribes dispersed abroad“ was a description for the regathered and spiritually renewed Israel God was building. This included all who were genuine Christ-followers regardless of their bloodline, whether Jew or Gentile. (Matthew 19:28, Revelation 7:4-8, Revelation 21:12)
In his letter, James is writing to Jewish believers, God-fearing Jews from every nation. These devout Jews came to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, became converts, and returned to their places of residency. Those who stayed in Jerusalem were persecuted and driven away after the death of Stephen. (Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19) (Kistemaker)  While there is no indication James is specifically referring to Gentile Christians, nevertheless his message speaks to them as well.

2) Do trials today have a purpose?
The word “trial”, translated from its original Greek “peirasmos” has two basic meanings in the New Testament.  Either it can refer to the inner enticement to sin, the sins we commit in our hearts and minds which “plunge us into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy  6:9), or it can refer to external afflictions, particularly persecution of the physical body. (1 Peter 4:12) (D.J. Moo) In James 1:2-4, the context points to “trials” as referring to persecution. Trials are common to all people, as well as the specific adversities Christians face as a result of their faith. Such trials can include illness, financial strain, or social and economic persecution.
God uses trials as a means of testing and refining the believer. As a result, God sanctifies us, shaping our hearts and lives to better reflect Christ as He perfects our faith. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, the result of this testing process will be the genuineness of our faith. Or we could say trials are a refining fire, maturing our faith as we “grow up” to maturity in Christ. (Isaiah 48:10) James wanted to encourage the believers that suffering is the means by which faith, tested in the fires of adversity, can be purified and strengthened. Steadfastness in trusting God is the outcome of the testing process of trials of all kinds. This deep trust is a quality necessary as Christians face adversity, temptation, and persecution in our daily walk of faith.

3) JOY …What is it? 
Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. “Christian joy”, John Piper writes, “is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world”.
So, what is JOY? This three-letter word packs a powerhouse of meaning for the Christian. Our ultimate example of JOY is Jesus who laid down His life for us, enduring the cross and scorning its shame that we might be restored and redeemed, brought back to a place of unity and sweet fellowship with God. (Hebrews 12:2) God finds JOY in bringing about our atonement, our return to Him, and our sin being forgiven. For believers, trials and persecutions are occasions for JOY, not because we “enjoy the pain”, but because even in the pain, we know and trust the heart of the God who gave Himself to rescue us. Peter and John found their time of physical scourging and suffering as cause to rejoice “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”. (Acts 5:41) There is no joy apart from Christ and the sweetness of knowing Him and studying His Word. Without Christ, suffering is not a means to anything. But with Christ, suffering becomes a conduit through which we can better learn and trust the heart of God, this brings JOY. As we live out this joy, regardless of our circumstance, we are marked as belonging to God’s kingdom, which is described as “righteousness, peace, and JOY in the Holy Spirit.“ (Romans 14:17) Fellowship with Jesus brings continuous joy, NO MATTER WHAT! 🙂

Everyday Application

1) Is James speaking to a specific twelve tribes?
The letter is addressed to the twelve tribes for the purpose of identifying the readers as Jewish. They were not residents of Palestine, but scattered among the nations. James’ letter is intended for those who are “Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (D. Burdick) It can feel like we are pretty far-removed from the days when James’ letter would have arrived on fresh parchment. Our persecution is likely nowhere near what the believers in Jerusalem were experiencing. But, we can be encouraged that, regardless of time in history or the fact that many of us read James’ letter on a pixelated screen instead of parchment, God has preserved His timeless message for all believers. His Word is living and active, not bound by a historic period of time or the suffering of persecution. Take time to dwell deeply with His Word today and find it fresh and rich as the Spirit awakens truth to your heart!

2) Do trials today have a purpose?
James exhorts us “to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of all kinds.” (verse 2) The testing of our faith will develop perseverance. No trial is wasted in God’s economy! “Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing”. (James 1:3-4) Trials are essential to our growth as Christians, driving us to maturity and total dependence on God, which is His heart’s desire that we would trust Him just as a small child trusts entirely upon his or her parent.
Testing of our faith is vital, though painful! Will our faith persevere? Will it withstand the test? If our faith is genuine, and not rooted in ourselves but rather, anchored in the Lord God, testing through trial and suffering will develop perseverance in our faith.
Do we have the patience to endure and tenacity to remain faithful to Christ and His call on our lives? Will we choose Christ over all else?
Barclay explains, “It is not the patience that passively endures, instead, it is the quality that enables us to stand on our feet and face the storm. It is in the struggle against difficulty and opposition that spiritual stamina is developed.”
The next trial you encounter, big or small, choose dependence on Christ and withstand the test. This isn’t founded in your ability to be strong, it is the Spirit of the Lord strengthening you! (James 1:5-8) God gives wisdom and enables us to avoid the paths of wickedness and choose righteousness instead. When we ask for wisdom to face trials, ask in faith, for even in the ask we have the opportunity to grow in our trust of the Savior. Our faith must be more than just words and rituals. To believe is to be confident that God will give what is requested in His perfect time and in alignment with His perfect will.

3) JOY…What is it?
JOY is an AMAZING miraculous benefit of knowing Christ as Savior and reading His Word. God’s benevolent character is unchanging, His goodness towards those who trust Him will never be thwarted or shift away. No, suffering is not pleasant and this kind of joy is not the same “happy feeling” we have in enjoying material things such as a birthday gift or a great vacation, but God is still good. When my oldest was in her high school years, she had a shirt with the acronym F.R.O.G. on it. That acronym had a powerful impact on me, so much that I remember it well today. During those years, I struggled deeply; everyday seemed to carry difficulties between work and home. My trust in God and my expectations of myself were out of rhythm with God’s design; joy was hard to find. I would cry out to the Lord, and I knew He heard me because He gave me the strength to persevere. Gradually, the Lord shifted my heart. Life wasn’t about me, but about God. As I served and worshipped Him alone, He brought me joy. F.R.O.G. had struck a chord in my heart and soul because I was learning to F….fully R….relying O….on G….God
GOD SAW ME THROUGH EVERYDAY. HE ALONE GAVE ME JOY! So, I can proclaim, He is good all the time!
As each day passes in my life on earth, the sweeter and more amazing my walk with the Father becomes. WHY? Because as I have walked through fire, the Lord has renewed my soul, and I have found the goodness of the Lord!
Don’t be afraid to walk through your everyday trials, the Lord will grow your faith beyond your wildest imagination! God is not done with you, He is molding you, refining you, and shaping you into the image of Christ!  As believers, when our lives are done on earth and we are taken into the arms of Jesus, oh what a glorious day that will be! Dwell on the joy of knowing the Lord and sweetly treasuring His Word; let the JOY of what is yet to come fill you!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
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in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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