Coming to terms with trials and temptation

This is the white board diagram Glenn and I drew when we tried to understand James' first verses about trials and temptations. To use a pat phrase, "It's complex!"

Complex because trials themselves are hard to understand; as is God's word regarding them. Yet, we want to begin 2010 with a serious look at these verses because, like it or not, trials and temptations of various shapes and sizes will come our way in 2010. They will be difficult to handle, throw us off balance, disturb and may even plunge us into crisis. What can make them even more difficult is the accompanying confusion about why they come our way.

Therefore, it's really important that we get a good handle on any clue the Bible gives us as the why we may suffer them.
Prepare yourself for the year ahead and take a close look at James 1:2 - 8 then together with us wrestle with what they mean and how they can help us remain strong and on track in 2010.

What became of 2009?

At the end of every year we often reflect on the most significant moments of the year just gone. This time, rather than think of moments, why not think about movement? What I mean is, what has been the overall direction and development of your life. How have your attitudes, character or lifestyle formed? What are the trends? Or to put it another way, don't think of what you've done, consider what you have become.
Everywhere, the word of God asks us to consider the direction in which our life is moving. Take Paul's words in Colossians.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col 3:12 - 18)Or, in summary, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 13:14)
What movement do you see in your life? Has this year seen you trend toward a consistent life of faith and humble walk with God? Would you say you have are a person more and more showing love to others? Are you hopeful and enthusiastic about God's work? Or is the overall trend toward coldness, indifference, selfishness and worldliness? More importantly, what will you do with what you see? Your life is the culmination of many minor choices, habits and fundamental attitudes. There are some you need to affirm and in which you need to persist. There are certainly others that you need to challenge and change. You will not grow unless there are some changes. Take time to look seriously, critically, and purposefully at your life and prayerfully, in Christ, seek his direction as you life moves into 2010.

A Hard Year

When I reflect on 2009 I see it as a hard yeard for many in our community. There has been much pain, suffering and death in families in our community. On sunday we heard from two people - John & Ian who reflected on their tough years - But still they testify to good being good through those tough times.

I think we can often at the end of the year reflect on the 'good things' God has done and we look over the hard things we have had to endure. The Bible though is full of people reflections on God being good even through hard times. Have a read through some of David's Psalms - especially in the 50-60 where he has been annointed to be king but yet he has having year after year of being persued by Saul. Some of these psalms may have been David's reflection on his year - year after year after year.... persuit, suffering, pain

So as we wrap up one year and begin an other  - from hard places can you say like David did:
     Oh, my strength, I sing praise to you,
     you O God, are my fortress, my loving God

God promises to be with us in all situations - are we going to remain in Him? trust in Him? through the good times and the bad. It dosn't mean we will always feel happy or positive - but it will give us HOPE to endure.

The Spirit of Christmas

The vague notion of the spirit of Christmas must be replaced with the true Spirit of Christmas and with a new hunger for his work in our lives. His work was clearly seen in Simeon about whom we read that the Spirit was upon him, revealed to him, lead him and spoke through him." (Luke 2:25 - 35 And all before Pentecost!)
When the Spirit spoke a 400 year silence was replaced with His unmistakeable voice. His one purpose was to reveal the glory of Jesus.
His work today is still the same (see John 16:15.) and we know that unless the Spirit speaks people remain in the ignorance of unbelief.
Therefore this Christmas pray for the Spirit to reveal Jesus to your friends and family. Pray that he may reveal, move and speak through you.