Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

James 1:9-16 (NRSV)

Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.

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Reflect

I am involved with the children’s ministry at my church, which means that I am actively involved in our yearly vacation Bible school. By design, VBS is for children, but over the years, I have discovered that the lessons learned are for people of all ages. Take for example, this year’s VBS theme—Shipwrecked: Where Jesus Rescues. Each night the children learned that when we are lonely, when we worry, when we struggle, when we do wrong, when we are powerless—Jesus rescues! (Enthusiastically shouted each time one of the phrases is mentioned). Isn’t that the message that James is conveying in his letter?

As Christians, we are not promised a life free of hardships or trials. However, when we are met with those struggles, we can enthusiastically proclaim Jesus rescues! He is not tempting or testing us with trials, but as imperfect people, we will encounter them. His promise is that we can face them knowing that he has his arm around us gently guiding us through life’s storms.

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Pray

Dear Lord, Let your words and your promises rest in our hearts as we encounter trials, hardships, and temptations. Do not let us be discouraged, but guide us in understanding your promise of blessings as we journey through troublesome waters. Help us to remember that we can joyfully proclaim “Jesus rescues!” Amen.

Go with God.