Hello, I'm back. Jim got out of the hospital yesterday. He's doing much better. I'm trying to get rested now.
It's interesting that James talks about trials. The Message says it this way:
Jam 1:2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
Jam 1:3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. I'm not sure I can consider the challenges of this week a gift or joy yet, but I know I was forced to depend on and trust in God more than in easy times.
I also just read in the Purpose Driven Life that God develops peace within us, not by making things go the way we plan but by allowing times of chaos and confusion. No matter what happens in this life, God is there to hold on to and He does not change.
Everything that happens to believers has a spiritual significance because as Romans 8:28-29 says, He causes all things to work together for good ....
I have to trust God's plan.
3. I think being double minded means to not be able to say "YES" to God. It's more like "yes, but" or "maybe yes, maybe no" I want to be single minded when it comes to my belief and trust in Jesus Christ.
4. Of course I have been tempted and drawn in to sin by my own "evil desires" Since becoming a believer in Jesus Christ I have the help of the Holy Spirit to recognise and to turn away from temptation. Keeping my mind on Him is the best solution to temptation. Thats where praying unceasingly and practicing the presence of Jesus comes into play.
5. To me "looking into a mirror and going away and forgetting what I look like" is seeing myself and my sins spelled out in the Bible and turning away without making a change in my heart and actions. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit who convicts me and reminds me of where I need to change.
<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I can't wait to start James 2!
