The People Pastor – June 7 and 8, 2020
Introduction:
Imagine a Bible Study that can be the catalyst of significant change in your life. Studying the Word of God helps us discover God’s way of doing things and God’s will for our lives. God desires all of us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Transformation is what the Word of God does as we read it, meditate on it, and live it out.
Recommendations:
- Find a quiet place where you will not likely be disturbed.
- Get in a comfortable position, but one that will keep you awake.
- Have a cup of coffee, water, or juice in case you become thirsty.
- Have your Bible open to the book of James so you can follow along. The People Pastor will primarily use the New International Version of the Bible.
- Have a pen and a journal to take a few notes.
Prayer:
God in heaven, open the eyes of my heart that I can see the riches of Your Word. I desire to draw near to you during this devotional time. I sense your presence as I have longed for this time with you. Use me as a tool to do Your will. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Scripture:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2
Verse Two – James knew that life could be very hard. We face all kinds of trials throughout our life. The difficulties of life can be lonely. The old Spiritual song is correct; “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.” It seems that trials are plentiful. We cannot choose what life throws at us, but we get to decide how we will respond. James says the proper response for Christians is joy. Joy is profound and stable. Experiencing sadness, pain, disappointment, or hurt cannot take away the joy of the Lord. There is a song with lyrics, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” It comes from Nehemiah 8:10. Someday we hope to hear these words from Jesus, “Well done good and faithful slave… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21,23). Our joy is God-given and divine.
Think about this today: The joy of the Lord is our strength. Much of this world is temporary, but the joy of the Lord is forever.” Trials are temporary, and God is always with us. When troubles come your way, and you experience discomfort, remember your joy is in the Lord.
Closing Prayer:
Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you for our time today. Remind me of my earthly roles and titles as I go through my day. Help me to begin to recognize that the bottom line of all my positions on earth, is the fact that I am a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen
Have a joyous day!
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