Perseverance

What is perseverance? Do you have it? Why is it important in our spiritual life? Before we jump back into our Bible study, let's look at Webster's definition of perseverance.

perseverance:
the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult : continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition

So what does this have to do with our Christian lives, much less celebrating our trials like we talked about last week? Let's dig in to James 1:2-4 and find out more.

Trials

Trials... Are you facing any today? Yay! So let's celebrate them.

"WHAT?" I hear you saying it already. "Why in the world would I celebrate my trials?"

The answer... it's Biblical.

Let's get started in the book of James again and see what I am talking about. Grab your Bible, a notebook or your Scripture Study Worksheet, and a pen so we can start digging into this crazy idea of celebrating our trials.

Trials, Perseverance and Wisdom

Are you facing trials? Is your faith being tested? Do you feel like you are lacking in wisdom? Many of us face those challenges on a regular basis. Today we begin our Bible study in James which will begin to show us how to face those challenges and grow in the wisdom and security of Christ. This is going to be your opportunity to SLOWLY learn, not just more about the Word, but how to dig into it more deeply.

Dwindle or Shine

Forgive me friends for not posting the past few weeks. Life has, yet again, thrown me quite a few curve balls. It seems just when you sit down and sigh, "Finally, my life is settling," that it is in what seems to be uproar again. Many of you know the feeling. I am seeing more and more that it isn't just my crazy life, but the craziness of life in general. If I am going to be completely honest, it isn't even about that, especially for those of us who are Christians. I am seeing more and more that those things we want to call "crazy", or "bad luck", or even "dysfunction" are proof of the time and place we are living.

God is making me more and more aware that this life isn't about us. The more we focus on us, the more we are missing what all this "craziness" is all about. We are made in the image of God. There is nothing else Satan wants to do more than to ruin other people's image of God. When non-believers look on our lives they are looking to see if our fire for Christ dwindles or shines. We aren't here on earth for our own agendas. We are here to be the image of Christ.

There is so much I want to share... my thoughts are so scattered...but, I want you to know that just because I don't make a post every week, or even ever again (which is DEFINITELY NOT my plan) that whatever you are going through... it isn't about you!

Just a Flicker

What kind of light do you have that can shine? What light are you spreading?

Do you have a HUGE sun that is fiery and constantly burning? Do you have a city full of lights like NYC on New Year's Eve? Do you have a fluorescent light shining in a department store? Do you have a lamp shining on the bedside table? Do you have a flashlight casting light to the path ahead? Do you have a candle burning to the wick's end? Do you have a match that is ready to light a flame anywhere?

God reminded me tonight that to SHINE for Him, doesn't mean I have to be burning like fire. It doesn't mean I have to have this HUGE program reaching thousands of people. As I finished a phone call in prayer with dear friend going through a trial, God so gently reminded me what it means to truly SHINE for Him.

It is just one little light... it is just one little light that can make the difference. As that thought crossed my mind I looked up and saw my living room chandelier that has been having "technical difficulties" for the past few weeks. Some days, there is only one little light that is shining. I didn't even realize so many bulbs needed changed until the power flickered the other day. When it flickered, suddenly the other lights came on and the room suddenly became brighter.

Where is God wanting you to flicker today? Yes, we are to SHINE.. because light to a dark world is a testimony to God's goodness. BUT... if you don't have the energy or the confidence to SHINE... don't sweat it yet. God will be building you into the light He wants you to become. Be satisfied to be just a flicker today. When you flicker... someone will see what they have been missing. When you share a little flicker with them... even just for a moment, it will be a reminder of God's awesome power in your life... and it will give someone... a little flicker of hope.