Chapter One - James

Trials & Temptations (James 1:13-15)


Whether its all the time or occasionally, we all are tempted. We all face trials in life as well. Everyone faces different trials and have different temptations even at different times... but remember you are not alone in it.

First off why do we get tempted?

Does God tempt us? NO!  

Our evil desires and sinful nature cause us to be tempted, when we follow our temptations we sin.

"but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, then are dragged away

and enticed, then when desires has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death."

James 1:14-15

First we got evil desires, then temptation which leads to sin then leads to... DEATH.

When you are tempted, something inside of you likes doing the things you know are wrong.

 The problem is in YOU! 

So next time you are tempted, remember God did not tempt you. He is waiting to give you freedom and help you through your temptation before it becomes sin! 

God made us new in Jesus.

 You may still like what you know is wrong- but pleasing God you'll love even more!  

Along with temptation we face trails in life. Whatever trial you face, bring it to God to get the pure joy found in him and him only! God's joy is pure and he gives that pure joy to us! 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers. Whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."   

James 1:2-3

The testing of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work! 

It makes us mature and complete. Not lacking anything. (James 1:4) 

If we are not complete and lack wisdom, what should you do? ASK GOD and he will make you complete. 

"If  any of you should lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously  

to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

James 1:5

BUT REMEMBER: When you ask do not doubt! 

After all this this...  remember this:

Everyone gets temptated and faces many trials.. its what we do with them that counts.

So if you're facing trails... give them up to God to find peace, joy and freedom!

If your facing temptation... Repent then and turn to God to find freedom and salvation!

I love you guys, and am always here for you.. to pray, guide, help, support, encourage and love.. so be open if you need anything!





Listening & Doing (James 1:19-27)

"...Everyone should be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to become angry."

James 1:19

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE:

"Therefore, get ride of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so decieve yourselves. Do what it says."

James 1:21-22

We need to make sure that we come clean with God and confess or sins so that we can see the word and act apon it more clearly. I know that after this summer at LDC and confessing my sins, i have been able to soak in the words in my Bible so much easier because my heart is pure and my shame is taken away. I encourage that you do that as well, so that we can not only listen to what God is saying to us, but to act on what it he says.

"Listening to the word but doesn't know what it says, is like a man who looks in the mirror then later forgets what he looks like."

 James 1:23-24

Lets not be the man who cant remember what he looks like, trust me that'd be quite embrassing. Instead lets look deeply into the word like we look in the mirror so we can remember it, and then act apon it so we may be blessed.

"But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives us freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do."

James 1:25

So remember this; Cleanse, Read, Remeber, Act, & Then Be Blessed !

Love,

Hailey