Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
How do you deal with challenges?
Do you have a long-term perspective?
Do you seek wisdom from God?
Just some thoughts,

Do you check prices when you go grocery shopping? Do you read the sales to be sure the “deal” you are getting is a “deal?”
In 50 Secrets Your Grocer Won’t Tell You, Jeff Weidauer revealed that the 10-for-$10 is one of the most effective promotions. Sales volume takes off when a grocery store offers this option even though it’s not uncommon to charge the consumer more.
He explained how they’ll take 89-cent cans of tuna and flag them with a “10-for-$10” sign to increase sales. Shoppers will unwittingly pay the extra $1.10 because they think it’s a deal. Temptation works the same way. That which seems irresistible is costing us more than we think. (Reader’s Digest, February 2014, p.142)
Satan makes sin look wonderful, but the consequences are eternal punishment. Sin is made to look glamorous, but its wages are death. (Romans 6.23) No one is beyond of scope of being tempted by Satan. He will use every available means to pull you away. (Ephesians 6.11; 1 Peter 5.8)
Each Christian needs to strengthen themselves so we are not pulled away (James 1.14)
How can one continue to strengthen themselves against sin?
Here are a few suggestions on growing in Spiritual Strength:
- Surround yourself with people trying to get to heaven (Hebrews 10.24, 25)
- Spend time in the Bible (God’s words on avoiding sin) (1 Timothy 2.15)
- Communicate with God (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
- Change your life to live for God if you have not (Acts 2.38)
Just some thoughts,

When Jesus spoke the words of Luke 16.19-31, he shared the lives of two people. One was a rich man, and the other was a beggar. Each of them had a different life while on Earth and each found themselves in a different life after death.
The rich man, while had nice clothes and “feasted sumptuously” every day (Luke 16.19), had a troubling life after this Earth. After death, he found himself in torment. (Luke 16.23) In the great distance, he saw Lazarus, the beggar who laid at this gate, sitting with Abraham. (Luke 19.23)
While in pain, agony, and unbearable torment, the rich man petitioned Abraham to give him a drop of water. (Luke 16.25-26) Life’s memories filled his mind because he asks Abraham to send someone back to speak to his family. (Luke 16.27-30) Even the rich man begged for someone to evangelize (teach) his family while in torment. He did not want them to have the same fate.
William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, believed in the power of understanding Hell and torment. Mr. Booth is noted as saying, “Most Christians would like to send their recruits to Bible college for five years. I would like to send them to Hell for five minutes. That would do more than anything else to prepare them for a lifetime of compassionate ministry.” While we cannot do that, it is a reminder of the destination of our souls after this physical life is over.
Sometimes, it is necessary to realize what we are saved from to help us understand what we are saved for.
Just a thought,
