From Dr. Joel Plaag
Scripture: James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.…
Thought for the Day: How often have I been stuck in a problem and been angry or frustrated? Or better yet, how often, when in a problem, have I gone to God and asked Him to fix my life, and been mad at Him when it doesn’t turn out the way I want it to.
God wants us to be joyous and free. Living in a sense of worry and discomfort, carefully putting all my will into solving problems, usually results — in more problems. However, when I go to God in gratitude, accepting my problem as only temporary, agreeing to focus on it when possible, and leaving it alone when impossible, then the problem gets solved.
I’m reminded of the words of Isaiah: (and beautifully set by the composer Randall Thompson)
…So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. “Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55)
That reminds me that God still has the upper hand, even when things seem tough.
HELP!
We still have about 50 of
the NAM Christmas Bags
that have not been turned in.
Please return them to the Church Office
by this evening at the latest.
LOOKING AHEAD TO EPIPHANY
First Sunday of January
(put it on your calendar now)
