Verse of the Day 11/19

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  New International Version 1984

 

Recently, my read through the Bible plan brought me through the book of James, thought of by many as the "Proverbs" of the New Testament.  Today's verse, along with verse two about "various trials" stood out through the week, both in songs I heard and other passages I read.

 

Trials and temptations are never pleasant to go through, but we are called, encouraged, and challenged to persevere through them.  It is doing so that we can look back and see God's grace through them, His strength provided, and His blessings in the outcome of those trials.

 

I also recently read the story of Daniel and his trials which resulted from his persevering faith.  I also read in Revelation 2 where the Ephesian church was commended for their perseverence under trials.  The culture surrounding that church community would test them every day as ours does today.

 

The end of the verse should give us reason to persevere.  God sees us in our trials, He is with us, He is for us and He will reward us, giving us the "crown of life" for loving Him through our trials.

 

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  New King James Version (NKJV)

 

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes  (Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons)

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

James 1:11-13  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities.

 

12 A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

 

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being tempted by God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone.