Glory after the test II
Glory after the test II; Glory after the test II; In our last blog, we discussed “the glory after the test.” The facts are that no believer wants to go through any trial or a difficult period in their lives. The emotions associated with stress can literally cause mental anxiety even physical illnesses in the human body. Long term stress isn’t healthy for anyone. So, you may be asking: Why would the word of God say “when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy?” (James 1:3)
Let me explain: First of all, the book of James is not talking to the individual who doesn’t have a made-up mind to grow in God. This Scripture is referring to spiritual athletes who are preparing for a race and they are confident that their coach is training them in negotiable increments. In other words, a loving coach would never cause injury to his or her student athletes. Furthermore, these students’ minds do not sway back and forth in their commitments or begin thinking about changing coaches. They are not thinking that they might have to change to another type of coach – someone who better understands their needs. No, these students strive to do whatever their coaches instruct them to do in order to run the race effectively. In fact, their coach is teaching them that it’s not about the race at all. It’s about their attitude in winning. Winners know the cost of preparation. Winners know that winning is an attitude that few ever discover. Winners are willing to ask their instructors for the best methods to achieve the best results. Finally, winners know the goals that their coaches are trying to get them to reach. And, they are willing to train as hard as it takes to be their best. The Bible teaches us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
James 1:1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”– Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind
Samurai Word Let’s take the Samurai sword for an example. The sword is a marvelous instrument made of intricate, meticulous craftsmanship. In the hands of a Samurai Warrior, this sword becomes a formidable weapon. Just as God places a sword (Word of God) in the believer’s heart, his or her whole being becomes a weapon for God. As God builds up the believers through tests and trials, they become mighty warriors and a powerful instruments in God.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Eph 6:16-17 NLT)
There are three main types of samurai swords, and from these, a few others were designed. Each was used for a different purpose by the legendary swordsmen of Japan, who also bore the name “samurai.” Each sword was painstakingly hand-crafted from two strengths of steel, a softer core and harder outer layer, which were folded and hammered many times before a recognizable blade finally took shape. http://www.ehow.com/list_6100869_types-samurai-swords.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=ask
The samurai, Japan’s elite warrior class, distinguished themselves from the rest of the population by wearing two swords, the katana and the wakizashi. These swords were more than just decoration.
A school of higher thought.
As a higher school of thought, Psalms 119 Torah students proved their love for the regulations of God. They asked Adonai to never hide His instructions from them:
10 I have tried hard to find you– don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. (Psa 119:10-16 NLT)
Likewise, in the Book of James, we find the same spirit as in Psalms 119. God is not trying to make us fail. He’s teaching us how to stop following after the desires of our flesh and to start following after the intents and desires of God. As a result, we will fall in love with the instructions from our Coach, our Savior, and our God. He causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus!
The Devil is wondering if you realize the power in your hand.
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.
14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, bec (Jam 1:1-18 NLT)
Bishop Demetrics Roscoe
demetrics@aol.com