Nqubed

To the extent we believe/have faith that God is in control we are able to rejoice freely and my circumstances don’t control my response to them That God is in control Because I am confident that I am "in Christ”.

When one is undergoing struggles of any kind and standing firm in one’s faith in God, others see this and may also believe. Paul was an unafraid and faithful witness. Loneliness.

That their love may abound ... in knowledge and depth of insight IN ORDER THAT you bring glory and praise to God We don't know what to watch for -- what is important and what is of no importance. As we grow, we grow more discerning. We can be so preoccupied with 'good' things, that we don't have time for the best, most important, most significant things.

· To complete what he has begun in their lives. · He is fully confident that God will finish, and bring to an end, everything He started until the day Jesus comes. · Paul is talking to the whole Church of which we, too, are a part.

· share in the eternal reward of that ministry · receiving in return spiritual and material blessings One can also offer prayer, time, encouragement, hospitality.

I have simply answered directly from the notes, which i read and meditated on mosy of yesterday. Isn't it wonderful how God gets your attention! Slave: "one who is solely committed to another, "slave, subject," denoting "compulsory service." ie "slaves" are committed to their Master for life. Saint: "the holy ones, saints," as consecrated to God. ie believers are dedicated, set apart to the service of God. Being a "slave of Christ Jesus" and being a "saint" of God are pretty much the same thing, just looking at different aspects of belonging "lock, stock, and barrel" to God!

My name is Roz. I live in Randburg, South Africa.

The promise it that God WILL give us 'wisdom' when we ask for it; the only condition is that there be NO doubt that God WILL give us that wisdom. He keeps His promises.

If we allow it, trials create an imbalance in us which in turn seems to blur reason. It is in realising that this is what our sinful nature does - that accepting that our sin-nature is fertile ground for Satan (and our wild imaginations) to create havoc - it is accepting that God is our only 'safety net' when going through trials and that it is our choice to focus on God, hang onto 'faith' - in other words - become single-minded, to 'grow up'. It is a personal choice; a personal responsibility to take hold of that immature 'us' and control it ... there is only one way and that is to submit our lives and our 'world' and our very being to the Lord.

I think we blame God (or everyone else, for that matter!) because we are 'human' it's in our sinful nature NOT to accept personal responsibility. God does NOT, and cannot, tempt us or be tempted by sin ... He may allow it to build our faith and our character - to make us mature - and to draw us to Him.

I think, the sad truth is, that I've NOT always seen the 'value' or felt the 'joy' in the trials I have experienced at the time and because of this I've allowed Satan to have a 'field time' with me ... BUT I know that God has never left me on my own and He has always led me to repentance and forgiveness. He has revealed Himself to me through His Word and the love and support of fellow believers and there has been much joy in knowing that. I have learned that as challenging as some trials may be that, even though my faith may feel as small as a mustard seed, God is faithful and He is in control ... there is 'joy' in that .. I know to go to His word and remain in His Word and stand on His promise that He will never leave nor forsake me.

Morning from sunny South Africa. My name is Roz and I am really excited to be starting this study of the Book of James.