This Sunday’s readings: James 1:9-12

Reflections

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”
~ Jeremiah 9

Thankfully, God has given us His self-revelation in the Bible. And anyone who takes the Bible seriously soon discovers that the issue is not to begin with us as human beings. … You need to begin with God. ~ Conrad Mbewe, Zambian pastor & author

None of us starts off with a pure internal ‘kit’ of impulses, hopes and fears. If you are true to ‘yourself’, you will end up a complete mess. The challenge is to take the ‘self’ you find within, and to choose wisely which impulses and desires to follow, and which ones to resist.
~ N.T. Wright, Scholar, former Bishop of Durham

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If you have things you’re unwilling to lose, evil will have power over you. … Most people want to grow, but the price of growth is pain. … Christ never intended to cover up the dark side of life, but rather to illuminate a path through it.
~ Dan B. Allender, Author/Psychologist

“If you are poor in spirit (feel far from God), mourning, meek (humble, restraining temper), hunger and thirst for righteousness, and merciful…God’s favor is on you. … If dependency on God is the goal, weakness is the advantage.”
~ Lecrae Devaughn Moore, 1979- , hip hop artist and songwriter

Contentment is submitting and taking pleasure in God’s [will]. A contented heart looks to and submits to God’s [will], that is, he sees the wisdom of God in everything. In his submission, he sees His sovereignty; but what makes him take pleasure in God’s wisdom? [It is this:] the Lord knows how to order things better than I. I only see things at present, but the Lord sees a great while from now.
~ Jeremiah Burroughs, 1599-1646, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

There are very few people who realize what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves into His hands and let themselves be formed by His grace.
~ Ignatius of Loyola, Letter to Ascanio Colonna 1543

This Sunday’s readings: James 1:5-8

Reflections

Everything difficult indicates something more than our theory of life yet embraces.
~ George MacDonald, 19th-century Scottish novelist and writer

We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
~ Henry Ward Beecher, 1813-1887, Clergyman, Social Reformer

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If we desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and therefore, through trial, be strengthened.
~ George Mueller, 1805-1898, Ashley Down Orphanage, Plymouth Brethren

I may wonder what kind of mission God has for me, when I should ask what kind of me God wants for his mission.
~ Christopher J. H. Wright, 1947- , Anglican, O.T. Scholar

Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut.
~ Robert Newton Peck, 1928-2020, Author of Young Adult Fiction

Happiness is untested delight. Joy is delight tested.
~ Jack Hyles, 1926-2001, Pastor

When suffering comes, we yearn for some sign from God, forgetting we have just had one.
~ Mignon McLaughlin, 1913-1983, Am. Journalist & Author

It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf.
~ Walter Lippmann, 1889-1974, American political commentator