PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
17

How Long

Calvin Kochi

Scripture
James 1:12-14 12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Observation
No one likes to go through trials and struggles. In fact a lot of times when we go through our trials it is so easy to look to whom you can blame. It is easier to look at the faults and flaws of others and to blame them for your poor responses. Then when things go from bad to worst because of our actions we blame God, and forget that we are the ones that are carried away by our own selfish desires.
Application
It says blessed is the man perservese through trials for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised. What that means to me is that the approval process is not an automatic. To get approval for most things you must go through a process and it takes time to go through it. The higher the requirement the more stringent the process and it can take months. Most of us want instant approval and when we don’t get it we can demand approval. I can be like that with God and want the instant approval and not want to go through any more pain and suffering. What I am realizing the greater the struggle the greater the gain of character that can take place, and if I keep myself focused on building my character and not blame anyone or God. The closer I get to Him and the greater sense of His Love. Knowing that I have won His approval
Prayer
Thank you for reminding me that the best things are found in my struggles. Paul says count it all joy brethren when going through various struggles. Lord I am understanding why.

Devotions for July 17

Isaiah 29,30,31
James 1

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