“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:1-4 NIV
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21 NIV
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17 NIV
Father God,
James wrote to the scattered church so he wrote big picture theology and how to work it out rather than trying to address local difficulties. He gets to the bones of working out their salvation. So we too, wherever we are, can learn from his teaching. It is a meaty letter and straight talking. I appreciate that. There is no arguing with it.
I may not yet consider it pure joy at facing trials and suffering but am learning to worship You and find You amidst them, which lifts me to a better place. I hope I am learning to listen more and not take umbrage as quickly, or, not speak unkindly till it has passed! I try to balance faith and deeds but it does not always work. Sometimes I have to assess what I should be doing what I need to do and what You would have me do. Not always easy. And trying not to feel guilty when I take a break to build myself up.
We are a work in progress Father. I take heart that You see me in Jesus and dwell with me by Your Spirit. I can source wisdom from You and, if I take notice – it is peaceable, considerate and will bring forth a harvest of goodness. (James 3:17-18). Thank you that we are in this together with You and pray we not be the one who wanders . . . and may we love those who have, back into Your fold.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 2oth December 2025
I’m trying . . .
Though trials will come
Don’t fear, don’t run
Lift up your eyes
Hold fast, be strong
Have faith, keep on believing
Lift up your eyes
For God is at work in us
Moulding and shaping us
Out of his love for us
Making us more like Jesus
Consider it joy, pure joy
When troubles come
Many trials will make you strong
Consider it joy, pure joy
And stand your ground
Then at last you’ll wear a crown
Though trials will come
Won’t fear, won’t run
We’ll lift up our eyes
Hold fast, be strong
Have faith, keep on believing
We’ll lift up our eyes
For God is at work in us
Moulding and shaping us
Out of his love for us
Making us more like Jesus
Joy, pure joy
Consider it joy, pure joy
Joy, pure joy
Consider it joy, pure joy
Chorus
Patiently trusting him
Ready for anything
‘Til we’re complete in him
In everything more like Jesus
Chorus
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick