Stay Strong

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12

When we go to school we have to take lots of tests. We must prove that we have gained knowledge of the course subject.

In life we are asked to go through tests and trials. We must practice and prepare for our tests and when we have stood through our tests we will receive a prize. The crown of life. God has promised us that if we continue on and stand firm we will be rewarded.

I pray for you and I will ask you to pray for me -- that we all will stand firm through our trials and tribulations. God Bless you.

©2012 MLMichaels

Let him sing

... Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. --James 5:13

Fresh Water... Salty Tongue

"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" --James 3:10-11

I often wonder how all of us have the power for life and death in our tongue. The words we say can heal and they can hurt. If we have both salt water and fresh water coming out of our months, how do we know that our real identity is? 1 As we throw off the old man, we also throw off the old speech. We begin to say things to others to edify instead of tear down.

Let us forgive those who have said salty things and become more like Christ with our words- to each other- inside and outside the church.


1- Commentary Notes. (1986) as sited by Life Application Study Bible, NIV. (1984). Tyndale Publisher. Wheaton, Ill.

Everytime it rains ... Wisdom from Heaven

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

"For every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven.... You'll find you're fortune falling all over town, be sure that your umbrella is upside down."-- (Song) Pennies From Heaven

The song "Pennies from Heaven," written by Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston for the movie Pennies From Heaven, was originally recorded in 1936 by Bing Crosby.  The upbeat song talking about your fortune falling from heaven, is a sweet song. 1

Maybe the writer knew something we know too. That wisdom comes from heaven. I think the kind of wisdom that falls from heaven is also a description of who God is as God. And the wisdom that we collect all over town through bible study, meditation, praise, worship, and prayer helps us to become more like the one whom wisdom comes from, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


1- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennies_from_Heaven_(song). (retrieved 1/21/11)


© 2012 MLMichaels

Pure Joy

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." --James 1:2-3

I was speaking with a family member the other day talking to them about how my life has been going for the past couple of years. Truly the changes that have happened have taken me aback. Before I had everything I would ever need, but inside I felt insecure and anxious. Now I am limited with resources, yet inside I am certain and joyous in the midst of my need.

I depend moment to moment on God, whereas before I would count on Him only when my feathers were rumpled and I wasn't getting what I wanted.

Trials are going to come. The verse didn't say one trial, but many kinds of trials. Trials can leave us with the feeling that we have been left or forgotten by God. But that isn't true. God allows trials in order to help us grow to become more like Him.

We can recall Romans 5:3-5:

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. "

© 2012 MLMichaels