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The antidote for confusion  

prayer-discipleship-help

James, Part 3 

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
James 1:5-8

James says we become double-minded–pulled in two directions at the same time–when we are unclear about our identity in Christ. Ever felt that way? James says double-mindedness makes us “unstable” (some versions translate the word “confused”). I can relate to the feeling. Too often I’ve felt myself pulled in different directions when trying to make a decision, and confusion is always the result.

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How problems become blessings 

Book of James

James, Part 2

My brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, consider it all joy because you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 
James 1:2–4

The Book of James was written by the first pastor of the church in Jerusalem and addressed to Christians who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. They were being persecuted by both the Gentiles and the Jews, and many struggled to remain faithful.

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Mission Impossible? 

Mission Impossible, book of James, Part 1

James, Part 1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, consider it all joy because you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:1–3

James, half-brother of Jesus and the first pastor of the church in Jerusalem, wrote a concise “how to” book on what it means to be a Christian. His initial audience was small, just a ragtag group of believers who were on the run from Jewish and Roman persecution, but his message was timeless. Look at the list below–how many of these topics are relevant today?

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Lessons on the way to Gethsemene, Part Two

Lessons on the way to Gethsemene

In the Gospel of John we are given a detailed account of Jesus’s last hours with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. Jesus, knowing this is about to happen, speaks to the confusion and uncertainty his departure will create. He tells them in chapter 14, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”