Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Want not

James 1: 1-4
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.


I'm taking a few days off writing my personal notes on my blog but I do want to share with you what I'm reading each morning and will copy and paste Matthew Henry's concise commentary available in the public domain. While I think letting God's Word speak to all of us individually is best, Henry's work has certainly helped me understand and see many things I would have skimmed over.

The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly.

Matthew Henry

Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the

removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and

prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may

rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments. (Jam 1:12-18)

3 comments:

Joni said...

thank you Phyllis...adversity is just part of life, it's unavoidable, but how we deal with it says much about our character. I think about the little blossom of a flower. The conditions have to be just right...the tiny seed has to crack and then work its way through the weight of soil and then if it survives hungry insects and gets just the right amount of water and sun, it becomes beautiful...so much to go through so we can come along, pick it and put it in a vase of water to look at. Adversity gives meaning to life.

Enjoy your time away ~

Joni

kimberly said...

"We should not pray so much for the
removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it."

that is my prayer today.
thank you, phyllis....
hugs,
kimberly

Annette said...

Thank you Phyllis I'm a little down today and who know's why, I sure don't but I read and reread and this is a great reminder, I remember asking for patience in prayer when my children where younger and I wanted to do thing's either beat them, or pull my hair out, and I got tested so badley but it now has paid off, I almost stopped asking for it cause I didnt like the testing part. Love Annette

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