2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you knowthat the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider itan opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, yourendurance has a chance to grow.
- P24
4 Let perseverance finish its workmature and complete, not lacking anything.
so that4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect andcomplete, needing nothing. - P24
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, whogives generously to all without finding fault, and it willbe given to you.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will notrebuke you for asking. - P24
James greets the twelve tribes that are scattered among the nations and encourages them to rejoice in their trials. Those who persevere through testingwill be mature and complete. - P25
Anyone who asks God for wisdom through faithwill receive it. Financially poor believers should remember their position inChrist and the rich should remember wealth fades away. - P25
The opening of James assumes that all believers will face many trials,
which is simply a reality of the Christian life. - P26
However, our trials areto be received with great joy, for they have a great purpose. God forgesour character in the furnace of suffering so that we can be shaped andrefined, lacking in nothing. - P26
It may not be the most feel-good
messageto start off the new year, but it is one that speaks honestly to the real-lifeexperience of the Christian. - P26
Jesus commands His followers to carrytheir crosses daily, and the New Testament writers repeatedly addressthe suffering and persecution that believers are sure to face. - P26
But Godpromises that we will not go through these troubles alone. He will gen-erously provide the resources of His wisdom and His very own Spirit tostrengthen us in our trials. - P26
Dear Jesus, thank you for Your promise to give us wisdom freely and withoutfinding fault. Please lead us in the way that we should take in every circumstancewe face this week. In Your name, amen. - P27
Major Religions: Christian 63.1%, Muslim 34.1%
Tanzania on the east coast of Africa is home to the highest peak in the continent, Mt. Kiliman-jaro, and the wildlife-rich
Serengeti National Park. - P26
It is known as an "island of peace" as it hasavoided the internal strife that afflicts many other African nations and serves as a base forChristian ministry in the region. - P26
Economically, however, Tanzania still struggles with a highrate of poverty. The people enjoy freedom of religion, but there is growing tension betweenMuslims and Christians. - P26
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