Does this really produce joy?

The Apostle James had a powerful revelation about trials and tribulations. He was joyful in the midst of trials because he knew that these tests produced endurance, spiritual maturity and inner peace. He also knew that this is the way to develop strong, completely developed faith. James 1:2-4 (AMP) “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing”. So if you are experiencing tests and trials,  be assured that this process will help to mature you in your faith, spiritual maturity and inner peace. Wow, are you ready to be joyful in the midst of your trial. Remember that when you get to the end of the trial, there will be a great reward!

Stop the arguments already!

Disagreements happen all the time. Everyone has an individual point of view. We all want  to be heard. Most of the time we want people to agree with our viewpoints. However, the truth is that people will disagree with us much of the time.  This is normal and it is why we need policies, laws and courts. Some of the time, we can iron out our differences by discussing our views and resolving our issues. The Lord Jesus taught us if we have a disagreement with another person, the right thing to do is to go directly to them and speak to them about the issue (Matthew 18:15). Actually, it is honorable when we can put arguments to rest. Proverbs 20:3 (TPT) says: “A person of honor will put an argument to rest. Only the stupid want to pick a fight.” When I was young, I hated when a bully would come and push me, trying to goad me into a fight. He was trying to pick a fight. Most of the time, I would walk away. Sometimes, the bully would continue to walk toward me trying to pick a fight, but when I would  refuse to fight him, he would eventually give up. The message Bible has an interesting take on this. In Proverbs 30:33 (MSG), it says: “If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, Don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose. Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights”. We can either be a peacemaker, or allow ourselves to to be caught up in never-ending arguments and offenses. One mindset comes from the flesh, pride and arrogance. The other comes from a mature, honorable mindset that pleases God and promotes peace and restoration. Choose this day which path you will follow.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God”.