"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4
As a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, this life is our battleground, our refining fire, our testing place, our crucible. God uses life’s circumstances to help us grow to look, act, and be more and more like Jesus. The proper response to difficulties and challenges causes us to grow up into the full measure of the stature of Jesus Christ. The life of a righteous man or woman is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until the full day. This is cause for rejoicing as we are being transformed into His image. He has promised never to leave or forsake us through it all. Therefore, we can ‘consider it pure joy' as the testing of our faith produces endurance. This endurance enables us to run the race until the end to gain the prize promised from our Heavenly Father which is pure joy indeed!
Disciple's Prayer for Today:
"Father, I long to know more of You and your ways. As long as I live, teach me to count whatever struggles and difficulties I face as pure joy knowing You are holding me through it all. Holy Spirit, give me behavior wisdom to understand the times and know what must be done. Thank You for the life you've given me. Thank You for Your promise to see me through to the finish! I pray also for those who suffer even more than I may; comfort and strengthen them as they endure by Your grace. Praise your Great Name!”
Prayer for the Unreached of the Day:
"Father, You are infinitely good and filled with love. I stand in the gap today for the Eastern Maninka peoples of Mali and ask that You would draw them to Jesus. Send true followers of Jesus who ignite multiplying church movements among them. Cause these workers to have generous hearts like Yours, that model Kingdom living and help their friends become like Jesus. Like the 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed the 5,000, please multiply disciples & fellowships more than enough for these beautiful people that You love. In Jesus name, Amen!"
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