Thought for the Day - Monday 2 August

James 1:22 (New Living Translation) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  Today’s thought is from a letter written by the Apostle James primarily to Jewish believers scattered all over the world but it is equally relevant to non-jews and all who seek to learn a little more about what is expected from us if we wish to follow Jesus. The whole chapter is thought provoking and worth reading if you have time.  Those who have done work for the church or voluntary work in any capacity will, no doubt have found it extremely challenging at times.  Sometimes it gets to the stage when you think; ‘that’s it, I’ve had enough’.  At that point, you have a decision to make. James helps us make that decision earlier in this chapter from verses 2-4 by writing; ‘2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing’. He continues by saying words to the effect that if you’re struggling and need help, ask God for this help and be genuine when you do this i.e. don’t ask God for help if you do not expect to receive it.  If you have doubts, then your faith in God is just not strong enough. When we are tempted not to do the right thing, it is not God who is tempting us.  It just means we are putting the cares of the world before the things God would have us do. James reassures us later in the chapter at verse 12 as to our reward if we do as directed by our Christian teaching i.e. not just reading scripture or having someone preach to us about scripture but actually putting what we hear or what we are taught into action.    12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank you for all things and especially the lovely sunny weather we have been blessed with this summer.  We thank you that with the global restrictions that are currently in place, we are having an even greater appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds us locally and at a multitude of other places in this beautiful country in which we live.     Amen.