James 1:1-11
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes
scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of
your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he
who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man
should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded
man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take
pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low
position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11 For the sun rises with
scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.
In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Meditation:
1. Life involves us in many kinds of testing; it is in God that the testing of our
faith produces endurance and because of Him, we are able to grow mature.
When we experience difficult times—whether financially, relationally, or
otherwise—those times are when we are most able to focus and be dependent
on God. These times can be filled with joy when we realise that He is strong
when we are weak.
2. Recalling a trial I have experienced, what pressures did it bring on my faith?
What “wisdom” did I gain through it?
3. In this wealth-chasing modern society, what do vv 9-11 mean to me? What
might James say I should “take pride in”? Will I heed his teaching? Why?

Personal Note:
2. I had a trial of not being accepted in church from the past.  I felt that if God is so loving, why was I not accepted.  I felt great pressure because I know it is wrong to quit church because of feelings, but the pain of being isolated and being look down is great.  I prayed to God to help me endure.  The wisdom I got was this: I am to take initiative to seek new friendship and I have made many wonderful friends in Tyndale and in Crossroad.  I could relate to people who are loners and cannot find belongings, but they still need to persevere and trust God to lead and guide them.

3. This means that when I have plenty, I am to remain humble.  When I am in needs, I can take pride in God's providence knowing He is the one who ultimately provides and I cannot boast about my abilities in achieving the success.  Whether I was a master trader or I am a humble pastor, I know that when I trust in God, I will be secure.  When I trust in money and riches, I will fade away.