Welcome to a new year of serving God together!
Today we begin a new set of studies looking at the letter of James to the church as a whole. Some people stress that he was the brother of Jesus, but he was a humble leader of the church – ready to encourage and focus people on becoming whom Jesus would have them be. It is a very practical letter that is as relevant today as it was at the time it was written. It is written in a time when life was far from easy – it was a lot tougher than what we face today. In the midst of it all he talks about finding Joy in our Christian walk. If you were one of the many who have struggled with the year of COVID-19, you may feel that initially the new year will not get any better. If you have health issues you might see the year ahead as yet another challenge. But in reality, it is also true for us whatever field we work in. But, have you thought to start counting your blessings?
Joy can be discovered as we not only work with God in the midst of our challenges, drawing on His strength and wisdom. As we grow in this walk, we can see strengths developing that wouldn’t have been there otherwise. As we are polished, we can feel the joy that is an overflow of the presence of His Spirit as Jesus is seen through us. Have you discovered that God regards you as precious? How does that affect you as you face the challenges? I pray you discover the blessings He has for you this year, even those that emerge out of the more difficult times.
In Christ,
David Havill
