I listened last night as representatives of the World Health Organisation described our world as a tinder box. It will only take a spark here or there to keep fuelling the flames of our global pandemic. I watch with dismay as the state of Victoria records the highest total daily coronavirus cases on record. Sydney is declared a hotspot and people around me are starting to wear masks. I’m distressed as I hear that my nephew is infected with Covid-19 and quarantines from family and friends.
How long, O Lord? When will we meet again? When will you bring relief from our pain?
Being a Christian isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. We face many trials and difficulties of many kinds. There are stresses and struggles to hinder our path. There are threats and dangers to persevering in Christ.
James offers us half-time encouragement. He cheers us us on from the sidelines, and his letter offers refreshment and sustenance for the race.
James also warns us of the threats within us. There are huge dangers of going through the motions. We can easily pay lip surface to our Christian faith, failing to watch our mouths, ignoring the needs of the poor and needy, and being double-minded in our attitudes.
Please join me in listening to James. You can find short talk ‘Bible Bites’ on You Tube at http://youtube/c/davemcdonaldbibletalks
- You could listen to a talk a day
- Grab a coffee, open your Bible and laptop
- Join with your spouse and discuss a couple of points together
- Use in your growth groups face-to-face or via zoom
- Share with your mission partners
- Stimulate a conversation with friends via facebook
James 1:1-4 Growing faith muscles
James 1:5-8 Don’t be double-minded
James 1:9-12 Seeing things God’s way
James 1:13-18 It’s not God’s fault
James 1:19-21 How do you listen?
James 1:22-25 Put what you learn into practice
James 1:26-27 Genuine Christianity
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