Today, Sunday November 1 - Are you struggling with temptations in the area of addictions, bad habits, or any area of your life that is overwhelming you and keeping you from enjoying the Christian life like you should? Well, James has a word from God for us in this small letter that he wrote to the believers who had been displaced to foreign lands. It seems the temptations that defeat us the most are those that come our way when we are separated from our support group, our church or fellowship circle and we are all alone. James is going to instruct us first in a positive way. "Blessed or happy is the person who stays steadfast under the trials and temptations that come his or her way." He then mentions two rewards if you stand firm and don't fall. First, there is the sense of joy and "blessedness." I believe there is a greater joy that you experience when you say "no" to a temptation, than the pleasure you might experience for a few minutes if you surrender to it. The second reward is "the crown of life." This is a life that is overflowing with God's presence so that you have the power, the ability, and freedom to live life every moment in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord. Be blessed today!
