Thanksgiving 2020

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19. whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4

This verse is one of my favorites. Along with Romans 8:28-29, it gives us a revelation about the trials we go through, a revelation of the "glory to be revealed in us". If we are spiritually minded, the suffering we go through in the flesh is nothing for we know that it is preparing us for an "eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison". In God's economy, everything He does in us is with eternity in mind. His goal is nothing short of conforming us to the image of Jesus. 

When we first come to know Jesus, we are saved from the penalty of sin. This is justification. We are swapping his righteousness for our former sin nature, the flesh. While we are walking with Him on earth, God is using the testing of our faith to produce the character of Christ in us, sanctifying us. When we leave this earth, we leave the presence of sin and are glorified with Him. 

This year has certainly tested the faith of many. I believe it may be the beginning of the fulfillment of Haggai's prophecy, And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:7. If so, I do not anticipate a "return to normal", no matter who is President, or governor of your state or mayor of your city, for this will be the beginning of the end of national sovereignty, ushering in the rule of someone who will use the crisis to unite the world. Once in power, he will persecute those who know he is not the true Messiah. It will be a dark time. But it will not be the end. The seventh angel sounds his trumpet, the sign of the Son of Man appears in the heavens and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself descends upon the Mount of Olives. Those having followed antichrist will mourn, and try to hide themselves. The "kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever". Amen. May we all keep our eyes on Him when all seems lost. 

1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.