April 16, 2026:

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith  produces perseverance.  [Therefore,] let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

(James 1.2-3)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

We spend a lot of time avoiding trouble or convincing ourselves that is what we are supposed to do. Generally speaking, we should not put ourselves in harm’s way and invite trouble. However, as Jesus said to His disciples, “In this world you will find trouble, [and sometimes trouble will find you because you are choosing to live out My Name in the world]; fear not, I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33) James reminds those who are reading his words of faith (family, friends, colleagues, Council of Jerusalem members or local church members) that there will always be conflicts, tests, tribulations and trials. In the world, this is inevitable. Even Jesus, James’ brother, though He was very God of very God, was not immune to such things. He experienced child birth to a fourteen year old girl who biologically was not fully prepared to bare children. Maybe God spared Jesus and Mary a stressful delivery and maybe not. Jesus grew up through His own teenage years which are rarely easy for any of us. While He was very God of very God, He was still very much a human being and susceptible to the same challenges we face in those years. He faced the loss of Joseph who had mentored Him in being a good Jewish man from His early years. He had apprenticed Him in the ways of a carpenter and stone mason. He had a trade to count on “if all else failed.” They were close even if Joseph was the “step-father,” He was Jesus’ earthly father from before He was born and committed to raising Him as His very own entrusted to him by God. And we know the story of His ministry from beginning to end and what He endured for us. He gave us His life in full maturity, choosing to love us and God more than His own life. For that choice, He has received the fullest measure and lacks for nothing. He promises the same to us regardless of our circumstances, love never fails.

TODAY’S PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.