@FirstChurchofJerusalem
Today's Early Church Wisdom
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:2-8)
~ James the Just (Birth unknown, died 62 AD. Brother of Jesus, first Bishop of Jerusalem, and writer of the New Testament Epistle of James).
This week's Psalm is Psalm 31 'My Rock, My Shield, My Song'

Look to Jesus

There are many times in life when people feel confused and are unsure of what they should do. This is perfectly understandable given the changeability of life in this troubled world. But although we cannot avoid life’s challenges, God has provided an answer for all these troubling situations, and it is found in our relationship with Jesus. The writer of Hebrews describes disciples as, “Looking unto Jesus, the author [originator] and finisher [perfecter] of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Those who daily look to Him, will find Him to be the support and guide they need in times of trouble. As long as they listen to Him that is. Some think that just by knowing He’s there, everything will be OK. Others think that by uttering a prayer, that will do it. Yet others think they don’t need to do anything and that God’s answers will come automatically. Knowing the truth, praying, and trusting God are all helpful, but they are not the one thing that Jesus said was needed (Luke 10:42) and that is sitting at His feet and listening. When we daily practice His presence and use our God-given imagination to hear Him speak with us, we will learn to hear His voice, and our faith will be built up. This is what it means to look to Jesus.