Be Mature

Greetings NV family and friends,

We have been on a journey this summer to pursue Olympic Gold, using the Book of James to spur us on, along with study materials by Warren W. Wiersbe.  We have received the Word; prayerfully, we are practicing the principles communicated through the Word.  To complete the process for this journey, we want to provide opportunities for the body to share.

In preparation for the Celebration Sunday, take a moment, examine and reflect on your experiences during the Olympic Gold series.  There have probably been some victories, works in progress, and failures.  Questions to consider:

1. Have you been self-indulgent or prayerful during challenging times?
2. Did you focus on “Turning Trials Into Triumphs”?  Did you use a circumstance to grow and glorify God?
   Wiersbe highlighted that the book of James instructs us to maintain:

- a joyful attitude;

- an understanding mind (know that a test works for us - accept that a test helps us to mature - look for the test to provide an increase in faith);

- a surrendered will to God; and

- a believing heart.

   3.  Perhaps you were not triumphant or are still in the midst of a trial - What plan or changes have you made to strive for future success?   Keep in mind that a trial is a benefit; reference the following passage for some guidance and inspiration:

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 (NIV)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Let us strive for the gold (Crown of life)! – James 1:12 NIV

The blog is now open to receive comments.  We look forward to hearing from you.

(The ability to post other topics will be available again starting Sunday, September 21.)

Could the thorn that God places in our side be a specific person, perhaps an ex or a friend that you know isn’t good for you?

Paul had a thorn (hinderance) put in his side to keep him humble. It helped him build his character and made him think of God constantly. He prayed for that thorn to be removed 3 times. I have prayed several times for my “thorn” to be removed.

I think that my thorn maybe my daughters father. I do not wish him harm, I wouldn’t want him removed because of death but I have asked that he move far far away. He is married now and has 2 sons with his wife of 5 yrs and we have 2 daughters. I have forgiven him for all the pains that he caused me in the past because we have always been good friends.
The problem is that he doesnt want to just be friends and several times I have fallen for his empty promises and tricky words. For 5 yrs I have let him tempt, use and abuse me, emotionally. My spirit couldn’t breathe because this man was still occupying a large part of my heart and mind.

Romans 7:17-20 NLT has been the motto for my life for a long time but it is time for a change!

Now I am letting go and letting God work on me from the inside-out. I may never have this “thorn” removed but I can learn to live with it and grow from it. I want to become a better person and not a bitter one. I want to learn from my mistakes even though it has taken me many years to see the many mistakes.

Thank God that He is so forgiving. God is good? NO GREAT!

I ask for insight to see the truth in his words/actions and for strength and wisdom for the years to come. We have a 9 yr old and a 5 yr old so legally I have to “deal” with him til they are 18. I pray that someone can learn from my mistakes, mainly my children.

Keep me in prayer
~Q~

I am really loving this study.  It is opening my eyes as they have never been opened before and I think Rev. Alex Dabney is doing a FANTASTIC job bringing this message to us weekly!

This blogging thing is a great idea.  I can blog whenever and for whatever I may or may not need counsel, but at least I can get it off my chest.  Thank you New Vision.

As we begin our summer study project of the book of James and Be Mature, you are all invited to post related thoughts, questions, and experiences as God matures us all. This blog is open to all New Vision members and friends. Anyone can read or post to this blog. Posting instructions are listed here.

Thought:
Consider a real-life example of an opportunity you had to deal with a trial or temptation (in the workplace, with your children/spouse, at church, etc.). How did you do?

You’re welcomed to post a response to this thought or your own thoughts.