Killing two birds with one post.

First "bird" - I just always find it interesting when part of what we discuss in class lines up with Buddy/Richard's sermon for the week. Mostly, it's because I can't decide if it is serendipitous or divinely supervised :) This was the message on Sunday, and was also touched on by James in chapter 3 and in chapter 2. The "deeds" that some think Christians can't be saved without need to come from a willingness and love in our hearts, not from obligation. James' words were, "in the humility that comes from wisdom." I found a verse that speaks to this in 1 Thessalonians. Paul writes this:

2 "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:2, italics emphasis added by Nick) whole chapter here.

Second "bird" - This week we will be reading James 4:1-12. There is a lot in this passage but one section that always used to give me trouble was verse 9. The "grieve mourn and wail" passage didn't make sense but makes more sense now than it used to. This week I want to challenge you to read this passage daily, but also to dive deeper with verse 9 (and the verses on either side of it, really). What does being commanded to "grieve, mourn and wail" mean to us as Christians today? Does this contradict other scripture about being joyful? Think and pray on the passage this week and ask God to reveal Himself to you through it.