Nate's Daily Devotionals (old)

v2-4) Trials = tests that challenge faith Trials should be viewed of as joyful (despite any pain they might cause) This is because trials are designed to produce spiritual maturity and should therefore be counted as joy Joy is not just worldly joy, but the enduring. "complete joy" in the Lord who is sovereign These trials will produce steadfastness  --> so that we might be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing Steadfastness = faithful endurance amid troubles and afflictions v5-6) Believers are to have an undivided faith, asking for wisdom from our ever-wise all-generous God Wisdom = God-given, God-centred discernment regarding the practical issues in life Wisdom comes from prayer for God's help We are to ask in faith - which is a settled trust and confidence in God, based on his character and promises as revealed in Scripture v7-8) Doubting God's goodness is dishonouring to him A person who doubts Him, should not expect to receive anythin

v4) Paul tells us to always be rejoicing in the Lord Do I find joy in Christ and the God I serve - or do I find following him just a chore? v6-7) In every situation, present my requests to God (through prayer) Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything Thanksgiving is an element of prayer God will not necessarily give us what we pray for exactly, but he does promise us peace A peace which transcends all understanding v8) Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable - we should keep our minds focused on these things We will only discover what fits these descriptions when we discover and delve into his Word v9) The God of peace will be with us when we put these things that we've learned or received or heard into practice It reinforces the idea that we don't need to just learn and become smarter Christians - no, but we need to actively live out what we learn and are convicted of Prayer: Through any struggle that I might come