God's people were dispersed and James is writing to them. they were facing many trials and difficulties. James tells them and us, that God intends for trials should have a positive outcome. We need to learn to depend on God for steadfastness. He desires for these trials to bring good into our lives. We must also remember that God's good is not always what we may consider to be -good-. We must approach God in our need.

Habakkuk questions God's injustice in that sin is all around and he thinks God is not dealing with it. God is at work and calls his people to repentance. God answers Habakkuk's prayer. Be careful what you pray, for God is listening to all prayers.

A doxology, a paradox contrast. We are not exempted from this falling world which is part of a sinful world.--Who shall separate us from the love of Christ- Nothing- All on earth is temporary. Satan means to separate us from God.--In death we close our eyes- in Christ our eyes are opened.

Our salvation is of God from all eternity . It begins and ends in eternity where we will be glorified. Salvation is the plan of God through the effectual work of the Holy Spirit. Two types of calling- the general universal to all and the specific effectual call.The promise from God for all salvation- predestined, called, justified and glorified.

In today's Scripture many questions are asked. What are our answers for these questions. God's promises are on-going. Finally- who or what shall separate us from God-nothing

All things work together to good for those that are called and love the Lord--Joseph and his life is a good example. He believed in God and he believed God.

All of our good works are tarnished by sin and selfish motives. Works do matter, they just do not save.

Our faith is placed or surrendered in-to Christ. Our faith is a living faith, we cannot trust in our own strength-only in Jesus. We receive righteousness from God alone. Prayer is not left to the believer for we are weak. -martin Luther- We do not know what or how to pray for our understanding is poor. The Spirit intercedes for us. As believers we pray in the Spirit, who intercedes for us in our weakness.

The word groan is rarely used in Scripture. It is used as in childbirth with the idea of pain turned to Joy. We long for bodily redemption, our adoption as children of God-this is our hope. We can see that our suffering is not for nothing. --The Holy Spirit hears our groaning.

We have been called by Christ to walk in His steps. We have been called to suffer. It is real. We have an inheritance in heaven kept by the power of God. We live in a fallen world of decay. Creation was subjected because of our sin. Creation is being renewed, redeemed through Christ. Be God's ambassador in a lost and dying world.