https://youtu.be/cSb3mDe5j2s

Once we accept the inevitability of trials in the Christian life (James 1:2), we are left with the question of how to remain steadfast – to stand up under them. How do we endure our trials? By better understanding the nature of trials in light of the God who ordains them.

Why does God let us suffer? Why does he have us go through trials? That is more than a theoretical question. For many Christians, that is a question birthed out of lived experience and deep pain. Thankfully, there is an answer. But, according to James, to rightly understand the purpose of our trials and to withstand their pressure, we need to respond rightly.

Read in isolation, the Proverbs 31 woman is often depicted as the blueprint for a biblical wife. But read in the context of Proverbs, this woman turns out to be – not an ideal standard for all women to attain or a measuring stick for men to use – but rather she is another personification of Wisdom. This time set in a heroic poem that valorizes the qualities of a wise life – a life to which every Christian should aspire.

https://youtu.be/7w7-TKQVvFo

The futility of work tempts us to give up before we begin. Why should we wash our dishes, when there will always be more dirty dishes to clean? Why should we dust our homes because once we dust, the next day dust returns? Why do we go to work to write reports, when few people read them and are archived? Why do we treat patients? After we treat them for a sickness, they get sick later with something worse. What should we do when work seems like an exercise in futility?

From ancient times, friendship has been considered one of the most valuable of human relationships. But sadly, we live in a day and age where friendship has been trivialized. We don’t know what it means anymore to have friends or to be a friend. You can have a thousand of them on social media – but how many true friends are in your life?

https://youtu.be/iatxx7mRwqA

We are faced with decisions every day. Most are minor in significance and require little thought or deliberation. But for those decisions that require careful thinking and planning, Christian should seek the Lord for guidance. But what kind of guidance can we expect? How do we make plans as those who serve a Sovereign Lord?

https://youtu.be/gjeKTut7HXM

According to Proverbs, wisdom and teachability go hand in hand. The extent of your wisdom is measured by the extent of your willingness to take criticism and receive reproof.

Be careful how we use our tongue because God is watching us and holding us accountable for both the bad and the good words that come out of our mouth. Therefore, let us use soft words that calm, sage words that makes knowledge appealing, and sweet words that heals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS9Kw2hK8gk