I Will Retire With The Crown

James 1:12 AMP
Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

I thank God today for the comfort and blessed assurance of His promises. "For all the promises of God in [Jesus Christ] are Yes and in [Jesus Christ] Amen, to the glory of God through us." (1 Corinthians 1:20) It brings so much joy to my soul to know that no word of God's will every return void,  and that His word will always succeed in the matter for which it was sent (Isaiah 55:11 AMP). I rest easy and sleep well at night knowing that while the grass withers, and the flower fades, the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). 

My heart is full today with the assurance of God's promise in James 1:12, the focus scripture for today's message. I am beaming with belief and barring all doubt that the current trials of life are an amazing opportunity to produce through faith the character of Christ in our lives (James 1:2-4). A life that is lived by the Spirit--mature and fruitful in faith--is one that is adorned with the crown of life, the reward for enduring trials and living in the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4). In pursuing the crown of life our endurance through trials is essential.

James 1:2-8
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 7 For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

My encouragement today is simply four things we can do to run the race of endurance, keeping our focus on the crown:

1) Be Wise 
Proverbs 4:5-9 AMP
“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you. “The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. “Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her. “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty and glory.”

2) Be Obedient 
2 Timothy 2:5 AMP
And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules.

3) Be In Good Company 
2 Timothy 4:7-8 AMP
I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.
1 Corinthians 15:33 AMP
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

4) Bless The Lord
Psalm 103:2-5 AMP
Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.

Be wise. Be obedient. Be in good company. Bless the Lord. Let us run our race of faith with endurance with our hearts and minds fixed on the victorious intended outcome, the crown of life in Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed!
~Nina
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Declaration: I am wise, I am obedient, I am in good company, and I am blessing the Lord with my praise. I will retire with the crown of life.

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