Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

April 01, 2019

by Pastor Hawtree

BIBLE READING: James 1

We are thankful for our pastoral staff here at Kerwin and it is always good to hear insight from each of them concerning God’s word. As we continue our Bible reading schedule for this year, Enjoy this devotion today from Jacob Jarriel , our assistant pastor.

James 1:12-17 (KJV)
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I know the saying “its better to give than to receive.” I enjoy giving gifts, but to be truthful I like to get gifts too. This passage deals with “gifts.” Giving into temptation is like accepting gifts we shouldn’t have. These gifts are like poison dressed up in pretty wrapping, but bring death in our lives.
Verse 12 Says “blessed is the man that endureth temptation:” The word edure means to carry a weight. Temptation is not always easy to resist. It can be heavy. Its also personal. We all have areas that we are easily tempted. Our task in our temptation is to realize what’s happening. Vs. 16 says “Do not err,” God’s not going to tempt us with things contrary to his word. He only gives us gifts that help us be more like him.

God gives us several promises to overcome temptation.
1. Gods word is our best defense- Jesus used the scriptures to defeat Satan
2. Resisting Temptations will make Satan Flee- James 4:7
3. God makes a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13

If we rely on Gods word and resist temptation we can overcome the weight of temptation and receive Gods blessing.

Jacob Jarriel