PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
17

Premature Maturity

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture

James 1:4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. [The Message]

Observation

James presses Christians to stay in the pressure of hardships. Not that we ignorantly remain in any foolishness - but trials and tests in life will produce qualities of maturity. In verse 3, The Message writes…You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.

There's a result of defficient faith and life, when we are premature in our faith, quitting before we should. Could it be a Premature Matuirty? We act mature, we thikn we are mature - but when the pressure comes...we cave in?

Application

And many times when our “true colors of evil, embarrassment of sin” are shown, I’d rather bail out of any trouble.

Marriage is a great reflection of our Oneness with God. Marriage is beautiful, created by God for those of us married, to express our love and Oneness in Jesus - because of Jesus, for Jesus glory!

BUT…

After 31 years of marriage, there are still hardships! :( In my relationship, Beckie has to put up with ME… and my “at home/behind the scenes” lifestyle!

BUT -

my self centered pride continues to creep up in me - and cause me trouble! Sometimes I think, it’s easier to bail, be alone…do my own thing…! How evil that is - when I’ve made a covenant with my wife under God in Jesus name!

AND -

I know of men who are BAILING OUT on their wives! C’mon you men-jerks…suck it up! So sorry Lord - for my lack of gentleness!

BUT - no…it’s easier to get out…and prematurely bail from “his” covenant.

AND -

Prayer

…LORD GOD…HELP ME NEVER TO BAIL OUT ON MY WIFE! PLEASE LORD…I ask for YOUR GRACE and LOVE TO FILL MY HEART - to LOVE YOU, and the Beautiful Bride YOu’ve blessed me with. AND…please help the struggling women… and men…who’s spouses are bailing out on them and YOU!


Devotions for July 17

Isaiah 29,30,31
James 1

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