A Dream-Like Interview with Jesus’ Half-Brother - Bulletin 02-16-14

“A Dream-Like Interview with Jesus’ Half-Brother”    

Some people dream about being an Olympic figure skating champion.  Some people dream about who they are going to marry. I “figuratively” dream about meeting different Bible characters face to face!  ......Over 5 weeks ago I dreamily knocked on his door and he invited me in.  I sat on a not too firm chair in his living room as he offered me some figs filled with goat cheese and some kind of hot fruit drink. 

I remember James clearing his throat and saying, “Steve, when you are in the very worst of trials, try the following four things: (Now, I’ve been in some trials that were real doozies, so it would be an under-statement to say this guy had all my attention!) James 3...

1. “Wisdom from above is first pure – pure in thought and purpose.  You may not understand all that is happening to you, Steve, (especially when you’re in the middle of a tidal wave experience), but for sure you want your mind to be pure so that you won’t spiritually perjure yourself via blaming, back-stabbing, judging, complaining, and/or gossiping about those around you.  You especially want to be pure in how you are experiencing your suffering in order for God to redeem it for good.”  
2. “Wisdom from above is also peaceable – peaceable to others, yes, but to you as well.  Can you imagine having this kind of peace in the midst of a trial or better yet, being a vessel of peace “that passes understanding” to others when your own world has turned upside down?!”  
3. “Wisdom from above is gentle and reasonable and merciful and unwavering!  It is genuine.  You will need all of these qualities to deal with whatever trial(s) you experience.  Extending mercy to others when you in fact need mercy from them is not crazy (as some count craziness) – it is God!  It is Spirit!  And it is certainly evangelistic!”
4. “Steve, many people look at trials as a pain… (Whoops!  That’s me!) …an interruption to what real life should be.  Yes.  Trials are painful, but in truth they provide the necessary arena for God to forge His holy character more deeply and completely into His children.”  (James 1:2!)  GO GOD!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good!  Mr. Steve