Set Our Minds On Things Above

 James called his fellow believers to be patient in trials, tribulation, difficulties, and dangers, The result of patient endurance is a firm, precious, and perfected faith which cannot be shaken by doubt or fear.
 We have a blessed hope in Christ and a promise of eternal reward and our eyes should be fixed on Jesus. We have many precious promises that are  in Christ, and He has promised to come back to take us to be with Himself forever, and James exhorts each one of us: "Be patient until the coming of the Lord."
 It is often hard to be patient when life seems unfair, but James warns against developing wrong values and adopting a worldly perspective, which considers wealth, position, power, and achievement to be life's goal. Although we are to occupy productively until He comes, James is calling us to Set Our Minds On Things Above and patiently wait until God sets all things right.
 May we take to heart James' exhortation to be patient in the difficult circumstances we face when life seems unfair, to love as Christ loved, and to be rich in faith. May we be ready and willing to persevere under trials and tribulation and allow patience to blossom in our lives, knowing the day is coming when those who are approved will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray that we would develop the patient endurance that perfects our faith, through the trials we face and the way we live. Keep us from developing a worldly perspective and wrong values and help us to be like the farmer who waits for the precious produce of the soil to bring forth its fruit in due season. Help us to trust You in all things and to finish the good work You started in our lives. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.