God does want us to have a good time (11:9a).  He wants us to have joy and do things which please us (9:7-10).  That’s why youth should take advantage of their youthful capacity to enjoy life.  Yet God also wants us to never lose sight of the fact that we will be judged (11:9b) and will give an account of what we do (3:17; 12:14).  That’s why we must be selective in what we choose to do to have fun…something I wish I had realized when I was younger.… Read More “Rejoice, O Young Man, in Your Youth…”

It’s interesting that James didn’t say, “…IF you encounter various trials…”  He said, “…WHEN you encounter various trials…”  Followers of Jesus, along with everyone else in this life, must expect hard times (John 16:33; Acts 14:22).  Sickness, accidents, disappointments and death come simply because we are human.  Christians must endure ordeals which come in the form of persecutions simply because of their loyal, heart-felt faith (1 Peter 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:12).  Satan fights against Jesus’ followers and the world opposes them, so trying times must be expected.… Read More How God Wants Us To React to Hardship

Follow nothing but the biblical pattern and you’ll be fine.  Depart from it and you’re in trouble.  Are you following God’s pattern and God’s pattern only?  If you want fellowship with God, you must (2 John 9).  Some refuse to do so, which is sad because that same pattern will judge them in the end (John 12:48).  Let’s not make that mistake.  Let’s do things God’s way, the Bible way.… Read More “Make Them After the Pattern”

Believe it or not, this verse comforts me greatly.  Here we have Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God Himself, being tempted by Satan!  And He overcame all of those temptations!  He did not give in and sin!  Man, I can’t tell you how much that encourages me!  Here’s why.  Now I know that Jesus understand what I am going through.… Read More Matthew 4:1: A Surprisingly Comforting Verse