Beyond the Weekend

July 27 | Leave Punishment to God

July 27, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9

Read: James 5:9-11

Listen: James 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

When the going gets rough and we start to suffer—it’s easy to fall into blame and negativity. James cautions us not to grumble against each other or to sit in judgment. It is God’s job to judge—and when Jesus comes back, he will complete his job.

We need to remember that we are part of a long line of sufferers (James 5:10-11). People who suffered terribly, but never fell into the pit of blame and judgment. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, Daniel was thrown to lions, Stephen was stoned to death and even Jesus suffered at the hands of Jewish religious leaders who sent him to the cross. None of them sat in judgment. All of them forgave, trusted God and left whatever was to happen in God’s hands.

Trials and suffering in this life are inevitable. It is the terrible result of living in a broken and fallen world. James tells us we can suffer well when our journey with Christ hits rough road if we keep our focus on Christ’s return, recognize God’s goodness in the midst of trials, let God use us to serve others, and leave any judging or punishing up to God.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Listen to the song, “Yes I will,” by Vertical Worship. Thank God that he is capable of lifting you high in the lowest valley as you wrap up this week. Life can be rough, but God is good.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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