Count it all Joy

FSHS TRAVEL VB TEAM James 1:2-4; 12.

Announcements

Glad you all are here, my name is Bubba, I am the student pastor here.

I am thankful that we have been able to come alogside you all and serve this meal for the tournament you all have this weekend.

My hope is that if you or your family do not have a church home, we would love to have you here at FBC Franklin. On Sundays we have our service starting at 9:30, and then our bible study/Sunday school starting at 10:45.

Introduction to devotion

When is a time when you have faced a trial in your life? (Be ready to share big trial such as dad growing up, or the stop lights on 31 W).

How did you feel? What emotions?

Anger

Sadness

Frustration

Lost

Why is this happening

dissapointment

When we think of trials that we go through how often do we see them as opportunities to be joyful? (Coach told me of the teenagen official you all had this past weekend, were you joyful when they made a call?)

We in ourself never think of a trial as joy. But we will look and see James who was Jesus’ half brother, teaching the Christians in Jersualem in James 1.

James 1:2–4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Point out various trials

The dumb stop lights on 31 W

The broken home situations

The bad calls that will come this weekend.

If we love the Father, and have a relationship with him, this is how we are to to, James is commanding us to be joyful in all circumstances.

If we remain steadfast. Y’all know what that means?

Illustration of Grandmas in the mall.

No matter what they are locked into getting those steps. We as followers are called to remain steadfast under our trials.

How can I remain steadfast?

You first have to have a relationship with Jesus.

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 10:9 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””

Once you have that relationship, the Holy Spirit dwells within you so that you can follow.

How can i this weekend?

Look to each other, you all are a team. The team should be willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get the win. That means humility in moments where it is easy to be proud. Encouraging and lovung your teammates whether they make a good or bad play.

We see this same type of love and serving with Jesus. He gave us the example to follow of how to serve our friends, and also the people we do not like.

It starts with a relationship with Jesus, and continues with the Joy that we are given from the Lord.

Pray. after form line get drink and salad. We will bring meal