How to manage a rainy day

How to Manage Your Rainy Days Part 2 (How James Managed the Rain)

Big Question: Do You Have a Rainy Day Plan?

Word of Faith: Thursday: August 24, 2017 Series Connection: Build a future with a rainy day plan Text:

Introduction: Opening up James by Roger Ellsworth

The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus. During Jesus’ public ministry, James did not accept him as the Messiah (). His unbelief came to a screeching halt when Jesus appeared to him as the risen Lord ().

After his conversion, James ascended rapidly in the leadership among the early Chris- tians, becoming the head of the Jerusalem church. In that position, he joined with the apos- tles Peter and Paul in helping the Jerusalem Christians understand that Jews and Gentiles would be saved in the very same way—through Christ alone (). It is important to understand that James and the other leaders did not determine the way of salvation. They rather identified that which had been determined by God.

James also took the lead in developing a plan by which Gentile Christians could fellowship with their Jewish counterparts without giving needless offense ().

Seven Rainy Day Lessons We Learn From James

1. We Should Learn How to See Things: (Look for the gift in your challenges)

• 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing

of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be per- fect and complete, lacking nothing.

Note: The Message Bible says. “See it as a gift that matures you”

2. We Should Learn to Ask For Help: (when you don’t know what to do) • 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without re-

proach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Note Two Promises:

He will give you wisdom liberally

He will give you wisdom without reproach (He will not laugh at you)

3. We Should Learn How to Respond: • 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to

wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

4. We Should Learn What to Lay Aside: (The Message Bible calls it the garbage) • 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness (or garbage), and receive

with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

5. We Should Learn the Value of Doing: • 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves

6. We Should Be Patient and See Like a Farmer () • 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for

the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

7. We Should Not Grumble, Learn From the Prophets and be Honest () • 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is

standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Next Time In Atlanta: What Will it Take for You To Change Your Mind?

Series Review

1. 2.

Courageous Determination

Can a Bad Person Have a Future? (A Bad Girl with a New Dream)

Victoriously Blind

6. 7. 8. 9.

Building A Future (Part1

): What Will it Take to Get You to the Future God Desires for Your Life

Building a Future (Part 2): How to Build a Future Beyond What You Can See

Passionate Placement

Building a Future that Frees You

Why Godly People Can Have Ungodly Issues