A Daily Devotion for Monday, December 1
- ontrakk
- Dec 1, 2025
- 2 min read
James 1:1-8
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
The devotion in the Upper Room today was written by a man who came back from a 17-month Army deployment to find his home empty and divorce papers on the bed. His 12-year marriage was over. His faith in God and work with a Christian therapist helped him find his way again. The verse which jumps out at me from James this morning is this: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. It is true that if I am full of doubt, I will not be open to see what God is doing for me. If I keep praying, and continue to seek God, I am open to see how God may be answering my prayers.
Holy Lord, hear my prayer for peace and health for those I love. You know the prayers of my heart. I know you are at work, and I am thankful. Help me to see what I need to see. Amen
Becky, transforming
Thursday November 27th, 2025 (THANKSGIVING DAY)
God is Listening
(Focus, those living outside their home Country
John 11:41-42
So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Jesus thanked God for hearing Him and stated that the prayer was for the other people standing with him so they could benefit and believe. This teaches us to give the glory to God for answered prayers even before they happen. This should show others the power of God working through our lives.…
James 1:1-8 Perseverance Through Christ
I have never liked the term Faith Tested. I think it is us being tested. I know that it is my faith that helps me through difficult times. I call on my faith in God for comfort. When I was younger, I was often overwhelmed by things and began to have doubts about my God. Was he really there? Did he even care when my Dad died at only 50 years of age? I know now it was me being tested. Did I really believe all those things I have said about my God in the past? Eventually, I put my doubts away and leaned on Him who knows more than we ever could.
Prayer:…
James1:1-8
The Upper Room submission today is a heartbreaking story. Regretfully, not uncommon. During my husband‘s Navy career there was not one deployment he was on where this, sadly, did not happen to at least one sailor on his ship. I pray they all had the perseverance to move on. James says, “ testing your faith produces perseverance.” We surely all need perseverance because we will all face trials, no escaping it. Trials are followed by growth. God provides this for us. Although I believe we all doubt from time to time, placing our trust in God and His plan is the best strategy for all our woes and he will provide the perseverance we need to move on …
James 1:1-8
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
What is it about James’ faith that prompted him to write this seemingly impossible message? It seems so many people live in dire circumstances, even to the point of daily hunger and homelessness. Good people are beset by physical and mental illnesses that disrupt their lives as well as the lives around them. Even people who apparently have no lack must navigate a world teeming with immoral, dishonest and outright criminal activity that conspires to try and simply take things from others rather than earning them honestly. The evil that surrounds us…