James 1:2-4 Part 1 of 2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

 

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Matthew 5:11-12  "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." (see verses 1-12)

Acts 5:41  The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. (see verses 17-41)

Philippians 2:17  But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. (see verses 12-18)

1 Thessalonians 1:6  So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. (see all chapter 1)

Hebrews 10:34  You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. (see verses 32-39)

1 Peter 1:6  So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. (see verses 1-6)

1 Peter 4:12-13  Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (see all chapter 4)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 1:1

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the "twelve tribes"--Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!

 

This letter is from James,

Acts 15:13  When they had finished (see verses 4-12), James stood and said, "Brothers, listen to me." (see verses 13-21)

Acts 12:16-17  Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers what happened," he said. And then he went to another place. (see verses 1-19)

Acts 21:18  The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. (see verses 15-25)

1 Corinthians 15:7  Then he (Jesus) was seen by James and later by all the apostles. (see verses 1-11)

Galatians 1:18-19  Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord's brother. (see verses 11-24)

Galatians 2:9  In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. (see verses 1-10)

Galatians 2:12  When he (Peter) first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. (see verses 11-21)

 

a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 1:1  This letter is from Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his good news.

Titus 1:1  This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.

 

I am writing to the "twelve tribes"--Jewish believers 

Acts 26:7  "In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel zealously worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, Your Majesty, they accuse me for having this hope!" (see all chapter 26)

 

scattered abroad. 

1 Peter 1:1  This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God's chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. (see also John 7:33-36)

 

Greetings! 

Acts 15:23  This is the letter they took with them: "This letter is from the apostles and elders, your brothers in Jerusalem. It is written to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings!" (see all chapter 15)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

Habakkuk 3:18-19

... yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

 

... yet I will rejoice in the LORD!

Psalm 97:12  May all who are godly rejoice in the LORD and praise his holy name! [see all chapter 97]

Isaiah 25:9  In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" [see all chapter 25]

Isaiah 61:10  I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. [see all chapter 61]

Philippians 4:4  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! [see verses 4-9]

 

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 

Exodus 15:2  "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him--my father's God, and I will exalt him! [see verses 1-21, A Song of Deliverance]

Psalm 18:46  The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! [see verses 46-50]

Psalm 62:2  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. [see all chapter 62]

Jonah 2:9  "But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone." [see all chapter 2]

 

The Sovereign LORD is my strength! 

Psalm 28:7  The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. [see verses 6-9]

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [see all chapter 46]

Psalm 59:17  O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. [see verses 16-17]

Psalm 118:14  The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. [see verses 10-18, also Isaiah 12:2]

 

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. 

2 Samuel 22:34  "He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights." [see all chapter 22 - David's Song of Praise, also see Psalm 18:33]

 

(For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by string instruments.)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

Habakkuk 3:16-17

I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, ...

 

I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror.

Job4:14  "Fear gripped me, and my bones trembled." [see all chapter 4]

Jeremiah 23:9  My heart is broken because of the false prophets, and my bones tremble. I stagger like a drunkard, like someone overcome by wine, because of the holy words the LORD has spoken against them. [see all chapter 23]

Daniel 10:8  So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. [see all chapters 10-12]

 

I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. 

Psalm 27:14  Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. [see all chapter 27]

Psalm 37:7  Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. [see all chapter 37]

Psalm 40:1  I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. [see verses 1-5]

Psalm 130:5  I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. [see all chapter 130]

Romans 8:25  (But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) [see verses 18-30]

 

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; 

Joel 1:10-12  The fields are ruined, the land is stripped bare. The grain is destroyed, the grapes have shriveled, and the olive oil is gone. Despair, all you farmers! Wail, all you vine growers! Weep, because the wheat and barley--all the crops of the field--are ruined. The grapevines have dried up, the fig trees have withered. The pomegranate trees, palm trees, and apple trees--all the fruit trees--have dried up. And the people's joy has dried up with them. [see all of Joel]

 

even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, ... 

Jeremiah 5:17  "They will devour the food of your harvest; they will devour your sons and daughters. They will devour your flocks and herds; they will devour your grapes and figs. And they will destroy your fortified towns, which you think are so safe." [see verses 14-19]

Joel 1:18  How the animals moan with hunger! The herds of cattle wander about confused, because they have no pasture. The flocks of sheep and goats bleat in misery.

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

Habakkuk 3:14-15

With his own weapons, you destroyed the chief of those who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey. You trampled the sea with your horses, and the mighty waters piled high.

 

With his own weapons, you destroyed the chief of those who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey.

Judges 7:22  When the 300 Isrealites blew their ram's horns, the LORD caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. (see all chapter 7)

1 Samuel 14:20  Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. (see verses 1-23)

2 Chronicles 20:22-23  At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. (see verses 1-30)

Isaiah 9:19-21  The land will be blackened by the fury of the LORD of Heaven's Armies. The people will be fuel for the fire, and no one will spare even his own brother. They will attack their neighbor on the right but will still be hungry. They will devour their neighbor on the left but will not be satisfied. In the end they will even eat their own children. Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, Ephraim will feed on Manasseh, and both will devour Judah. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. (see verses 8-21)

Ezekiel 38:21  "I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign LORD. Your men will turn their swords against each other." (see all chapter 38)

Haggai 2:22  "I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other." (see verses 20-23)

Zechariah 14:13  On that day they will be terrified, stricken by the LORD with great panic. They will fight their neighbors hand to hand. (see all chapter 14)

 

You trampled the sea with your horses, and the mighty waters piled high. 

Exodus 15:8  "At the blast of your breath, the waters piled up! The surging waters stood straight like a wall; in the heart of the sea the deep waters became hard." (see verses 1-21, A Song of Deliverance)

Psalm 77:19  Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters--a pathway no one knew was there! (see verses 10-20)

Matthew 14:25  About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. (see verses 22-34, also Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

Habakkuk 3:12-13

You marched across the land in anger and trampled the nations in your fury. You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones. You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe.

 

You marched across the land in anger and trampled the nations in your fury.

2 Samuel 22:8  "Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the heavens shook; they quaked because of his anger." (see all chapter 22 - David's song of Praise)

Isaiah 5:25  That is why the LORD's anger burns against his people, and why he has raised his fist to crush them. The mountains tremble, and the corpses of his people litter the streets like garbage. But even then the LORD's anger is not satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike! (see verses 18-30)

Isaiah 41:15  "You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear your enemies apart, making chaff of the mountains." (see verses 11-16)

 

You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones. 

Exodus 13:21  The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. (see verses 17-22)

Psalm 18:2  The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. (see all chapter 18 - a song David sang to the LORD when he was rescued from all his enemies and Saul.)

Psalm 20:6  Now I know that the LORD rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. (see all chapter 20)

Psalm 28:8-9  The LORD gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever. (see all chapter 28)

 

You crushed the heads of the wicked and stripped their bones from head to toe. 

Psalm 68:1-2  Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.

Psalm 68:21  But God will smash the heads of his enemies, crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways. (see verses 20-23)

Psalm 110:6  He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

Habakkuk 3:10-11 Part 2 of 2

The mountains watched and trembled. Onward swept the raging waters. The mighty deep cried out, lifting its hands to the LORD. The sun and moon stood still in the sky as your brilliant arrows flew and your glittering spear flashed.

 

The sun and moon stood still in the sky

Joshua 10:12-14  On the day the LORD gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the LORD in front of all the people of Israel. He said, "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day! (see verses 1-15)

Isaiah 38:7-8  " 'And this is the sign from the LORD to prove that he will do as he promised: I will cause the sun's shadow to move ten steps backward on the sundial of Ahaz!' " So the shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps. (see verses 1-8, also 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26)

 

as your brilliant arrows flew and your glittering spear flashed. 

Psalm 7:12-13  If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows. (see all chapter 7)

Psalm 18:14  He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were greatly confused.

Psalm 144:6  Hurl your lightning bolts and scatter your enemies! Shoot your arrows and confuse them!

Isaiah 66:16  The LORD will punish the world by fire and by his sword. He will judge the earth, and many will be killed by him.

Zechariah 9:13-14  Judah is my bow, and Israel is my arrow. Jerusalem is my sword, and like a warrior, I will brandish it against the Greeks. The LORD will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign LORD will sound the ram's horn and attack like a whirlwind from the desert. (see all chapter 9)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.