I think I'm going to start doing my devotionals a bit more structured. Starting today, I am going to go through the book of James. The book of James was written to challenge Christians to live out their faith, something that I need to continually strive to do.

James 1:2-7
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. The man should not think he will receive anything form the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Right in the beginning, James used the word "whenever" rather than "if" and by doing so guaranteed that there would be times of trial in our lives. I always thought that it was weird that I should be "joyful" in my trials but I have come to realize that such is a misinterpretation. Joy and happiness are not the same. The greek word used in this context is much closer to "blessed" in English rather than joy. That seems to make a lot more sense. That brings the following into question:
"Do I consider it a blessing when I face trials and temptations? Do I see hardships as an opportunity to persevere and grow?"

Now onto verse 5 (If any of you lacks wisdom...).
Perseverance and wisdom. A lot of times in the midst of trials, I'm usually clueless for two reasons. Either I legitimately have no idea of what to do or I'm over confident and I think I know what to do when in reality I don't. Either way, both of those come down to relying on myself rather than on God's direction. Verse 5 states that God will give generously if we ask for wisdom. In my hardships, do I choose to follow my own direction or be humble, realize my faults, and turn the only one who can actually solve my problems?

Verse 6 talks a lot about doubt. I feel as if this has not been a problem for me lately in terms of thought. I've been praying some pretty crazy things lately knowing full well that God can answer them if He chooses to. However, do my actions line up with my words? If I pray for opportunities to reach out to people, do I prepare myself for such opportunities? I feel like I'm the guy that prays for rain but forgets to bring his umbrella. I pray earnestly yet I fail to prepare and seek God's answers. I think that my actions show doubt.

Looking back, I feel like I'm a fool for something into this year with such a laid back cocky attitude. God continues to humble me each and everyday by teaching and rebuking me. Man, I suck yet God's so faithful..