The word for this week is "count". We'll be looking at these two verses:
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. KJV
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, KJV
This is the Greek word "hegeomai". Strong's Concordance says: to lead, to command (with official authority), to deem, to consider. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a leader of any kind, a guide, a ruler, prefect, president, chief, general, commander, sovereign. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: to lead the way, to lead before the mind. How we choose to perceive a situation will determine how we handle it. If we trust the Word of God as Truth (John 17:17), then when we face tests, temptations and trials, we can consider them joyfully, knowing that the results will be in our favor! If we make getting to know Jesus more as a top priority, then other desires, hopes, dreams and aspirations, even good things, will line up behind that goal and, in comparison to the importance of knowing Him, they will SEEM like nothing important. The really wonderful thing about our God and His promises is that when we DO that, He is both willing and able to make ALL of those other things come to pass! Thank YOU, JESUS! Here is an interesting song by Hillsong United called "Love Is War". The Lyrics will be after and I am including a link to the Song Story where they explain what went into the writing of the song, which I found very interesting! I hope you do, too!
In Your justice and Your mercy
Heaven walked the broken road
Here to fight this sinner's battle
Here to make my fall Your own
Turn my eyes to see Your face
As all my fears surrender
Hold my heart within this grace
Where burden turns to wonder
I will fight to follow
I will fight for love
Throw my life forever
To the triumph of the Son
Let Your love be my companion
In the war against my pride
Long to break all vain obsession
Till You're all that I desire
Turn my eyes to see Your face
As all my fears surrender
Hold my heart within this grace
Where burden turns to wonder
I will fight to follow
I will fight for love
Throw my life forever
To the triumph of the Son
And I know Your love has won it all
You took the fall
To embrace my sorrows
I know You took the fight
You came and died but the grave was borrowed
I know You stood again
So I can stand with a life to follow
In the light of Your name
