Day 11 - blessed is the man

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who endures trials. For once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

This is the verse under meditation today (extreme faith workout - www.gbcwestlake.org)
There are several verses that deal with one aspect of this particular verse in James: the crown of life. A start to studying this is to look up some verses and see what they say. Here is my part:

I Corinthians 9:25 - "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." - The perishable wreath, was a reward for the athlete, in their games, to receive once they won and stood above the rest. The imperishable wreath, or crown, would be the crown of life, which is eternal, never passing away, given to those who finish the race well.

I Thessalonians 2:19,20 - "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy." - The Apostle Paul talks about the eternal perspective of what is truly important. The crown he speaks of is the eternal souls and spiritual growth of the people he is writing to. Their growth and decision to follow Christ is his crown."

II Timothy 4:8 - "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." - The crown of righteousness also gives the eternal perspective. We are not striving for rewards here, but for what is given when this life is over. The goal is to be able to say what Paul did in the previous verse (7): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, i have kept the faith."

I Peter 5:4 - "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." - This was written to elders, exhorting them to follow God's example as a good shepherd, having the right attitude and leading the sheep. If they did, they may not receive many rewards in this life; but they would when they see the Good Shepherd in Heaven. That is motivation for being faithful now.

Revelation 2:10 - "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." - For those who would suffer for their faith, even to the point of death, Jesus wants them to think of eternity, and the promise of life, abundant life, true life, life with Him, when this short, trial filled life on Earth is over.