Thus far I have read a few verses from James 1.
This is not my first reading of James as I have notes written on the page. Over the word temptations in verse 2 I have written the word pirates.
I don’t know what prompted me to write it or even when I did; but, today it has given me many thoughts.
Pirates — temptations.
In times like these, I think I’d like to engage a zoom app on this screen to see and hear what you have to say about it.
Pirates and temptations. How could these be related?
I started by defining pirates at BibliaTodo Dictionary.
This is what I found:
An armed ship or vessel which sails without a legal commission, for the purpose of plundering other vessels on the high seas
A robber on the high seas; one who by open violence takes the property of another on the high seas; especially, one who makes it his business to cruise for robbery or plunder; a freebooter on the seas; also, one who steals in a harbor.
I wish I could know what thoughts are forming for you, but since I don’t, I’ll give you mine.
Temptations. Where do they come from? I am reminded of a verse of Scripture that tells me GOD tempts no one but there is one who does. How about that?! Those verses are right here in James 1!
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Yikes! Our own flesh will tempt us and as if that is not enough there is the evil one too. 1 Peter 5:8 has something to say about that.
Could temptations be like pirates? Navigating around in our seas seeking to steal from us? Things like trust, hope, strength, joy, patience, all the fruits of the Spirit? What else might temptations (pirates) seek to steal from us?
I think when we set sail on a course without permission or guidance from Holy Spirit we shall surely meet pirates and when we do we better turn that ship around and head for JESUS — like NOW.
Do you have pirates bearing down on you? Are your seas rough, chopping, or perhaps you have a calm – for now?
This we know pirates don’t give up until they are slain . . . the thing is we can’t rid our seas of the many pirates let loose in this world. So what are we to do?
Actually, the rest of James 1 tells us what to do.
I hope you will read it.
The White Stone 