PROTECT YOUR JOY

James 1 tells us that above all other human traits, endurance is the characteristic that God is trying to build into your life and mine. Perseverance. Steadfastness. Keep on going. Keep making and keeping the commitments of life. No matter how hard, don't quit.

Endurance is the funnel through which all Christian virtue flows. If God can just get me to not be a quitter, He can get every other good thing into my life. If I won't quit my marriage and I won't quit my kids and I won't quit my job and I won't quit my church and I'm not going to run around thinking the grass is greener somewhere else; if I'm going to believe, this is where God has me! This is where I'm going to put down roots and plant my life and make a difference; if I'll stay right here under the pressure, it's unbelievable what God could do in my life. But I've got to be willing to commit for the long haul in order for God's trials to have their purpose in my life.

I want to share a cool related verse in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life."
While I think there are literal crowns that we'll receive from the Lord, I'd like to suggest that the "crown of life" means the quality of life which God promises to those who love Him. If you endure, if you stand the test, there'll be a better life for you on the other side of this trial. Your best and most fruitful days are ahead. Your most God-glorifying days are ahead. God has a purpose for every difficult thing that you face, and if you hold up under it you're going to receive the "crown of life." It's a quality of life that comes to those who successfully pass the test—those who love Him. For some people it will be in eternity, but for most people it'll be at some point later in this life. Protect your joy—remain under the pressure and don't let this trial steal what's ahead.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. ¹⁶Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:12-17

~ Dr. James MacDonald

For more from James MacDonald on "igniting passion in the people of God through the proclamation of the truth," visit Walkintheword.com.

MSC is looking forward to making a difference in Phoenix, Arizona.  We're in the process of looking for a location where we can build a community center.  Our goal is to find a facility approximately 20,000 sq. ft. that will house a gym, locker rooms, washrooms, classrooms, offices and kitchen. We will partner with several ministries that will use their services to impact the community.  Some of our initial projects will consist of after school homework club, GED classes, counseling, and sports leagues.  In the coming months we'll keep you posted on the progress we are making.  Please keep us in your prayers that we can find the right location that will best serve the community.

One of our ministry partners that will be working with us on this project is Holding on to Hope Ministries.  Please read below to find out more about this ministry and what they're doing.

Holding on to Hope Ministries
There are currently 39 millions survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the United States alone.  Many, if not most of them, live in the silence of shame.  It is a dark and lonely place that often leads to depressions and despair.  What is more alarming is the lack of intervention for the survivors. .

There are daily reports in the media about molesters, child predators, and sexual assault.  The Internet has accelerated the issue with easy access to pornography with the latest estimates claiming it has reached down to 8 year olds.  The hideous nature of the crime and the millions hooked in the anonymous world of technology is kept in the dark.  Holding on to Hope Ministries is reaching out to communities across the country informing them of the nature and prevalence of abuse and offering hope for survivors and teaching prevention to youth.

Bill Harbeck is the founder of the ministry and a child sexual abuse survivor. His new book, Shattered; One Man's Journey from Childhood Sexual Abuse will be available in mid-September.  In it, Bill tells his story of over thirty years of silent torture in his soul and the great joy of healing he is experiencing.  Bill travels across the country speaking to students, parents, school officials, pastors, and community organizations about the hope for healing and prevention.

Holding on to Hope is honored to be a partner with the Mitchell Swaback Charities and is excited about collaborating on many future projects to reach the wounded.

Four of the six homes at the new orphanage are completed.  The older boys have moved into one of the homes.  The fifth house has started along with landscaping and other smaller projects on the property.

The Cuna Daycare is not only impacting the lives of many kids, but their moms as well.  One of the buildings is set up as a workshop to teach moms specific skills.  In return they are able to go out and find a job to help better support their children.  For more information please check out our projects page.