APRIL 3

James 1:12

THE CROWN OF LIFE
We all love to be rewarded for our work. For topping his class, Cheng Kee gets a new bike from his parents. When Lin Leng came in second in the 100-metre race, she received a medal.

In the Bible, rewards or prizes are frequently mentioned. James talks about them in his book too. A crown of life awaits a Christian when he finishes the journey on earth. A Christian’s life on earth is a journey that can be lled with troubles. Life is never a bed of roses. How well a Christian overcomes troubles will determine if he gets the crown of life or not.This is the blessing awaiting you when you overcome your problems.

Learn from some men of God whose lives were under trial.There was a young man who was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, then sold as a slave. In Egypt, he was wrongly accused and put in jail.
Who was he? Answer: _______________
Here is another man – he was exiled, lived in an enemy’s country, and for standing up for God, put into the lion’s den.
Who was he? Answer: _______________
The third character was, when as a baby, put into a small floating device to escape being drowned in the Nile River. At the age of 40, he ran away from the Pharoah who wanted to kill him. Forty years later, he was back in Egypt convincing the Pharoah to let the Israelites go, which was a most difficult task. He was _______________
These men of God kept following God and did not give up. In the end, they received their reward, the crown of life.
When you are discouraged and feel like giving up because the Christian life is too hard, think about these men who remained faithful in spite of difficulties. When you feel tempted to do something wrong – such as say a nasty word, think unkind thoughts, laze instead of studying, disobey mum or dad – pray hard! Look to God for strength!

Dear child, remember that you cannot live your life in your own strength, but in the strength God gives. Isaiah 40:29-31 gives us these comforting words. When you press on to the end and depend on God’s strength, you will surely receive the crown of life.

Thought: How do you get the crown of life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me look to You when I have difficulties and not give up. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.