James 1:1-18
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with The ESV Bible ~
Whoo-hoo! Today we begin the book of James!
~ James ~
Author: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one’s inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)
Today in James chapter 1 verses 2 – 4 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Are you facing a trial of some kind in your life today? Do you see the wisdom in considering this trial pure joy? Do you think it is possible that this trial will develop perseverance in your life? Maturity? Completeness? Will you persevere in this trial? Will you persevere with pure joy?
I like verse 17 today - "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows." Think about this for a bit - God is a God of no shadows. Pure light. Unchanging. No shadows. I like that thought of no shadows a lot... Of course, this means we can't hide out in God's shadows either! :) Praise God for his unchanging, un-shadowed & pure Light!
And verse 18 is an awesome closing to the James readings today - "In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession." Congratulations to you for diving into God's true Word today - the Bible! Please continue to accept the gift of God's true word by reading the Bible each day.... this will bless and change your life immensely. Do you realize that you are God's choice possession? Do you realize that you are a child of God?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the fantastic worship song "Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble" by Delirious! Here's a great live version of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIR5zFSkWUY
Do you know our Risen Lord? Click here to fling wide the heavenly gates!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray for joy in the Lord when trials come your way, knowing that the the trials - though they may test your faith - will produce perseverance in you.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
Comments