2023/08/12 – James 1: Joy in Trials & Doing What We Hear in God’s Word
Jerry Starling
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Reading: James 1: Joy in Trials & Doing What We Hear in God’s Word
Verse for Today:
(James 1:26) Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Daily Devo
James is down to earth. He gets to the practical details of being a disciple of Jesus. He does not claim to be a deep theologian. He walks with Jesus and is faithful to Him and to Torah.
He introduces himself as “a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” He does not mention that he was a brother of Jesus. He writes, “To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion,” that is, to Jews living outside of Palestine.
He launches into his message. “Whenever you face trials, consider it nothing but joy, because you know the testing of your faith” produces endurance. This endurance enables you to last for the long-haul of life.
Do you need wisdom? Ask God, and He will give it to you, if you ask in faith without doubting. (Who said James does not believe in faith? He has practical, not theoretical faith.) The doubter, he says, is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind. He should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Anyone who endures temptation is blessed. God does not tempt anyone. We are tempted by our own desire, which leads to sin when we yield to temptation. We cannot say, “The Devil made me do it.” The Devil cannot make you do anything, though his temptations are constantly with us. Do not be deceived by this father of lies!
God gives good gifts. Every “good” we receive is from Him. “In fulfillment of His own purpose, he gave us birth by the word of truth” (cf. John 3:3-5). Thus, we became a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
Be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to anger. Anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Get rid of all kinds of wickedness. Welcome with meekness the Word that has the power to save your souls.
Be doers of the Word, not just hearers. If you are not a doer of the word you are deceived – like those who look in the mirror and on leaving forget what sort of person, they are.
Look into the perfect law, which is the law of liberty. Keep on in it, not as hearers who forget but doers who act and you will be blessed.
If you think you are ‘religious’ and do not bridle your tongue but deceive your heart, your ‘religion’ is empty and worthless. Pure religion is caring for orphans and widows in their needs, and keeping yourself unblemished by the world
James and Paul agree in trusting faith, but a faith that is alive, not dead. Faith must be active in serving the Lord in whatever capacity we are able. Martin Luther, the great reformer, was wrong in calling James “a right strawy epistle.” He loved Paul’s emphasis on faith and insisted on faith only. He misread the passages where Paul insisted on faith being active, alive, and led by the Spirit of God.
Ask, “How is my Faith? Is it active?”
Pray for Your Self:
Father, help me to live with Your Word as my constant companion and guide that puts faith into action. This is my prayer, in the precious name of Jesus, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me):
Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. I pray that each of us will ramp up our actions to let our faith light shine to save us from evil and deliver us from this world of darkness. This is my prayer, in the precious and holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
Updates for Central
Game Night will be August 19 beginning at 6:30. Bring your favorite game and be prepared for a lot of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie.
Our Next Potluck Fellowship will be August 27. Bring a dish to share, invite your family, friends, neighbors, and have good fellowship and food.
Son Quest will be Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. Final payment is due this Sunday. Make a check payable to the church, mark it for Son quest, and give it to Jerry Holder, Kendra Crist, or Susan Allen.
Our Eastern European Mission “Million Dollar Sunday” contribution will be on September 24. Our entire contribution that day will go to EEM to provide Bibles for the former Soviet bloc nations. Last year, EEM distributed almost two million Bibles, up 24% from 2021. They expect to have more this year. Ukraine also received $2 Million in benevolent help due to the war.
Prayer Requests
Belinda Pate is at home but is not walking well.
Sarah, Bill Leavitt’s friend in the Philippines, has broken her hand and is in the hospital. He asks us to pray for her.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, came home yesterday. Now, let's pray for her rapid recovery.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. fell, injured his shoulder, and has been in the hospital since early last week. Ruth said Sunday he might be going into rehab soon. She needs prayers as much as Jesse.
Kristi Holder is slowly recovering from her surgery last Monday week. It’s taking her longer than she expected, Jerry said, but she is over the initial shock.
Joy Bland came home from the hospital but has been seeing lots of doctors. She’s hoping to have an MRI soon. A week ago, she said she really needs prayers to help her through.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.