Read James 1
Highlights:
God is no respecter of persons. He treats everyone, rich or poor, as equals — sinners that need to be saved (James 2:1-9; Acts 10:34). The key to bridle(ing) the whole body (3:2) is the tongue (3:1-12). Envying and strife are earthly, sensual, devilish (3:14-15). Resist the devil and he will flee from you (4:7). Real treasure. The importance of patience: For the coming of the Lord (5:1-8). Prayer is powerful when you qualify (5:13-18): He that turneth away his ear . . . even his prayer shall be abomination (Prov. 28:9)
Some of us are inclined to tell others about all our sufferings and sorrows with a "woe is me" attitude of despair, hoping to receive sympathy from our listeners. Others are prone to blame anyone, even God, for their problems. James may surprise you because the Holy Spirit moved him to write: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (manifold trials); Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (develops) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing (James 1:2-4).
Furthermore, James reminds us: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation (remains faithful): for when he is tried (approved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with (by) evil, neither tempteth He any man (1:12-13). But trials can be used by the Lord as a great benefit in the lives of all who remain teachable and faithful. The fact is the trial of your faith, being (is) much more precious (has greater value) than of gold (I Pet. 1:7).
All of us need to be reminded: Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:7-8). Pity the poor soul who believes that it is the Devil who is responsible and has a free hand in giving us a "hard time." All trials and assaults by Satan will cease when we "resist" him. This should prompt us to praise the Lord.
As Christians, we possess the whole armour of God so that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes, deception) of the Devil (Eph. 6:11). To teach us how to withstand the Devil during our trials, the Holy Spirit led Paul to write words of encouragement to us: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. . . . and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:16-17). However, it is of utmost importance that we put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:11).
Thought for Today:
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Ps. 16:11).
Cross References:
For James 2:8: See Lev. 19:18. James 2:11: See Ex. 20:13-14. James 2:23: See Gen. 15:6. James 4:6: See Prov. 3:34.
Word Studies:
1:27 visit care for, look after the needs of; 2:11 kill murder; 3:2 we offend all we all make mistakes and offend others; 3:4 listeth determines; 5:3 cankered tarnished; 5:11 pitiful full of compassion.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Charlotte Hall • Government Officials: Gov. Don Carcieri (RI), Rep. Norman Dicks (WA), Gov. Jim Gibbons (NV), and Rep. C.W. Young (FL) • Country: Malta (388,000) about 60 miles south of Sicily • Major languages: Maltese and English • Religious freedom • 97% Christian; 1.7% non-Religious/other; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer with your whole heart and He will hear you (Jer. 29:12-13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21