This weeks Reading:James 4:13-17 Prideful BoastingJames concludes this section of the letter with verses 13 through 17. He presses into how little we actually know or control our lives. Therefore, our best possible option at all times is to depend on God. These verses call us out for the times we boast about where we will go, what we will do and how things will turn out – habits commonly accepted...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 4:1-12 Troubles and TemptationsJames points out sins, also called ways of the world. Believers commonly struggle with old habits of sin. They must be abandoned by applying true wisdom to produce new works by faith.Discontentment: James writes, “You do not have because you do not ask God … you ask with wrong motives.” He addresses the sin first seen in Adam and Eve (1). Dis...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 3:1-18 Speech of the TongueFrom the beginning of his letter, James identifies speech as a key test of authentic faith. Chapter 1 says those who “do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (1:26). James has already condemned speaking words of moral filth, dead faith, hypocrisy, favoritism and false gospels by the time we g...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 3:1-18James 4:1-17James 5:1-20 Living for ChristLike no other time in human history, global communication technology increases the damage uncontrolled tongues can do. Some leaders rule nations by the force of their speech. Parents and others shape the next generation by what they say and how they say it. How do you respond to careless criticism, gossip or angry outbursts ...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 2:14-26  Faith and WorksSometimes people get confused when they compare James’ and Paul’s teachings about faith and works. Such confusion is resolved when Bible students consider all that both men wrote that is contained in the Bible.Context is crucial. Paul wrote largely to Gentile believers, and James wrote largely to Jewish believers.Paul focuses on how works is not rel...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 2:1-13 FavoritismIn 2:1-13, James condemns favoritism (discrimination); particularly self-serving, judgmental treatment of the rich and poor. His comments equally apply to our lives today. Evil thoughts about what we can get from fellow believers must be rejected.Instead, God is to be glorified for what He has freely given to all. Jesus, the Lord of glory, laid aside His d...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 1:19-27 Saving Faith DefinedJames, Paul and all great teachers in churches agree on the three elements of authentic faith. God-given faith includes content, assent, and commitment:Content: The gospel message focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He carried out the Father’s will in His earthly ministry in dependence on the Holy Spirit. The eternal Son of God also ...  Read More

James 1:18 gives an essential truth: temptation and sin come from evil, never from God. Adam and Eve discovered how “their own evil desire” enticed them to sin (4). They received and passed on to all humanity the wages of sin – death, as God had forewarned (5). God knows and cares about every heartache and hardship. Jesus Christ will bring sin and suffering to an end when He returns.  Read More

How often do you substitute feelings, what ifs, peer pressure, past outcomes, cultural norms or governmental laws for God’s wisdom? James’ message to disciples of Jesus Christ is, “Seek God. Get wisdom. Do the Word.”  Read More

As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. An awareness of our Christian heritage helps us to understand our identity, and gives us a sense of where God is leading us.   Read More

Some years ago, I was in a financial wilderness. I had no way of earning money, and my greatest need was food.   Read More

There are eternal rewards for how we work in this life and it is good and right for those rewards to lead us to care deeply about serving others, and by extension the Lord, through the ministry of excellence at work.   Read More