James . . . in the rearview mirror.

Just before we turn the page, take a look in your rearview mirror, at some of the great things we have learned from James’ inspiration:

-Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 1.2-3

-If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 1.5

-Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 1.17

-Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry 1.19

-Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 1.22-24

…judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment! 2.13

-Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.  2.23

-With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.  3.9-10

-the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  3.17

-You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.  4.2-3

-But he gives us more grace.  That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  4.6

-Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  4.7

-Come near to God and he will come near to you.  4.8

-Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.  4.17

-Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.   Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Have you chosen any of these verses to tuck away in your memory?  You may need, ‘you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance’ one day!  And we all need to remember to ask God for wisdom daily, as he promises to supply it to his children. 

And if you are breathing, and have contact with any other human beings, well - - all of your relationships will profit from, ‘be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’… true? 

Tomorrow, we begin our journey down the road that leads to Calvary and beyond …

Grace to you,

Christine