New month…new start, beginning in the book of James. Have you studied, not just read, the book of James? Let’s take a deeper look at it during the month of September.
According
to my Ryrie Study Bible, James was written between 45 and 50 AD. James, a
half-brother of Jesus, was the author. Matthew Henry, a great early
commentator, pointed out that James was prime minister in Christ’s kingdom, but
considered himself a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and of God. We should all
be servants, as we are to follow Jesus’ example as He was the greatest servant
of all time. Consider how He washed the disciples’ feet…and how He humbly gave
His own life for all of mankind’s sins. That is true servanthood.
This
letter was written to Christian Jews from the twelve tribes who were dispersed,
sent out as the result of wars and by persecution, into all the known world. Since
they took the scriptures with them, this looks like the beginning of more
missionary journeys. God had a plan. He even prepared those who were scattered
with a comforting message.
Jesus is the light of the world.
Christian Jews took His words...
to the world.
Do you?
Therefore, tell the exiles, 'This
is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I have scattered you in the countries
of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile.' Ezekiel 11:16
He works
in mysterious ways, but certainly uses all things to His glory.
And we know that God causes
everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called
according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he
chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among
many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:28-29
Just as
God chose those who were exiled, God has chosen us to believe in His Son, Jesus
Christ, as our Savior. Do you believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, as a
sacrifice for your sins? The choice is yours to believe, or not. The reward for
believing is eternal life with Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit…forever. Are you
willing to humble yourself, admit that like all of mankind, you are a sinner,
but that God sent Jesus to redeem you—to save you from your sins?
James joyfully greeted the Christians
who were living all over the world. That joyful greeting is for you, too, if
you are a believer.
This
letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing
to the "twelve tribes"—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! James 1:1
Prayer
– Lord God, thank you that You have a plan for eternity. I’m so glad to believe
in Jesus as my Savior and know that I will be allowed to spend eternity with
You. Heaven will be a wonderful place. I praise You—and may You be continually
glorified today!
Meditate.
Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.
Verses
of the HOPE of
Salvation ~ Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than
themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding.
God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise
could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given
both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is
impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can
have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews
6:16-18
Happy Labor Day!
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23
© 2025 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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