Good morning! This morning we will begin our reading in the book of James. The book of James is in the New Testament and it has five (5) chapters outlined with headings such as: Stand with Confidence, Serve with Compassion, Speak with Care, Submit with Contrition, and Share with Concern. I hope you will join us as we explore each chapter, verse by verse. Have a wonderful morning.

Bible Verse – James 1:1

“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!”

Reflection

Before we get started in our reading I want to provide some history or background that will help set the stage for the chapters ahead.

James is the name of the writer and he is the Lord’s brother. He fully recognized that he was a bond-slave and property of God. James used the Lord’s full name, “the Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Jesus means Savior
• Christ is the Greek for Messiah the Anointed.

The eternal Lord became the Savior, Jesus and rose again as everlasting Sovereign, Christ. The Lord of lords is King of kings (1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 17:14( 19:16)

The letter is addressed to the 12 tribes who were dispersed from their homeland and scattered among the Gentiles. The tribes of Israel are Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

James’ goal is to encourage them all in their trials. Noting no matter where the trials come from, they are no match for a Christian who stands on the truth of God’s word.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for another to experience your presence here on earth. Lord, thank you for salvation and for the ability to have all our sins forgiven. Lord, forgive us of the sins we committed (knowingly and unknowingly). Lord, forgive us for not being obedient or ignoring the leading of the Holy Spirit. Lord, thank you for your mercy and grace. Lord, help us to be more attuned to the Holy Spirit and the guidance that You provide.

Lord, we pray over every stronghold that keeps us from growing and walking in faith. In the name of Jesus, we cast down every demon that wages war against our homes, families, marriages, parents, kids, and workspaces. Lord, equip us with your word so that we may stand fully armored in your word and shielded by you. Lord, for every obstacle and trial we ask that you help us to keep our eyes on you and experience your peace.

Lord, we pray for the woman who is battling a blood infection and we ask for you to give her relief from pain and heal her body. Lord, give her strength and put the right doctors in place to properly treat her condition. Lord, we pray for those still recovering from surgery and those preparing for surgery. Lord, give the medical providers the wisdom that they need to care for each patient and give them insight on which procedures, medications, treatments will work in each of their cases. Lord, we pray for all the people waiting for their insurance to approve treatments, medications, etc. Lord, move those approvals through so that the medical need can be addressed. Lord, be with those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are going through treatments and more. Lord, give them courage, strength their faith, and help them to overcome each medical treatment and procedure.

Lord, we continue to pray for those seeking employment and new job opportunities. Lord, give them the wisdom that they need to prepare their resumes, submit applications for the open positions you have in mind for them, and favor during the interview process. Lord, be with those who are being deployed or have been deployed or stationed in a new location or country.

Lord, comfort those who are grieving today. Lord, you know the needs of the families and those who need to be comforted. Lord, help them to grieve in a healthy way. Lord, be with the parents who have lost their children. Comfort those who have lost a spouse or parent. Comfort those who are grieving the loss of a marriage, family, home, and/or job.

Lord, continue to work in all of us. Give us mental clarity, emotional strength, spiritual renewal, physical endurance to go day after day. May our lives give you glory. In Jesus name, amen!

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