Taming the Tongue

James 3: 1-12:

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

As a women, a desirer of details-a person of many words, I feel convicted by this week's verses. It is difficult to restrain ourselves from saying just a little bit of the unnecessary, negative details of situations. After reading this, I have decided that I need to take my tongue to obedience school. (Dad, do your dog obedience classes accept humans with tongues that desperately need taming?! :-)) I hope that as you read the verses below, you will find that your tongues are in check, if not; join me in obedience school...

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

I am intimidated to be doing what I am doing right now, because I have read the above scripture. I have an earnest desire to invite others to know our God as intimately as I do- to experience the freedom that I have received from fellowship with Him. With that comes great responsibility. I am extremely humbled and challenged because I know that I fall short on my own. I am far from perfect and sometimes need to check myself minute by minute! Can you relate? In James 1:26 it says "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." I certainly do not want my desire to further the Kingdom of Christ to end up being worthless because of my careless tongue. How often do unhealthy thoughts actually make it to your tongue, to poison your palate and those innocent bystanders around you?

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Many times I am able to pull the bridle of my mouth and stop myself from releasing the evil thought that crept up in my mind. But other times, sometimes depending on the company I am with, I have relaxed the bridle so much or even removed it completely while I just let the thought roll off my tongue without any filter at all. Shameful, just shameful.

It is so interesting to read verses 3 through 6, because it reminds me of how such a little, seemingly insignificant, part of our body can do so much damage. Damage to our souls and to others. I am sure we have all heard the saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." How many of you learned that from your parents when they tried to encourage you after you were the collateral damage of a friend's or acquaintance’s words? How many of you have repeated it to your child? It is so easy to say, but living that out is not so easy...

The scripture confirms this- the tongue can be toxic. It "corrupts"- notice that verse 6 says it "corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire." The one speaking the word(s) ultimately gets the consequence. So many times, I think we assume the one hearing the words is the one that will receive the evil from the message, but verse 6 clearly states that it is the tongue taking action that is receiving self destruction.

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

What to do? We are able to tame all of the animals listed above, our dogs, cats, etc. But, we are not able to tame our own tongues? I guess I will not be able to enroll in any of those obedience school courses after all. I do, however, take encouragement from the Psalmist in Psalm 120:2-3. "Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?" "Save me, Lord"- from myself. Matthew 15:11 also offers solace, "What goes into someone's mouth does not defile the, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." If we can just make sure it never reaches our lips. Just like in last week's blog- re-direct our thoughts. In this case, take the evil, discouraging, not helpful comments, and trash them. Because when they hit the trampoline of our tongue, they bounce right into the fiery pit.

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

When we are using our tongue to sin, we are not able to worship. We must practice self control, because there will be a consequence for our actions. Matthew 12:36 states "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment every empty word they have spoken." We should filter our thoughts through that verse... Are the words that are about to leave my lips "empty" or full of life? These verses focus on our personal consequences, but let us be reminded that many of us have experienced the damage of "empty" words spoken by others in which we or our family have been the subject matter. Those words can make others feel pretty empty as well.

What comes from our tongues is a reflection of what resides in our hearts. In verse 12 it says that "Neither can not a salt spring produce fresh water." Just like nothing lives in the salt filled Dead Sea, salt water poured over a plant will kill it. On the other hand, pouring fresh water on a plant will bring it life. In a similar way- water or in our case, words- can be destructive to the point of death or so uplifting that it produces life. As a wife and mother I speak more than 50% of the words in the household. Just think what an impact our words have on the atmosphere of our home. Each time we speak, we can choose which result we would like to produce...I desire to be a fresh water spring that encourages others and creates a positive, uplifting environment.

Looking forward to studying James 3: 13-18 with you next week!

M

Favoritism Forbidden

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”[b] also said, “You shall not murder.”[c] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Hope that so far this summer has been relaxing and fun for you all! This week's verses shout "love one another!" to me...let's take a look...

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Man I am glad that our Lord does not have favorites! In Acts 10:34 Peter further solidifies this notion, "34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism." As we seek to be Christlike, we must strive to do the same.

When was the last time you judged someone based on how they look? What car they drove? How they dressed their kids? It is so easy to fall into judgment isn't it? It takes much more self control to keep our minds pure from judgment or as it says in verse 4, straight up "evil thoughts." In Luke 6:37 it says 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." This truth really puts these verses quickly into perspective. What if we operated on the assumption that whatever we said in our minds or out loud about someone else- we said about ourselves. How would it feel? Let alone, what consequence would that judgment have for our souls eternally?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”[b] also said, “You shall not murder.”[c] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

It is all or nothing. Just because we do not commit the sins that may be large in our eyes mentioned in verse 11, does not mean that we are not guilty of sin. Showing favoritism is a sin. In what areas of your life do you think you show favoritism to others? We need to continue to re-direct our thoughts to verse 8 in which it says "love your neighbor as yourself." We need to meditate on Matthew 7:12, "12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." And teach our kids to love others like Christ does- as valuable, unique, designed perfectly little people for His purpose.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

"Mercy triumphs over judgment"- That should be printed on a banner or a t-shirt, shouldn't it? In Matthew 5:7 it says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy". These would be great verses to memorize, to tuck in our hearts- to guard them from judgment. James 2: 12-13: "12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

What an incredible reminder that judging others is serious business. I would guess that most of us judge in our minds way more often than out loud. The next time judgment of another person crosses your mind I challenge you and myself, to take that thought captive and replace it with James 2:12 and 13. Taking ownership of your thoughts is easier said than done, but I know from personal experience that it is possible.

Shortly after we moved to Texas I went through a season sprinkled with significant anxiety. I sought wise counsel. Through that counseling process I learned how to take my unhealthy thoughts captive. When my mind drifted to something that would cause me to worry (my husband's family cancer history, taking a long trip by myself with the kids, being outgoing in a room of people I had never met before, etc.), I quickly captured the offending thought and replaced it with truth. Often, I repeated Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." By taking thoughts about judgment captive and replacing them with scripture we can apply God's Word to our everyday lives. I think this really works- you be the judge :-)


Looking forward to studying James 2:14-26 with you next week!

M

Listening and Doing

James 1:

19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.


 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.


26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


I pray that God will use this text to draw us closer to Him.  This week's verses came to me at the perfect time- doesn't it always happen like that?  God has the perfect timing and His Word brings light to our sometimes dim circumstances.  I love how as I dig into the Bible, God reminds me what path I (and my family) should take.  Our relationship with Christ is personal and the Holy Spirit lifts the personal messages to our souls off the page each time we open His book.  Let me share with you what message I received this week...  


19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Verse 19 has been playing over and over in my mind the past couple of weeks.  2 of my kids have been rather quick to anger recently.  One of them exhibits anger probably because she can't yet communicate (Have one of your children or your friend's children ever gone through that excruciatingly loud squeal phase? We are loving that right now :-)), but the other kiddo just needs to practice self control and be obedient to God's Word.  As do I, man, as do I...slow to speak, slow to become angry...   In verse 19 James says "Brothers and Sisters"-men and women, "Everyone"-no exclusions, children and adults alike, "should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." James did not say it is ok to be angry when your anger seems justified or to speak freely as soon as your thoughts can reach your mouth.  How many times do you speak when you should stay silent?  For me, too many times to count.  I have been more aware of this weakness in my flesh and have been trying to exercise more self discipline in listening and being more slow to speak.  I love what Proverbs 10:19 says, "when there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Self control and tongue restraint produce wisdom. 


On a side note, as I searched God's Word for more on anger I ran across Proverbs 16:32 which I thought was perfect to share with my little boy, who's name means "Brave Protector."  He has a lot of respect for the "mighty" super heroes and brave animals of this world and like myself and many other little boys, he is practicing self control.  I am going to be pouring this scripture into his little soul over the next few weeks.  "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit (or practices self control),is better than he who captures a city."


James says in verse 20 that if we do not restrain our anger, we will not produce the "righteousness that God desires."  What does it mean to be righteous?  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, righteousness means "to be acting in accord with divine or moral law; free from guilt or sin."  In ridding ourselves from anger and excess talk, we are "acting in accord with divine law."  We are more Christlike.  This is my ultimate desire- to be more Christlike, to be righteous in the eyes of God. 


 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Verse 21 says it plain and simply- get rid of all that "filth!"  Clean up our mouths and accept His Word as stated above that is planted in our hearts. "That which will save us" is a call to action to get rid of the sin in our hearts and with humility, embrace God's Word. Hearing is not the same as listening, absorbing, and then reacting to what you have heard.  Just as it is stated in Luke 6:46-49:  46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”


Do you want to have your house built on the solid rock?  To not be carried away by each trial, struggle, or transition?  We must not only listen, but walk out our identity in Christ.  The freedom of knowing that our foundation is solid, allows us to live life fully, not hesitating or grieving over each challenge. God will bless our obedience.


26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


It is hard not to be influenced by this world.  To rein in our tongues...1 John 2:15-17 reminds us that this world and all the culture, gossip, and sin it has to offer is not our home- it is just a temporary resting place.  1 John 2:15-17  says "15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."  Because this world is not our home, we should not be influenced by it.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and be doers of His Word- loving others and picking each other up when we are in times of need.  In doing so, we are welcoming others into our religion, the religion of our God the Father, Jesus Christ.


Looking forward to studying James 2: 1-13 next week!  Have a wonderful week!  As always, feel free to post comments of anything that God shared with you regarding these verses this week...  I am grateful to you for joining me in this study :-)


M

"Trials and Temptations"

James 1: 1-18:  

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Before studying God's Word, I pray to ask that I will absorb what He would like to reveal to me through each passage.  I also pray that I will not be a stumbling block to those who read this, but instead, be an encourager to others to seek the power in God's Word.  I invite you to do the same.  For our first week, we are going to look at the above verses in James, Ch. 1.   As I read these verses, I recognized the depth of the verses and the boldness in which God is speaking through James.  I know that we will all take away some great application from verses 1-18.  Let's dive in...

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

Greetings.

In verse one, we learn who James is- a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  We also learn who he is speaking to:  the twelve tribes-the Jewish people .

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

Wow- does that verse hit y'all (OK, the Texas is all over this sentence :-)) like it does me?  Have you faced trials in your life?  I certainly have on numerous occasions.  It brings me comfort to know that these trials are worth something.  That is a balm to my wounds.  It encourages me to "take them like a man"- without so much complaining and "woe as me" mentality. These trials will develop in me perseverance because they make me rely on faith alone.  It requires me to press on until the end of the trial- until I am "mature and complete"- or perfect.  I also noticed in this passage that it says "trials"- not "a trial"- meaning there will be more than one in my life.  It is refreshing to my soul to know that whichever trial I do face, God is molding me through my perseverance alone to perfect me.  I just need to keep calm and carry on...

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

If everyone in the world knew that if they believed and asked God for wisdom they would receive it- what would our world be like?  These verses make me think of Solomon- the wisest man in the Bible.  In 1 Kings 3:12 God says to Solomon "I will do what you have asked.  I will give you a wise and discerning heart..."  Why is it so hard for us to accept a free gift?  All we have to do is believe and ask...  

Verse 6 through verse 8 make me think of the woman who just can't decide how she feels about something...she makes a decision and then she doubts, she has a double mind and her decision was not made on a firm foundation- it may waver with the company she keeps.  How can we expect to receive the fullness that God has for us if we waver in our faith of Him?  Ultimately, we have to pick a team and build a foundation upon it (preferably on the solid rock of Christ), or we will be living on shifting sand with nothing to keep us from falling under.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

This reminds me of Matthew 19:24:  "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."   We need to be reminded to have humility in all of our circumstances and that our life on Earth is temporary.  Riches here on Earth mean nothing.- they will die as quickly as the flowers on my front porch.  Verse 11 gives me a clear visual because of the Texas heat we are currently experiencing- "the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty destroyed."  Each time I walk past my drought stricken plants, they will remind me of the rich man who faded away while being distracted by working to be rich and how as a Believer I should be honored that I keep company with Christ and do so with humility and a grateful heart.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Has anyone ever said to you, "God will not give you more than you can handle."- Well, that comment most likely comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13.  "¹³ No temptation^[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."  I love this verse.  We must not give into to our sinful desires.  Our culture often puts blame on circumstances, etc. when the root of our "death" as it is described verse 15 is our own sin.  God is faithful and He will provide a way out so that you can endure your current trial.  All we need to do is seek Him.  -  In persevering we will receive the "crown of life" or salvation.  

I am sure like me, you have quoted or seen verse 17 many times.  In its context I recognize that God does not tempt people, but He does offer good and perfect gifts.  I love verse 18- that through His word, we will be like firstfruits of all creation-  what does it mean to be His "firstfruits"?- Just as it is written in 1 Peter 1:23, "for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God."  Now that, salvation in Christ, is a good and perfect gift. 

I was so challenged and encouraged by reading James Ch. 1: 1-18 this week.  The book of James is definitely a call to action.  It is a challenge to seek God first and press on!  It is a reminder of just how much He loves us.  Just as it is stated in John 14: 21:  "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.  The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."  By keeping His commands we are persevering through trials and through temptation.  And our reward for doing so is growing closer to Him.   

It is so amazing to see each time I open my Bible how God's Word is living and consistent.  I hope that as you studied this text He brought to light some of the richness I took from the text and lots more.  Feel free to post a comment if you would like to share what God revealed to you this week through these verses.  Thank you for your obedience in seeking God and joining me on this journey.  Looking forward to what God has in store for next week as we read Ch. 1, verses 19-27.