The Book of James: A book generally accepted as the work of James the brother of Jesus Christ in the flesh and in Spirit. It was addressed to the Christian Jews who were scattered abroad. It is also addressed to all Christians today; and more specifically to me right now.

James 1

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: (Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation (as a Christian), called to the true riches and to be an heir of God)

LORD, if I must boast, let all my boasting be of You, of Your faithfulness in my life, and the finished work of the cross.

By the working of the Holy Spirit inscribe a humble state in my spirit at all times. I worship You Father every single day for Jesus Christ because He took the shame and guilt that was rightfully mine and laid it upon Himself all for love; and so that I may be called a child of God.

Indeed, there is no other greater blessing in this life than to be called a child of God: one redeemed from sin and death.

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. (Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits)

There is no stability in riches and in wealth; those who trust in riches and whose confidence is in their wealth or the wealth of the world will fall. The saying of old has stood the test of time: that money can’t buy happiness. Lord, knowing You and being forgiven by You is the only way to peace. Keep me in the love of God and in the service of Jesus Christ all the days of my life. And when riches increase, let my heart not be set on them.

12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

Again like Job, in all my circumstances let this be the testimony of my inner life: “But You know the way that I take: when You have tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Lord, as You work a wonderful work in me, reinforce the wall of faith, which is the shield of my life; that the enemy may not gain a foothold at any one point. Even in courage and boldness, Lord be my rock and my hiding place.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does He tempt any man. (For God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.)

Holy Spirit, keep my lips from this folly and let all the words that flow from my mouth be from the meditations of Your Word.

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

When temptations or trials come, send me a word – in time – to rise above it. So that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift me up a standard against him.

Father, help me to live a life above reproach and sin, because Lord, You have overcome sin for me. I desire to live a fulfilling life; where I will always be at the center of Your will all the days of my life.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift (free, large, full) is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Lord, let not any of Your good gifts become to me a stumbling block to serving You and living boldly for You; whether the gift be: property, a husband, children, wealth, etc…Father, I pray that none of these things remove me from the secret place of the most High and under the shadow of the Almighty. But that they will only deepen my love for You.

18 Of His own will He begat us (as sons) with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Lord, teach me to see with my spiritual eyes in all situations of my life. Father, You are worthy. And I thank you for redeeming me and saving me from the empty pursuits of this world. Help me to fight from a position of knowledge of who I am in You: a son/a daughter of the most High King.

Amen!

Study Reminder: As you study this book, remember: For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome — Jeremiah 29:11

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