On this day of my birth, I will pray and vow to work harder on etching the words of God on my heart and doing as the word says. Not just reading but also putting the teachings to action for the glory of God.
i love james 1. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 NLT
all of this is just good. it’s great reminders that i need to be reminded of when i’m going through different trials in my life.
i love james 1. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 NLT
it’s so easy for us to encourage others but when it comes to ourselves we tend to forget what we should do. we see that in job and his friend said ““In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.”
Job 4:3-5 NLT
his friend had to remind him of what he’s told others.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27
25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:26 if I teach my kids religion and the love of God, but then am harsh to them with my tongue, my religion will be worthless in their eyes. Kids know you the best – they will know if I’m practicing what I’m preaching to them.
5But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
it touches you, and you are dismayed.
2“If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?
Yet who can keep from speaking?
3Behold, you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.
6Is not your fear of God your confidence,
and the integrity of your ways your hope?
Pure religion that is pleasing to God it’s to keep yourself untainted by the world. This means that we need to be spending more time in God’s word and with the Lord then with things of this world. You don’t just have to spend time with God when you’re at church or reading the Bible, you could literally just see a beautiful sunrise and say thank you Lord
12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
So powerful!
The passage of the day was all too real and specific to the day we all faced in Southern California. We lost loved ones. I pray for Kobe Bryant’s family and all the other families as they lost their moms, dads, sisters, wife, husbands. Ugh. Faith is being majorly tested.
I see a lot of contrast between Job and James in today’s reading. But the thing that sticks out to me the most is the fact that I’m today’s passages from Job we see him hurting and suffering and depressed, but his friend comes to him and says, “Look up! You tell everyone else to find the good in bad situations and now you need to take your own advice.” And in James we read not only that we are to count our trials as blessings, but also that our duty as Christians is to take care of those around us. To sit in the muck with them when they’re stuck in it. To be with them in that place. But to remind them to look up.
Sisters of Christ, James reminds us let to not just be hearers of His word but doers! A broken and hurting world awaits. Together we are stronger when we choose to move into action. Let’s us go boldly to serve the orphans and widows. And those who need Jesus.
12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. This verse brings great hope!
Job finally snaps a little but, but I think in this passage we also see the importance of having a good Christian community around you to support you. Instead of feeding into Job feeling sorry for himself, his friends point him back to the gospel.
I have read Job in the past and have always loved how immovable he was despite his circumstances. Something I realized today is he blames satan/the oppressor rather than God like his friends and wife wanted to do.
Reading through the comments, it’s definitely very evident to me of the contrast between Job and James! James says to “count it all JOY when we face various trials”… and we see Job who is in the midst of such deep sorrow. Wow. It’s also such a sweet reminder for me to lean on the Lord and count on His faithfulness in the midst of ANY uncertainty or any trial. Really needed that today ♥️ thanks ladies
11”For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” we should look to God and only Him forever -ellie
I’m just covered in tears as i read Job and James. I grieve for Job and the truth in James. Oh how i pray and then try to work things out thru my self and might. Such a waste of energy and lost sleep.
I love how Job and James tend to line up here today! It shows an unchanging, steadfast God who wants us to love Him and cling to Him through it all. Such a good self-check as well!
It was eye opening when reading Job, realizing the lies that seep into my thoughts constantly. Trying to tempt me with my pride and selfishness. It was a reminder to pray for the killing of my inwardly focused self daily. Allowing me to center my life completely on the all-powerful, all-knowing God I get to call my father! ❤️
11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
This verse is so convicting! It’s so easy as believers in the West to get wrapped up in our comforts and pursuits of happiness in this world. Yet God’s word reminds us here that if we lose sight of what is most important, being on His mission, our lives will wilt so quickly with no lasting impact! If we follow after our comforts, for we are rich compared to the world, we will quickly fade away! May God be gracious to tether our hearts to Him so that we remember what we are to be about!
I LOVE the contrast here, we are truly seeing the difference of a time before Jesus and after when comparing the story of Job and James! God would never tempt Satan in order to prove someone a Godly man, he would never be in communion with Satan in the first place and secondly feel the need to prove anything! That would mean God is prideful and He is not. But that was the belief in a time before Jesus. In James we are reminded and shown why Jesus was important to come to save us and to free us of that way of thinking. / 1: 13-15 / God is impervious to evil and puts evil in no ones way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and us only, then 16-18 / There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.
I highlighted so many things in James 1! I struggle with being slower to listen and quick to speak and sometimes quick to get offended or angry. I don’t always keep a tight rein on my mouth. I do pray for help with these issues but it never seems to get any easier.
Count it joy—the highest degree of patience. And Job in the highest degree of pain. And they sit 7 days in suffering silence. That’s beautiful. May we be so patient in what God has allowed! I can’t wrap my brain around this kind of loss, Job.
I loved this chapter of James. So many great reminders of how to live life like Jesus- quick to hear and slow to speak, to remain steadfast in trial, and be a doer and not just a hearer. Jesus, please change my heart to be more like you!
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.
Wow!
Quick to hear and slow to speak. Words I truly need to remind myself everyday! So quickly we are to speak! I am guilty of it and something I’m asking the lord to help me with on a daily basis.
Wow, I am again humbled and have been so encouraged by the truth and love that I find each day in these passages and lessons. This plan and community of women have given more understanding and insight of what truth and love is in and between the words that are written and read. I thank you God for guiding me to this plan and app you are so Awesome, thanks again for this community of sisters in Christ. Love and devotion to you God and my Lord Jesus Christ AMEN
The very last segment that discusses authentic and inauthentic religiosity is so relevant today. I feel like our newly inaugurated president used a platform of Christianity to seem moral, but his words and actions display the most un-Christian-like behavior I have ever seen. It is important to be reminded what religious truth looks like, especially when powerful people make it seem otherwise.
I’ve been pondering it too. It has really brought to light that there is no one who is righteous aside from the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither candidate was ideal or moral. We must look to Jesus as our Savior, not a man or woman–it is He who makes us great again (or new again!). It is a difficult time–our government needs prayer and our nation needs revival based on Jesus, not any other movement.
amen! I think it’s easy to get caught up in the election and hope that your candidate will bring about the change you want to see. but that’s putting your faith in man (or woman!) and you can see the mass distress that has caused so many unbelievers. their hope is gone because it was on faulty ground. our true hope never fails, though, because it is rooted and grounded in Christ. We have to measure every word we hear by the scriptures and not be swayed to and fro with the various winds of doctrine.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Such a beautiful parallel between the passages today. Job starts out as steadfast in his trials, but then gives in and starts questioning God. Lord, help me to remain steadfast even through the trials that I face, because everything good that I have comes from you
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
These two verses stood out to me today. I think it’s easy to shrug off sin onto someone or something else. However, I am the cause of my sin by dwelling on the desire, acting on it, and ultimately dying from it. To use a quote from the movie Penelope, “it’s not the power of the curse, but the power you give the curse.” These two verses reminded me how important it is to take every thought captive and turn it over to God.
I love the link with how the Job verses, we are seeing him going through testing, and then James opens up telling us to be patient during times of test by
This was a really great passage today. Even though it was rereading some from Sunday I believe? It was really thorough and added to it. James just added to the message beautifully. It’s such a hard lesson to actually put to use in life when we just want to blame everyone in this day and age. But if we just trust God and lean on him for everything, putting him first, he shows us just how much we need him. And how amazing he really is. I dunno why, but i think it’s really important.
Job 4:3-6
3 Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.
5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
it touches you, and you are dismayed.
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
These verses have always been taught to me, but going through the struggles of life, it can be SO hard to lean on God’s word and really believe what He is saying. “Easier said than done” I think goes right along with what is being said in the first passage because it is so easy to give advice and tell the people having hard times around you to trust God’s plan, though right when bad things happen to me, I seem to get stuck in the same position they were in. But God is telling us, these trials and every struggle we go through is part of life. He tells us to think of these trials as joy and if we have faith and find strength in Jesus, we will find endless, abundant happiness in the end. We will receive the crown of life!
Wow- James 1 is amazing. Really spoke to me today. We must believe in our hearts that God will do good on our behalf, and not only that- that we can’t just believe what we read, but we must act and act in accordance with it! Powerful reminder that our walk with the Lord never ends after accepting Him- it is continuous!
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
I’m struggling with these verses because I feel like they are telling me that my prayers are worthless when I’m wrestling with doubt. I’ve always been a believer but as I’ve gotten older and started going deeper into my faith, I’ve found that more doubts do seem to come up. I feel like it’s normal to wrestle with doubt as I believer, so I’m having trouble reconciling these two viewpoints. Any perspective on this would be so so helpful because I’m just feeling really discouraged by this honestly.
I had the same thoughts, and I am not a theological scholar, but just like the Bible tells us not to sin and that no one is righteous, God knows we will sin. We will always struggle with sin, daily. So I don’t know if this verse in James was written to say that absolutely if you doubt, your prayer won’t be heard. Perhaps it is more to bring our attention to our doubts so that we can offer them up to God and say, I’m doubting you. Forgive me. Help me to trust you. Help my unbelief. That is an honest, contrite prayer. And Psalm 51 tells us, a humble and contrite heart God will not despise. Those who constantly doubt and don’t check their doubts, I think their prayers won’t be heard. Again, I am not a scholar, but I hope you can measure what I have said against the Scripture and find some truth and encouragement in it. Submit your questions to God in prayer–he will give you clarity. He is not a God of confusion!
Remember to look at these verses in context. James is talking about what people should do when they are lacking wisdom. When you need wisdom, you are to go to God in faith, not doubting that he’s going to give you the wisdom that you are asking for. If you ask for wisdom, know that God will give it to you. You need to act upon how he leads you, without doubting. If you are going to doubt that he has giving you wisdom, it is like you are throwing all of that wisdom away. You are going to be like the wave of the sea and you were not going to get anything from the Lord, and you will be unstable. That is the doubting that is referred to here from all that I can see and from what has been previously explained to me. These verses have actually gotten me through some very difficult decisions. What a comfort to know that we can just ask God for wisdom and know that he will give it if we ask in faith.
I also read “You Version”‘s daily verse of the day, and today ‘a verse is : James 1:5–6. If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God… I believe I needed to hear this more than once today. Thank you Lord for allowing us the privilege of coming into your presence and asking freely of Your wisdom
Job has become so distraught that he is cursing the day of his birth! I can just hear the dismay. What an amazing friend he has in Eliphaz, to remind Job of all the times he helped encourage and uplift others through their tribulations. And that now that Job is facing his own trial he cannot be so quick to give up. Lord grant me the patience to endure all trials that come my way, and the wisdom to know that every hardship I face is meant to bring me closer to You, and GROW my faith rather than destroy it. As James tells us, “12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” THANK YOU LORD for your steadfast love and faithfulness! Glory to our Heavenly Father who remains true in all circumstances. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!
I love the image of Job’s friends just “sitting with.” I think sometimes we forget to just sit with people and we try to have all the words and advice but what people just need is presence.
The image my mind painted of James through todays passage is one that I pray I present to the world. One of humbleness and humilty, yet strength and compassion. I absolutely loved todays lessons.
Lord give me the courage and strength to be an example like you made job and James. Allow me to not only hear the word but understand and follow the word as well. In your name oh God amen
13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
Wow! Talk about a ministry of presence. To sit with someone for a week straight, not even talking while someone is going through such a tough time is beautiful.
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.
I love these verses because it reminds me how important it is to not only know the word but to follow The word.
I love james 1!!!!!! What a beautiful thought process about trials and tribulations. I have gone through some very difficult health problems and it is easy to ask why me? But I Must stay faithful in the fact that this is the plan for my life
I heard a quiet voice:
17“Can a person be more righteous than God,
or a man more pure than his Maker? ”
This verse from Job 4 struck me. I know Job was not given trials bc he was sinning necessarily, but it still helps to remember that he was born into life as a sinner and God was using those trials to sanctify him.
Wow both of these reading have really shown me so much of how I’m living and how I should be living. We must be so in love with God that we are compelled to love others and share His love with them and be His light. Just praying that God would continue that work in me to spread more of His love to everyone I encounter.
Reading Job has really struck a chord. I have just recently been thinking a lot about my childhood and everything that happened to make me the person I am today – a lot of which is ‘in spite’ of my childhood. But yet I have had people say to me that I have been so faithful to God, that they are surprised that I am who I am despite what happened. And now I can see that it was kind of like Job’s situation – God knew I could handle it, that even in my darkest moments, I would turn to Him. I know that this isn’t necessarily the case for every situation like this, but these readings are so aptly timed, I know this is God’s reassuring message to me.
25 What I feared has come upon me;
what I dreaded has happened to me.
Satan is aware of our fears, our greatest dreads. If we give voice to them and don’t turn them over to God, we unknowingly give power and ammunition to satan.
The following verse in Job really stuck out to me: 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” WOW, to have God look down and say what about her, she is so faithful and full of integrity. I want that! I want God to look at me that way!
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. -remove all evil from your life. With God there are no exceptions. Evil is evil. And there is no such thing as a small sin. You cannot serve God and the world. So easy to understand, but it is so hard to fathom. And the beautiful thing about it is that with God in our hearts. This is actually easy. He will never give us trials that we cannot overcome. These are two of my favorite books of the bible put together! It’s incredible how they support each other.
James 1:5 is one of my favorites: “So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching and it will be given.” So many time I feel like I am lacking in the skills, ability, knowledge needed to serve God how he requires. But this verse reminds me that all I need to do is ask for his help and he will give generously. So encouraging.
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.
Oh man. I am in tears with today’s reading. It is EXACTLY what I need to hear.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
This is true it’s not ab just reading the bible it’s about learning from it and living by gods word.
Dang, James 1 got to me… So encouraging and convicting all at the same time! I am going through some tough times and those reminders are freaking amazing! Also I got to convicted on the do not just read part, but DO!! This study has been incredible and I value each time spent with the Bible, but I have not been in the habit of doing! Gosh, I just love James and am so thankful for that little book.
In church a couple weeks ago, we learned the two greatest things God wants us to do as Christians is 1) love God and 2) love our neighbor. Both the Job and James passages just emphasize those points so much. From being there to a friend to holding my tongue when I know I might say something out of bitterness. These passages and psalm 15, have really been convicting me of my own sin. The conviction is hard, but I pray that God can soften my heart and show the places where I can love those around me better. I pray that he can fill my heart and take out my bitterness. We all need to hold onto the thoughts of goodness and grace the Jesus has bestowed on us!
James 1:12 “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.”
This scripture really spoke to me. I’ve been struggling to keep up with my daily devotions, because of school and personal issues. Sometime k find myself getting so caught up in trivial things and I don’t focus on what I’m meant to be focusing on. There are things that I’m dealing with, and I need to be reminded that God is in control and he doesn’t put anything on us that He believes we cannot bare.
Mmm! James 1 — straight to the heart. so often I am a wave of the sea, tossed by the wind. praying that I may lack nothing and trust fully on God and to pray bolding without doubt.
Is amazing To tras Job and James together, this week we amare having an activity with 200 Kids at church and I was really nervous… Is amazing how Gid knew I’ll reas this today and how it will comfort my heart
“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.” Oh!!!!! What a comforting and affirming word from our Father: to KNOW. and REST in the certainty of His GIVING to us PERFECTLY.
Yes I believe so! From what I’ve read…his friend is looking for a reason this is happening to job so he assumes there must be some sin and God is punishing him. He’s clearly wrong but we often need “reasons” why something is or isn’t happening. I think we do this a lot of the time and assume we’re being punished for something we are doing or have done wrong.
10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. I have been blessed with a good job that pays well. Not by my own merit but by the blessing of the Lord. May the Lord reveal any pride or treasure I store up on earth.
I’m reading today’s reading after attending a women’s conference where the topic was spiritual warfare. So this was a nice reminder that even though Satan is out to get us and try to pull us away from God, that we serve a God who is bigger and that the trails we experience can bring us closer to Him.
Also it was really interesting reading these two passages together. The Job passages really help put what James writes years later into perspective.
Another great James study is Beth Moore’s. It’s a convicting study but so so good.
the Book of James will always be one of my favorites. The fact that Jesus was his half brother and that James was more focused on introducing himself as a slave of Christ is just beautiful ❤️
I am confused by that scripture: I have always been told only God can take life… This seems like satan can, but God did not allow it for Job? May be thinking to hard- just struck me as odd.
Job 3:20-22 “Why is light given to one burdened with grief, and life to those whose existence is bitter, who wait for death, but it does not come, and search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with much joy and are glad when they reach the grave?” // He wondered why light is given to those who are burdened + searching for death more than for hidden treasure + who are filled with joy when they reach the grave // “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44) two types of hidden treasures here.. One being death and the other the kingdom of heaven. One being filled with joy to see the grave. Another being filled with joy to sell everything he owns to by the field / having his eyes on fixed on the Kingdom of Heaven.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. When we go to God he will help us through any trials we are going through. But we must remember to not only praise him through the good times but also through the bad times❤️
Today’s reading plan brought tears to my eyes. I recently went through two years or trials and tribulation. But I so greatly thank the Lord for all of those lessons because it brought me closer to him it has strengthened our bond.
Still cannot fathom loss of 10 kids, possessions, & health in 24 hrs. I faced Stage 2 cancer, wrestled deeply w/ loss. Scripture interprets Scripture. Jam 1:2 says Count it Joy. Means the ‘Highest Degree’ of Patience. Let these trials of ours set out to work in us what is right. I’m too intent on getting rid of what God has allowed. Persevere, crying out for Wisdom.
You guys, I am going to be honest. I do not like reading Job. It gives me anxiety. I immediately think “well, all these terrible things happened to Job. What’s stopping them from happening to me?” I sometimes live in fear of trials, hardship, and loss. Throughout my life I have endured them and the Lord has been faithful, yet still, I forget (terrible!) and often live with the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality. Job really brings a lot of my deep soul fears into the light. I don’t feel awesome about reading this today. James is fantastic and so dense that I feel like I need a week to just read that chapter over and over every day (maybe I should). But I am praying that the Lord uses this scripture and the story of Job to illuminate and, more importantly, break down these fears. Feeling a little heavy about this one today.
I totally understand but just remember The Lord restores and he is so faithful he will always be there whatever situation you face he will never leave you
So not alone in that!!! I think it’s natural… Especially for us as women to struggle with this… The verse that popped into my head is Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” And a few verses later in v.31 it says “If God is for us, who can be against us.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”
I think so often we think God wants to have this power trip over is to put us in our place… Instead of him being our loving Father who is never going to put us in harms way!!! Many times it may feel like he is doing just that but we don’t know and don’t see the bigger picture!! He loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us!!! Do you think he would want to bring us harm and not good if this be the case. We need to trust that when trials do come… That they are for our sanctification! That’s what our longing should be for anyways.. To be more like Christ. Trust me… I am preaching to myself here as I wrestle with my own anxiety struggles!!! Keep pressing on my dear sister, Christina!!! Nothing touches you that does not pass through the Fathers hands first and he has a perfect plan for the things he does let touch us!!
I was reading the MSG version, and the introduction has such a refreshing perspective… It starts off” Job suffered…He asked “Why” He asked “Why me?” and he put his auestions to God. He asked his questions persistently, passiontely, and eloquently. He refused to take silence for an answer. He refused to take cliches for an answer. He refused to let God off the hook”… I love this perspective because instead of looking at the suffering only, it takes into account the strength of Job, even under such dire situation… (There is more interesting information to read in the intro section of the MSG book if anyone is intereted…). A different spin to keep in mind when we feel overwhelmed.
Moni thank you so much for this! I have often loved reading passages in many different translations (especially the MSG) but haven’t done so recently. And I love that it said “he refused to take cliches for an answer” or “let God off the hook.” That could almost seem offensive but as you said is a testament to his faith and strength. Thank you for bringing such a great resource and for your encouragement!
Christina, it seems one of your gifts, is encouragement. I appreciate the reply as it is very encouraging to engage with one another, and just the same to be heard. Just as you, the boldness of “let God off the hook” is well, quite bold. Yet, as I get older, I am understanding more the difference between honest boldness verses hiding under the umbrella of “weak humbleness”…. God knows our heart.
Christina,
I agree with you. Reading Job really makes me feel sad. After reflecting, praying and taking moments of silence on the passage and re-reading it did speak to me. I have had some points in my life when I felt really low, but one things I always tried to do was keep God as my center. I feel that through everything Job does that and James reaffirms that if you keep your trust in The Lord you will always find your way.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Erin and I’m glad I’m not the only one! I admire your thoughtfulness and willingness to re-read the difficult passages and sit with them waiting for the Lord. You are encouraging me to do the same. Thank you!
Christina, I am far behind in my reading, so you may never see this. I felt it necessary to reply as I, too, am going through trials of my own and have always felt uncomfortable reading Job. Now that these trials have been placed in my path, I feel somewhat comforted in knowing that a Godly man questioned God. Yes, Job went through so much more than I ever will, but God placed this example in the Bible for us to see that it is alright to struggle with the “why’s” as long as we come back to The Faith of His greater purpose.
I once asked my daughter when she was going through her own trials, “what is THE single most important thing for you to know?” God sent His son to die for OUR sins. He did that so WE WILL live with Him in life everlasting! His love is that deep! So, if these trials are breaking us, we must always remember that whatever happens, God loves us so much that He already gave us The Gift of Grace at a price so heavy that my trials, whatever they might be, will ALWAYS pale in comparison. May God bless YOU, Christina.
Had to tie up my reply to Christina with a bow… My daughter’s theme verse her senior year was James 1:2-4!
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 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.
There is a reason we read these chapters together… It’s a God thing!
I loved seeing James and Job connect/support each other. It is encouraging to know that I am not a foreign creature with emotions of discouragement/distress and then the reminder that Gods word has encouragement for us to cling to in order to combat that! My husband has been enduring months of digestive issues and is limited on what he can eat… He is enduring much stress and turmoil at work and is trying to persevere and seek the Lord to know what the Lord is calling him to do… We are parents to two young children, 3 and 19 months, with another one due in 10 days who had some heart issues and has an irregular heartbeat, so I am under anxiety over what the weeks hold for me and what I have to endure ahead… My husband and I have seen so much refinement and this 365 day reading plan has been so refreshing to my heart as I strive to fix my eyes on Jesus to endure through these trials… And now to be going to James! God is so good an his word is so refreshing for our souls!!! He does not ever leave us or forsake us and he is ever present in times of trouble! His word is a lamp onto our feet and a light onto our path!! Thankful for all of you sisters!
Praying for you and all the present circumstances you’re going through! I pray you find the joy that Jesus gives us all in our hearts when our situation is not joyful! Stay faithful, sister!
James 1:12-15 A great reminder for us all! God doesn’t give the trials or temptations.
Sing with me now ☺️
God is good… God is good… God is good , He’s so good to me! God is good all the time!
You are Gods best creation!! There is so much to take in from this scripture but james 1:18 kept sticking out to me.
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
I started looking deeper into what a firstfruit is to really be able to wrap my head around this verse and this is what I found:
“…and it sets a pattern of giving back to God the first (and the best) of what He has given us.”
God is saying that of all that he created we are FIRST and BEST. He chose US to be those things and US to give birth through the truth. I knew this verse shouted God’s love for us, but I’m so glad I dug deeper to understand. What do you take from this verse?
James 1:5-8. I often pray but don’t have faith in God to respond! Forgive me Father!
I have often doubted at the Lords willingness to give to me what I ask. I must no longer doubt, but have great faith at not only his ability but also his willingness. I must trust in the truth that He loves me and wants to give me good things. Amen
Oh how perfect this was for me this morning. Both Job and James me like a ton of bricks!! Especially verses 6&7, when pray, I must believe it!!! I know sometimes it’s not that easy, but I really need start doing this. I’m going to ask boldly and believe for a complete healing in my disease!!! And it’s so true what Job tells his wife, “shall we expect good from God and not trouble?” If that’s the way we think than we’re no better off than the world. Oh how I needed to see this today. Thank you SRT for these wonderful studies. God Bless you sisters. xo
I struggle with this too. It’s so easy to speak that I believe, but it’s so hard to let go of control and completely believe that God will answer my prayer. Good scripture!
I love James 1:3 where it says, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I don’t usually think of it this way. But it’s totally true. He never gives us more than we can handle.
The pollution of this world can so easily seep into our lives in what we spend time reading., in the TV shows we watch, in the movies we choose to see, in the time we spend on social media…we can allow the world to influence us, little by little and in subtle ways. We have a responsibility to God, ourselves, our children and others who are observing what we do to be aware of this and to guard against it.
When the Lord asks Satan “where do you come from?” and Satan replies “roaming about the earth and walking around on it”…that resonates with me! Satan is here. Walking around me trying to find my weaknesses and make me stumble, question God, and even curse Him.
But so thankful for the reminder of James directly after this. YES satan is here, but do not count your trials as anything but a moment to glorify your Maker! Father help me to see Satan’s attacks and resist him with all my might for you live in my heart and I have joy, peace, and a strength that only comes from YOU!
Yes, amen! Both these readings in Job and James spoke directly to my heart today! Beautiful words and I am so thankful for this group and ladies so that I can get others take on how the word affected them!
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
I bookmarked this in the reading! I often find myself wanting to ask God to help me and then just forget about all that he had already done, and these few verses really are going to set the tone for how I believe and now I know I can’t just expect him to reward me if I am half way believing!
Our pastor is leading a sermon series on freedom; Job and James speak to me so much this morning about the freedom that comes through Jesus. Job had to live by the laws and his own righteousness to be saved. Thank You Jesus for taking that from me, bringing me in a relationship with You. In Your name satan has to flee. You took the keys from his kingdom, he is now powerless.
I love when Job’s friends race to be with him and they find him and they sat with him for 7 days and no one said a word because they saw how great his suffering was. What a picture of friendship! (Too bad they open their mouths later…)
James 1:26. Ouch. If I claim to know God but can’t even control my tongue … what good am I? If people look to me for wisdom and I respond in anger or sarcasm (or even just without thought!) I can end up being a very poor image of God. My tongue must be a priority … and my tongue speaks what is in my heart.
I think Job’s friends remind me that often I am quick to speak … about things I do not understand! God had declared that Job was righteous and blameless. Yet his friend said, “Job you’re suffering because you are sinning! How dare you say that you are right with God! Obviously He is punishing you for some heinous fault”. Job needed comfort. He needed someone to point him to the omniscience and kindness of God. But instead he finds himself chastised. I can’t pretend to know the mind of God. Life is hard. It hurts! There are seasons when I greatly long for death. Because it has to be better than life. But those are the times that MUST drive me to God. Otherwise I will be lost in despair.
Antimony, great points. Love your honesty and brokenness… I can relate with everything you said. The MSG intro section made this point “…we need to quit feeling sorry for people who suffer and instead to look up to them, learn from them, and–if they will let us– join them in protest and prayer”…
Verse 27 In James says, part of Religion that God accepts is to keep oneself from being polluted by the world–that particularly stands out as relevant to me as I can get caught up easily in the ways of the world. I want to be more like Job- a servant who God empowers to endure rather than a daughter swayed and polluted by this world
I often felt like Job, that is wishing I was never born. How comforting that God allowed that specific notation in the Bible. Allowing whispers of His love coming back saying ‘it is okay’…and ‘that others have felt the same way’. God knows what we are thinking, therefore saying it out loud is not shocking to him… Allowing this passage in the Bible and so many other stories similar to this, is to help us relate, to help us move along…can you imagine if the Bible reflected only perfect situations? God is in control, it may not ~feel~ like it, but He is…
I love seeing Job and James lined up like this, I have never read them so close together but to see the struggle and grief Job is experiencing alongside James telling us how to get through trials and “count them all joy” is quite a beautiful thing. I can fully relate to Job crying out and have had similar cries feeling like it would be better if I had never been born. I always feel guilty about those times but there is something comforting to know I’m not the only one to have them and if I can turn back to God in the midst of them I can truly find joy and purpose again. We know that God works all things for our good according to His purpose and my prayer today is that we can remember these things and trust Him to get us through the trials in life and see them even as a blessing which will grow us close to the Savior who loves us.
19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
My prayer is that The Lord will write this on my heart. Please Lord do this work in me. I am quick to listen, but my words often come out before I take time to think about the consequence. I especially pray that The Lord will continue to work on making me slow to wrath. I feel that He has already tempered my heart and helped me in this way, but this is my struggle. Lord the children I teach often work my nerves, but I need you to speak to my heart so that I can let your love come through in my words and actions. Let me be a doer of the Word. Amen.
This verse spoke to me too! I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 and I am becoming a reactive person. I pray that the Lord works in me making me slow to speak and slow to anger. I needed this reading today.
I am going through a very hard time in my own personal life right now. This has been the hardest season of my life. I often question if I am abiding in the word because truthfully I am that person that James refers to, one who hears but does not apply it. This is a great reminder to get back on The path Jesus wants for me and not my own willed one. To abide like Job and James…….
Anna, I am sorry you are facing one of your hardest season. I asked my mom the other day if I am cursed…I feel all my life I have had to endure a crazy season, after another. If you are asking, it means you are abiding! You are on this app…you are engaging…therefore applying. We are human, God is our foundation, and the one ultimately pulling us. Even in the case of Job, the issue was between God & satan. I try to keep this in mind, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” …it is hard for sure! I hope you have a good network of friends to support you, if not, try as hard as it may be, to create a strong group to support you… This journey is not meant to be walked alone. Praying that God will give your heart peace today & encouragement that you are walking (at least trying your best) to abide in His word…that is the best we can do…
Your comment about one crazy season after another makes me think of a devotion from the book My Utmost for His Highest. It essentially is saying that we were not meant to live life on earth on the mountaintops. Instead, we were meant to live here on earth in the valleys, the mountaintop experiences are God showing us a little bit of heaven to push us to what we have to look forward to while we are being “Jesus” to people who are lost here on earth. That devotion has really stuck with me as I felt the same way you do.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have very severe anxiety and depression and though I have had anxiety in the past, these two things together have rocked me to the core. I pray for Gods healing yet I also continue not to give my worry and anxiety over to him. This study, and support helps for certain. I just keep going back to wanting Gods shelter but not always certain how to get there. I pray for you that you see these seasons in your life as God forging you for the great work you have to do on this earth. He gives us what we can handle right! Grace and peace.
Prior to doing this reading plan, I felt like I was like the person looking in the mirror. With the daily passages being short and digestible, I have found I am retaining more of God’s word, and I think praying about it helped. Plus, it helps having all of you wonderful ladies’ insight. I am forever grateful for all of you.
Me as well! Since starting the 365 I have retained more than ever, & with all of the comments & discussions I have developed a deeper & personal understanding of the Word. Thankful for all of you!
You aren’t alone! Since doing this bible study I have learned so much and am really trying to use what I have learned in my life so that i can be closer with the Lord and do what is pleasing to Him, not the world!
James 1: This passage is a great way to think on the difference between the temporary and the eternal. Yes, we must go through hard trials, but these temporary discomforts achieve for us an eternal reward: a crown of life, eternal treasures in Christ. James reminds us to see our earthly lives through this eternal focus. The rich and the poor have the same thing in common: their lives are short and they can take nothing with them. It’s the same with beauty, approval, and materialism. They all fade away. It makes me think of Jim Elliot’s quote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Why would I hold on to that which is fading away, when untold treasures are kept safe for me in glory? What will I choose?
I challenged how quickly I forget the word of God! James compares this to looking in the mirror and forgetting your face. How foolish and ridiculous! James is full of gems and I want to remember every one of them. I want to sit and mediate and stew on them so I would not forget.
This is amazing scripture to fill your heart, soul, and mind with.
Same! God spoke to me through it
On this day of my birth, I will pray and vow to work harder on etching the words of God on my heart and doing as the word says. Not just reading but also putting the teachings to action for the glory of God.
I like that this scripture in James breaks down the idea of “real religion”. I’d never read that passage before I don’t think.
i love james 1. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 NLT
all of this is just good. it’s great reminders that i need to be reminded of when i’m going through different trials in my life.
i love james 1. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 NLT
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
James 1:22 NLT
it’s so easy for us to encourage others but when it comes to ourselves we tend to forget what we should do. we see that in job and his friend said ““In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.”
Job 4:3-5 NLT
his friend had to remind him of what he’s told others.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. – James 1:27
Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger! Such a good reminder!
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19
19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Words for where we are now! Love His words! Calming, soothing, encouraging!
25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:26 if I teach my kids religion and the love of God, but then am harsh to them with my tongue, my religion will be worthless in their eyes. Kids know you the best – they will know if I’m practicing what I’m preaching to them.
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5But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
it touches you, and you are dismayed.
2“If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?
Yet who can keep from speaking?
3Behold, you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.
6Is not your fear of God your confidence,
and the integrity of your ways your hope?
Wow ❤️
Don’t be polluted by the world!
In both passages the common message is: circumstances, and perhaps our obedience, change but God does not.
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Yes!!! Agreed. Your inner circle is important.
Yes! We are never alone. There are trials, but God is there. Read the word and do what it says. Hallelujah! Amen!
Pure religion that is pleasing to God it’s to keep yourself untainted by the world. This means that we need to be spending more time in God’s word and with the Lord then with things of this world. You don’t just have to spend time with God when you’re at church or reading the Bible, you could literally just see a beautiful sunrise and say thank you Lord
Ask for wisdom. He gives it liberally
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12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
So powerful!
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Seems like Job is considering the celebration of birth as sin, what does everyone think of this?
I very much disagree. It seems to me that he is mourning and wish he was never born because of all the pain he is feeling and going through.
The passage of the day was all too real and specific to the day we all faced in Southern California. We lost loved ones. I pray for Kobe Bryant’s family and all the other families as they lost their moms, dads, sisters, wife, husbands. Ugh. Faith is being majorly tested.
I see a lot of contrast between Job and James in today’s reading. But the thing that sticks out to me the most is the fact that I’m today’s passages from Job we see him hurting and suffering and depressed, but his friend comes to him and says, “Look up! You tell everyone else to find the good in bad situations and now you need to take your own advice.” And in James we read not only that we are to count our trials as blessings, but also that our duty as Christians is to take care of those around us. To sit in the muck with them when they’re stuck in it. To be with them in that place. But to remind them to look up.
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We are told to count suffering as a joy! What a pleasure is that!!! To suffer for the name of God! Count me in!
We are told to count suffering as a joy!
Sisters of Christ, James reminds us let to not just be hearers of His word but doers! A broken and hurting world awaits. Together we are stronger when we choose to move into action. Let’s us go boldly to serve the orphans and widows. And those who need Jesus.
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19My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger
A reminder to be patient and extend grace to one another
12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. This verse brings great hope!
Job finally snaps a little but, but I think in this passage we also see the importance of having a good Christian community around you to support you. Instead of feeding into Job feeling sorry for himself, his friends point him back to the gospel.
I have read Job in the past and have always loved how immovable he was despite his circumstances. Something I realized today is he blames satan/the oppressor rather than God like his friends and wife wanted to do.
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Reading through the comments, it’s definitely very evident to me of the contrast between Job and James! James says to “count it all JOY when we face various trials”… and we see Job who is in the midst of such deep sorrow. Wow. It’s also such a sweet reminder for me to lean on the Lord and count on His faithfulness in the midst of ANY uncertainty or any trial. Really needed that today ♥️ thanks ladies
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11”For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” we should look to God and only Him forever -ellie
Amen, may we ponder the religion that is undefined and keeps us undefiled by the world.
I’m just covered in tears as i read Job and James. I grieve for Job and the truth in James. Oh how i pray and then try to work things out thru my self and might. Such a waste of energy and lost sleep.
Day 26❤️
Clinging to him as I grieve the loss of a loved one, and learning the importance of clinging to him in all times, through all worries and fears.
Praying for you, Sarah! ❤️
Praying sarah
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As someone who has chronic pain this really is comforting and gives me something to reach to in the bible that will comfort me.
I love how Job and James tend to line up here today! It shows an unchanging, steadfast God who wants us to love Him and cling to Him through it all. Such a good self-check as well!
Thankful for everyone’s insights! I love reading through the comments. Happy Saturday ❤️❤️
It was eye opening when reading Job, realizing the lies that seep into my thoughts constantly. Trying to tempt me with my pride and selfishness. It was a reminder to pray for the killing of my inwardly focused self daily. Allowing me to center my life completely on the all-powerful, all-knowing God I get to call my father! ❤️
That’s great!
So true!
Done❤️
11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
This verse is so convicting! It’s so easy as believers in the West to get wrapped up in our comforts and pursuits of happiness in this world. Yet God’s word reminds us here that if we lose sight of what is most important, being on His mission, our lives will wilt so quickly with no lasting impact! If we follow after our comforts, for we are rich compared to the world, we will quickly fade away! May God be gracious to tether our hearts to Him so that we remember what we are to be about!
Great insight
Happy Saturday everyone
I love the pairing of Job and James!
Quick to hear. Slow to speak. ♥️
I LOVE the contrast here, we are truly seeing the difference of a time before Jesus and after when comparing the story of Job and James! God would never tempt Satan in order to prove someone a Godly man, he would never be in communion with Satan in the first place and secondly feel the need to prove anything! That would mean God is prideful and He is not. But that was the belief in a time before Jesus. In James we are reminded and shown why Jesus was important to come to save us and to free us of that way of thinking. / 1: 13-15 / God is impervious to evil and puts evil in no ones way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and us only, then 16-18 / There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.
But didn’t God allow Satan to tempt Jobs in the first place to prove to Satan his faith wouldn’t falter?
I highlighted so many things in James 1! I struggle with being slower to listen and quick to speak and sometimes quick to get offended or angry. I don’t always keep a tight rein on my mouth. I do pray for help with these issues but it never seems to get any easier.
Count it joy—the highest degree of patience. And Job in the highest degree of pain. And they sit 7 days in suffering silence. That’s beautiful. May we be so patient in what God has allowed! I can’t wrap my brain around this kind of loss, Job.
I loved this chapter of James. So many great reminders of how to live life like Jesus- quick to hear and slow to speak, to remain steadfast in trial, and be a doer and not just a hearer. Jesus, please change my heart to be more like you!
Count it all Joy!!!!
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.
Wow!
Quick to hear and slow to speak. Words I truly need to remind myself everyday! So quickly we are to speak! I am guilty of it and something I’m asking the lord to help me with on a daily basis.
I am guilty to
The same goes for me. I need to control my mouth. Help me Lord!
Wow, I am again humbled and have been so encouraged by the truth and love that I find each day in these passages and lessons. This plan and community of women have given more understanding and insight of what truth and love is in and between the words that are written and read. I thank you God for guiding me to this plan and app you are so Awesome, thanks again for this community of sisters in Christ. Love and devotion to you God and my Lord Jesus Christ AMEN
To be a doer not just a hearer, to obey and believe. When I want my way, do I believe God’s way is far better?
hey, ladies! quick question: if there a reason we’re reading job 2 twice?
I think just a typo!
I was wondering the same thing!
The very last segment that discusses authentic and inauthentic religiosity is so relevant today. I feel like our newly inaugurated president used a platform of Christianity to seem moral, but his words and actions display the most un-Christian-like behavior I have ever seen. It is important to be reminded what religious truth looks like, especially when powerful people make it seem otherwise.
I’ve been pondering it too. It has really brought to light that there is no one who is righteous aside from the Lord Jesus Christ. Neither candidate was ideal or moral. We must look to Jesus as our Savior, not a man or woman–it is He who makes us great again (or new again!). It is a difficult time–our government needs prayer and our nation needs revival based on Jesus, not any other movement.
Amen!
amen! I think it’s easy to get caught up in the election and hope that your candidate will bring about the change you want to see. but that’s putting your faith in man (or woman!) and you can see the mass distress that has caused so many unbelievers. their hope is gone because it was on faulty ground. our true hope never fails, though, because it is rooted and grounded in Christ. We have to measure every word we hear by the scriptures and not be swayed to and fro with the various winds of doctrine.
Amen!
It seems like we already read Job 2. Why did they do it again?
My question as well??
wondered that, too! I think it’s just a mistake!
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Such a beautiful parallel between the passages today. Job starts out as steadfast in his trials, but then gives in and starts questioning God. Lord, help me to remain steadfast even through the trials that I face, because everything good that I have comes from you
Beautifully said! This is my prayer too.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
These two verses stood out to me today. I think it’s easy to shrug off sin onto someone or something else. However, I am the cause of my sin by dwelling on the desire, acting on it, and ultimately dying from it. To use a quote from the movie Penelope, “it’s not the power of the curse, but the power you give the curse.” These two verses reminded me how important it is to take every thought captive and turn it over to God.
I love the link with how the Job verses, we are seeing him going through testing, and then James opens up telling us to be patient during times of test by
Testing*
This was a really great passage today. Even though it was rereading some from Sunday I believe? It was really thorough and added to it. James just added to the message beautifully. It’s such a hard lesson to actually put to use in life when we just want to blame everyone in this day and age. But if we just trust God and lean on him for everything, putting him first, he shows us just how much we need him. And how amazing he really is. I dunno why, but i think it’s really important.
Job 4:3-6
3 Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.
5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
it touches you, and you are dismayed.
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
These verses have always been taught to me, but going through the struggles of life, it can be SO hard to lean on God’s word and really believe what He is saying. “Easier said than done” I think goes right along with what is being said in the first passage because it is so easy to give advice and tell the people having hard times around you to trust God’s plan, though right when bad things happen to me, I seem to get stuck in the same position they were in. But God is telling us, these trials and every struggle we go through is part of life. He tells us to think of these trials as joy and if we have faith and find strength in Jesus, we will find endless, abundant happiness in the end. We will receive the crown of life!
Wow- James 1 is amazing. Really spoke to me today. We must believe in our hearts that God will do good on our behalf, and not only that- that we can’t just believe what we read, but we must act and act in accordance with it! Powerful reminder that our walk with the Lord never ends after accepting Him- it is continuous!
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
I’m struggling with these verses because I feel like they are telling me that my prayers are worthless when I’m wrestling with doubt. I’ve always been a believer but as I’ve gotten older and started going deeper into my faith, I’ve found that more doubts do seem to come up. I feel like it’s normal to wrestle with doubt as I believer, so I’m having trouble reconciling these two viewpoints. Any perspective on this would be so so helpful because I’m just feeling really discouraged by this honestly.
I had the same thoughts, and I am not a theological scholar, but just like the Bible tells us not to sin and that no one is righteous, God knows we will sin. We will always struggle with sin, daily. So I don’t know if this verse in James was written to say that absolutely if you doubt, your prayer won’t be heard. Perhaps it is more to bring our attention to our doubts so that we can offer them up to God and say, I’m doubting you. Forgive me. Help me to trust you. Help my unbelief. That is an honest, contrite prayer. And Psalm 51 tells us, a humble and contrite heart God will not despise. Those who constantly doubt and don’t check their doubts, I think their prayers won’t be heard. Again, I am not a scholar, but I hope you can measure what I have said against the Scripture and find some truth and encouragement in it. Submit your questions to God in prayer–he will give you clarity. He is not a God of confusion!
Ignore my comment–Danielle is right!
Remember to look at these verses in context. James is talking about what people should do when they are lacking wisdom. When you need wisdom, you are to go to God in faith, not doubting that he’s going to give you the wisdom that you are asking for. If you ask for wisdom, know that God will give it to you. You need to act upon how he leads you, without doubting. If you are going to doubt that he has giving you wisdom, it is like you are throwing all of that wisdom away. You are going to be like the wave of the sea and you were not going to get anything from the Lord, and you will be unstable. That is the doubting that is referred to here from all that I can see and from what has been previously explained to me. These verses have actually gotten me through some very difficult decisions. What a comfort to know that we can just ask God for wisdom and know that he will give it if we ask in faith.
This helped a lot, thank you so much!
I also read “You Version”‘s daily verse of the day, and today ‘a verse is : James 1:5–6. If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God… I believe I needed to hear this more than once today. Thank you Lord for allowing us the privilege of coming into your presence and asking freely of Your wisdom
Amen! So much good stuff in today’s reading!
Job has become so distraught that he is cursing the day of his birth! I can just hear the dismay. What an amazing friend he has in Eliphaz, to remind Job of all the times he helped encourage and uplift others through their tribulations. And that now that Job is facing his own trial he cannot be so quick to give up. Lord grant me the patience to endure all trials that come my way, and the wisdom to know that every hardship I face is meant to bring me closer to You, and GROW my faith rather than destroy it. As James tells us, “12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” THANK YOU LORD for your steadfast love and faithfulness! Glory to our Heavenly Father who remains true in all circumstances. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!
I love the image of Job’s friends just “sitting with.” I think sometimes we forget to just sit with people and we try to have all the words and advice but what people just need is presence.
Amen. I loved that part too
Me too
The image my mind painted of James through todays passage is one that I pray I present to the world. One of humbleness and humilty, yet strength and compassion. I absolutely loved todays lessons.
Lord give me the courage and strength to be an example like you made job and James. Allow me to not only hear the word but understand and follow the word as well. In your name oh God amen
Amen!
Lord help me to pursue religion like James 1:27.
Yes! That’s my prayer today too! What does that look like for a stay at home mom with an infant?
13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
Wow! Talk about a ministry of presence. To sit with someone for a week straight, not even talking while someone is going through such a tough time is beautiful.
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.
I love these verses because it reminds me how important it is to not only know the word but to follow The word.
I love james 1!!!!!! What a beautiful thought process about trials and tribulations. I have gone through some very difficult health problems and it is easy to ask why me? But I Must stay faithful in the fact that this is the plan for my life
I am loving this plan.
Just as an administrative note: Job 2 was included in previous reading.
Yes Emily, I realized that. It is so powerful that I thought it won’t hurt to read it again. :)
I heard a quiet voice:
17“Can a person be more righteous than God,
or a man more pure than his Maker? ”
This verse from Job 4 struck me. I know Job was not given trials bc he was sinning necessarily, but it still helps to remember that he was born into life as a sinner and God was using those trials to sanctify him.
Wow both of these reading have really shown me so much of how I’m living and how I should be living. We must be so in love with God that we are compelled to love others and share His love with them and be His light. Just praying that God would continue that work in me to spread more of His love to everyone I encounter.
Reading Job has really struck a chord. I have just recently been thinking a lot about my childhood and everything that happened to make me the person I am today – a lot of which is ‘in spite’ of my childhood. But yet I have had people say to me that I have been so faithful to God, that they are surprised that I am who I am despite what happened. And now I can see that it was kind of like Job’s situation – God knew I could handle it, that even in my darkest moments, I would turn to Him. I know that this isn’t necessarily the case for every situation like this, but these readings are so aptly timed, I know this is God’s reassuring message to me.
“…keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Love that!
Same thought
25 What I feared has come upon me;
what I dreaded has happened to me.
Satan is aware of our fears, our greatest dreads. If we give voice to them and don’t turn them over to God, we unknowingly give power and ammunition to satan.
Thanks for sharing, I needed to hear that!
The following verse in Job really stuck out to me: 3 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” WOW, to have God look down and say what about her, she is so faithful and full of integrity. I want that! I want God to look at me that way!
Beautifully said. Me too!
Doesn’t that happen to so many of us in the struggle? When friends like Job’s begin to question the “sin” that led us to the suffering.
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. -remove all evil from your life. With God there are no exceptions. Evil is evil. And there is no such thing as a small sin. You cannot serve God and the world. So easy to understand, but it is so hard to fathom. And the beautiful thing about it is that with God in our hearts. This is actually easy. He will never give us trials that we cannot overcome. These are two of my favorite books of the bible put together! It’s incredible how they support each other.
James 1:5 is one of my favorites: “So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching and it will be given.” So many time I feel like I am lacking in the skills, ability, knowledge needed to serve God how he requires. But this verse reminds me that all I need to do is ask for his help and he will give generously. So encouraging.
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.
Oh man. I am in tears with today’s reading. It is EXACTLY what I need to hear.
LET PERSEVERANCE FINISH ITS WORK!
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
This is true it’s not ab just reading the bible it’s about learning from it and living by gods word.
Dang, James 1 got to me… So encouraging and convicting all at the same time! I am going through some tough times and those reminders are freaking amazing! Also I got to convicted on the do not just read part, but DO!! This study has been incredible and I value each time spent with the Bible, but I have not been in the habit of doing! Gosh, I just love James and am so thankful for that little book.
Right there with ya, sista! I needed so much of the scripture I just read here.
In church a couple weeks ago, we learned the two greatest things God wants us to do as Christians is 1) love God and 2) love our neighbor. Both the Job and James passages just emphasize those points so much. From being there to a friend to holding my tongue when I know I might say something out of bitterness. These passages and psalm 15, have really been convicting me of my own sin. The conviction is hard, but I pray that God can soften my heart and show the places where I can love those around me better. I pray that he can fill my heart and take out my bitterness. We all need to hold onto the thoughts of goodness and grace the Jesus has bestowed on us!
If there was ever a time for me to read this it’s now…
James 1:12 “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.”
This scripture really spoke to me. I’ve been struggling to keep up with my daily devotions, because of school and personal issues. Sometime k find myself getting so caught up in trivial things and I don’t focus on what I’m meant to be focusing on. There are things that I’m dealing with, and I need to be reminded that God is in control and he doesn’t put anything on us that He believes we cannot bare.
Mmm! James 1 — straight to the heart. so often I am a wave of the sea, tossed by the wind. praying that I may lack nothing and trust fully on God and to pray bolding without doubt.
Same!!! Needing to fully trust.
I pray that I am a doer…not just a hearer…to love like the Son loved me..to forgive others
Is amazing To tras Job and James together, this week we amare having an activity with 200 Kids at church and I was really nervous… Is amazing how Gid knew I’ll reas this today and how it will comfort my heart
“Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.” Oh!!!!! What a comforting and affirming word from our Father: to KNOW. and REST in the certainty of His GIVING to us PERFECTLY.
Yes! It so comforting to know when we desire things that Gods plan is better – perfect for us n
But it is neat for me to see the tribulations of Job then to read James and have it say your reward will be great if you endure and stay faithful!
I am feeling quite confused at job. Is his friend accusing him of sin? And claiming he is being punished?
Yes I believe so! From what I’ve read…his friend is looking for a reason this is happening to job so he assumes there must be some sin and God is punishing him. He’s clearly wrong but we often need “reasons” why something is or isn’t happening. I think we do this a lot of the time and assume we’re being punished for something we are doing or have done wrong.
10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. I have been blessed with a good job that pays well. Not by my own merit but by the blessing of the Lord. May the Lord reveal any pride or treasure I store up on earth.
I’m reading today’s reading after attending a women’s conference where the topic was spiritual warfare. So this was a nice reminder that even though Satan is out to get us and try to pull us away from God, that we serve a God who is bigger and that the trails we experience can bring us closer to Him.
Also it was really interesting reading these two passages together. The Job passages really help put what James writes years later into perspective.
Another great James study is Beth Moore’s. It’s a convicting study but so so good.
Yes!!!!! Love the Beth Moore series on James!!!
the Book of James will always be one of my favorites. The fact that Jesus was his half brother and that James was more focused on introducing himself as a slave of Christ is just beautiful ❤️
I am confused by that scripture: I have always been told only God can take life… This seems like satan can, but God did not allow it for Job? May be thinking to hard- just struck me as odd.
Satan is only able to go as far as God allows him to go.
6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
***buy^ oops!
WOW… Check this out!!!
Job 3:20-22 “Why is light given to one burdened with grief, and life to those whose existence is bitter, who wait for death, but it does not come, and search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with much joy and are glad when they reach the grave?” // He wondered why light is given to those who are burdened + searching for death more than for hidden treasure + who are filled with joy when they reach the grave // “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44) two types of hidden treasures here.. One being death and the other the kingdom of heaven. One being filled with joy to see the grave. Another being filled with joy to sell everything he owns to by the field / having his eyes on fixed on the Kingdom of Heaven.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. When we go to God he will help us through any trials we are going through. But we must remember to not only praise him through the good times but also through the bad times❤️
Today’s reading plan brought tears to my eyes. I recently went through two years or trials and tribulation. But I so greatly thank the Lord for all of those lessons because it brought me closer to him it has strengthened our bond.
I pray I can be not just a hearer of the word!!
Still cannot fathom loss of 10 kids, possessions, & health in 24 hrs. I faced Stage 2 cancer, wrestled deeply w/ loss. Scripture interprets Scripture. Jam 1:2 says Count it Joy. Means the ‘Highest Degree’ of Patience. Let these trials of ours set out to work in us what is right. I’m too intent on getting rid of what God has allowed. Persevere, crying out for Wisdom.
Wow… This speaks to me so deeply. “Trying to get rid of what God has allowed.” Oh Lord may I learn humble surrender.
You guys, I am going to be honest. I do not like reading Job. It gives me anxiety. I immediately think “well, all these terrible things happened to Job. What’s stopping them from happening to me?” I sometimes live in fear of trials, hardship, and loss. Throughout my life I have endured them and the Lord has been faithful, yet still, I forget (terrible!) and often live with the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality. Job really brings a lot of my deep soul fears into the light. I don’t feel awesome about reading this today. James is fantastic and so dense that I feel like I need a week to just read that chapter over and over every day (maybe I should). But I am praying that the Lord uses this scripture and the story of Job to illuminate and, more importantly, break down these fears. Feeling a little heavy about this one today.
I totally understand but just remember The Lord restores and he is so faithful he will always be there whatever situation you face he will never leave you
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement Ginger!
So not alone in that!!! I think it’s natural… Especially for us as women to struggle with this… The verse that popped into my head is Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” And a few verses later in v.31 it says “If God is for us, who can be against us.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”
I think so often we think God wants to have this power trip over is to put us in our place… Instead of him being our loving Father who is never going to put us in harms way!!! Many times it may feel like he is doing just that but we don’t know and don’t see the bigger picture!! He loves us so much that he sent his son to die for us!!! Do you think he would want to bring us harm and not good if this be the case. We need to trust that when trials do come… That they are for our sanctification! That’s what our longing should be for anyways.. To be more like Christ. Trust me… I am preaching to myself here as I wrestle with my own anxiety struggles!!! Keep pressing on my dear sister, Christina!!! Nothing touches you that does not pass through the Fathers hands first and he has a perfect plan for the things he does let touch us!!
Thank you for your encouragement Katie. And sanctification was a key reminder for me. Thankful for you today!
I was reading the MSG version, and the introduction has such a refreshing perspective… It starts off” Job suffered…He asked “Why” He asked “Why me?” and he put his auestions to God. He asked his questions persistently, passiontely, and eloquently. He refused to take silence for an answer. He refused to take cliches for an answer. He refused to let God off the hook”… I love this perspective because instead of looking at the suffering only, it takes into account the strength of Job, even under such dire situation… (There is more interesting information to read in the intro section of the MSG book if anyone is intereted…). A different spin to keep in mind when we feel overwhelmed.
Moni thank you so much for this! I have often loved reading passages in many different translations (especially the MSG) but haven’t done so recently. And I love that it said “he refused to take cliches for an answer” or “let God off the hook.” That could almost seem offensive but as you said is a testament to his faith and strength. Thank you for bringing such a great resource and for your encouragement!
Christina, it seems one of your gifts, is encouragement. I appreciate the reply as it is very encouraging to engage with one another, and just the same to be heard. Just as you, the boldness of “let God off the hook” is well, quite bold. Yet, as I get older, I am understanding more the difference between honest boldness verses hiding under the umbrella of “weak humbleness”…. God knows our heart.
Christina,
I agree with you. Reading Job really makes me feel sad. After reflecting, praying and taking moments of silence on the passage and re-reading it did speak to me. I have had some points in my life when I felt really low, but one things I always tried to do was keep God as my center. I feel that through everything Job does that and James reaffirms that if you keep your trust in The Lord you will always find your way.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Erin and I’m glad I’m not the only one! I admire your thoughtfulness and willingness to re-read the difficult passages and sit with them waiting for the Lord. You are encouraging me to do the same. Thank you!
Christina, I am far behind in my reading, so you may never see this. I felt it necessary to reply as I, too, am going through trials of my own and have always felt uncomfortable reading Job. Now that these trials have been placed in my path, I feel somewhat comforted in knowing that a Godly man questioned God. Yes, Job went through so much more than I ever will, but God placed this example in the Bible for us to see that it is alright to struggle with the “why’s” as long as we come back to The Faith of His greater purpose.
I once asked my daughter when she was going through her own trials, “what is THE single most important thing for you to know?” God sent His son to die for OUR sins. He did that so WE WILL live with Him in life everlasting! His love is that deep! So, if these trials are breaking us, we must always remember that whatever happens, God loves us so much that He already gave us The Gift of Grace at a price so heavy that my trials, whatever they might be, will ALWAYS pale in comparison. May God bless YOU, Christina.
Had to tie up my reply to Christina with a bow… My daughter’s theme verse her senior year was James 1:2-4!
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 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.
There is a reason we read these chapters together… It’s a God thing!
Appreciate your honesty! I’m going through a rough patch right now, too, and I understand your fear of things just getting worse.
Ask, believe & receive- I love it. Great read today.
I loved seeing James and Job connect/support each other. It is encouraging to know that I am not a foreign creature with emotions of discouragement/distress and then the reminder that Gods word has encouragement for us to cling to in order to combat that! My husband has been enduring months of digestive issues and is limited on what he can eat… He is enduring much stress and turmoil at work and is trying to persevere and seek the Lord to know what the Lord is calling him to do… We are parents to two young children, 3 and 19 months, with another one due in 10 days who had some heart issues and has an irregular heartbeat, so I am under anxiety over what the weeks hold for me and what I have to endure ahead… My husband and I have seen so much refinement and this 365 day reading plan has been so refreshing to my heart as I strive to fix my eyes on Jesus to endure through these trials… And now to be going to James! God is so good an his word is so refreshing for our souls!!! He does not ever leave us or forsake us and he is ever present in times of trouble! His word is a lamp onto our feet and a light onto our path!! Thankful for all of you sisters!
Praying for you and all the present circumstances you’re going through! I pray you find the joy that Jesus gives us all in our hearts when our situation is not joyful! Stay faithful, sister!
James 1:12-15 A great reminder for us all! God doesn’t give the trials or temptations.
Sing with me now ☺️
God is good… God is good… God is good , He’s so good to me! God is good all the time!
You are Gods best creation!! There is so much to take in from this scripture but james 1:18 kept sticking out to me.
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
I started looking deeper into what a firstfruit is to really be able to wrap my head around this verse and this is what I found:
“…and it sets a pattern of giving back to God the first (and the best) of what He has given us.”
God is saying that of all that he created we are FIRST and BEST. He chose US to be those things and US to give birth through the truth. I knew this verse shouted God’s love for us, but I’m so glad I dug deeper to understand. What do you take from this verse?
That is AMAZING!! Thanks for sharing!
James 1:5-8. I often pray but don’t have faith in God to respond! Forgive me Father!
I have often doubted at the Lords willingness to give to me what I ask. I must no longer doubt, but have great faith at not only his ability but also his willingness. I must trust in the truth that He loves me and wants to give me good things. Amen
Oh how perfect this was for me this morning. Both Job and James me like a ton of bricks!! Especially verses 6&7, when pray, I must believe it!!! I know sometimes it’s not that easy, but I really need start doing this. I’m going to ask boldly and believe for a complete healing in my disease!!! And it’s so true what Job tells his wife, “shall we expect good from God and not trouble?” If that’s the way we think than we’re no better off than the world. Oh how I needed to see this today. Thank you SRT for these wonderful studies. God Bless you sisters. xo
I struggle with this too. It’s so easy to speak that I believe, but it’s so hard to let go of control and completely believe that God will answer my prayer. Good scripture!
Wow, there’s so much to unpack in James 1. I think I could spend a month in just that chapter.
Preach
Love these comments
I love James 1:3 where it says, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I don’t usually think of it this way. But it’s totally true. He never gives us more than we can handle.
The pollution of this world can so easily seep into our lives in what we spend time reading., in the TV shows we watch, in the movies we choose to see, in the time we spend on social media…we can allow the world to influence us, little by little and in subtle ways. We have a responsibility to God, ourselves, our children and others who are observing what we do to be aware of this and to guard against it.
I totally agree Bridget!
When the Lord asks Satan “where do you come from?” and Satan replies “roaming about the earth and walking around on it”…that resonates with me! Satan is here. Walking around me trying to find my weaknesses and make me stumble, question God, and even curse Him.
But so thankful for the reminder of James directly after this. YES satan is here, but do not count your trials as anything but a moment to glorify your Maker! Father help me to see Satan’s attacks and resist him with all my might for you live in my heart and I have joy, peace, and a strength that only comes from YOU!
Yes, amen! Both these readings in Job and James spoke directly to my heart today! Beautiful words and I am so thankful for this group and ladies so that I can get others take on how the word affected them!
Amen!
Such a good point!
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Ouch.
right? you have to ask, believe, then receive.
Fortunately we can ask God for help in our unbelief!
I bookmarked this in the reading! I often find myself wanting to ask God to help me and then just forget about all that he had already done, and these few verses really are going to set the tone for how I believe and now I know I can’t just expect him to reward me if I am half way believing!
Yes. Ouch. But God can take a little faith and grow it. He can do big things with faith as small as a mustard seed. So thankful for that!
Our pastor is leading a sermon series on freedom; Job and James speak to me so much this morning about the freedom that comes through Jesus. Job had to live by the laws and his own righteousness to be saved. Thank You Jesus for taking that from me, bringing me in a relationship with You. In Your name satan has to flee. You took the keys from his kingdom, he is now powerless.
I love when Job’s friends race to be with him and they find him and they sat with him for 7 days and no one said a word because they saw how great his suffering was. What a picture of friendship! (Too bad they open their mouths later…)
Haha! Agreed!
James 1:26. Ouch. If I claim to know God but can’t even control my tongue … what good am I? If people look to me for wisdom and I respond in anger or sarcasm (or even just without thought!) I can end up being a very poor image of God. My tongue must be a priority … and my tongue speaks what is in my heart.
This is a daily struggle for me! So good to read this reminder.
Antimony, ouch for sure over here! Father, oh how I need the Lord’s help with controlling my tongue. Help me Lord?!
I think Job’s friends remind me that often I am quick to speak … about things I do not understand! God had declared that Job was righteous and blameless. Yet his friend said, “Job you’re suffering because you are sinning! How dare you say that you are right with God! Obviously He is punishing you for some heinous fault”. Job needed comfort. He needed someone to point him to the omniscience and kindness of God. But instead he finds himself chastised. I can’t pretend to know the mind of God. Life is hard. It hurts! There are seasons when I greatly long for death. Because it has to be better than life. But those are the times that MUST drive me to God. Otherwise I will be lost in despair.
Your comment really spoke to me – thank you.
Antimony, great points. Love your honesty and brokenness… I can relate with everything you said. The MSG intro section made this point “…we need to quit feeling sorry for people who suffer and instead to look up to them, learn from them, and–if they will let us– join them in protest and prayer”…
Verse 27 In James says, part of Religion that God accepts is to keep oneself from being polluted by the world–that particularly stands out as relevant to me as I can get caught up easily in the ways of the world. I want to be more like Job- a servant who God empowers to endure rather than a daughter swayed and polluted by this world
I often felt like Job, that is wishing I was never born. How comforting that God allowed that specific notation in the Bible. Allowing whispers of His love coming back saying ‘it is okay’…and ‘that others have felt the same way’. God knows what we are thinking, therefore saying it out loud is not shocking to him… Allowing this passage in the Bible and so many other stories similar to this, is to help us relate, to help us move along…can you imagine if the Bible reflected only perfect situations? God is in control, it may not ~feel~ like it, but He is…
Yes!!!!!
I love seeing Job and James lined up like this, I have never read them so close together but to see the struggle and grief Job is experiencing alongside James telling us how to get through trials and “count them all joy” is quite a beautiful thing. I can fully relate to Job crying out and have had similar cries feeling like it would be better if I had never been born. I always feel guilty about those times but there is something comforting to know I’m not the only one to have them and if I can turn back to God in the midst of them I can truly find joy and purpose again. We know that God works all things for our good according to His purpose and my prayer today is that we can remember these things and trust Him to get us through the trials in life and see them even as a blessing which will grow us close to the Savior who loves us.
I definitely agree, reading them alongside is amazing, if sometimes painful.
Amen sister. How beautiful is the Lord in all circumstances.
Excellent point about the parallels between Job and James! I did not catch onto that myself.
Yes it was good to read them together!
Such a beautiful point. Thank you for sharing.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
My prayer is that The Lord will write this on my heart. Please Lord do this work in me. I am quick to listen, but my words often come out before I take time to think about the consequence. I especially pray that The Lord will continue to work on making me slow to wrath. I feel that He has already tempered my heart and helped me in this way, but this is my struggle. Lord the children I teach often work my nerves, but I need you to speak to my heart so that I can let your love come through in my words and actions. Let me be a doer of the Word. Amen.
This verse spoke to me too! I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 and I am becoming a reactive person. I pray that the Lord works in me making me slow to speak and slow to anger. I needed this reading today.
I am going through a very hard time in my own personal life right now. This has been the hardest season of my life. I often question if I am abiding in the word because truthfully I am that person that James refers to, one who hears but does not apply it. This is a great reminder to get back on The path Jesus wants for me and not my own willed one. To abide like Job and James…….
Anna, I am sorry you are facing one of your hardest season. I asked my mom the other day if I am cursed…I feel all my life I have had to endure a crazy season, after another. If you are asking, it means you are abiding! You are on this app…you are engaging…therefore applying. We are human, God is our foundation, and the one ultimately pulling us. Even in the case of Job, the issue was between God & satan. I try to keep this in mind, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” …it is hard for sure! I hope you have a good network of friends to support you, if not, try as hard as it may be, to create a strong group to support you… This journey is not meant to be walked alone. Praying that God will give your heart peace today & encouragement that you are walking (at least trying your best) to abide in His word…that is the best we can do…
Your comment about one crazy season after another makes me think of a devotion from the book My Utmost for His Highest. It essentially is saying that we were not meant to live life on earth on the mountaintops. Instead, we were meant to live here on earth in the valleys, the mountaintop experiences are God showing us a little bit of heaven to push us to what we have to look forward to while we are being “Jesus” to people who are lost here on earth. That devotion has really stuck with me as I felt the same way you do.
Thank you Ashley! I love your perspective on the valleys and “mountaintop experiences”.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have very severe anxiety and depression and though I have had anxiety in the past, these two things together have rocked me to the core. I pray for Gods healing yet I also continue not to give my worry and anxiety over to him. This study, and support helps for certain. I just keep going back to wanting Gods shelter but not always certain how to get there. I pray for you that you see these seasons in your life as God forging you for the great work you have to do on this earth. He gives us what we can handle right! Grace and peace.
26 “I am not at ease, nor am I quiet,
And I am not at rest, but turmoil comes.”
God, this, this, this, this.
You are not alone!!
Prior to doing this reading plan, I felt like I was like the person looking in the mirror. With the daily passages being short and digestible, I have found I am retaining more of God’s word, and I think praying about it helped. Plus, it helps having all of you wonderful ladies’ insight. I am forever grateful for all of you.
Me as well! Since starting the 365 I have retained more than ever, & with all of the comments & discussions I have developed a deeper & personal understanding of the Word. Thankful for all of you!
You aren’t alone! Since doing this bible study I have learned so much and am really trying to use what I have learned in my life so that i can be closer with the Lord and do what is pleasing to Him, not the world!
James 1: This passage is a great way to think on the difference between the temporary and the eternal. Yes, we must go through hard trials, but these temporary discomforts achieve for us an eternal reward: a crown of life, eternal treasures in Christ. James reminds us to see our earthly lives through this eternal focus. The rich and the poor have the same thing in common: their lives are short and they can take nothing with them. It’s the same with beauty, approval, and materialism. They all fade away. It makes me think of Jim Elliot’s quote, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Why would I hold on to that which is fading away, when untold treasures are kept safe for me in glory? What will I choose?
I challenged how quickly I forget the word of God! James compares this to looking in the mirror and forgetting your face. How foolish and ridiculous! James is full of gems and I want to remember every one of them. I want to sit and mediate and stew on them so I would not forget.
Yes! A lot of great words of wisdom to live by. I wrote down several I need to be reminded of.
YES!!! I love the book of James. There is so much practical wisdom to learn from.