We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
What Is James? Written by James, the brother of Jesus, this book instructs and admonishes readers to seek godly wisdom. It also counsels them to avoid internal conflicts within the Church and to express their faith through good works. James encourages believers to persevere in this calling in spite of trials, as God is faithful to mature His people in the midst of suffering.
How James Fits Into the Story: James continually calls for obedience to the law of God, showing believers that their obedience to God’s instruction is an indication of a living faith. Some choose to oversimplify the distinctions between the Old Testament and the New Testament by saying that the Old Testament is grounded in works and the New Testament is grounded in faith. James brings both testaments together to show that faith and works are integrally related in both the old and new covenants.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why does James say to be joyful during trials? Practically, how can you express joy in the middle of your current challenges?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8. This verse kept coming to mind as JOY entered the discussion today. Our Faithful Father is certainly worthy of praise at all times!There are times that we don’t feel like praising, but when we do God will pour out such a blessing for our heart making that joy more attainable.
TINA, you remain in my prayers! Thanks so much for sharing!
TAYLOR, it gives my heart such joy to see how much you have grown in your faith the past few months! Keep on keeping’ on!
HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, CYNTHIA!!!
Praying for each request.
It is hard to stay positive and not think the worst when bad things start to happen, especially when “the waters get really rough”. I have this problem, like today, I have to go get two new front tires. I was driving in a parking lot yesterday and this curb just jump out in front of me and I ended up running over it. LOL!!! No I accidentally ran over a curb when I was driving in the parking lot and got a slit in my one of my front tires. So there’s no need to get mad what happened happened and I have to deal with it. I’m lucky it didn’t do any major damage.
Last night I almost lost it b/c we had a major thunder storm and flash flood warning and when the flash flood warnings come I have to go to the Lord. Many of you know my older son drowned almost 18 years ago after flash floods. I took it God and made it through. Praise be to the Lord.
Be blessed and have a great weekend sisters, I’m off to get two new tires.
Today I turn 60 years old. I am so grateful for the life I have been given in Christ Jesus. I am blessed to celebrate with family and friends this evening. Please pray for God’s protection as we gather together. Thank you, Shes, for your encouragement to me!
Happy birthday Cynthia Johnston! May God bless you !
Happy birthday Cynthia! Your SRT community is thankful for you!
May the God of all comfort, comfort you @Tina, @ERB and other Shes who are going through so much. @Kathy I like how you put it, that we can CHOOSE joy, it is not easy for sure. @Charlotte, I am so glad you asked! Great ideas shared. It is hard to know when to choose gratitude, serving and giving (thanks @Rebecca!) and when you should speak up. Some trials just bring out my inner 3 years old, and I REALLY want to say something, and there are times when we need to. How to decide? Payers for you and yours @Angie! Have a blessed and restful weekend everyone.
ERB, So, so blessed by your words. I kind of felt like Isaiah 66 was for me any way on a movie set. So much that is hard to fathom in the judgement, that I can hear the gnashing of teeth. It reveals so much doesn’t it. But, Jesus, But God’s saving grace we would all not be holy enough, save His sacrifice. Him, who was in the beginning, is now and will forever be. I really felt the need for salvation as I read of this judgement, and feel it in my heart for those who don’t escape the evil, who choose not to run into the Father’s arms. And, I feel dear ERB, I need to pray so much more for the lost I know, that they would turn to our Lord, for me to have the right words. May we all pray for those we know that they will see, and will hear and will run into His waiting arms. I too, love what you said about pain bringing growth. I believe the birthing verses show this and in reading about the suffering and the joy in James this morning it spoke to me. Because we have Christ, Because we are in the Father’s hands we have the constant joy of knowing He is with us, He is fighting for us, He who willingly sacrificed His Son, part of Himself made a way for us. And praise God that which we face, He is more than able to handle. Such Joy in knowing this.
I love Isaiah 66: 13 – 14
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice
and you will flourish like grass;
the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants,
but his fury will be shown to his foes. God comforting “As a mother comforts her child.” I just love this so. How many of us Mothers have felt God’s arms around us as we comfort our children and have prayed His comfort over them. So, so Good. And the Righteous justice of God is felt in the remaining verses. Indeed ERB, pointing out Who are you following? And can you see, do you know where you are being led? Ha, indeed. I am going to have to leave it hear dear friend. I am exhausted and really emotional this morning. Feeling actually worse this morning. Appreciate so much your prayers. I am sorry yesterday was a rough day, I don’t have covid, but feeling dizzy and exhausted. Maybe some kind of infection. I can’t tell you how very blessed this walk through Isaiah has been. Especially in this season I find myself in, I have learned much about our God, Isn’t His Word incredible. I have learned much from you and about you. You Em are a gracious, kind, beautiful, intelligent and awesome Sister. What a great joy to know you are out there. Thanks for inviting me into Isaiah, we will find another journey, I have no doubt. I will keep praying for you and your brother. Keep me informed. And maybe God will let us have tea one day here on earth. I keep thinking, probably would not be affordable for me, but that SRT should do some kind of camp. Wouldn’t that be fun. I look forward to the day I meet you and all my long distance Sisters here in heaven when we see God face to face. Thank you so much dear ERB for the love and learning. Hugs to you all Dear Sisters. Thank you for your prayers. Remember Who holds us, this is our Joy.
Charlotte- the three ways I’ve learned to find and express joy during trials are gratitude, giving and serving. I feel like doing none of these at the time, but it brings joy if I do them anyway. It brings a sense of empowerment when I’ve felt powerless in times of suffering. I feel more connected to Jesus and other people. It’s usually something small, like being thankful for a roof over my head, giving an item from my house to a friend who needs it more than I do, and saying yes when someone asks for help.
God uses the evils of this world for His good. That perspective is one that I confess is not always present when I find myself in midst of trial or hardships. I heartily agree with @KathySites when she said we have to choose joy. It is not a present emotion in our worst moments. For me, practically speaking, that means several things. It means that I need to practice gratitude in my life, prayer to an ever present God, remembrance for when joy naturally occurred, and hope for better times on Earth or in Heaven. Trials are meant for refinement. God will use whatever we are going through for our good which culminates in His glory.
This verse hit me-
17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
I have seen God exposing things in the past couple of years… it seems that there are times when God beings corruption and evil motives into the light. If this is what God is doing, how can I better align myself with him. How is He bringing change and healing through this?
That verse resonated with me as well. Spending time meditating on it.