Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
How do you deal with challenges?
Do you have a long-term perspective?
Do you seek wisdom from God?
Just some thoughts,

The term ‘Christian’ is often associated with actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, Christians are expected to emulate his actions and teachings in their daily lives.
The Epistle of James provides a practical guide for Christians, outlining the actions and behaviors that should be exhibited in their day-to-day lives. It has been called the “Monday through Saturday guide for Christians” because of its practicality.
James, the author of the Epistle, was likely the brother of Jesus. (Matthew 13.55; Galatians 1.9) In the beginning, James and the other brothers of Jesus tried to discourage the Lord (John 7.5). However, as time passed, James grew spiritually and became an active member of the early Christian community.
- James was with the disciples in the upper room. (Acts 1:14)
- Peter sent good news to him. (Acts 12:17)
- James speaks to the brethren at the Jerusalem gathering. (Acts 15:13-21)
- Paul spoke to James and the elders. (Acts 21:18-25)
- James is mentioned in Galatians 2.9 as a pillar of the church.
James’ transformation from a skeptic to a devout follower of Christ is a testament to the power of faith. He witnessed the great things that the Lord had done and was inspired to share his story with others. Like James, we too can grow in our faith and become pillars of the church, spreading the teachings of Christ to those around us.
Are you willing to share your story and grow in your faith, just like James did?
Just some thoughts,

In this series of articles, we will explore the meaning of being a Christian, as described in the book of James. We will start by examining the origins of the term “Christian” and its significance to followers of Christ.
The term “Christian” is used three times in the Bible; Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. Each time the word is used, it refers to a follower of Christ. Regardless of their origin or location, disciples of Christ began to wear the name of Christian and were recognized by others as being “followers of Christ.”
Before the term “Christian” was used, followers of Christ were known as people of the “Way.” This term was commonly used to describe someone who followed the teachings of Christ, as we can see in verses such as Acts 9:2, 19:9, 19:23, and 22:4.
In a commentary on Acts 9.4, A. T. Robertson says,
“It is a Jewish definition of life as in Isa_40:3 “the way of the Lord,” Psa_1:6 “the way of the righteous,” “the way of the wicked.” Jesus called himself “the way” (Joh_14:6), the only way to the Father. The so-called Epistle of Barnabas presents the Two Ways. The North American Indians call Christianity the Jesus Road.” (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures on Acts 9.4)
In conclusion, the term “Christian” has its origins in the early followers of Christ, who were known for their devotion to his teachings. As Christians today, we are called to continue this tradition and follow the Way of Christ.
Are you ready to embark on this journey?
Just a thought,

For thousands of years, people have searched for answers. Some are searching for the meaning of life, while others are searching for a simple answer to a simple question.
When we are searching for answers, where do you go? Google? A friend? The Bible?
When you have a Bible question, where do you look?
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick told an Eastern Tale that tells of the search for truth. *
A traveler passing through a village spotted a man on the ground, obviously searching for something. Wanting to help, the stranger stopped and asked what he was trying to find. The man explained he’d lost his key.
Together they searched through the dust and leaves for more than an hour but found nothing. The traveler asked the old man if he was sure the key had been lost in this area. The elder told his new friend, “Oh, no! I lost it in my house.”
Irritated by the waste of time, the traveler demanded, “Then why are we looking out here?” The wise man, who used such opportunities to teach others, replied, “Because out here the light is so much better for looking.”
*The Great Cholesterol Con, Malcolm Kendrick, 2007, p. 206
Many people look where they are comfortable instead of the place to find the genuine answers. God has provided us all things for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3) and the words of the Bible are written so we may believe (John 20.31).
How much time are you spending searching the Bible for life’s answers?
Are you searching the Bible more than Google?
Just a thought,

The walls of the pit must have seemed higher than a building as it blocked out the sun while his brothers looked down at him. The only thing he had done was to share the dreams he had over the past few nights. His brother became furious at his interpretation of the dreams. His brothers disliked the more he obeyed his father. Now, he is in a pit… just waiting.
The next step would take him farther from home. His brothers ended up selling him to slave traders. He ended up being sold again to the captain of the military guard in Egypt. Now he was a servant in a foreign land far from home. In a short time, he went from being the most loved son of his father to being a servant in a God-less kingdom.
Even though he was in a foreign land, the Lord watched over him and brought him to a place of prominence in the empire. Long story short, he ended up in prison for doing what was right. His choice of the right thing ended up putting him in the wrong place.
How can a man stay true to who he is called to be when, at every height, there is a rocky bottom?
Whether a pit or a foreign prison, he was at the bottom again?
What do you do when everyone turns their back on you?
- Joseph stayed faithful. The Lord blessed Joseph in prison and each blessing brought him success. (Genesis 39.21-23)
- Joseph uses his abilities. Not only was Joseph faithful, but he used his gifts to bless those around him. (Genesis 40.1-15)
- Joseph remembered God. As God remembered Joseph, Joseph remembered the way God had blessed him and he looked into the future. (Genesis 41.50.52)
Just some thoughts,

When Jesus gathered with His closest friends shortly before His betrayal and arrest, He says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 16.13; ESV)
While most know the verse, it is important to realize the background of His words. The background is simple, yet chilling.
Jesus was getting ready to die, and He knew it. As one might say, “His time had come.” He knew that shortly one of his closest followers would betray him for money, that another would deny him three times and still all the others would disappear for a while. He would be left alone. It would be difficult.
Jesus taught many lessons throughout His brief time on Earth, but one of the greatest lessons He taught was service. Even though He knew His friends would leave Him, He still stood firm and served them so their lives could be greater.
Jesus’ interests were clearly in the lives of those around Him. He knew His purpose (Luke 19.10) and His purpose was not of His own, but that of the Father. (John 6.38) Even in His prayer in John 17, one can see the actions of Jesus were to glorify the Father (John 17.1-5). As Jesus prays for Himself, He does not forget His friends (John 17.20-26)
Are you interested in the people?
Jesus found an interest in people because they needed someone to lead them to a better life. Earlier in His ministry, Matthew records that Jesus “…had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9.35-38)
Are you sharing the story of Jesus’ interest in people?
Remember, Jesus is interested in you.
Just a thought,
