James 1 ~ God, who gives generously to all without reproach

Jewish houses built on wings to add the grown children who were married. The houses continued to grow. The Bible reports Simon Peter and Andrew, brothers, lived with Peter's mother-in-law.

Joshua 24:15

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve,

whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

James 1

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

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings!

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 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.

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. 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. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But 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.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James, the Book of the Bible, where the very Brother of Jesus, son of Mary and of Joseph, tells us about what he learned spending 33 years with Jesus Christ, Only Son of God.

Parallels.

Both James 1 and Mark 7 say, "watch what you say." Mark 7 says be heart with your words. Do not be lip service. Then both say do not say harmful things. Your life is your test if God sees worthy to save. Exactly as we claim the privilege to determine where we will spend time.

James 1 is absolutely astonishing advice from Jesus' brother.

This chapter is basically - astonishing, life-changing, in a word - wow. And if we adapt the first paragraph to conversation - it's not to poke at your faith with annoyance or questions. To grab hold of the handlebar and hang on. Because if we start pulling at the threads of a handlebar, we dismantle a perfectly sound handlebar. Better to get glue and put the loose thread to use. Use the 'yes, I believe' and not pick, pick, pick at this.

Rich or poor. Gone in the MIDST of pursuits. Whoooohooo I want that! Long life, exceedingly good health and Zap off to Heaven. GOOD NEWS. ALLELUIA.




We begin the chapter by addressing the dispersion - addressing us today - saying the view is to looking at as you have traveled further down the road, and life has variation and changing events. Importantly, Jesus says don't let life let you become bitter. See what new adventures life brings. Look at difficulties as a way of doing a test. All have worked on various tests. On -target- people like to see some 'action' for the possibilities of new life entering.

Being steadfast makes us able to go far. With Jesus and incredible reality - how far.  Recently, I read an article on the details of the Chronicles of Babylon which agree with the Second Exodus - the exile and slavery in Babylon. Even gives dates. March 7,  597 B.C. The second of three roundups of the people of Judah. The Babylonian Chronicles agree with Genesis. People before the atmosphere changed of the great waters covering the earth - where we all find fossils of sea creatures in odd places - and before the flood changing the atmosphere - people did live to be 800 years old.  The Chronicles of Babylon agree.

Noah says we can live now to be 120 years old. And in being steadfast, we bring more to ourselves, our spouse, our children, grandchildren and to the people unborn.

In this steadfastness of holding on to God, we become reliable. Doing what Father God asks us to do, makes us more at peace, more reliable as life - of course, changes. We hold on to our truth of what God tells us. God says we realize in doing what God wants us to do, we have begun to reach the place of Life. Creation waits for the unveiling of the Sons of Man. Jesus tells us He is Son of Man. This is an amazing place. God is Savior of mankind, we who will believe in Him. He invites us to be in the His Path of His Life. God tells us, really, if we lean upon God, the burden is Light. Love lifts the burdens of Life.

Happier people are trusting God. They say change will come. But God finds joy in the people who say, Today is God's Gift. Let us not change. God surely loves us as we have this gratitude. And if we spend our time saying God is always here for us, we will miss the old age downfall of Ecclesiastes House Solomon tells us will come. I have witnessed the removal of Ecclesiastes House - in generous hospitality.

Peace. More and more people are turning television off. This is a first since 1950. Clamor. Being taught alien values. Repetitively. What is good comes as a gift of God. If we focus on what is wrong and entertaining, we will find less peace. God tells us He is God of Encouragement. God wants to help us solve problems, see what is good, encouraging others. See the good. Believe God will help.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of Jesus' own Will he brought us forth, by the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James is able to see Jesus was a perfect gift. Light of the world. Jesus did not change. Did not vary. His words are truth.

And James has the unique position knowing - the family of Mary and Joseph James, Joses, Simon, and Jude, as well as the sisters, are the firstfruits of God's Creation. James had a unique Life to look forward to in Heaven.

The Law of Liberty. Has a few requirements.

So if any is religious, bridle the tongue. We start the Chapter by saying God give generously without reproach. Can we point to another Scripture for this?

James 4:12
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Jesus said not to judge. In understanding others, we are revealed. Citing mercy is needed.

Romans 2:1-3
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?


Visiting widows and orphans. Surely not on the fun, jazzy things to do list. Instead it is asking facing head on - there are problems out in the world - we hope not to share in. Discomfort. The lack of the ability to truly help one another. Time spent, care given. Strong enough to carry on with our lives. Trusting God, that as He gives life, He also gives us the ability to do the life He has given us. We have to believe this for ourselves and others to nourish others and nourish ourselves.



Abba,

We give Thanks for the delight You have had in Your creation. The delight Jesus found in mankind. For what Jesus has done, moving the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Telling us about You.

Thank You for helping us carry our burdens. For giving us Joy. For giving us people to Love. For the earnest desire for them. For finding You miracles and protections never cease. Being incredulous and grateful. For Your Plans, a Hope and a Future. More than we can imagine.

The Blessings of Jesus on those who pray. And for seeing the power in Prayer. Those prayers encompass our World asking the Mercy and Love on this Nation and the creation of God's without borders. We expect without doubting, the Greatness of God to be displayed in our prayers. Bringing more Heaven to earth.

 In the Name of Jesus Christ, we have seen You. Amen.

 ♔ Lord Jesus Saves †