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Three Lessons from James 1


I love the book of James because it's so practical.  Today I'm going to share some wisdom from James from The Message translation.  I encourage you to read scripture in different translations.  For me, it makes God's Word come alive. Sometimes I'm so familiar with a certain translation that my eyes just skim the words. 

These made me sit up and take notice. See if you agree.

1.  Pray when you want to worry. (Yes, I am a worrier.  Anyone else struggle?)

James 1:5-8:  If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

2.  God is on your side. (Am I the only one who doubts this occasionally?)

James 1:13-15  Don’t let anyone under pressure to give in to evil say, “God is trying to trip me up.” God is impervious to evil, and puts evil in no one’s way. The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust. Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.

3.  Live Like You Read the Bible. (I've definitely been guilty of letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.  Ever thought that message was for someone else?)

James 1:22-24 Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

I challenge you to read these verses in two other translations to see if you can learn something new.  And then, put it into practice! 

Lord, show us how to practice your ways in daily life.

Stacy

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