James 2 - 9.26.25

Scripture: James 2:1

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

Observation

In the next several verses in James 2: 2-13 we see how to not show favoritism between the rich and poor. When James wrote this, you could easily tell who was rich and who was poor. The design of clothes have changed over the generations. The rich still have nice clean clothes and shoes, but the poor still have dirty clothes, with holes, or mismatched clothes. We still can tell who is rich and who is poor. Do we judge people by what we see? Did not Jesus come to this earth in humble beginnings? He was not born in a palace but in a barn. Did he not come into the city on Palm Sunday on a donkey instead of a horse and chariot?

In James 2:5 it states: “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” Psalm 19:18 “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.”

What I see, God has a heart for the poor. We should have the same love of the poor as Jesus does. Does our attitude towards others align with Jesus?

Application

At church, does a poor or new person sit by themselves, or do we show them love, do we greet them, offer coffee, introduce them to others? Do we ask if they need anything including prayer? Did we invite them back? Did we invite to a small group?  A couple weeks ago in pre-service morning prayer Katie challenge us to look around service and make sure no one new sits alone.

We need to be humble and merciful to all. I think this chapter should not only apply to the poor but should apply to our lives when it comes to who we deal with in our politics, our jobs, our education, or social media and so on.

In James 2:13 it states “because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  

Prayer

Jesus, you came to us in humble beginnings, and has shown us how to love the poor, as you did, in helping them. Let me not be blind to who is around me or turn my head away. Let me show mercy and not judgment for anybody. Fill my heart with your love and compassion for everybody. Thank you in Jesus’ name Amen.

- Robert Oberg

James 1 - 9.25.25

SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-4   Patient endurance in trials.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

OBSERVATION

James is the author of the book of James.  Jesus had four “half” brothers—James, Joses, Simon, and Jude.   The oldest of these, James, eventually became the leader of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem and was murdered by the high priest about the year AD 62.

The chapter begins with James, stating that he is a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ when he writes the words of Jesus.  And it is more meaningful, knowing that this James was the half-brother of Jesus which makes his self-introduction all the more significant. He did not proclaim himself “the brother of Jesus” but only a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was more than James’ brother; more importantly, Jesus was his Lord.  Shows James humble nature.

James regarded trials as inevitable. He said when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged resignation. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials because they are used to produce patience. Patience describes a frame of mind which endures: passive waiting but an active endurance.

Patient endurance is a mark of the person who is perfect and complete, lacking nothing. This is why James exhorted us to count it all joy. Counting it all joy is faith’s response to a time of trial.

APPLICATION

Trials can prove a wonderful work of God in us and we feel the power of faith in Him.  And trials are an occasion for joy, not discouraged resignation. Knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience and that is the way we receive the wisdom needed by learning from our trials through Faith in Him.  If trials do not produce faith, what does? Romans 10:17 tells us: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. “ Supernaturally, faith is built in us as we hear, understand, and trust in God’s word.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I have tears thinking about your “big brother”, James, who grew up with you, and because he knew you, his humble nature was on fire for you to carry your word until the day he died.  I can only imagine the love (and fun, teasing, challenges) you had for one another seeing each other every day for thirty years.  And then for James to see the suffering and persecution of what his “older brother” and savior went through for us is unbearable and unspeakably humbling. And James gave his life for his “brother” and savior, in return. I am so blessed to have my three sons—and one daughter, she’s the oldest—and had to put up with all their shenanigans.  So I know how brothers are and how they would be there in a heartbeat to help one another in times of trouble…but to picture you Jesus as a son and a brother, fills my heart with unspeakable Joy.  And to know of what you did as the Savior for our/my salvation is even more glorious and truly humbling. Thank you, Jesus, for YOU and those who loved you and wrote your WORD.  It is beyond words that I THANK YOU, for all you’ve done and went through for us as the promised Messiah.  I CHOOSE to count it all joy in the various trials I face and will face, knowing that the testing of my faith WILL produce patience/perseverance/endurance.  AND even more—I thank you Jesus, that when you rose again YOUR HOLY SPIRIT is ALWAYS with us. Lord, let me be your bondservant and bring others to know you. And I pray this for my family and my friends, to turn to you EVERY DAY, AMEN.

 - Charleen Zakarian

Psalm 42 - 9.24.25

Scripture

Psalm 42:5

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

Observation

We all experience disappointment, discouragement, sickness, and loss – these things are part of the world we live in. But God offers us peace, even in our darkest times, if we will put our faith and hope in Him.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Application

Psalm 42 offers us a good example of how we should respond in times of trouble.

Vs. 2 “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” When we experience trouble, our first instinct should be to run to God and to acknowledge our reliance on Him. He is our source, our healer, our provider, our protector.

Vs. 4 “These things I remember as I pour out my soul;” Remember the times that God has answered your prayers and come to your rescue. Trust that He will do it again.

Vs. 5 “Why my soul, are you downcast?” You serve a mighty God who loves you. Change your self-talk – put your focus on Him. Fill your mind with scripture full of His promises.

Vs. 5 “Put your hope in God,” Decide that you will put your hope in God, that you will trust Him to meet your needs.

Vs. 5 “I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Fill your mouth and heart with praises to Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for this encouraging word today. Thank you that You are my hope and my peace in ALL circumstances. Thank you for your great love for me.

- Debbie Dunn