September 8, 2026
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Ezra and James? Here’s today’s reading:
James 1 (NIV)
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.……Continue Reading
Several great reminders in this chapter about what life looks like for us everyday!
Trials come and how do we respond and react to those times. God promises trials, however, He also says to look to Him and He will be with us. We count it a joy because we know He is using the trial to grow us, mature us, and make us more like Him.
Temptation, Satan knows our weak spots and we will be tempted based on our own desires. Do we let that temptation lie to us, do we justify annd therefore fall into sin? We must have the mind of Christ to recognize the snares of Satan and his deception.
Finally, standing firm in our faith. If we are abiding in Him when trials come, temptation comes we can resist, we can stannd strong and God will give us the victory!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.2-4.NIV
I love James! His words have been such a blessing to me.
How opposite the way of the believer in Jesus is from our human tendencies. Joy in suffering because we see a greater purpose? Asking for wisdom from someone we cannot see? People who are low being lifted up and those who are wealthy being brought low? Reigning in our desires so we do not give into sin? Listen more than we speak? Let the Bbile actually affect what we say, think and do? And taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Oh yes, all things that are unnatural for us, but very consistent with what the Spirit and the Word renewing our minds seek to accomplish in us. May we be willing participants in all that God has for us and trust that His will is good, pleasing and perfect.
Always to remember our trials have purpose. For maturity. Perseverance for the future and to comfort others. Love vs 19. Sharing the gospel with anyone is not only bringing them information. But to listen!!! And feel their needs!!! Meeting them where they are at. Sharing what God has done and praying with them. Vs 22. Reading the word!!! I can’t imagine not having the word of God as the only true basis for our beliefs today. Can’t imagine basing your beliefs solely on what we see either, as do many today. Political views warped from bias media. Thank God!! For his holy word!!
Verse 20 struck me. With little kids, it’s not hard to be angry.. but then, if it weren’t for kids, there”d be something else. I need to control my anger.. or should I say, let God take over..
James 1
James has a lot of positive things to say here. Trials and tribulations are not bad for us. In fact, they are just the opposite. They strengthen our faith, produce perseverance and build our character. Wisdom is the jewel of life; God wants to give it to us – so ask for it with confidence. Listen to the Word and do what it says. If we don’t, we may as well not listen at all because it does us no good. Look after people who have a genuine need for help, listen more and build each other up when we speak, and do not let the things of the world pollute our heart, soul and mind.
I am starting to prepare for our women’s study in James (following Ruth), so I am listening to sermons and reading commentaries.
One preacher mentioned that he thinks this is the Son of Zebedee because of the lack of influence of Paul and the focus on works and the law. James the Son of zebedee would have missed the teachings of Paul because he was killed in Acts 12, before the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. This made a lot of sense to me, but then I thought, “wouldn’t the brother of Jesus also sound like Jesus?” Regardless, the emphasis of genuine faith resorting in a drastically changed life in action is not inconsistent. It is interesting to look at James’ teachings as an early church convert anticipating His return.
Read Luke 21 and think about the trials, tribulations and temptations Jesus taught and what James might be anticipating when he wrote this.
Psalm 22; Ezra 1-2; Nehemiah 2; James 1
Genesis 22-24
James 1:19 I find I always need to work on, it’s easy to say something we shouldn’t have when we Get angry or upset and once we say it we can’t take it back.