Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read James 1
Faith and Wisdom
Two James played an important role in the New Testament. The first was James, the son of Zebedee and one of Jesus’ disciples. (Mark 5:37, 9:2, 10:35) and was martyred by Herod Agrippa in AD 44 (Acts 12:2). The second was James, the brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3, 1 Corinthians 15:7). This James was a leader in Jerusalem church until he was martyred in62 AD, and he must be the same James referred to in James 1:1)
It appeared that the book of James is a general letter written to numerous churches in diaspora(scattered) churches (1), twelve tribes are symbolic expression indicating scattered abroad Christians. The purpose of this letter is to make good on their confession of faith, reminding them how Christians ought to live under persecution, trials and temptation (2-26).
Questions of faith and works in this book is another theme (27).
Chapter 1 — outlining some general characteristics of the Christian life
After Reading —- Reflection and prayer.
- Reflect on this question, “What does God speak to me today in this chapter?
- Pray that God’s word today be the way, the life, and the truth to you.
- Live it out through the day.
