[James 1, Proverbs 24]

H – James 1:12, “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.”

E – A Great Reward!

The book of James is an amazing book. James is the half brother of Jesus. When Jesus began his earthy ministry undoubtedly James thought that his brother was crazy (Mark 3:21), yet through Jesus death, burial, resurrection, and ascension he became a servant; knowing He was truly the Messiah (1:1). 

The intro to James begins with trials. Trails the twelve tribes in the Dispersion were facing. Trials of various kinds. These trials mainly had to do with persecution, but lead into so many other aspects of life. 

The call to trails is to remain steadfast (1:4, 12) or persevere. It is a call with a promise; you will receive a great reward, the crown of life. The question that comes is, How do I persevere? How do I remain steadfast?

A – Well, there are 4 truths that God lead on my heart from this passage:

1. Seek the Wisdom of God (1:5). I need wisdom. I need discernment. I need clarity. 
2. Humble Myself Before God (1:9-10). I need to humble myself before God instead of being humbled by God. In other words I do not need to allow my pride, arrogance, and selfish confidence to bring me low. When I begin ‘low’ or humble I can think look ‘high’ or to the Lord. 
3. Be Self-Controlled (1:14). The temptation that comes from trials is to do what ever your own desires is to do. But, I don’t need my desires. I need the will of God. 1 Peter 5:8 describes why I need to be self controlled and alert. It is because the enemies desire is to devour me in my sin. Yet, when I’m self-controlled and resist the enemy firm in my faith, I experience the power and victory of God. 
4. Be Changed By The Word of Truth (1:18). It is the Word of God that changes lives, reveals our great need, gives us application to live by. The only cure for my flesh is His Word. The only cure for my unholy actions is His Word. Action in The Word of Truth leads me to produce fruit and walk in the realization of my gift. That is why I don’t just want to hear the Word, but be a doer of the Word (1:22). 

R – Lord God, thank you for your Word. Thank you for help when we call out for it. Lord, grant me wisdom for today. Help me discern the voice of truth from the voice of error. Lord, I need you today. I don’t want to be lacking. 

In Jesus Name!