James 1: 1-18

Today in Sunday School we will be starting our study in one of my favorite books of the Bible.  James is such a nice practical book for Christians.

Who wrote the book of James?  We think it is one of Jesus' brothers.  There are actually 4 different James' mentioned in the Bible but most people agree that it was probably Jesus' brother.   At first he did not believe in Jesus which I can completely understand.  I'm sure he could see that Jesus was different but he had grown up with him and I'm sure it was hard to think of him as his savior. 

Verses 1 -4

In these verses we find out who is writing this letter and who he is writing it to.  James is writing it to all of the believers in Israel. 
We also find out that trials produce patience.  Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit we talked about a few weeks ago.  Patience comes through suffering and testing.
Verses 5 - 8
Wisdom is just the practical use of knowledge.  If you lack wisdom oh how to deal with a problem you have then you need to go to Jesus.  In verse 6 it points out we need to believe Jesus will take care of a problem for us.  So many times when we have a problem we try to solve it on our own when we should just turn our problems over to God.  That should be how we start our day everyday.  Does this mean that we will never have problems?  Of course not because as we learned earlier our faith will grow more as we lean on Jesus.
Verses 9 - 11
We may think sometimes that we don't have much, but think of all the things we do have.  No, we may not have millions of dollars in the bank but we can have the peace from God that only He can give when we do have trouble.   So, with Jesus in our heart, we have everything!
Verses 12-18
When we go through trials, it is very hard.  At a time of testing we will either draw closer to God or we will blame God and move away from Him.  I want to always draw closer to God because I can't imagine facing my troubles alone.  I know with God I am never alone.

Is there no other way open, God
except through sorrow, pain and loss,
To stamp Christ's likeness on my soul ---
No other way except the cross?

And then a voice stills all my soul
As still as the waves of Galilee
"Can'st thou not bear the furnace heat
If midst the flames I walk with thee?
I bore the cross, I know it's weight.
I drank the cup I hold for thee.
Can'st thou not follow where I lead?
I'll give thee strength.  Lean hard on me."
-- Author Unknown