Let’s prayerfully read & reflect on James chapter 1.
Background of text –
James is the ½ brother of our Lord who did not believe in Him until after His resurrection. There are many takeaways of this chapter; ZOOM IN to vs. 17. Notice how James describes the Real God as revealed in Jesus – “The Father of Lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James knows and expresses the Real God as One of excited grace from whom “every good and perfect gift is from above.”
Pause & Reflect –
As you consider some of the good and perfect gifts that have come down from the Father above into your life, write down several of them as a prayer of gratitude to God. Think of relationships, housing, clothes, financial resources, etc.
Express your confidence in the Lord’s generosity to continue toward you. – for “He does not change like shifting shadows” but will continue to startle you with His grace.
“Abba Father, You are our Father who is in heaven, and I bless You for generously giving good and perfect gifts each new day of my life. May I reflect Your giving heart to others, especially _____________. May my loving gifts of time and encouragement be shown, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Pray for others –
“I pray for _______________ to know and accept You as Giver, the One who knows every need and gives according to Your perfect wisdom. May he/she see You as unchanging, never fickle, always faithful, in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!”
Background of text –
James is the ½ brother of our Lord who did not believe in Him until after His resurrection. There are many takeaways of this chapter; ZOOM IN to vs. 17. Notice how James describes the Real God as revealed in Jesus – “The Father of Lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James knows and expresses the Real God as One of excited grace from whom “every good and perfect gift is from above.”
Pause & Reflect –
As you consider some of the good and perfect gifts that have come down from the Father above into your life, write down several of them as a prayer of gratitude to God. Think of relationships, housing, clothes, financial resources, etc.
Express your confidence in the Lord’s generosity to continue toward you. – for “He does not change like shifting shadows” but will continue to startle you with His grace.
“Abba Father, You are our Father who is in heaven, and I bless You for generously giving good and perfect gifts each new day of my life. May I reflect Your giving heart to others, especially _____________. May my loving gifts of time and encouragement be shown, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Pray for others –
“I pray for _______________ to know and accept You as Giver, the One who knows every need and gives according to Your perfect wisdom. May he/she see You as unchanging, never fickle, always faithful, in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!”