THE ROYAL LAW
Today’s Reading: James 1-2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Dormition Abbey, a grand German Benedictine building, is located on top of Mount Zion in Jerusalem. It commemorates the Virgin Mary at one of the traditional sites of her death (the name means “Eternal Sleep”). This complex was built in the beginning of the 20th Century over the ruins of a Byzantine church. It is also called Hagia-Maria-Sion Abbey, named after the great Byzantine church in present day Istanbul, Turkey.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
The book of James is filled with very practical applications of divine principles. The first principle is that of faith! The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and James, known as the brother of Jesus, were under severe pressure to deny their faith in Jesus. While thousands of Jews were believers, the Roman-appointed Jewish authorities, who instigated the arrest, mock trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, were still in charge of daily life. The Apostles left Jerusalem in order to share the Good News of Jesus with Jewish communities all over the known world. James (not the brother of John) is now Pastor of the Jerusalem Church. Approximately 20 to 30 years have passed since Jesus arose from the grave and His Church was born. Tradition says that Pastor James spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they nicknamed him, “Camel knees.” Camels kneel a lot and develop callouses on their knees.
James would approve of our emphasis on reading God’s Word! He writes of “the implanted Word,” and of being “a hearer of the Word.” He declares that “He who looks into the perfect law of liberty (the Scriptures) and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work [yes it is work], this one will be blessed in what he does!” (James 1:25). In 2:8 James writes, “If you really fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture, ‘you shall love your neighbour as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:18), you will do well.” He sets a pattern here for Pastors everywhere and at all times in his emphasis on God’s Word! In 2:21-26 the Pastor references two Bible characters, Abraham and Rahab. His point is that “The Word produces faith which produces good “works,” not a faith without works, but a faith that works.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, please continue to plant the seed of Your Word in me daily, so that I will produce a harvest of good works consistently. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve often struggled with the word “Religion” (James 1:27a). That word comes from the same root word as “ligament.” It’s what holds my body together. It’s the practice of ministering to the needs of others and of living a holy life. It definitely does not mean my particular denomination. This past Sunday I found myself singing over and over an old chorus which I had not heard for probably 30 years. It goes something like this…”I know the Lord will make a way for me. I know the Lord will make a way for me. As I live a holy life, shun the wrong and do the right, I know the Lord will make a way for me.” James teaches that our profession of faith is only valid when manifested in practiced faith. As a boy I remember conversations that would include the words “he professes.” I drew the conclusion that, while I may claim to be a believer, my life, my works, keeping “unspotted from the world,” and failing to “bridle my tongue” were proof that professing and possessing the real deal were two very different matters.
Yours for “pure and undefiled religion,” which will bond us together in Christ,
David
We soak in Your presence, today, Lord, to overcome our human natures of jealousy and pettiness and claim the humility and forgiveness that came through Your human example and divine strength. We are so blessed by Your love for us, Lord. Oh, that You died on the cross to set us eternally free!! It is so mind altering we can hardly fathom it. We praise You on high!! Wishing fellow saints a blessed day.
“…Lord of Nature, who began his earthly mission quietly, calling his disciples one or two at a time, and making himself little prominent: ‘consciously dissolving self in God’s glory'” (A. Picton). My Elder Brother, E. P. Tenney.
David’s hymn:
I Know The Lord Will Make A Way – Dallas Christian Choir [with lyrics] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB8Po60KDu4
Amen! Agreeing with you, Beverlee in prayer.
Sun is shining here in Florida, but is very cool. High today of 55 F. So thankful for the sun. Always make one feel much better.
Blessings to all today.
great song Beverlee thank you
Agreeing with your prayer
Dear Lord God, thank You for Truth, for Life, liberty, family… We ask for your help in our families. Help the younger ones to make good choices; show them the way out when they are tempted; may your Word in all its wisdom reach them, so they will turn to You and be saved. We pray for all the older ones; please give them strength and encouragement, and may their trust in You be a beacon of hope and stability in their families and communities. We pray that You be exalted and honoured and lifted up in all your people everywhere. In Jesus’s name, amen
Amen, Rob. Amen.
Amen
Amen!
Oh yes Rob ! Amen
Amen! It was good to listen to that old song again! Thankful for this blog, always.
It truly is ‘hard work’ trying to influence some people to become followers of Jesus but it is a labour of love. Praying for a joyful day to all saints:-)!
“What if others slander us or our beliefs? “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31–32).
We should hold our beliefs strongly and defend them courageously, but we should do so “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). “Speaking the truth in love” must be our mantra and mission (Ephesians 4:15). Dr. Jim Denison.
Rick Warren was right: “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.””
Pray for others and remember it is the Holy Spirit that calls, gathers and enlightens us in the One True Spirit……
one day I had a good laugh, I was telling someone about what Jesus Christ has done in my life and this person looked at me and said;
”you realize that God knows everything that is going on this earth and in the Heavens and that He is with each and every person whether they know it or not; He’s just waits for us to ask Him to come and live inside us” I paused for a moment and then, I began to laugh; because that is true,
God bless you Lynda for sharing; I so appreciate your last sentence…..
Thank you for keeping this Blog going. Is there a reason why the last number of chapters of Isaiah was not done? Do they come later in the 2 year plan?
There are 66 chapters in Isaiah, which were all covered. Or are you referring to something else, Bill?
I am so sorry, my mistake, You are right. Isaiah was all covered, not sure what I was looking at. Thanks for straightening me out
Blessings to you
Amen to all the blogs. Thank you for sharing David’s song Beverlee. So blessed today with wonderful scripture, blogs and a beautiful sunny warm day sitting out on the porch and read all of the book of James. Also my helper from the church came yesterday and finished cleaning out my driveway! Great! Thank you saints for your prayers and enjoy your day!
Was blessed by David’s commentary; the book of James is so practical
thanks bloggers for sharing your thoughts and prayers. all for God’s Glory. today’s temperature was at -1. balmy after last weeks -38, thank you Jesus