The Book of James: 5:7-11 (NLT)
Welcome back to our daily study in the book of James! I hope you have been enjoying this and feel free to invite friends and family who might find this helpful as well this year with the invite link here: Invitation Link
Need to catch up? We got you covered, simply go to the link below which will take you to our blog where all past bible studies will be. With that said let’s get started on day 26!
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The Book of James (NLT): This book offers practical guidance on living a godly life, including instruction on how to handle temptation and overcome adversity. It is the 51st of the Bible book located in the New Testament containing 5 chapters and a total of 108 verses.
Author: James, the half-brother of Jesus
Theme: Practical guidance for living a faithful Christian life, with a focus on the importance of good deeds and living a life of faith. In addition to the themes of good deeds and living a life of faith, the Book of James also addresses issues such as temptation, humility, and the dangers of wealth and pride.
Timeline: The Book of James is believed to have been written in the mid-to-late first century AD
Structure: The Book of James is a letter, consisting of five chapters. It is written in a concise, straightforward style and is full of practical wisdom and guidance.
Recipients: The letter is addressed to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (James 1:1), which likely refers to Jewish Christians living in the diaspora (outside of Palestine).
Importance: The Book of James is considered one of the most practical books in the New Testament and is often referred to as the "Proverbs of the New Testament." It offers valuable insights and guidance for Christians of all ages on how to live a faithful and obedient life.
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Scripture Insights:
In these passages, we as Christians are encouraged to be patient as we wait for things to happen and for the second coming of the Lord. When Jesus left earth and ascended into heaven Acts 1:9-11 says the following, “Now when He (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”
In Jesus’ day, Christians believed that Jesus would return soon, meaning in their lifetime. In the scriptures, we are encouraged to expect Jesus’ return any day and be ready. It’s been over two thousand years since Jesus ascended into heaven. Many of us have to be reminded that Jesus is coming back soon. It could be today, a year from now, or when we have passed onto heaven. However, when we look at the scriptures and study Bible prophecy we can see that events are happening right before our eyes. Our society and morals have changed and what was considered abominable before is accepted and pridefully celebrated. Men and women have become lovers of themselves and not lovers of God and His ways (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
We can see with the advances in technology, the use of digital currency, and artificial intelligence, how the beast system (mark of the beast, 666, right hand or forehead) could be implemented when people, in general, are willing to give up their rights because of fear. We see that a world government system is in the works led by the wealthiest and most influential people in power. As we keep an eye on what is going on in Israel, the signs of the times point to the soon-coming return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But God is so merciful and loving that He is giving us more time to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. God wants more people to come to Him and be part of His family. If Jesus came today would you be ready? Would your family and friends be ready? Has your loved one that you have been praying for accepted Jesus as their personal savior?
As a farmer plants his crops and is patient to wait for rain, or today, schedules watering, there is a waiting period until the seeds germinate and the plants start to grow and produce. The plants also need sunlight and time. When we pray the results of our prayers may take time but we hold onto the promises of God and do not give up. As we wait we are not to complain and grumble. How many times do we catch ourselves praying, believing, and then complaining that our prayers are not being answered? Read the story of Job. He went through a lot of hardship and lost everything, including his family, but in the end, he received double for all he lost and became wealthy once again.
Be patient, but expectant that the Lord could return any day and we should keep ourselves ready. Since we do not know when Jesus will return we need to continue to fulfill God’s plans for our lives. As we pray, believing the promises in His Word, let us wait patiently and thank Him for the answers.
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Today's Prayer
Father God, use me today to be compassionate, kind, and thoughtful. I know Lord there are so many people hurting in this world and I know that I can be a light in someone's dark place. Thank You, Lord, for using me to light up this world and those around me with great love in Jesus name Amen.
God Bless,
Dayne
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