James 1:7

Begin by reviewing v1-6.  Then move on to today's verse.

⁷ That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; (NIV)

⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (ESV)

If we doubt God, if we don't trust in His goodness, we dishonour Him and God will not answer our prayers for wisdom (or anything else).  God is good.  God is love.  We can trust Him!

Repeat, repeat, repeat!

James 1:6

Today is Wednesday, so begin the day by reviewing 1 Corinthians 13.

⁶ But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (NIV)

⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (ESV)

When we ask for the wisdom in v5 we must pray with absolute trust in our sovereign God, without doubt both mentally and morally.  God does not lie.  God does not break any promises.  God has promised us wisdom when we ask, and if we ask (with right motives and seeking His glory), He will answer.

Repeat this verse over and over today.

James 1:5

I totally forgot to post yesterday, sorry about that!  Hopefully you reviewed the Psalms and the first 4 verses of James.

Today, begin by reviewing the book of Titus, and then go on to today's verse.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (NIV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (ESV)

Wisdom is necessary to live life for the glory of God.  Not wisdom as the world see wisdom.  But divine wisdom, grounded within the absolutes revealed to us in the Word, and then lived out.  Practical wisdom.  And we simply need to ask.  As with all of His blessings, God has wisdom in abundance, ready to pour out on those who seek it.  Just like Solomon.

Repeat today's verse over and over, meditating on its truths, as you hide this verse in your heart today.

James 1:4

Begin by reviewing v1-3.  Can you do it?  If not, that's ok.  Review them several times until you've got it and before moving on to the next verse.

⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

Obviously perfection in this life is not possible for us.  But growth towards perfection is.  In fact, if we are not sinning less, we are not growing in our spiritual life.  As we grow in the love of God and as we grow in our love for each other, we will begin to sin less often.  However, as we understand more and more the holiness of God and our own depravity, that sin will bother us even more - so it may seem to us like we sin the same as we did before.

My MacArthur commentary says this:
The testing of faith drives believers to deeper communion and greater trust in Christ - qualities that in turn produce a stable, godly, and righteous character.

Our trials will product steadfastness of character which will, in turn, result in a growth in spiritual maturity.

Meditate on the truths of these verses as you repeat them over and over.  Remember, we are not memorizing just for the sake of memorization - but transformation!

Saturday and Sunday will be spent on review.  See you Monday for James 1:5!

James 1:3

Start the day off by reviewing v1&2.

Then add on v3

³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (NIV 1984)

 ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (ESV)

We are tested to prove our faith genuine and the result of such testing is steadfastness or perseverance or endurance.  As my ESV Study Bible says - a life of faithful endurance amid troubles and afflictions.

Repeat today's verse over and over and over again!
You're doing great!

James 1:2

Today is Wednesday, so start the day by reviewing 1 Corinthians 13.

Then review James 1:1 from yesterday.

On to today's new verse....

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (NIV)

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (ESV)


Our natural human response to trials is certainly no to rejoice, so we must make a conscience effort to face them with joy.  Count it joy, consider it joy.

Trials in our life prove our faith to be genuine, and in fact, increase both the strength and quality of our faith.

MacArthur adds this thought in his study Bible....
Every trial becomes a test of faith designed to strengthen. If the believer fails the test by wrongly responding, that test then becomes a temptation, or a solicitation to evil.

When we trust in God's plan for our lives, when we trust in His goodness, when we recognize the fact that all trials will test and strengthen our faith if we allow it to, then we can choose to face them with joy.  Not because we're happy about it, but because we are purposefully choosing to rejoice in the Lord and glorify Him.

Repeat today's verse over and over and allow it's truth to sink deep into your heart.

James 1:1

Well, it's not Monday, but today we're starting new!

Start off today by reviewing the book of Titus (because it's Tuesday).

Today we're going to start the book of James.  Now, before you panic, don't think of it as learning an entire book.  Just think of it that our next chapter we're tackling is James 1.  Once James 1 is totally secure, we'll move on to our next chapter which will just so happen to be James 2.  Don't think of it as the entire book, because that can be overwhelming.  Try it and see!  We won't go too fast, but if you need more time, just let me know and we can add in a few extra review days as needed.

I am going to be posting two versions - ESV and NIV (1984).  I have always previously memorized the NIV, but I am leaning towards switching to the ESV for myself because it is a more accurate literal translation, yet still maintains readability. If any of you that are following use a different translation and would like me to add that in, please let me know.  Obviously you are free to memorize whichever translation you like.

Here we go!

NIV 1984

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

ESV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

This James is the half-brother of Jesus and he is writing to the Jews, wherever they may be living.

Read this verse aloud several times.  Then try doing it from memory.  If you can't, go back to reading it aloud several more times.  Rinse and repeat.  There's no magic to this.  Just repetition.  Reading aloud will help!

God bless you as you store His Word in your heart.