darn that James

He really steps on some toes, that James does!

Tyler finished reading the book of James to us last night.

I love it and hate it at the same time.

The book - not the finishing of it....

I was the one who suggested reading it;

I mean.

If you want to know how to live,

all you gotta do is read James.

But gosh!

That James is tough!

No grey areas with him; it's all pretty black and white.

Which, honestly, is how I prefer things,

but 

ouch!

He (Tyler; not James) did a quick read-through the book this evening as a re-cap.

I asked him stop after about 30 seconds so I could grab a pencil and paper.

I couldn't write fast enough,

and I was only writing the 'big' stuff.

And most of it was paraphrased.

I  had to sharpen my pencil when we got to chapter 4.

I noticed something in the quick reading 

that I missed, somehow, reading through it more slowly,

and that was the theme of humility.

And that the lack of humility predisposes one towards anger.

Interesting.

I think I really like the read-it-slow & talk about it / read-it-fast method for scripture.

(100 Easy Lessons, anyone?!)

So I don't forget, here are my notes, what I can read of them at least...

James

Rejoice in trials.

Lack wisdom? Ask! But ask believing.

There is no value in riches.

Persevere.

God never tempts anyone.

Selfish desire > sin > death.

Every good gift is from God.

God does not change.

Quick to listen. Slow to speak, Slow to become angry.

Man's anger doesn't bring about the righteous life that God requires.

Do what the Word says = Blessed.

Religion without a tight reign on your tongue is worthless.

The religion God accepts is taking care of widows and orphans and keeping yourself from being polluted by the world. 

Showing favoritism to the rich = Sin.

Stumbling at only a part of the law = breaking the whole law. (gah!)

Speak and act as those who will be judged.

Mercy triumphs over judgement. (Hallelujah!)

Faith unaccompanied by action is dead.

Belief by itself ain't good enough; even the demons believe.

Righteousness is determined by what a person does, not by faith alone. 

Faith without deeds is dead. period.

The tongue - a world of evil set on fire by hell.

No human being can tame his tongue. (God help us!)

Peace and cursing from the same lips?! This should not be!

Envy and selfish ambition = disorder and every evil practice (ouchy!)

Wisdom from heaven is pure, peace-loving, and full of fruit.

Selfish desires from within = fighting. (every parent knows this one!)

If you pray with selfish motives, you won't receive what you ask for.

Friend of world = Enemy of God

Humble yourself before God, He will lift you up.

Don't judge. Just don't.

When you talk about your plans, add "if it's the Lord's will."

Anyone who knows the good he ought to do, and doesn't do it, sins.

Be patient and stand firm.

No grumbling against your neighbor.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Say what you mean. Yes is yes. No is no.

Prayer, offered in faith (after sin is confessed) will be answered.
The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective.
Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save him from death and
cover over a multitude of sins.

See what I mean?!

Five measly chapters, yet I fail in so many areas....

We could camp out in James for a year

and still have plenty to work on.

Thanks, Love, for leading the way!