1. We are responsible with the Methodist church for 5th Quarter Friday night. We need a few people to volunteer to chaperone at the Methodist gym from after the game until midnight. Please let me know if you are willing to help.
2. Men's Breakfast will be Saturday at 8:00am.
3. On Sunday September 2nd Jim and Laurie will begin an eleven week sermon series preaching through the book of James. If you are interested in looking ahead the division is as follows: James 1:1-18, 1:19-27, 2:1-13, 2:14-26, 3:1-12, 3:13-18, 4:1-12, 4:13-17, 5:1-6, 5:7-12, 5:13-20.
Scripture
James 1:1-18 (ESV)
James, a servant of God
and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings. [2] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various
kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
[4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,
who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. [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. [7] For that person must not suppose that he
will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in
all his ways. [9] Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, [10] and the
rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
[11] For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its
flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in
the midst of his pursuits. [12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under
trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which
God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted,
"I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and
he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and
enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth
to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. [16] Do not be
deceived, my beloved brothers. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no
variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creation.
Questions for Reflection
1. How would you respond to someone who tells you that good can come from the trials which you are experiencing?
2. What attitude did James tell people to exhibit when they are facing trials? (1:2)
3. What is produced when our faith is tested? (1:3-4)
4. What is God’s response when we ask for wisdom? (1:5)
5. What effect does doubt have on a person when he or she prays? (1:6-8)
6. What trials and difficulties have you experienced during your life?
7. Why does God allow people to go through trials and difficulties?
8. What good has ever come out of a difficult situation in your life?
9. How does a person’s relationship with God change as he or she goes through trials and problems?
10. When do you find it hardest to pray?
