The Grands Letter (James/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on June 25, 2025 5:25 am (CST)Dear Grands,
James 1:1-8, “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James, the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the author of this epistle. One commentator said, “It was written by a Jew to Jewish Christians, and there is a great deal that is distinctly Jewish in its style and spirit.” Not many believers, however, can live by James’ directive. Jewish believers were passing through severe trials and temptations, and James was writing to comfort and encourage them. How much that encouragement is needed today!
James emphasizes faith that is tested and wards off the temptations that believers experience. Simultaneously, faith is demonstrated by sincere words and works. It is also visible in the lives of true believers. One writer said, “Faith in Christ and His coming will lead us to a patient suffering of evils we cannot avoid.”
The key to overcoming cruelty and worldly wrong is earnest prayer, coupled with a constant trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must faithfully live and ask without doubting—all according to His directive. Only then are we spiritually prepared to receive His blessing. I’m working on this; I trust that you are, too.
Please pray for Israel. The Lord has graciously placed a godly Christian pastor in service as America’s ambassador. He, too, needs and covets our prayers.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
Gene
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
