Coffee: Devotion (James 1:1-12)

James 1:1-12

New International Version (NIV)

James 1: 1-12 (Photograph by Cris Bautista)

¹ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Devotion (Photographs by Cris Bautista)

Insights from the Group Discussion

1. It is very difficult to face our problems with joy (for we are humans and have adapted such nature) but the Lord tells us to do so as it strengthens our faith and makes us more Christ-like.

2. Whenever we face problems, we must believe that God is much larger than them and that trusting Him will provide us the drive to persevere under trials.

3. Enduring trials not only glorifies God because it is He that supplies us with courage but also makes us mature and complete as an individual worthy to be imitated.
4. Any one who perseveres under trials will be rewarded by the Lord.