Sunday, July 26
Identity: from Skeptic to Servant
Speaker: Brian Fulton
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! - James 1:1 (NLT)
Devotional
This New Testament letter was most likely written by James the half-brother of Jesus. James doubted and did not believe in Jesus as the Son of God until after the resurrection, but became a prominent figure in the early church over the first thirty years of Christianity. While other disciples were sent all over the world, James stayed in Jerusalem. He prayed, taught and fully trusted in God to complete His good work. James writes to encourage Christians all over the world to face the challenge of faith because, as he knows all too well, when you decide to follow Jesus you will face trials of various kinds. The good news is that God has gone before us and will never abandon us in the midst of our trials.
Discussion
What does James’s journey from a skeptic of Jesus to a servant of Jesus tell us about the dynamic of faith?
In your experience, what has been the relationship between joy and the testing of your faith? Share stories.
Share or write down how your mind and body react when you read James 1:1-4.
Prayer
Consider the reality that God brings people from skepticism (James), denial (Peter), and immorality (Mary Magdalene), and includes them in his plan for renewal. Whether alone or in a group, spend time praying in a posture of praise and thanksgiving to our God who brings people out of darkness and into marvelous light.
After, ask the Holy Spirit to stir the spiritual gifts and joint witness of your communities. May we grow as faith-filled people who trust God to complete His good work.
Practice
Daily Prayer Guide
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through temporal things, not losing the eternal things; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.