Plan Info

Morning Coffee With JamesSample

DAY 1 OF 8

Greetings

Read James 1:1

God's Word to Them...

James, the brother of Jesus, was writing to scattered groups of Christians during a time of great persecution. His purpose was to encourage these groups to hang onto their faith during difficult times. This letter was written around 50 C.E.

God's Word to Us...

Now, nearly 2,000 years later, we are still learning, still gaining encouragement from James’ practical, straight-talking advice. He tells us to persevere through trials, because trials build our faith. He tells us to ask God for wisdom, and God will generously give it to us. He teaches us to avoid favoritism, to control our tongues, to do good whenever we are able. James’ simple act of penning an encouraging letter has exercised influence for centuries and has served to build up countless members of the body of Christ. We never know how far-reaching our service for Christ will be!

As we read James’ timeless words of wisdom, we must ask ourselves: “What am I doing for Christ? What legacy am I leaving behind for my children and grandchildren?" Whether it is a letter, or long conversations about God’s goodness, or simply bringing our faith to life through our actions, we must not neglect the future generations.

Their future faith is closely intertwined with ours. We, like James, must take responsibility and pass the torch to them.

Cream and Sugar...

Name three people you can talk to today and tell how God has made a difference in your life.

Dear Father, thank You for the men and women who have served You throughout the ages, so that I could know You and serve You better today. Please use my life to encourage others in their relationships with You. Amen.

The Last Drop...

“What we practice, not (save at rare intervals) what we preach, is usually our great contribution to the conversion of others.” —C. S. LEWIS

Scripture

James 1:1

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Acts 15:13

Acts 15:23

Day 2

About this Plan

As the half brother of Jesus, James knew a side of our Lord that few others did. He ate with Him, slept with Him, played brotherly pranks. He worked alongside Jesus in the carpenter’s shop. He loved his brother. But as is the case in so many families, James was too close to his brother to recognize Him as special. I can only imagine the confusion and embarrassment James felt when his big brother told people He was the Messiah! I can only imagine the shame James carried when his big brother was executed like a common criminal. Then, after Jesus was dead and buried, James saw Him. His brother, whom he loved, stood right before his eyes! James lived out the remainder of his days building the church. We never hear James boasting about his relationship with Jesus. Instead, he refers to himself as Jesus’ servant. He calls his fellow Christians “brothers.” The book of James doesn’t tell us how to become a Christian. Instead, it is a practical how-to guide for Christian living. He tells us to persevere, to stand firm in our faith. He tells us to stop talking about our faith and start living it. He tells us to treat everyone equally and to stop playing favorites, to control our tongues, to seek God for all of life’s answers. James is a no-nonsense kind of guy. So pour yourself a cup of coffee and flavor it just right. Then, sit back and get ready to learn timeless lessons from James 1, the brother of our Lord.

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