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In the summer of 2001 it was my honour to participate in a spiritual journey with six of my peers and two teachers, during a counsellor training course. During that time we learned many things: canoe rescue, :hug: mentoring and about a man called James. :read:

At the time, I was 15, and honesty, I didn't apprciate the letter of James as I should have. In fact, I told my neat freak tent-mate :camp:, and I quote "He's jut a cynical, senile old man." :readthis:

This week, I went back, and I reread James' letter. And this time, I found great wisdoms there. He cuts to the heart of the "human condition", showing us our faults, our hypocrises and our vices of greed and lust. :angry:

Prehaps in that rainy summer of leaky tents and early mornings, I did not understand the world...I did not have the experience to realize the intense faith it takes to live as a Christian. Nor to understand the trials James meant. In his letter, he reminds us to look for wisdom from God, to be humble and not to brag. That money, luxury and popularity is worthless if you don't have a good heart. To take each day as our last, and to be kind to one another. :heartbeat::grouphug::heartbeat:

So now, I extend my deepest apologies to the man named James, who followed Jesus' way so long ago, for in his teachings nd faith we can remember that we are never alone. And that with faith, kindness and determination we can survive. :desert::happyheart:
That is so true, draka.

I know someone who is a buddhist, but had read the Bible once. He commented that James is his favourite book.

Much brotherly love,

AR
Dearest draka ...:giverose:

James is one of my favorite Bible books in describing how we are to be better Christians ... not thinking too much of ourselves ... in the 'knowledge' we have but relying on our God for such pearls of wisdom ... and never doubting his ability to follow through for us ...

James 1:5 ...

5 So, if any one of YOU is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him.


That while we will need to go through trials in order to prove our Love for Christ and God ... in the end it will all be worth it ...

James 1:12
...

12 Happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving him.


That this wise man taught us the was in which to really communicate with one another ...

James 1:19-21 ...

19 Know this, my beloved brothers. Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath; 20 for man’s wrath does not work out God’s righteousness. 21 Hence put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save YOUR souls.

To never forget who we are and where we come from ... to search deep inside ourselves honestly and sincerely ... to face our faults and weaknesses and good points and strengths and learn and grow to become an even better footstep follower of Christ Jesus ...

James 1:23-25
...

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and off he goes and immediately forgets what sort of man he is. 25 But he who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and who persists in [it], this [man], because he has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, will be happy in his doing [it].

To never let the love we feel for our God and our worship that we give him become a 'surface' or mere 'formal' thing ... something that we do by just 'rote' and lose our sincerity and deep feeling about ... and to always remember to take care of those less fortunate than us ... those who mankind may tend to overlook ... but who is in Jehovah's eyes ... very precious indeed ...

James 1: 26,27 ...

26 If any man seems to himself to be a formal worshiper and yet does not bridle his tongue, but goes on deceiving his own heart, this man’s form of worship is futile. 27 The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.

All this WEALTH ... these GIFTS for us to take to heart ... to learn and grow from are just in the FIRST chapter ... and there are many many more as well ...

Perhaps others may like to share what gems they have found and put in their treasure chest from this wonderful book ... written by a man full of Jehovah's spirit, full of love, and deep wisdom and insights ...

May we all continue to benefit from this and other writings as we seek to walk in true spirit and truth ...

Lots of love to all ... thanks for bringing this up for us draka ...:heartbeat:

Warm Christian love BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
:read:

I love that book, though my favourite would have to be Exodus. I don't know why, but it always caught my interest. :D

But I'm glad to hear you've found an affinity with the Book, or letter I suppose (sometimes I forget that :redface:) and I hope you continue to find the faith, kindness and determination within it. :friends:
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