My Favorite Book of the Bible

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 There are 66 books of the Bible and although I love many of them James is my favorite book in the Bible. It’s my desire to write daily devotionals and featured articles on every verse in my favorite book. The reason why I love the book of James is because it is so practical.

• It’s a small book that consists of 108 verses.
• I’m convinced this book has answers for all of our questions in life.
• It is a “How to Manual for the Christian Life.”
• If you are a pastor or counselor you can find a verse that can be used to encourage anyone going through trouble, tension or transition in their life.

This book was written by James. * He was the brother of Jesus. Technically the half brother. He and Jesus shared the same mother, but not the same father. Joseph was not Jesus biological father. His father is God. Can you imagine being the half brother of Jesus? That’s some serious pressure. Your parents saying, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” All of your friends gravitating more to him than you. In the very first verse of the book of James he declared himself as a servant of God and follower of Jesus.  James declared Jesus as the Boss, Coach, and CEO of his life.

• The word “Lord” means “exalted one.” “Jesus” is a “human name”. “Christ” means “annointed one.”

To give you some context of this book. A great deal of persecution had taken place in the church at Jerusalem and so James is writing to followers of Jesus who have been scattered throughout the world. James was a man of incredible faith and prayer. * His nickname was camel knees, because he prayed on his knees for so long that the skin on his knees became hard like a camel. James was martyred for his faith. * The story is that the Pharisees in Jerusalem so hated James’ testimony for Jesus that they had him cast down from the temple and then beaten to death with clubs. * It’s reported that he died praying for his murderers saying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It’s my desire to do whatever it takes to grow in my faith in Jesus like James and share his message to those that are scattered looking for Hope!