“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5) is written in the opening chapter of this small, yet power-packed book, and in it James provides just that, wisdom that can be used in one’s daily life.

Practical living according to Scripture is the best way I would sum up the book of James. Although Christians may face many challenges and adversities, it does not exempt them from taking responsibility for their personal actions. If anything, it shows more who they are or are not.

From the attitudes we carry to living out the Word in our lives through its application and service toward others, to how we speak and view others – all of these take their proper place in the whole of the Christian’s walk of faith, and all of it matters.

What we profess must match what we live.

Previously I wrote: “What people witness in your life resounds more than the words that are coming out of your mouth… Your faith matters in this world.  More importantly, your faith on display matters to those around you so much that one should not have to speak up or testify for you, all they should be able to do is look at your faith in action and mark you as a person of faith.” (Your Faith Speaks More Than Your Words/©Word for Life Says)

And what better way to do this than through our practical, day-to-day living.

In this new series, I have grouped together some holy reminders for this practical living from the book of James to be used as individual lessons, or as the title suggests, grouped in a series. I am working on more lessons to add to this series and plan to update you as each becomes available.

As always, while I provide resources and activities for lessons and lesson development, I encourage you to do your own personal studies as well.

To access the lessons, simply click on the links below. Enjoy!

“Count it All Joy” – James 1:1-12

Why do we count it all joy? Because what we’re going through is producing a beautiful character in us. Because God will give us, in faith, the wisdom to deal with it all. And because we have a sure reward when this is all over with.

“Doers of the Word” – James 1:19-27

There are enough hearers, observers, and viewers of the faith.  God needs some action heroes that will allow the Word to work in their lives.  God needs more “doers!”

“No Respect of Persons” – James 2:1-13

How we treat people matters. We are called to love people more.

“Faith Without Works is Dead” – James 2:14-26

Faith is not silent. Faith is full of action. Faith is alive. Faith is shared through works to testify of its genuineness and sincerity. Faith does more than move mountains. If it is lived out in the lives of the men and women of God, it can help move hearts toward salvation!

“4 Ways to Use Words Better” – James 3:1-12; Isaiah 50:4

Our words are powerful!  As this lesson shows, they can be used to hurt or to heal; to edify or to tear down.  James wants us to choose life with the words that we speak.