We are memorizing James 1 and we are up to the Black Belt level.  We are memorizing verse 21 today and we have 6 more to go.  What a blessing!

Here are the first 20 verses that we have memorized:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of a the sea, blown and tossed by the win.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position for he will pass away like the wildflower.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, the rich man fades away even while he goes about his business.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail because, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say ‘God is tempting me’ for God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Yippee!  We’re doing great!  This is only possible because nothing is impossible with God!  Here’s our next verse:

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The thing that immediately comes to my mind with this verse is “50 Shades of Gray”.  Moral filth.  Evil.  And I feel like I’m being bombarded on all sides.  In the media.   In conversations.  The general population doesn’t seem to have any issues with it.  I’m starting to call it ’50 Shades of Smut”.  No one has any questions about my opinion 🙂

God tells us in this verse to get rid of all moral filth and evil.  We are to cast off all sinful practices like a filthy garment.  This includes our thoughts along with what we say.

And we are to open our hearts and minds to the word – wanting to hear the truth and willing to change.   The Word can help make us wise and help us understand salvation.  Grace.  Redemption.  Transformation.

Thank you, Abba Father.