One of James’ primary themes is centered on temptation and testing. He firmly places responsibility in our hands, urging us to keep our desires in check and not let them go too far. Instead of focusing on those desires, he urges us to turn our attention to the good things and gifts the Lord has given us. We hear also from Apostles John and Paul in step with James’ lesson on maintaining a healthy focus.

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We begin a journey through the Book of James today. The oldest of Mary and Joseph's other sons, James eventually becomes the leader of the "mother church" in Jerusalem in spite of not believing in his older brother at first. James writes with a voice of practical authority, with themes of (1) facing trials in the Christian life, (2) the need for godly wisdom, and (3) issues surrounding wealth and poverty; all themes we need to visit two millennia later.

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There are plenty of times when we go through our day - whether it’s a complicated, challenging kind of day or a whistle while you walk kind of day - and forget to check in with the One who’s always with us. Sometimes until we are in over our head and finally cry out for help. As we enter a new season (a little tardy but based on the Jewish calendar), we remind ourselves of the basics of connecting with God in prayer in good times and in bad, for better for worse, for richer for poorer…. Luke 11:1-13

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