This devotional walks readers through the epistle of James, discovering faith as a key theme of this letter. With pastoral insight, Stanley D. Gale helps us understand James’s portrayal of a living faith that clings fervently to our Father in heaven and results in following Him faithfully through the trials of this life. Each devotion is followed by two questions aimed at doing the word, whereby readers put into practice what they have learned. This devotional can be used privately, but its brevity makes it well-suited for reading the segment aloud with fellow believers, discussing it together, and supporting each other in prayer and encouragement.
Endorsements
“This devotional commentary is biblical, pastoral, accessible, encouraging, and clear, making it ideal for any individual or small group who wants to put their faith into action.”
—Daniel M. Doriani, Covenant Theological Seminary
“With pastoral warmth and practical awareness of the issues God’s people face in today’s world, Stan shines the light of James’s wisdom into our daily experience. Read, reflect, and discover God’s encouragement through James.”
—Mark G. Johnston, Trinity Church, Richhill, Northern Ireland
“Reading A Living Faith is like having your own personal biblical teacher by your side speaking into your spirit words of daily encouragement and inspiration. I know that when I pick up something Stan Gale has written, I'm picking up something biblically solid that I can trust— and you can too.”
—Leslie Montgomery, author of Redemptive Suffering
“Stan’s mastery of Scripture and theology, his keen attention to daily experience, and his winsome pastoral manner make strolling through this book not only a vivid learning experience but a true delight.”
—T. M. Moore, The Fellowship of Ailbe
“When you travel through an excellent book such as James, a worthy guide is essential. I have known Stan for many years. I have watched him care for people as their pastor. I have benefited from his careful study of Scripture. He is a fine guide who understands you, and he understands James.”
—Edward T. Welch, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Living Faith
- Take on Trials
- Every Joy or Trial
- Exercising Faith
- A Word to the Unwise
- Wisdom’s Well
- Believing Prayer
- Kindred Spirits
- Steadfast in Trial
- Misreading Trials
- Anatomy of a Seduction
- Taking the Reins
- Taming the Tongue
- The Word on Anger
- Fruit of the Implanted Word
- Doers of the Word
- Deceiving Ourselves
- Mirror, Mirror, in the Word
- True Religion
- Religion before God
- Truth Applied
- The Sin of Partiality
- Rich in Faith
- The Royal Law
- The Law of Liberty
- Faith Plus Works?
- Working Faith
- A Question of Faith
- Functional Faith
- Careless Words
- Brash Words
- Kingdom Caution
- Domesticating the Tongue
- Window on Wisdom
- Demonic Wisdom
- A Yield of Good Fruits
- At the Core of Conflict
- Power in Weakness
- Judge Not
- Planning in Pencil
- God Willing
- Money Matters
- Patient in Affliction
- Persevering Faith
- Swear Not
- The Prayer of Faith
- Power in Prayer
- Truth Matters
