People think of prayer like it was magic, and because they think like that they are disappointed.

Magic is predictable, works every time. Every time Frodo puts that ring on his finger, he disappears. People think prayer ought to work predictably and they are disappointed. I prayed and it didn’t happen.

When you’re trying to learn a skill it really helps to have a role model. A hero, someone who inspires you to say, that’s what I want to be.

James isn’t impressed by the rich and powerful. And they aren’t impressed with him, either.

Question: How do you know God loves you?

Answer: Because He disciplines you to share His holiness.

The path to peace and satisfaction is hard to find.

What doesn’t help is that we are convinced we know where it is, and we are wrong. Instead what we pursue makes conflict, while we sincerely work for happiness.

No parent wants to see their children live foolishly, make bad decisions, not be able to see potential dangers and snares. So our Father in heaven is going to teach us to be wise.

What you say gives you away. Our hearts are desperately wicked and it comes out in the way we talk, to family, to friends, to people, to ourselves. If you don’t believe that, today James will make you a believer.