[150]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – JAMES CHAPTER ONE
The author of this letter is known as James the Less, to distinguish him from James the brother of John. This author was the half brother of Jesus, the full son of Joseph and Mary. James is a book that is often rejected for messages, but there is so much in it and that is to be expected because it comes from the inspiration of God. This poem is taking material from Chapter 1.
Martin Luther dismissed the book of James as “a book of straw”. He thought it was teaching salvation by works because he misunderstood it.
Underneath the poem there is a stanza-verse reference for each of the 9 stanzas. There is not much more I want to say about this poem and I hope some of the teaching in the Chapter comes through in the poem.
James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him”}}
James 1:12 “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”}}
James 1:19-20 “This you know, my beloved brethren, but let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”}}
I can’t remember if I intended 25 years ago to write a poem for each chapter. It would be good if time permits.
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JAMES CHAPTER ONE
Count it all joy, my brethren, when
You face a multitude of trials.
Your faith will prove the testing ground;
In Christ will you be firmly found,
And gained endurance, on you smiles.
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We all lack wisdom’s blesséd touch
In certain aspects of our ways.
Steadfast in faith, then let us ask
Of God, but not with doubting mask.
Without reproach, each plea repays.
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The man of humble circumstance
May glory in the state he’s in -
For elevated is that place.
But let the rich man then embrace
Humiliation’s glory - win.
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The man is blessed who perseveres,
When under trial, himself he knows.
Such character by God approved.
If from his faith, the man’s not moved,
A crown of life, His Lord bestows.
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Temptation comes when man is caught,
Enticed by his own lustful heart.
Then lust conceived, gives birth to sin,
Where only death can that one win,
So keep your life for God, apart.
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Now, every perfect gift bestowed,
And every good thing’s, from above.
Our Father dwelling in the light,
Where shifting shadow has no sight,
Has brought us forth in His true love.
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Let each of you be quick to hear,
But slow to anger and to speak.
Then put aside all filthiness
And all remaining wickedness,
God’s word receive then, you the meek.
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But prove yourselves the doers of
The word, not merely those who hear.
For they delude themselves, you know,
As those who mirror-look and go
Away, forgetting what was near.
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Unbridled tongues deceive one’s heart;
Religion - worthless - it reveals.
What’s undefiled, and pure, then seek -
The widows, orphans - help the weak,
And keep unstained by this world’s deals.
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1 October 1999 R E Ferguson 8-8-8-8-8 ABCCB
Stanza 1 - Verses 2 - 3
Stanza 2 - Verses 5 - 6
Stanza 3 - Verses 9 - 10
Stanza 4 - Verses 12
Stanza 5 - Verses 14 - 15
Stanza 6 - Verses 17 - 18
Stanza 7 - Verses 19 - 21
Stanza 8 - Verses 23 - 24
Stanza 9 - Verses 26 – 27