Got big plans? Maybe you consider yourself an ambitious person with a hearty five year plan. In contrast, maybe you are in a season of uncertainty where even tomorrow is a guessing game. Whether you are planning a summer vacation or a big business decision down the line; the Bible is clear that our life is just a passing mist, here one day and gone the next. It is important that we shift our perspective in planning according to the will of God, not according to our narrow perspective.

Who are you to judge me? Chances are we have all muttered or shouted this statement at some point in our lives. We live in a world where judgment is feared and resented by everyone, making even a gentle moral evaluation lead to violently severed relationships. As lovers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love, and the world is watching every move. So how do we wiled the Truth that we have?

Who is your best friend? Whether you have known each other since elementary school or met them recently and immediately clicked, there is no comparing with the way God sees your relationship. You may navigate your relationship with God as a transaction, yet God views it in the same regard as a loving marriage. A strong friendship with God requires you to stop flirting with the world, recognize the gravity of your sin and submit to God. No matter how scary surrender to God may seem, being His partner through life will make an extravagant difference.

Are you a smarty-pants? Many of us desire to be wise and feel impressed by worldly wisdom. Yet do we have true wisdom—wisdom from above? It's clear that worldly wisdom is not doing the job. We need God's wisdom in our lives, and through scripture, Jesus gives teachings on wisdom that is counter to what the world often advises. In seeking and achieving heavenly wisdom, there are steps given to us to put into practice.

Our words create reality. We have no clue how much power is in our words. James 3:1-12 speaks on the great power the tongue holds; the power to speak the truth in love and the power to speak poisonous life-altering words. Let your words align with your faith.

There's nothing that draws people in like an awkward tension. We sometimes wrestle with the idea that faith is just about believing. We naturally struggle with this notion that we don't have do anything to be saved. But James seems to be in the middle of this tension. But he is absolutely clear.

Mercy triumphs over judgment. Throughout this entire book, James is trying to answer the question: what difference does it make that you're a Christian? How does knowing Jesus change the way we interact with different socioeconomic groups? How does knowing Jesus change the way we judge?

The whole book of James asks this one question: if you've encountered Jesus Christ, how does that practically change your life? Our faith should also be working. Experiencing him and putting your trust in him is the first step, so how does he make our lives whole?

Temptation knows no limits. It doesn't respect your title. It plays no favorites. It ignores all human obstacles. It cares nothing about the time of day or night, or what you're going through. It camouflages itself, and it will pounce on you whether you're ready for it or not. Too many Christians are so saturated in God's Word yet disobedient to it. We're educated beyond our level of obedience. So what do we do, then?

James is no stranger to suffering and trials. Can you imagine growing up with an older brother who was God? When he was a leader in the church, James faced incredible persecution, pressed in by culture and family, and somehow learned to work his faith in the face of suffering.