Have you ever regretted saying something in the heat of the moment? It's like squeezing toothpaste from the tube—once you squeeze it, you can’t put it back in. James knew this too well and offered us wisdom on how to avoid the pasty mess.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. [Get ready for a chapter study on the Vince Miller Show]

If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Our text today is James 1:19-21:

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. — James 1:19-21

James gives us a threefold admonition on hearing, speaking, and anger. He will develop these three ideas in the coming verses. At the end of the week, we will address how to integrate them in our video.

He tells us that the human process of gathering and responding to information is flawed. Therefore, we treat people unrighteously, not like God does. However, the issue is not just the speed of our hearing, speaking, or responding; it also concerns the vulgarity and vileness of the information we seed in our hearts and minds. What we need is a new word, the implanted Word of God.

The bottom line is that human anger, even our idea of righteous anger, does not produce God's righteousness.

Here's your application:

Pause, plant the Word, and produce God's righteousness.

This is why I believe being in God's Word daily is so important. Let’s be honest—we’re constantly bombarded by things that stir up frustration. The news stokes our anger, careless drivers test our patience, and even our loved ones can push our buttons. But when we let God’s Word sink into our hearts, it transforms us. His Word calms our anger, redirects our focus, and saves us from countless headaches.

Once anger’s out, you can’t take it back—let God’s Word soak in and stop the squeeze.

So stop being so angry. Get in the Word. Let it soak and seep into your soul.

#TamingAnger, #ImplantedWord, #RighteousLiving

1. What triggers your anger most often, and how can you respond with patience instead?
2. How does daily time in God’s Word shape your reactions?
3. Are you quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger in your relationships?
4. What steps can you take today to let God’s Word transform your thoughts and actions?

Don't squeeze the tube.

Lord, help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Implant Your Word in my heart today, transforming my thoughts and actions to reflect Your righteousness. Amen.

Even When It Hurts.

It’s easy to point fingers when things go wrong in our life: We think, "It’s their fault," or sometimes we dare to think, "It's God's fault." But James cuts sharply through these excuses, showing us another way to look at our situations.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. [Get ready for a chapter study on the Vince Miller Show]

If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Our text today is James 1:13-18:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. — James 1:13-18

In this section of chapter one, James turns inward. He is no longer talking about external trials but internal temptations. The challenges that derive from our devious desires. And I think James' sexual-fishing metaphor is spot-on. We get lured and enticed by our own desires. We get hooked and then commit adulterous affairs in our hearts. Then, these adulterous expeditions result in sin that we birth. We are on the hook for them, and they kill us and others.

God is not on the hook for temptation. We are. God is good, and every gift he gives is good.

You can't blame the hook when you're the one chasing the bait.

Today, James is challenging us to take responsibility for our temptations. Instead of pointing fingers at others or God, we need to own our desires, hook, line, and sinker. The correct response is not to blame God for our desires but to surrender our desires to Him.

So, what desire has been hooking you lately? Don't skip past this question. Think about it. Identify it. Confess it. Share it [in the comments below]. Surrender it. Pray about it [like we talked about yesterday]. Then, take intentional steps to replace it with God's desires.

Remember, the Father of Lights fills your life with good gifts—so ask him for a heart that desires his very best.

#OwnYourChoices, #GodIsGood, #GuardYourHeart

1. What desires have been hooking you lately and leading you into temptation?
2. How can you surrender your desires to God today?
3. What good gifts has God already provided in your life?
4. How can you replace tempting thoughts with God's truth and promises?

Stop blaming God.

Father of Lights, thank You for every good and perfect gift You provide. Help me surrender my desires to You and pursue Your best for my life. Amen.

Hooked On A Feeling.

Doubt—it's that little voice that whispers to us in our trials. It says, "But what if God doesn't come through?" We've all heard it. But today, James warns us that doubt and the whispers of doubt can wreak storm-like havoc on our faith. And we will discover the right response to doubt is surprising, simple, steady, and strong.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. [Don't forget at the end of the week, we will do a review of the entire chapter on the Vince Miller Show]

If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:5-12

In my life, trials have a way of turning my heart and mind toward a defensive mentality or a defeatist mentality. I am sure you are no different. When I encounter a trial, I either try to defend myself against the trial, using my own ingenuity to work my way around it or out of it. Or, if the trial goes on too long, I get this defeatist mentality where I want to give up.

But this text says there is a far better answer to navigating our trials: It's to ask God [circle those words] for the wisdom we lack in our trials. I hate to say it, but this is the missing step that amplifies the drift of doubt.

Too many believers live lives of secret self-exaltation. They spend too much time trying to work a way out of their trials or ruminating on the trials while they drift far into a sea of doubt. Instead, we should be humble, submissive, trust, and turn to God, who can provide wisdom for the trial. And if we do the latter, we are blessed and will receive the crown of life.

When trials crash over you, resist the urge to paddle on your own ingenuity or sink into defeat. Instead, stop and ask God for wisdom—that’s the step that anchors your faith and steadies you in the storm. Write it down, circle it, underline it: Ask God. Then trust that he will give it. Repeat it until it becomes a habit because your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

Your storm isn’t the problem—it's how you face it.

#FaithOverDoubt, #AskGod, #SteadfastUnderTrials

1. When faced with trials, do you rely on your own wisdom, or do you pause to ask God for guidance?
2. How has doubt affected your faith during past challenges?
3. What step can you take today to build the habit of asking God for wisdom?
4. In what ways can you trust God more fully to provide wisdom during your current trial?

Ask God. Right now!

Father, in my trials, help me to trust You completely and ask for the wisdom I need. Strengthen my faith so I can remain steadfast and receive the blessings You promise. Amen.

Lord, I Need You.

When was the last time you were really excited about a spiritual trial in your life? Never? Well, wait till you hear what James has to say about that.

Welcome to the Daily Devo.

If you are new here, we study our way through the bible book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and day-by-day. I want you to show up here every day. Here is what you will get: daily devotionals through a chapter for 6 days and, on day 7, a study of the whole chapter. Grab your James Scripture Journal, take notes, and follow along.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. — James 1:2-4

Highlight these key verses. They introduce the first of 12 factors James addresses to help us “Grow Up Spiritually”—trials.

No one likes trials, especially the kind that hit you out of nowhere—a family sickness, job loss, or tragedy. No one celebrates those moments. But that’s not what James means by “Count it all joy.” He’s urging us to look beyond the trial to see its purpose. Trials refine us. They produce steadfastness and build a full, complete faith.

Take a moment today to reflect on a current or past trial. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What is God teaching me?” Write it down. Too often, we rush through trials without recognizing how God is using them to grow us.

The other day, my wife and I were hit with an unexpected expense. My gut response? Definitely not joy. But once I got past my irritation, I realized God was teaching me something practical—plan better for emergencies. Even I have to work at this, just like you. Complaining won’t help when we worship a God who uses trials to refine us.

Remember, trials aren’t setbacks—they’re setups for spiritual growth. Sometimes, you just need to stop long enough to see how.

#SpiritualGrowth, #FaithThroughTrials, #CountItAllJoy

1. What trial are you facing today, and how might God be using it to grow your faith?
2. How can shifting your focus from "why me" to "what's God teaching me" change your perspective on trials?
3. What has a past trial taught you about steadfastness and trusting God’s refining process?
4. How does seeing trials as spiritual growth opportunities help you embrace them with joy?

Ask, “What is God teaching me?”

Lord, help me to see trials not as burdens but as opportunities to grow in faith and steadfastness. Teach me to trust Your refining work in my life, even when it’s hard to understand. Amen.

Teach Me To Obey.

Imagine living far from home, surrounded by people who don’t understand your culture, your faith, or your struggles. Every day feels like a battle to remain faithful while navigating pressure to compromise. Can you imagine that? I can!

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: — James 1:1

James opens his letter with a greeting to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion." These are Jewish converts (now Christians) who have been scattered across the land, originating from persecution following Stephen's death (Acts 8:1). Many of these new believers ran from Jerusalem to escape hostility, only to encounter new challenges in foreign lands. They were strangers in hostile environments, wrestling with poverty, discrimination, and the daily grind of trying to live out their faith in a world that opposed them.

But James doesn't just acknowledge and empathize with their situation—he equips and empowers them to live in their situation. This little letter that got passed on from group to group addresses all the practical issues believers were encountering, like trials (James 1:2-4), temptation (1:13-15), talk (3:1-12), and treasure (2:1-9; 5:1-6). At the core, James is calling them to a faith that works itself out in everyday life—one that is not merely thought about but lived out through daily action.

I think many believers today can relate to the cultural challenges the Dispersion faced. We live, attend school, and work in cultures that oppose our values and beliefs. Brothers and sisters, we are swimming against the tide. The tide is strong, and for some of us, it is getting stronger. Like the Dispersion, there are some of you who feel scared, scattered, or secluded.

However, as you will read in this letter, James's response to them is sympathetic but strong: "It's time to grow up."

This message is so relevant to our time. You can complain about the challenges of our culture or bring about change. You do this by being light in the darkness. You live it out.

You are the Dispersion—shine where you're scattered.

#FaithInAction, #ShineInTheDarkness, #LiveTheGospel

1. Where do you feel scattered or out of place in your faith?
2. How are you living out your faith daily?
3. What challenges in your culture test your commitment to Christ?
4. How can you shine as light in your current environment?

Shine where you are scattered.

Father, help me live out my faith with courage and integrity, even when the world is against me. Strengthen me to be a light, reflecting Your love and truth wherever I am. Amen.

Shine A Light.

Ever been gripped by fear one moment and overwhelmed by joy the next? It’s a jarring shift, but it’s where God often does His best work.

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" — Luke 2:8-11

It was just an ordinary night for a group of shepherds—likely quiet, maybe a little boring. Then, out of nowhere, the sky exploded with the brilliance of heaven, and an angel appeared, terrifying them. Can you imagine the shock?

Years ago, I bolted out of bed in the dead of night, convinced I’d heard something outside. Grabbing the handgun from my nightstand, I rushed outside into the darkness and cold, ready to defend my family. I made a heroic sweep of the house, only to later laugh about my bravery because I had swept the perimeter in nothing but my underwear and boots.

I bet the shepherds had the same protective instinct—but at least they were smart enough to put on pants.

But the angel’s words were clear: “Fear not.”

So why these words? Because this wasn’t a moment to protect but to praise. The message they heard would turn their alarm into celebration: a Savior had come—not just for the elite but for ordinary men like them.

And their response?

They didn’t hesitate. They ran, leaving their flocks and fears behind to see the Savior for themselves.

Human fear has a way of paralyzing us. But holy fear should not blind or bind us but loosen us toward celebrating what is right and righteous. The birth of Jesus proves that God will never abandon us to worldly fears. He steps into time with a message of hope, joy, and peace, turning our terror into triumph in a baby boy named Jesus.

Fear retreats when we run in faith to Jesus.

What fear do you need to leave behind today? Don’t just sit there—run to the Savior. Run from fear to the one who saves.

#FearNot, #RunToJesus, #FaithOverFear

1. What fears are holding you back from fully trusting God’s promises?
2. How can you respond with faith instead of fear today?

Run from fear to faith.

Lord, help me to release my fears and trust in Your good news of joy and salvation. Strengthen my faith to run toward You with confidence and peace. Amen.

Fear is a Liar.

Sometimes, there’s nothing like the feeling of comfort of coming home.

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”— Matthew 2:19-20

There’s nothing like the comfort of home. I travel a lot, so I know that feeling well—the familiar bed, the space that’s mine, and the presence of family. Home offers belonging, a comfort that feels incomplete anywhere else.

I imagine Joseph and Mary longed for that, too. Egypt wasn’t home; Nazareth was. It was where they grew up, where their family and friends lived. For months, maybe even years, they lived as strangers in a foreign land, protecting the Savior of the world while navigating a season of discomfort and uncertainty.

Then, one day, another angel appeared to Joseph, bringing news that must have flooded them with relief: “It’s time to go home.” Herod was dead, and the season of displacement was over. I picture their gratitude as they packed up and began the journey back to a familiar place.

But here’s the truth: comfort and discomfort often coexist in God’s plans. For Joseph and Mary, the comfort of going home came after enduring an uncomfortable season that shaped them.

Life’s challenging seasons—those moments of uncertainty, stretching, and waiting—are no different for us. They feel foreign and unsettling, but they are also refining. And like Joseph and Mary, we’re never alone. Jesus is with us through every twist, every trial, and every unknown territory.

God uses seasonal discomfort to prepare us for his sovereign comfort.

Are you in an uncomfortable season right now? Maybe you are in a season today that feels like everything familiar has been stripped away. I cannot encourage you enough to listen closely and look around at what God is saying and doing. God speaks in our discomfort, just like he did to Joseph and Mary. You need to trust that he is present, working in your life, and leading you toward the comfort of home—at just the right time.

Comfort is coming, my friend.

Jesus, thank You for being my comfort in every season, even in the discomfort. Help me to trust You as You guide me through. Amen.

#GodsTiming, #ComfortInChrist, #SeasonsOfFaith

1. How has God used discomfort in your life to shape your faith and trust in Him?
2. What steps can you take to trust God’s timing in your current season of uncertainty?

Find comfort in Jesus.

Jesus, thank You for walking with me through every season, both comfortable and uncomfortable. Help me to trust Your timing and find peace in Your presence. Amen.

God of All Comfort.