“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12, AV) In 1973, I entered the United States Army Ranger School in Fort Benning Georgia. In the previous three years, officer candidates from ourContinue reading “The Crown (James 1:12)”
Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.
Boasting (James 1:9-11)
“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and theContinue reading “Boasting (James 1:9-11)”
Avoiding Seasickness (James 1:6-8)
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6–8, AV) I haveContinue reading “Avoiding Seasickness (James 1:6-8)”
Why? (James 1:5)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5, AV) In 1994, just before the Winter Olympics, there were two prominent female figure skaters destined to compete in the U.S. championships and then the Olympics. TheyContinue reading “Why? (James 1:5)”
Blessed Adversity (James 1:2-4)
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2–4, AV) Years ago, I began running to get in better physical condition. It began withContinue reading “Blessed Adversity (James 1:2-4)”
Amazing Servitude (James 1:1)
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” (James 1:1, AV) In my former devotional, I mentioned that the James who wrote this letter to the “twelve tribes of the dispersion” was James the half-brother of Jesus. The majority of biblical scholars agreeContinue reading “Amazing Servitude (James 1:1)”
Know Your Audience (James 1:1)
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” (James 1:1, AV) Once, while servicing a printing machine that our company sold to a business in Cincinnati, I met a group of executives from their corporation. They wanted to go out to dinner withContinue reading “Know Your Audience (James 1:1)”
Grace to You (Hebrews 13:25)
“Grace be with you all. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:25, AV) When I was in school, we learned how to write a formal letter. We would begin by writing, “Dear Mr.” or some other title and then the letter. At the conclusion we were taught to write, “Sincerely,” and then our name. It seemed quite simple andContinue reading “Grace to You (Hebrews 13:25)”
United We Stand (Hebrews 13:23-24)
“Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.” (Hebrews 13:23–24, AV) The phrase, “United we stand, divided we fall,” has had a place of prominenceContinue reading “United We Stand (Hebrews 13:23-24)”
Landing the Plane (Hebrews 13:22)
“And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.” (Hebrews 13:22, AV) One of the things that pilots must master in their training is how to land an airplane. I’ve never flown a plane, but can imagine that the most difficult part ofContinue reading “Landing the Plane (Hebrews 13:22)”
Renewing the Heart 