I spent several months studying the book of James. Part of that study process was memorizing all of it. I’m excited to share that as of Saturday, January 10, 2026, I have memorized the entire book of James. This way of studying with memorization has made the book of James feel like a part of me. The verses I have stored in my head often come to the surface in daily conversation or situations, giving me insights and Godly wisdom to respond. I highly recommend doing it.

When I told my pastor that I was memorizing this book, he said, “Not James!!” Because James is a tough book. It’s straight from the hip and thought provoking. It challenges our motives, our words, and our walks with God. I love it. It’s practical, honest, and challenging.

Let’s get started…

James 1

            1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad, greetings.

James here was not one of the two disciples named James; he was Jesus’ brother. In fact, while Jesus walked the earth, this James was one that did not believe. But after Jesus’ death and resurrection, he believed and eventually, James became a pillar of the Christian church. “The leader of the Jewish Christians, and by them surnamed the Just, the overseer (or bishop) of the church at Jerusalem.” [1]

This book is a letter addressed to the 12 tribes of Israel, “dispersed abroad.” The term “the 12 tribes of Israel” was a common reference to the Jews, even though, at that time, “they had not lived in their tribal allotments for centuries.”[2] Though he writes with hints of the Torah still in his heart, he shares the new covenant in Christ and how that should be lived out. While it was written to the Jewish Christians of the time, it is relevant to us today.  

We will journey through James a passage, or sometimes a verse at a time. I will share lessons and insights I have gathered along the way. With each post, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. And, if you have questions or have insights of your own to share, please feel free to leave a comment.

[1] Thayer, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon of the New Testament

[2] Guzik, Study Guide for James, via BLB