We're in James, verse by verse. We're going through this epistle, and today's text is going

to be chapter 1, beginning in verse 22, and we're going to Lord willing make it through to

verse 25. So for those of you that are here, if you're able, I'll ask you to stand. You

can follow along as I read. If not, where you're seated, it's just fine. You can still

follow along. James,, if not where you're seated is just fine. You can still follow along.

James, by the Holy Spirit now, verse 22, writes, do not merely listen to the word and so deceive

yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word, but does not do

what it says, is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, and after looking at at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks

like.

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it not forgetting what they have heard but doing it,

they will be blessed in what they do.

Let's pray if you would please join with me.

We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Father in heaven, thank you so much for your word in this

portion that we have here before us today here in your word. Lord, this is a passage, I'm sure

familiar to most, and rightfully so. There's something here that you want us to hear, and not only

hear, but do, so that we could be numbered amongst those of whom it could be said. They're not merely hearers of the word,

but doers of the word. Lord, would you in the time that we have together today in your word,

bless it, speak to us in it, keep any and all distractions away so that our minds don't

wander from it because we don't want to miss anything that you have for us.

So get our attention, Lord. That's not my job. That's the Holy Spirit. And then once you have our attention, Lord, keep it.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen and amen. You can be seated. Thank you.

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