James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

The book of James, written in approximately 50 A.D., was penned by the half-brother of Jesus Christ to the 'twelve tribes which were scattered abroad,' the Jews of the Diaspora or dispersion.

According to the account of Paul, (I Corinthians 15:7), Jesus appeared to James after His ascension into heaven before being seen of the twelve apostles and then Paul. He appears to have occupied the position of head of the Church at Jerusalem, where he presided at the council held to consider the case of the Gentiles. In 62 A.D. he was martyred when he was thrown from the pinnacle of the temple.

James 3:11-13, "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

After the resurrection of Jesus, James realized that this man he had know all of his life was the true Messiah. He became a pillar of the church, a leader of the council of Jerusalem, and a friend of Peter and Paul.  Some say he was constantly in prayer interceding on behalf of his fellow believers.

The book of James addresses some difficult problems within each one of us. Although Paul argues that grace is by faith and not of works unless anyone should boast the book of James argues that our faith is revealed through godly works.

Through the words of James we are taught that once we put on Christ we as believers should reveal that faith in Him through everything that we say and do regardless of the circumstance. Knowing that the trying of our faith works patience, and through patience we are made perfect and entire, wanting nothing.