We are beginning the fall by turning to the Book of James, what some call the ‘Proverbs of the New Testament,’ because it is filled with practical wisdom for godly living. James was the half-brother of Jesus, not to be confused with the other James’ who were disciples. At first a skeptic, James encountered the resurrected Jesus and went on to be a pillar of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15). Originally speaking to Jewish believers, James wrote to share the importance of putting faith to work in action, providing insight for true godly living. He begins by speaking about God’s overall goal for your life, which is to make you a mature and a holy reflection of him through the testing of your faith, a goal of God’s that should give us joy.