DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
READ: James 1 (Focus vs. 2-12)
MEMORY VERSE
Blessed is the one who perseveres. James 1:12
BACKGROUND
Nestled in a corner of the brick steps leading up to our front door is a hardy little scarlet begonia. We didn’t plant it – must have grown there from a seed that fell out of a hanging basket. But we’ve let it remain.
Year after year it’s a cheerful reminder to my wife and me that perseverance is a beautiful thing.
James offers even more beautiful encouragement to persevere, especially to those facing opposition for their faith in Jesus: “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
Pure joy? We balk at those words, but the apostle is looking forward to the truth that God is over everything and is able to bring good out of even difficult circumstances.
James completes the thought: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because . . . that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (v. 12).
The word blessed is the same word Jesus uses in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and it carries the meaning—among other things—of “happy.”
Whatever we face, including spiritual battles and life’s hard challenges, God will sustain us in His love and will one day mercifully reward us with the beauty of His joy.
James Banks
INSIGHT
Jesus is the greatest example of one who persevered under trial. Hebrews instructs us to “[Fix] our eyes on [him], the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).
The Greek word translated “endured” (hypomenō) is rendered “perseveres” in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” What’s in view in both usages is hopeful endurance.
The anticipation of God-honoring, soul-strengthening outcomes calls for “joy” (v. 2) even in the midst of our challenges. Because navigating life’s difficulties can be hard, we’re invited to ask God for wisdom (v. 5) and trust that He’ll bring good out of our trials.
APPLICATION
How does it help you to know that God is able to
bring good out of our most challenging circumstances?
What do you most look forward to from Him today?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…hopeful endurance (is the) anticipation of God-honoring, soul-strengthening outcomes calls for “joy” even during our times of challenges. …navigating life’s difficulties can be hard (and) we’re invited to ask God for wisdom and trust that He’ll bring good out of our trials.”
PR’s TAKE
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and like natural fruits, it must be cultivated. Pr
PRAYER
“Thank You for persevering to the cross for me, dear Jesus. You bring the greatest happiness of all!”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“JOY IS COMING” Todd Galberth
We will not be shaken
We will not be moved
For the Lord is beside us
With Him we cannot lose
Though shadow surrounds us
We will fear no evil
We’ll trust in the Lord with our hearts…
In your joy we will dwell forever
Though the night may seem weary
Joy is coming, coming, coming in the morning
All praise to King Jesus
I know joy is coming, yes joy is coming
We will not be shaken
We will not be moved
For the Lord is beside us
With Him we cannot lose
Though shadow surrounds us
We will fear no evil
We’ll trust in the Lord with our hearts…
in your joy we will dwell forever
Though the night may seem weary
Joy is coming, coming, coming in the morning
All praise to King Jesus
I know joy is coming
Though the night may seem weary
Joy is coming, coming, coming in the morning
All praise to King Jesus
I know joy is coming, yes joy is coming
Your light can drown out darkness and bring your joy to light
We won’t submit to sorrow, our joy is coming in the morning
In the morning
Your light can drown out darkness and bring your joy to light
…Our joy is coming in the morning
In the morning…
We won’t submit to sorrow, our joy is coming in the morning
In the morning
Though the night may seem weary
Joy is coming, coming, coming in the morning
All praise to King Jesus
I know joy is coming…
I know joy is coming…
