Several weeks ago I started a Bible Study with some gals from church on the Book of James. It’s a Beth Moore study called James Mercy Triumphs. This isn’t my first Beth Moore study and certainly won’t be my last. Beth gets deep into the Scriptures in a way that keeps you interested. I love her stories and her sense of humor. I highly recommend her books and teachings.
James is a how to book on Christian living.
“The message of James can be captured in two words; Live It.” Beth Moore
We started the study getting to know a little about James. He is the half brother of Jesus. I find it interesting that James wasn’t a Christian until after Jesus was resurrected. He grew up with Jesus and he went to the Temple regularly. And he was still a skeptic. You would think anyone living during the time Jesus walked this earth could easily believe He is the Messiah. And especially living in the same household!
James is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I like his straight forwardness when it comes to how to live out my faith. He certainly does not beat around the bush.
We are to live out our faith or its not faith.
The Message Bible says our challenges are a gift because when we are under pressure, our faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed. James 1:2-4
Have you ever quit when something got too hard? I have. But I believe God gave me other opportunities to develop my faith. Many more opportunities.
James helps us understand the reason for our trials. He tells us to ask for wisdom when we need it from God, how to handle temptations, the art of listening, taming the tongue and the issue of anger. All this and much more is in the first chapter of James. And there are 4 more chapters to go!
Good stuff, don’t you think? Very challenging. I want to live it by being faithful and enduring the challenges. How about you?
I was blessed to read this. You did a nice job of summing up what makes this study worthwhile. And we couldn’t ask for a nicer group of women. Looking forward to the second half!
Thank you Lisa. There is so much more to “sum up” from this study so I may continue in the next few blog posts. I love to share God’s love and Good News. Thank you for stopping by.