James - Part 1

Hello, girls!  I pray you all have been doing well. :) I apologize for not posting in a while.  Life is Christ has been on my back burner, but I am going to try to keep it towards the top of my priority list from now on.

I thought it might be cool to take one book/chapter from the Bible and study it thoroughly.  I do not know how well this will go, but we will do it once and let me know how you like it!  (Also, this will not be a permanent thing, but occasional.)

So, I have chosen the book of James chapter 1.  I absolutely love the book of James!  We will not go through the entire book because each chapter holds so much information that we will be spending at least five weeks on this chapter alone.  

Below you will see the Bible reference and the Bible verse printed.  I typed out the Bible verse in case you do not have access to a Bible.  But if you do have one with you, please use it.  It is very important that you know what the Word of God says straight from His book, instead of from me or someone else.  With that said, let's begin!

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James 1:2-4 NKJ

2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the test of your faith produces patience.  4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

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Think about the last time you ever fell into a trial.  For example, your sibling(s) were/are always getting on your nerves, or your parents do not give you enough freedom, or your friends are doing things you know God would not like.  What was your reaction to the situation?  Was it more of "Man, I really wish ________ would be different!" and less of "You know I ought to thank God for giving me _________ instead of complaining."?

It is so easy to find the negative in every situation and we have all become so good at it!  But whatever happened to patience?  What if we not only learned to wait until the storm passed, but learned to dance in the rain?  Look at verse 4 again.  James says that we will lack nothing if we just let patience take its toll.  You know why?  Because contentment is the result of patience.

So, this week keep your eyes open for trials God has put in your life and find ways to rely on God for patience.  Also, learn to thank God sincerely for your trials.  It may be helpful to post a relateable Bible verse(s) where you will see it daily.