James Doesn't Mess Around

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November 12  
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produced perseverance. Let perseverance finish work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

Beth Moore's latest Bible study is on James.  Our daughter in law is facilitating a group in her home town and loaning me the DVD's in January to do the same here at Shiloh.  Inquiring as to how it is going her reply was priceless: "James doesn't mess around, that's for sure!"

James is the half-brother of Jesus and became a leader of the church. The lessons he challenges us to learn in this book, which some think was most likely the first New Testament book ever written, are not for sissies or Sunday morning pew sitters.  This book reminds me of a banner my husband hung in our kitchen, shortly after he came to know the Lord.  "God said it, we believe it, that settles it."

The Woman of Faith Bible has this to say in an introduction of this book: "Our Actions Matter". 
"With practical guidelines and penetrating insights, James exposes the wrong motives and shaky foundations of these confused Christians.  He calls believers to live out their faith day after day, holding to God's promise to provide the wisdom to do so (James 1).  He states matter of factly that faith without corresponding deeds is "dead" (James 2).  He urges his readers to avoid self-centeredness and to be careful not to slip into gossip or hurtful words, recognizing that placing their own interests above others' displeases God (James 3). He reminds his readers that those who submit to God will come under God's care (James 4) and that prayer needs to be a priority in their lives (James 5)....Living in faith should pair adoration with action and supplication with service."

Bring on January and this exciting study.

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