Jumping in!

I'm jumping into James!!! Anyone want to come??? James is a love hate relationship for me...It is one of my favorite books of the bible so I mostly love it...but man it sure does smack me between the eyes EVERY time I read it...so I guess I'm saying I feel like getting smacked around...

I will be studying out of my Life Application Bible...I love my Life Application Bible...I think it's because it's kinda like a Bible book club...it helps me look at what I've read in different ways...anywho...there is something I will be doing as I read the scripture that my pastor growing up, Pastor Chuck, taught me that has helped make scripture real for me...it is putting my name into the scripture as I read it...I will be doing this from time to time maybe even all the time...so don't get worried I'm not re-writing the Word...just helping my self apply it and see me in it a little easier...you should try it and see how it works for you...also join in the conversation if you would like...I would love to hear your thoughts...if you don't know how to respond on comments it's super easy...you just click on comments, then click on anonymous and write your comment in the box and send...just don't forget to sign your name or I wont know who you are...

James 1:1-3

1To Brandi (the twelve tribes scattered among the nations) Greetings. 2 consider it pure joy, Brandi (my brothers), whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that

the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (niv)

The testing of my faith develops perseverance...

When do we talk about perseverance? Not when things are good...but...when things in our lives are difficult. Why or how do the trials in my life or the testing of my faith build perseverence( patience, steadfastness)? Is it the more you survive the more perseverence you have during the next difficulty in your life? Ya I think so but I also believe it's the journey...everything in the middle of the trial or difficult time...the in between...the process...all the ways God teaches us He is in complete control of our lives...and it gives the opportunity for us to see and experience the truth of Gods word. That we can stand on it...count on it...believe in it...be thankful for it...and our lives will share it with all the people God has strategically place in them...

When I read this from my experiences in life...I often read it thinking like this...the testing of my faith develops more faith...faith that I will persevere through Christ alone...faith to know as I'm patient God ALWAYS has something to teach me and He always comes through on the other side of my circumstance...and faith to stand steadfast because our God will never leave me or forsake me and He has purpose in all that He allows to happen in my life...