Dear to My Heart

2/3/2021

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart"

I love the Book of James. The first time I really dug into it was during the long road back from my illness. There was a Beth Moore study being offered once a week at a local library, and I had a few friends that were slated to attend, so I decided to give it a shot. It was a stretch for someone who had barely been out of the house in over a year, but I felt called to go. God knows exactly what we need when we need it, that is for sure. 

I was not yet able to drive myself at this point, so my sweet husband offered to take me and pick me up. I think he also did this because he also knew the public environment may have  been difficult for me. During this period, maneuvering any public place was exhausting for me. Walking in that first night was really tough, and I had determined to stay quiet and just observe and absorb all I could. 

The study was of the "watch a video and work in the coordinating workbook" type. This is not usually my preferred way to study, but again God knew exactly what I needed. If you don't know, Beth Moore is a prominent woman's leader/teacher in the Evangelical world. She is very southern, blonde, pretty, and amusing enough to hold your attention for an extended video study. 

I did enjoy both her teaching and answering the probing questions in the workbook, but the most powerful part for me was diving head first into the very blunt and straight-talking Book of James. I had read it before, but during this time when I was searching for something tangible to hold onto, James became illuminated and transformative. It quickly became one of my favorite books of the Bible. When I share that with others, even now, many people tell me it is their least favorite. It is not for the faint of heart, that is for sure. James pretty much calls believers out and challenges us to look at our lives and circumstances in a completely different way. In only the second and third verses of the first chapter, it says this: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." What? Are you kidding me? Wow, did I need to hear those words, especially during that period of my life! And it just went on like that from there. I think it is something we all need in our lives right now, what with everything that is happening in our world.

Every day I could not wait to dive into James, and every week I could not wait to go to the study group. I was becoming a being on fire once again through the very clear and direct words of James. I couldn't wait to share and listen to others do the same. I couldn't wait for God to speak and to marinate in the power of His word. Some weeks I may have been a little too full of the spirit for the more reserved crowd that was attending, but that never held me back, I was getting my spiritual sea legs back under me, and it was magnificent!!!!

So, dear reader, I have decided to visit my old friend James again. It will probably factor into some of my upcoming posts, if that is what God leads and inspires me to do. I would love it if some of you took that journey with me over the next few weeks. It will not necessarily be easy, but it will be worth the journey for sure. I will leave you one of my all-time verses of scripture to meditate on; James 2:13: ",,,because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement."