Five Awesome Chapters

I'm cooking with peanut oil now, Friends!  The New Testament is a blur of baptism, Holy Spirit, church plants, and miracles!  Of course it's not all so pleasant; our disciples are being flogged, imprisoned, and even arguing with each other (I'm looking at you Paul and Barnabas!)  Next to the Old Testament, which covers hundred and hundreds of years, the NT is clipping along like a zippy, ordained sports car.

I need to take a minute to try to express my love for the book of James.  Be still my beating heart.  I was indifferent, until I did Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs study on the book.  She pointed out that Martin Luther wanted James removed from the Bible, and maybe that's why I love it so.  I love a rogue... book?  Actually, it carries a lot of weight with me because it calls me out (loose lips sink ships, Julie!  See James 1:26), yes, but also because of who wrote it.

Who knows how things were in the Joseph and Mary household, but in most homes siblings know each other.  Really, really know one another.  And by the way, James was Jesus' brother.  I did not know that most my life, but the book has more clout for me now!  Couldn't you write about topics important to your siblings better than anybody else?  I could.  My brother and sister could.  They would also include a lot of jabs about what a nerd I am and may bring up a bad haircut or two, but still.

James holds us accountable- he calls Christians to action.  It's not enough to say you have faith: "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)   Chapter 1, verse 13 comforts me: "... For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;"  James talks about the importance of wisdom: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)

 Every verse is solid gold in James.  I could be here all day giving my favorite verses and soon enough we'd have the entire book of James.  And incidentally, if you do Beth Moore's study, she does have you write out the entire book!

Have a lovely Sunday evening and happy, healthy Thanksgiving week!

Job 24-28

I had my first Bible study of the year today!  After a few weeks off for the holidays we were back at it to wrap up our final weeks of Beth Moore's study on James.  If you have never done a Beth Moore Bible study?  You must.  I don't want to be bossy, but do one.  Do it, do it, do it!  She changed the way I read the Bible.  B.B. (Before Beth) I'd read along, following the story lines, picking up on Jesus' parables and the occasional allegory, etc.  In a Beth Moore study she Breaks. It. Down.  Until verses you thought you've understood for years are brand spanking new and suddenly you're bawling your eyes out.  In a good way!

Until today, I forgot James references our guy, Job!  This makes me laugh because just a couple chapters ago Job was all, "Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!" (19:23-24)  If only he knew!  Most likely his story was passed down orally until Moses got his hot little hands on it and gave Job his own book of the Bible.  Then generations later Jesus' own brother remembers Job's suffering: "... You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:11)  You know somewhere in heaven Job is ribbing God, "Yeah, the key word here being 'finally!'" 

Persevere friends!  As cheerfully as possible, remembering someone may be detailing your misery for prosperity!




A note: If you are interested in doing a Beth Moore study, or another great study, Priscilla Shirer has a fantastic compilation on her blog.  I retweeted the link today so you can check it out!