It is official, after  praying for months about stepping back up to the plate and leading a Bible study again, the season is before me.  For months the book of James has been on the forefront for me. Over and over again, this small book of five chapters surfaced again and again in conversation, sermons, devotions, every days reminders.. . So after months of planning , we are about to set sail on an in-depth study of this book.

The book of James  is called the Proverbs of the New Testament.  James was one of the brothers of Jesus. I believe he was the one MOST  familiar with His teachings.  He lived with our Redeemer day in and day out. It is filled with valuable information  that teaches us how to live and conduct ourselves in this world. James is NOT  writing about how to become a Christian BUT HOW TO ACT LIKE ONE. His words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing what he says? He does not mince words. He packs a punch with 54 direct commands and it is hard to miss his point.

As I read and study this book I wonder how many times when he writes that he is thinking about a lesson he learned from his brother, Jesus. I believe his simple but direct teaching are what he witnessed and learned first hand from the best teacher of all. He speaks about wisdom and how to acquire it. This book reminds me that knowledge speaks but wisdom listens ~ We listen, we ponder, we meditate on what this word says and we live it out ~DO IT ~ Listen and Obey ~

HE writes on trials, patience, complaining, jealousy, gossip,  wisdom, peace, confidence, taming our tongue, worship, leadership and obedience. Just to name a few. It is amazing how 5 chapters can pack a punch as hard as this one does.

More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with our faith. How well do your actions mirror the faith that you proclaim? This is a question that we all struggle to answer well.

As you read the letter from James, focus on those areas that he mentioned: your actions during trials, your treatment of those less fortunate, the way you speak and relate to others, and the role that money plays in how you live your life. Allow James to encourage you to do good, according to the faith you proclaim.

For me,  my faith in Christ is about stepping into the water that is over my head. As I have said before that says a lot for a girl that cannot swim but thankfully I have a lifeguard that walks on water. How exciting it is to be able to grow with other believers as we learn more about how to live the victorious life the way God has intended for us to do.

The word of God is filled with TRUTH and help for all who reach out and grab hold of the promises. Let”s seek God intentionally like never before.  Let’s not merely listen to the word but DO IT ~

I invite you and encourage you to join Don and I and our friends John and Tracy Calamas and see what God is going  to do through this study. He brought our hearts together for such a time as this.  We all are so excited to see what the Lord has prepared. For those who are out of town or cannot join us, I ask for your prayers  ~ May this be a season of us emptying ourselves of anything that is not acceptable to the Lord and be filled with all the things that God wanted for us from the beginning. Less of us and more of HIM ~  LiveFearless 2015 ~