Living Half Full

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My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. (James 2:1)

Please take time to read James 2 this week and find out what God has for you there.

I’ve read and studied James 2 for a couple of weeks now.  I’ve asked the Lord to show me where I play favorites.  I’ve asked for Him to help me back up my faith with action.  I’m learning more about myself through this chapter and God’s call for me to live a righteous life.

At first glance, James 2:1-13… didn’t resonate with my heart.  But the more I studied it, the more I understood it.  The Lord has shown me where I play favorites.  Honestly, I thought I was fairly good in this area, but a closer look at it made me see I have some work to do in this area as well.  I tend to treat most people equally, but there is one area where I see that I treat people differently.  Or at least this is the one area that God is working on in me, this week.

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Sweetly Soaring

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But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)

Read more of James 1

Today, I want to focus on applying God’s Word to our lives.  How can we put feet to what James 1 is saying?  How will we live this out?  I think instead of writing about this, I want to show you how it’s being done.  Here are a few notes from my sister Rachel.  Please enjoy her thoughts on the Word of God and learn how she is putting it into action in her own life.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

Rachel’s Thoughts:  I can’t say that I consider it pure joy when I am facing a trial, but I can say that I am so grateful and filled with joy that God takes the trials in our lives and helps us to grow in Him. This is definitely something I have learned looking back in life. Now as an adult it seems easier to see Gods hands at work in the mist of a trial but it is still difficult to completely grasp until I see the clouds breaking open and the sunshine pouring in. Then I think uh ha I got it, thank you God for bringing me through!

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Crown of Life

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Okay, today as you read James 1… find that passage that really stands out to you.  A passage that applies to your life.  Find just the right one and take time to commit it to memory.

Here are some ideas, if you need them…

1.  If you need strength, memorize James 1:2-4.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.”

2.  If you need wisdom, memorize James 1:5-6.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

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Marinate in God’s Word

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

Have you ever had a good piece of meat that’s been marinated for a little while?  I think some of the best ribs are the ones where the meat just falls off the bone.  The ribs that have taken all day to marinate.  This makes me think about marinating in the juices of God’s Word.  What would my life be like if I marinated daily in God’s Word?  Would His Word seep from my being?  Would people taste and see that the Lord is good?

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Bridge the Gap

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As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

If you obey my commands,

you will remain in my love,

just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands

and remain in his love.

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