Sweetly Soaring

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!

“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 believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)

Rachel’s Thoughts:  I have such a hard time discerning what God is telling me sometimes.  I will definitely be asking God for wisdom.  I would love to be able to respond to every situation with wisdom and understanding.

Throughout my life, there has definitely been plenty of doubting but I feel I am learning to be more confident in who God is and more able to leave the doubt out of it.  I really feel when I come to Him, He comes through.

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’  For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” (James 1:13-14)

Rachel’s Thoughts:  I thought this was interesting because it is easy to think God is tempting me.  Why is God leading me into this evil, but it is so important to remember that evilness comes from the evil one.  Not from the One who gives life and all things that are good!

“My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

Rachel’s Thoughts:  I feel for me, if I would take more time to listen and process things before speaking… “the slow to become angry” would just fall into place.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and after, looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:22-24)

Rachel’s Thoughts:  I do love the verses about not just listening to the Word of God, but putting it into action.  In the past, there were many times when I read my Bible and walked away with no idea of what I just read.  It is such a powerful thing to meditate on God’s Word and to let His Word form who I am and what I desire to be!

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I hope you enjoyed my sister’s words!  Sometimes it’s great to sit pack and hear someone else’s perspective on the Word of God.  Remember, that someone somewhere in your life needs to hear God’s Word.  Someone needs to hear your perspective on the Word.  Your testimony for the Lord is the greatest tool you have to advance the Gospel.  May God’s Word spring up in you like a living fountain, so that your life may refresh those around you.  May God’s love seep from your being and may others come to know the fullness of His grace through you.

Dear Father God, I pray that You will help me put James 1 into practice.  May I take to heart, every word that I have read and live it out to the best of my ability. 

Living out James 1,