Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he mediates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
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.
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!
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?
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 a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James 1:22-24)
This week, I want to take a look at memorizing Scripture with you. Let’s talk about why it’s important, how to study it, and what to study. Let’s take a closer look at the Word and see how it can transform our lives.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Read more of the Battle Plan Hebrews 13