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This week I have been reading the book of James in the Bible. I have only read the first three chapters and I have learned so much from each chapter. I brought a new journal so that I could write down what I have learnt from each chapter and reflect on what I have read and to apply it into my life I use the SOAP method that I learnt from a good friend while leading bible study. Which is S- the scripture you read, O for observation (so write down what it says), A- What will I apply from this scripture, and P for prayer over what I have read making sure that I don’t forget what I have learnt and apply it into my life.
Like I said I have learnt so much from the first few chapters of James but some of the topics that really stood out to me was about trials and temptations:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1 :2-8)
When reading this scripture, it was exactly what I needed to hear, I was and am faced with so many trials and difficult times in my life. All of it seemed like such a burden on my life, it effected my confidence in my faith.
I was talking to someone a few months ago and they said ‘Jess I know there has been a lot of difficult things in your life, but you MUST remember to remain faithful to God’. Although he didn’t realise at the time, but that’s exactly what I needed to hear. We need to draw close with God and ‘consider it pure joy’ when facing trails and temptations. The testing of faith provides Perseverance, which ‘involves persistence in well-doing, fruit-bearing and running the appointed race despite trials and distractions of life’ (Vines Complete Expository Dictionary, page 462-463).
One of my favourite verses is in this chapter which is ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’. I have used his scripture in my prayers quite a bit, just asking God for wisdom in so many different areas in my life. But I love how the verses go saying that you should not doubt when you ask for wisdom. Which is definitely something that I need to remember.
Events that are coming up:
- Power to Change National Mid Year Conference (SO EXCITED)
- Tonight at Church is an International Dinner night to help raise money for people to go on a mission trip.
- At bible study next week we are having a bonfire
- Organising Power to Change Market day for next semester
- A dedication in the church is coming up in a few weeks
I would like to encourage you to read the book of James for yourself and even use the SOAP approach which I have felt helpful in digging deeper into the word of God.
God Bless,
Jess