October Study of James

A dear sister in Christ encouraged me with the Bible study plan to read the same book of the New Testament everyday for a month while reading the Old Testament chronilogically. So I decided to give it a try. This month we've been soaking in, chewing on, and digesting slowly the richness of truth in the book of James.

I have loved having this Bible study method in this season of motherhood to an infant. In fact, Niyah often hears the book of James read aloud and enjoys the time with mommy's familiar voice echoing in her tiny, little ears. This picture is taken of us after a time of reading together. I hope to instill the habit of reading Scripture together from an early age, so why not start now!

I have also enjoyed knowing exactly where to be reading and having a set minimal goal to have read, however, I love reading more when time allows. This way my mind can start to pick out the key themes and accurate authorial intent since I am reading the same verses everyday. I know both my friend and I are looking forward to the next Book we will study in November. Let me know if you're interested and you could join in too!

Here are some verses I've been encouraged and challenged by this month. I pray the Scripture is alive and active in your heart and home today as well.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given to him." 1:5

"With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water." 3:9-12

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder from and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." 3:16-18

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." 4:6,10

I'm half way through the month and I know that there is still plenty to dwell upon and come to understand... I truly have a beautiful calling to be a wife, mother, and theologian along side my husband. I am so thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is my counselor in each of these roles. So I will confidently press on and humbly pray for my Lord to supply the grace.

Tarah