James. .Week 3. .Fast Fact

James certainly shares a LOT of things that Christians are supposed to be resembling!!
 I will really have to pray over the list that I made last night. .
to see what God has in mind to chisel within my heart to help me change. .
rather than to just hear and go on about my same ole life!

My friend shared a new study with me last month on the gospel of John. .
There are 9 CDs to teach about the first THREE chapters in that gospel. .
A good reminder to me while listening to the day I wrote this post related to RIGHT where we are in our week of seeing who we are supposed to become in our walk with the Lord. .

We mustn’t ever EVER forget. .
that as we make changes in our lives. .
that the standards we are striving to meet. .
are not our church leaders. .
 those standards are not set by our mentors. .
 they are not other Christians who look like they have it all together. .
they are not even the heros of the bible like we have seen in Rahab and Abraham. .

The gold standard goal for US in our Christian walk. .
is to look like JESUS CHRIST!!
Our goal. .is to walk like JESUS did. .
to serve others like JESUS. .
to love others like JESUS. .
to be bold in our faith like JESUS. .
to be ready to accept in a humble manner suffering like JESUS.
We certainly should imitate the heros like Paul told us to do in 1 Corinthians 11:1. .
as he wrote Imitate me, as I imitate Christ!!
but our goal is always Christ!

Also in accordance with the book of James. .
we must never EVER be satisfied with who we are. .
meaning, we must never get so complacent in our walk. .
that we look at all the people we think we are more blessed than, better than, more spiritual than, and be arrogantly satisfied. .
that we are good enough!
Remember. .
that as we go through the week looking for what our responsibilities are as a follower of Christ. .
that it is ALSO sin. .
to know what we are to do. .
and then not do it (4:17)

I urge you. . to really pray over your study this week. .
that you might see where God wants to make changes to your life. .
and then ask His divine intervention to make those changes in your inner being!!
And be prepared to DO as the word says. .
and not just be a FORGETFUL HEARER (1:25)!!
In this last month, I have read a book by Max Lucado called "Just like Jesus."
He reminds his readers many times. .
That God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you that way!!
We DON'T want to be the same people at the end of December. .
as we are at the beginning of January!!

On to the fast fact. .

What is one thing off your “bucket list” of things to do someday. .

 

   I don’t have a “bucket list” that is all written out specifically. .
but there are a lot of things on it in my mind that I would like to do someday. .
I talk often of my proverbial bucket list. .
and sometimes check things off of it. .
that I never would have thought to even put ON it!! (like sharing a bloody mary with my hubby in an airport at 8:30 in the morning!!
Or launching myself off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas!!
They just seemed like noteworthy things to do ;-)
Some other things that I have had ON my bucket list purposely. .
and have gotten to check those off. .l
ike eating in Bobby Flay’s restaurant. .
and seeing several Broadway musicals live. .
I think that bucket list’s are important. .
to make a few goals. .
and then know when we have achieved those things!
 A couple things on my list that I still have yet to accomplish are. .
taking a vacation someday that requires a passport!! I LOVE to travel and see things and experience things and live different cultures!! I’d LOVE to cross an ocean and see the other side of the world!

Another thing (that will likely happen before THAT list item) is that I would love to do a medical mission trip anywhere. .
I am working on my Spanish, albeit slowly. .
and so the likely place would include some Spanish speaking country!!
As soon as I get at least two children to move out of my house. .
I think I can start considering the opportunity seriously!!
I trust God to work out those details!!
Can’t wait to hear what YOU have on your list!!

James. .Week 3. .Assignment

Ya’ll might remember that I am currently in the middle of a 26 week study  in the book of Genesis. Well, as I finished up my homework last month the night before this post. .
guess what came up in Genesis chapter 22?? If you are relating where I am going. .
to our study in James. .
you may have guessed. .
the faith of Abraham demonstrated BY his intent to sacrifice his one and only son, Isaac. .
EXACTLY!

Take 5 minutes this week and read for yourself. .
this particular account in Genesis 22.
 I hope that you all are finding some time to go back into the Old Testament to see things with your own eyes. .
It’s a great way to correlate it all together in your mind!!

After I went through the homework pertaining to chapter 22 in my bible study book. .
I went to my bookshelf and pulled out my Beth Moore study guide from a couple years ago when we studied James. .
I wanted to pull out a few of her comments on the subject. .
mainly because it ALSO ties these scriptures. .
right back into what we just studied from the apostle Paul, in the book of Romans last month!

This is what Beth had to say. .

In Abraham, James cited the single most pivotal figure in ancient Jewish history. Their birth as a people of God came through his specific divine calling, explaining why “father” (HCSB) or “ancestor” (NIV) is probably at the top of your biographical information under his name.

One of the biggest controversies of scholars through the centuries has been over the different ways James and Paul applied Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” In Romans 4, the apostle Paul views it in its original Genesis 15 context. God promised that Abraham would have an heir from his own body and, from him, descendants beyond number. There, the justifying faith occurred when Abraham believed Him. In Paul’s words:

He believed, hoping against hope. . . .He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness (Romans 4:18-22)

James applies the same Scripture to a scene 30 years later when Abraham offered his beloved son Isaac on the altar. In this stunning act of obedience that preached the gospel of Christ beforehand, God interrupted the slaying of Abraham’s beloved son and substituted a ram caught by its horns in the thicket (see Genesis 22). The glorious irony is that, in the actual fulfillment thousands of years later, the substitutionary offering would be the one and only beloved Son of the Father. We are depicted by Isaac, escaping death, and Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world.

We already learned that, to James, faith without a shred of works is nonexistent. He doesn’t prefer works to faith or faith to works. He sees them as conjoined co-workers. The part of James 2:22 that I especially want you to see is where James says that Abraham’s faith “was perfected” by works. That’s a key concept in this epistle. It forms the basis on which James is able to use Genesis 15:6 in reference to an act in Genesis 22 that occurred many years later. Think of it as Abraham’s life verse. The faith that Abraham exercised when he believed God in Genesis 15 was brought to its ultimate goal and maturity in Genesis 22 when he offered Isaac on the altar, foreshadowing the gospel.

We aren’t likely to unravel the thick theological knots tied through the centuries around Paul and James, but they had two different objectives. “James was combating a superficial faith that had no wholesome effect in the life of the professed believer. Paul, on the other hand, was combating legalism—the belief that one may earn saving merit before God by his good deeds.”

(the last quote came from Expositor’s Bible commentary, vol. 12, 169.)

I love LOVE that!!
 As you have already seen, Abraham is mentioned throughout the New Testament multiple times. 
I love the way that the two scholars that I have studied with this week. .
have both noted how Abraham BELIEVED way back before he saw God deliver His promise. .
and was counted as righteous. .
and then ACTED on his belief in a faithful DEED. .
that showed God, his Savior. .
that Abraham did more than profess his belief with his mouth.  He believed God enough to sacrifice his ONE and ONLY son. .
believing that God could and would continue to deliver His previous promise to Abraham. .
the promise that Abraham would have more descendants than the stars in the sky!

By the way. .just to see if you are still reading along. .
I learned something that I didn’t know tonight. .
I think you will find it interesting too. .
SARAH. .was not only Abraham’s WIFE. .she was also his ½ sister!!!
They shared the same father (Genesis 20:12)

So. .this week. .
Read through the book of James. .
looking for what OUR responsibilities as children of God entail. .
be prepared to share some thoughts next week!!

Have a great week! 
Love Melanie

James. .Week 2. .Discussion

Hello, hello!!
 Not sure about you. .
but I am LOVING the book of James!!
In fact. .each time that I have read it this week. .
I quickly got so caught up in the different verses that caught my attention for the day. .
that went along with my current life situations. .
that I quickly forgot that I was reading with a purpose!!
I was finally able to sit down and do that. .
but STILL had to reign myself in several times. . 

I did some research earlier this week on Rahab. .
Her story just really settled in my mind for many days! I encourage you to stop just a moment and take 2 minutes to read about her in the Old Testament book of Joshua chapter 2.  

Now. .
I also found an article that sets the tone for us about the other details about the life of Rahab. .
and the places in the New Testament that she is spoken of!
It’s an amazing story of God’s AMAZING GRACE!

Profiles of Faith: Rahab - From Harlot to Heroine

article by Jerold Aust

 

If a common harlot of Canaan could become an uncommon saint of faith and courage and receive the privilege of motherhood in the line of Jesus Christ, then surely nothing is impossible with God. Rahab's amazing story is a lesson for us all.

For 40 long, rigorous years, Moses—under God's direction—led the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness. God had delivered them from Egypt, helped them cross the Red Sea on dry ground and supernaturally defeated the enemies who tried to thwart their path to Canaan.

Now (around 1400 B.C.) Israel was about to enter the land God promised to the nation. God had transferred the mantle of Israel's leadership to Joshua, an able, faithful and courageous leader. Before Israel entered Canaan, Joshua sent a reconnaissance party of two men to spy out the land just west of the Jordan River, paying special attention to the formidable city of Jericho.

It didn't take the pair long to reach Jericho, a bustling, fortified city strategically situated in the fertile plains of the Jordan valley. To avoid being noticed, they blended with the busy pedestrians outside the great city walls. It was difficult not to be visibly impressed with Jericho's massive fortifications. Still, the spies' primary job was to take mental notes of the city's layout and fortifications. Instantly they realized that these impressive man-made barriers would never be breached or destroyed unless God miraculously intervened for the Israelites.

The incredible events that followed include an encouraging lesson involving a woman who had lived an ungodly life. Without a doubt Rahab the harlot helped save the lives of the Israelite spies, which in turn set Israel on the path to conquering Jericho and moving into the Promised Land.

Responding to God

What do we know about Rahab, who played such a pivotal role in the fall of Jericho? Halley's Bible Handbook suggests she may have been a temple prostitute, which in Canaanite eyes was an acceptable line of work (2000, p. 190). Rahab and her family lived within the outer city wall. Her house was apparently part of the wall. It is possible that the house doubled as an inn since the spies were sought there. Besides her infamous profession, it appears that Rahab engaged in less-questionable labor as well. Either raising or buying flax, she dried it on her rooftop and made linen from it.

The whole city had received news about the miraculous events and conquests of the wandering nation of Israel, yet Rahab was the only resident of Jericho who resolved to fear and obey Israel's God. This she did even before she had the opportunity to interact with the spies from Israel. Although the Canaanites had many gods, she had enough understanding to realize that the God of Israel was no ordinary Canaanite deity.

Upon entering Jericho to determine its strength, the spies conferred immediately with Rahab. The ensuing conversation revealed her understanding of the true God and her determination to help His chosen people.

When the king of Jericho heard that spies from Israel had entered his city, he immediately sent soldiers to Rahab's house. Word got to Rahab that the king's men were coming to investigate her and her two guests. Understanding the gravity of the situation and moving with haste, Rahab hid the spies under the drying flax on her rooftop. There she made a covenant with them: She would help them to safety; they, in turn, had to spare her and her family.

The spies then negotiated their side of the agreement: She had to keep their location a secret along with helping them to safety. Moreover, she was required to gather all of her father's family under her roof and identify her house by hanging a scarlet cord from a window.

The deal struck, God afterward gave Jericho into Israel's hands by flattening its walls. Yet, incredibly, Rahab's house was left standing. As had been agreed, Rahab and her family were delivered. They made their home with Israel from that day on.

But the story doesn't end there, as we'll see.

Through faith and courage

Surprisingly, Rahab is one of two women named in Hebrews 11 as examples of godly faith. The other is Abraham's wife, Sarah. Few would question Sarah's inclusion. She exemplified, in most respects, what are generally considered Christian values and qualities. But Rahab? Why would the holy, righteous God include the name of a harlot as one of His faithful saints?

God, we must realize, shows His great mercy and power through human weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Out of Rahab's weakness she was made strong in faith—through the power of God. The record of her deeds provides sufficient scriptural evidence for why God included her in the faith chapter: "By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace" (Hebrews 11:31).

Many people would not risk their lives for family and friends. Yet Rahab risked her life to protect "enemy" spies. Rahab focused on the godly mission of the spies and her realization that they represented the God of Israel. Rahab didn't believe just in the existence of God, she literally believed what He revealed. That is, she believed it was He who was bringing Israel into the Promised Land. Risking her very life, she had no more evidence to go on than the reports from others that somehow, in some way, the God of Israel had given His people great victories over more-powerful foes.

Rahab stated confidently: "I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

"And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath" (Joshua 2:9-11).

Rahab was here living by faith and not by sight, for, though she saw none of these events actually happen, she had faith to believe that Israel's God was more powerful than all others and would take care of her and her family too.

Rahab's faith and conviction gave her the courage to look death in the face—and live. As Proverbs 28:1 tells us, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." Courage is born from unwavering faith, as Rahab demonstrated.

The merciful and patient God

We can learn a powerful lesson from Rahab. Her example demonstrates living faith in a forgiving and merciful God.

We should note, however, that Rahab's response to God was not perfect. She lied to protect the spies' whereabouts. Sadly, some will use this to excuse lying when, in their determination, it's for a good cause. However, God's law makes it clear that lying is never acceptable (Leviticus 19:11; Proverbs 12:22). We should bear in mind that Rahab is commended for her faith , not her lying—and realize that her faith was not yet educated, so to speak.

It may even be that Rahab did not yet fully understand the sinfulness of her past way of life. But she did know she had lived apart from the true God and now believed He would receive her if she would serve Him. No doubt this fact would later lead her to a committed life of obedience to God.

No, God did not condemn her for not telling the truth about the spies' whereabouts; He commended her for hiding His courageous representatives. The apostle James later wrote: "Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?" (James 2:25)—her works being a natural response to her faith. Had she known the truth about lying, this verse would likely read differently. But she acted in the best way she knew—and a merciful and patient God proclaimed her a heroine of faith.

Rahab also showed a deep devotion to those close to her. Considering the terrible destruction about to befall the great city of Jericho, Rahab could easily have thought only of her own safety, ignoring the welfare of others. Yet her agreement with the spies was that they should guarantee not only her safety but that of her entire family. Rahab's faith, courage and concern for others saved her family and herself.

"But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, ‘Go into the harlot's house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.' And the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had. So they brought out all her relatives and left them outside the camp of Israel . . . And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho" (Joshua 6:22-25; see also verses 17-21).

Yes, the Israelites received Rahab and her family into the nation of Israel. Over time, she would have learned the laws of God and come to serve Him more completely, repudiating the mistakes of her past. Indeed, being of Canaan and a former prostitute, she must have convincingly changed her life to have been able to marry a prominent Israelite.

Messianic hope

Surprisingly, Rahab married Salmon, the son of Judah's tribal leader. From this marriage would come their son Boaz, a faithful man of God. Boaz would marry Ruth (of the book of Ruth), and their son Obed would be the father of Jesse, the father of King David. From David would descend the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6 15-16; Ruth 4:21-22; 1 Chronicles 2:10-15). Amazingly, then, a former prostitute of Canaan would become what every Israelite woman hoped to be—a mother in the line of the Messiah.

In fact, Rahab experienced the messianic hope in an especially personal way—finding deliverance, physical and spiritual, through the mercy of God. Rahab's story represents what God has in store for those in non-Israelite nations (the gentiles), who are also promised God's salvation (Acts 2:21; Romans 9:22-26). Her conversion reminds us that one day God will write His laws on the hearts and minds of all mankind, converting all peoples (Hebrews 8:11).

A transformed life, like that experienced by Rahab, is there for you if you follow the apostle Peter's instruction: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

If a common harlot of Canaan could become an uncommon saint of faith and courage and receive the privilege of motherhood in the line of Jesus Christ, then surely nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). Rahab's amazing story is a lesson for us all. GN

Cool stuff!!!

As I read and made notes about the attributes and truths of God found in the book of James. .
It wasn’t until I got to the 5^th chapter that the words just jumped off the page to me. .
The attribute that affected me the most this week is this. .

The coming of the Lord is NEAR!!
James reminded those readers over 2000 years ago of that truth in 5:8. .
and told them in verse 9 a second time. .
He is RIGHT AT THE DOOR!  

 I believe that. .
with ALL. MY. HEART!!
You may recall that the book of Revelation speaks of the second coming. .
and after 60 hours of study in that book. .
my heart was challenged. .

challenged to be more bold in my walk of faith. .
in my pronouncement of what Jesus tells us. .
and my urgency in this!
Because the birth pains of the end times are very close, if not already here!!
Just watch the news for a few hours. .
The natural disasters are of a magnitude and frequency like never before. .
And the sinful wickedness of man just continues to be more and more profound. .etc, etc, etc! 

Through that growth and learning that occurred by studying Revelation. .
I found a peace in my readiness and eagerness for the return of the Lord!
 If He returned for me or for a rapture of His entire church 5 minutes from now. .
I would be READY 100% to greet Him. .
I have shocked people by revealing that desire quite unashamedly. .
Don’t get me wrong. .
I’m not suicidal. .I love life. .
I love things of this world. .I love my family and friends. .
But within the last few years. .
I came to the point in my life. .
where I loved JESUS CHRIST so much more than all of that. .
that I would go gladly!
I am confident that my Lord. .
would take care of my family and friends and heal their hurts. .
all that being said. .if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness today. .
would I still be scared? You bet!
Scared of the PROCESS of death?? Very likely. .
Scared to die. .Not a chance. .because my hope is in the Lord!!

 

James tells us that our life is a wisp, a mist, a vapor. .
the last day. .will come for ALL of us. .
and it is KNOCKING at our DOOR!
WE. .and the people that we know. .
will go to heaven or hell. .
and we should have a feeling of urgency to prepare our hearts (James 5:8) and set our eternal priorities straight. .
and then as we do that. .
follow the Lords’ leading to strengthen the hearts of those that we love. .
and those “neighbors” that we love as ourselves. .
that we are in contact with every day!!

 

Consider this. .
if we would rather be HERE. .
in this world. .doing what we do here. .
living our life here. .
Than dancing in the presence of Jesus. .
Do we truly love GOD. .MORE than OUR world?
Or have we made our world. .
An idol??

That’s just a question that we should all ponder in the depths of our hearts!!
 Not too many years I would have NOT been eager for the return of Jesus on the last day. .
or on MY last day. .But. .
as I have studied, and prayed, and grown closer in obedience and abiding in the True Vine. .
I’m confident. .that NOTHING that I know from this world. .
joy, happiness, or love. .will EVER compare to an eternal life in His presence!!

This weekend, prayerfully consider that question for yourself. .
If you aren’t sure that you would be ready to meet Jesus after your next breath. .
ask God. .to show you how to prepare your heart. .
and He will change your heart!! 
He changed mine!!
 
So now. .what did you see about God. .
that was exciting to you this week?? 
Enjoy your weekend!

 

James. .Week 2. .Fast Fact

Good morning. .
Here’s a quickie. .
Though you may need to stop and ponder the answer a little.
Enjoy your Wednesday!

How has this intensive study of God’s word over the last 4 months changed who you are. .
If you don’t think it has changed you, why not. .

It has changed the level of depth in my knowledge and understanding of who God is. .
and where I want Him to take our relationship to. .
I been able to allow Him to steer me through trials. .
and tasted His promise to protect me. .
I have been able to stand firm as the enemy tries to fluster and frustrate me. I have been able to give up more free time and spend it working on things that will benefit myself. .
as well as others. .
for an eternity, rather than just a while. .
and I haven’t really missed that old life. I have been able to assess where I have been. .
where I am now. .and where I think God is leading me.
 I’ve had some old knowledge and understanding affirmed. .
while learning so many new things at the same time. .
I wouldn’t trade the study from these last 4 months for anything!!

James. .Week 2. .Assignment

I LOVE the way that God’s word is just becoming more and more a part of who I am!!
So MANY times lately. .
advice from the book of James just SHOWED up. .in my mind. .
in my heart. .and on my lips. .at the right time. .
reminding me of God’s will and God’s wisdom and God’s expectations!

Last month as I wrote this section for our email bible study. .
I had a particular day of reflection. .
As I mourned the loss of a dear patient and friend. .
whose family, has become my own family. .
a friend whose second year sobriety medal can be found in the top left hand drawer of my desk. .
a friend who asked me to sing at his funeral nearly THREE years ago. .
and informed me of exactly the songs that I would sing. .
a friend that was much too young to die. .
that left a wife and grown children behind to sort through the memories. .
much like another wife and children that I know well. .
who had been at that same painful intersection not that long ago. .
a friend that HAD the opportunity to be found by God in the painful circumstances of his life. .
and faithfully use his remaining days to glorify God in his mission and actions!! He IS the lucky one!!

I was able to reflect on EXACTLY what James reminded the believers of in 4:13-17. .
that we are just here for a little while. .
as long as the duration of the morning fog
(which we don’t see for very long once the sun comes out). .
our life is the length of a vapor. .or a mist. .
or a breath some translations say. .How long does a vapor last??
 In the total scheme of our day. .the vapor from our coffee. .
lasts NOT that long. .

Our lives. .are sooooo short in the eternal scheme of things. .
And as I was reminded of that. .
even when we KNOW death is knocking at the door. .
it’s never been long enough. .
I know that as we get older. .
we know that our time is shorter than it was yesterday. .
to do what is important. .
to show the love of God to others. .
to attend to the ones that we have been given. .

Yet, as one of the ladies mentioned. .
we get so caught up in planning out our lives. .
that sometimes we forget. .
that in the blink of an eye. .all of that can change. .
that in one simple little phone call. .our lives may never be the same. .
or perhaps. .that OUR life. .may be the one that God has called ceased!!

But. . at the end of the day. .
are the things that we spend the majority of our time on. .
going to make a difference in our eternal life. .
or the eternal life of others in our world??
 I find it a little interesting that on the heels of that advice about consulting God as we make our plans in James 4. .
that James reminds the early Christians. .
that it is sin to KNOW what you ought to do. .and then NOT do it. .
hmmmmm!

How many times. .
do we forsake what we KNOW we should do in our Christian walk of life (love others, take time out to help someone, make an opportunity to grow in knowledge or learning, etc, etc, etc) because THOSE plans. .
don’t fit into the time that we have left AFTER we take care of all of OUR plans??? 
  I know that I am certainly guilty of neglecting something that would bless someone else. .
because I don’t perceive that I have the time or the desire to make that potential work of God a priority!!  It may revert back to being a SLAVE of God again. .
Our focus should be doing God’s work!
 

The other verses that kept coming to me. .
were the verses that James uses discussing wisdom. .
He reminds us that wisdom from above. .
the ONLY true wisdom. .is PURE. .
it is peace loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy and good deeds, always sincere, and never shows favoritism. .
If we want that. .all we have to do is ask!!
I was headed backwards through the book of Proverbs on my way to a verse that I can’t even remember now. .
when I was stopped short. .
on Proverbs 16 as I noted the word wisdom at the top of the page. .
it was actually from 15:33 which said The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. .
BUT the next verse took me right back to what we just discussed. .
about making our plans. .and as I read through Proverbs 16. .
I was amazed (as usual) at how MUCH those verses tie into what we have been reading in James. .
So I included Proverbs 16 so that you can just read it as you have time. .
and see HOW detailed God was as He orchestrated all these authors to print the same concepts  throughout this awesome book of knowledge!

If you feel inclined. .I would be interested
 in knowing about one (or more) of the Proverbs verses that you directly tied. .immediately. .as something that you have just read in James!! You can reply a short answer back after you read this if you like!

Proverbs 16 NLT

16 We can make our own plans,
    but the Lord gives the right answer.

² People may be pure in their own eyes,
    but the Lord examines their motives.

³ Commit your actions to the Lord,
    and your plans will succeed.

⁴ The Lord has made everything for his own purposes,
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.

⁵ The Lord detests the proud;
    they will surely be punished.

⁶ Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
    By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

⁷ When people’s lives please the Lord,
    even their enemies are at peace with them.

⁸ Better to have little, with godliness,
    than to be rich and dishonest.

⁹ We can make our plans,
    but the Lord determines our steps.

¹⁰ The king speaks with divine wisdom;
    he must never judge unfairly.

¹¹ The Lord demands accurate scales and balances;
    he sets the standards for fairness.

¹² A king detests wrongdoing,
    for his rule is built on justice.

¹³ The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

¹⁴ The anger of the king is a deadly threat;
    the wise will try to appease it.

¹⁵ When the king smiles, there is life;
    his favor refreshes like a spring rain.

¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

¹⁷ The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
    whoever follows that path is safe.

¹⁸ Pride goes before destruction,
    and haughtiness before a fall.

¹⁹ Better to live humbly with the poor
    than to share plunder with the proud.

²⁰ Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

²¹ The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

²² Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,
    but discipline is wasted on fools.

²³ From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

²⁵ There is a path before each person that seems right,
    but it ends in death.

²⁶ It is good for workers to have an appetite;
    an empty stomach drives them on.

²⁷ Scoundrels create trouble;
    their words are a destructive blaze.

²⁸ A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
    gossip separates the best of friends.

²⁹ Violent people mislead their companions,
    leading them down a harmful path.

³⁰ With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
    with a smirk, they plan their mischief.

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of glory;
    it is gained by living a godly life.

³² Better to be patient than powerful;
    better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

³³ We may throw the dice,^[a]
    but the Lord determines how they fall.

I will have a little extra reading available in the next week or so. .
so you can see for yourself the scenario of Abraham offering his one and only son. .
begotten to him when he was no less than 100 years old. .
at the direction of God!! It is a story that should just make you think WOW. .
especially since many of us are parents and can understand HOW difficult that trip up the mountain would have been for Abraham to make!!

I will also be asking you to introduce your heart to the story of Rahab in Joshua 2. .
As a reminder. .that SHE was a hooker. .
the lowest of low in our judgmental  eyes. .
YET. .even in the midst of her awful sin habits. .
GOD CHOSE HER. .
to accomplish His divine will. .and counted her as righteous. .
a faithful hero (Hebrews 11:31)!!  I hope that your faith is growing. .
as you are learning and seeking to be who God wants you to be. .
a servant FOR His purposes. .
that you are making strides in your own wisdom. .
and that one day. .on the ONLY day that will matter. .
you will hear Jesus Christ say to you. .

Well done. .my good and FAITHFUL servant!! Matthew 25:21

So. .This week. .
please read through James. .
with your notebook handy. .
and see who God reveals Himself to be within these pages. .
from the lips of James!!
Enjoy your week!! Love Mel