Working Out With James

Working it out. What does that mean? What am I talking about? In Philippians 2:12, Paul tells us to work out our own salvation. Since we are not saved by our works, then what can it mean? After a bit of studying, I believe that I have to work down to my innermost parts, to dig down deep, with fear and trembling, to see where God wants to take me. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I can go into the recesses of my innermost parts to see what needs to be molded so that I look more like Jesus, to bring Him glory.

Why am I telling me this? I need to remember His grace as I explore His perfect written word to me. I am writing so that I can understand to the best of my ability and to grow in knowledge and understanding.

James

Right now I am 2 weeks into leading a ladies bible study written be Beth Moore. I have done many bible studies written by Beth, but this one is different...and I love it! With this bible study she has given options on how in depth one can choose to go. Honestly, my first week, I came thinking that none of my ladies would do level 5 which requires coming to discussions, doing the homework, writing out the book, reading excerpts written by her daughter, and MEMORIZING THE WHOLE BOOK. What? 4 ladies stayed behind to watch the additional video for Level 5. Hello conviction. I was so sure that Jesus wouldn't ask me to do this because I am so busy. With being a military wife, homeschooling momma of 3, Women's Ministry Leader, and a bible study teacher, I clearly don't have much free time. Guess what? I do. If I got off of Facebook and Pinterest, I'd have a ton of time. Okay, not a ton, BUT! But, the one word that typically precedes a disobedient thought or action on my part. Ugh. Jesus knows me better than I know myself. He KNOWS what I need. He knows that I am the first to teach others to "step off that boat and trust Him....HE IS GOOD!" So, here I am, letting Him know my circumstances and how it just won't work. You know what He does? He doesn't brush it off, oh no, He presses in harder because He loves me too much to let me stay the same. He knows that my husband and I have stuff coming up in the future and I NEED to have His perfect, life-changing, and grace-giving word so in my innermost parts that it is all I can think about so it frames ALL OF MY THOUGHTS.

So, about the study.

James, or Jacob, if you will, has been up in my business. Why? I'm on verse 2 and it is already smacking me around. In my studies of James in the past, I have never had the inclination to go deeper or to stop and ponder the word 'consider'.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:2

Consider or count have always been words where I have felt that I might have the option of doing that, however, today God revealed something to me. It is not an option. I know God is gracious and reveals things to us in His timing. I have read (and now memorized) these words so. many. times. and it is like I've gone from a thought process of, "Oh well, I know that I am to be joyful during this..." but now I am changed, I can't stay there. His grace is unfathomable to me. I KNOW that trials make me more like Him. I should not have a fake joy when I'm going through something, I should be full of joy because through my obedience and submission to His will, He is making me more like his son Jesus.

 Father forgive me for being so flippant with your word, work in me so that I am complete, lacking nothing.

LLD