In preparing for advent, my church is reviewing Isaiah 9:2-6.  This is such an amazing passage of scripture because it is the Prophet Isaiah foretelling the birth of Jesus around 600-800 years before the birth. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his…

This week I am reading James 2:14-19.  This is the part of the Bible where the rubber meets the road.  It is also the part that seems to contradict what Paul said about being saved by grace, not by works. However, when you get into the meat of it, it doesn’t contradict, it complements.  As…

I know I usually have somewhat thought-provoking posts. But it’s Friday morning, and I’m sooo ready for the weekend. Enjoy!    

This week I’m reading James 2:1-7. This passage talks about how Christians are to show no partiality to others, because this prejudice is actually a denial of our belief in Jesus. Although it is easy to look around and wonder how other Christians can be so judgmental and hateful towards others – I know the…

This week I’ve been in the passage James 1:17-18.  It says: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should…

This week I studied James 1:12-15.  One excerpt in this passage is: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Now, let me skip to last night at work. I was…

I realize I’m not the best person to come into any sort of confrontation.  I clam up, dwell on the situation for far too long, and generally don’t let go of it easily. So I’m still thinking of the battle at our bible study last night.  It luckily happened after the study – when a…

In honor of Thankful Thursday, I’m thankful for: Our community group:  Last night we had dinner together and discussed James 1:2-8.  We are a loud, funny, and honest group.  I also love having that many people piled into our living room, and I’m realizing that I used every seat in my house (and even improvised…

As I read James 1:2-8, I am convicted of my “if” statements regarding joy.  I currently believe the following: I’ll have joy if I have a sense of purpose at work I’ll have joy if others respect and admire me at work I’ll have joy if I accomplish a lot at work I’ll have joy…

In James 2:5 it says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by…

This particular passage in James has touched my heart this morning for its simplicity.  Sometimes I feel as if God is so far away, but this points out that if our movement is towards him, he will also walk closer with us. “And when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you”…

Yesterday and into this morning I realized how overwhelming my pride had become.  Because of my pride, I crushed a girl at work – being frustrated and annoyed when I had spent time on a project that seemed wasted. But I know this pride is result of the selfish ambition I have that puts my…