I have a very vivid memory of stepping into the shower — my alone-space where maybe I could think two coherent thoughts in a row — in total despair over some end-of-my-rope issue with some under-age-five child. He (or possibly she, I don’t remember which child it was, but I can make a pretty good guess) was clearly resistant to any approach we had tried while addressing his (or her) current problem, which I also don’t remember specifically. (Biting, sassing, refusing to obey are all possibilities.)
What I do remember is the verse the Holy Spirit pulled up from my mental stockpile and gently encouraged me to actually believe. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
So I prayed. I asked God for wisdom, and it turns out He was ready and willing to give it to me! It was an ah-ha moment where something I had been reading in the Bible and something I had been reading in a book suddenly meshed together in my mind. I got out of that shower with new courage and strength, wondering why I hadn’t thought to ask God for help earlier!
That experience changed the way I looked at the difficulties in my life. God wanted to give me wisdom in the midst of them. He wanted me to grow in wisdom because of those difficulties. The trials — whether they were challenging children, health problems, financial need, or the multitude of other troubles we faced from day to day, were (and still are) there for my good.
I’m looking forward to studying James 1 with those of you who want to join me! The first chapter of James’ letter speaks of wisdom, of trials, of prayer, of riches and poverty, of perseverance and temptation, of listening before we speak, and of actually putting into practice what we’ve read and heard. For thirty days we’re going to study what James says about living the gospel . We’re going to think hard about how our faith affects our actions and attitudes.
If you have never done a Busy Mamas Bible Study with me, it’s not complicated. We’re going to do some deep study, but you only need 5-15 minutes a day, and those minutes can be in little snatches here and there throughout the day, if that’s all you can manage.
We’ll be marking words in the text, making lists, studying words, comparing translations, referring to commentaries. When we’re done at the end of the month, you will not only know James 1 better; you will also know how to study better!
(Click “Start this study” below to get access to lessons or sign up to get lessons emailed to you.)
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Hello! I wanted to ask a question. I am currently doing this study via email. I have also done the study on Isaiah53 and Psalm 91. (And maybe one other.) I have learned so much and truley enjoyed them. Is there a way that I can go on this app and that I’ve already done them and then be able to access them to use with a small ladies Bible study group without having to print them out from my emails? Thank you so much for teaching me “How” to study!
Tonya
Hi Tonya, if your group members wanted to do the James 1 study here, we will be adding all the lessons soon, but they would need to have their own subscription.
You can still find the lessons in the Doorposts blog archive for a few more weeks (we’ll be taking them down later this month) and if you have the emails you’re welcome to print and share those with your group.
The Isaiah 53 study has been published as a 30-day study booklet, which might be ideal for your group. You can get it from http://www.doorposts.com/details.aspx?id=160 Some of the other studies are available in this format as well.
I hope that helps!
Hey Daniel, how do we get the daily emails for James 1? I don’t see an option to subscribe. Thanks!
Dianna, I’m sorry, but the email option is not available yet for James 1. It takes quite a bit of time to edit the lessons for emailing. We’ve been working on several of them, and they should be up and running soon, now that Daniel is done filing all the state sales taxes and other time-consuming, but non-productive tasks. Keep an eye out on the introductory page for the study! That’s where the option will be offered as soon as it is available. Thanks for your patience!
Hi, I just wondered if the email option is available yet. I can’t find it for this study. Thanks!
Hi, I was wondering why there is no link to the Facebook group in this study. It would be great to see what others have learnt too. That was a great option. Hope you will add it to the lessons.
Thanks!
God is using James 1 to speak to me in areas I need to grow stronger in. I need to be more patience in area I pray for. I need an answer for the prayers I ask for daily. The answer will come in Gods time and not mine. I need Wisdom and discernment in area where i need to make decisions. I need to have better judgement and go to God for guidance and direction.
There are three recurring themes faith, patience and temptation which seems God want to help me in these areas of my Christian life.
I prayed for several weeks about taking the book of James. No other book seemed to be speaking to me like this book and the subjects were going to be studying on.