May? Really?
We're seriously at May already...
blowing my mind!
So its time for a new monthly scripture for my heart.
Right now, I'm doing the Beth Moore James Bible Study.
Loving it too!
The little things that she points out about words.
But one of the challenges is to memorize the whole book of James!
YAWWZZAAA!!!!
My brain would explode...
but I am willing to try to memorize big portions of it
... & I'll start with this month & dig in
I love this verse anyways
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
-James 1:2-3 (NLT)
First of all, I study in an NIV version, but loved this NLT version...
all because of the word, "ENDURANCE"
NIV says "Perseverance" ...
but "endurance" speaks to me
Endurance: The ability or power to bear prolonged exertion, pain, or hardship
I think because I just came off a 13.1 mile run
& you need ENDURANCE to make it through
Its training for the LONG RUN
I think anyone can do a 5K
It almost seems over before it starts
but a 13.1 mile race?
You tire out...
... you start off strong
... you feel energy
... & then you wear down
... you want to hit a wall
... you gotta dig in deep to finish
... you have to ENDURE the miles
& that's just 13.1 miles
What about LIFE?
Talk about ENDURANCE!
And what helps with endurance while running?
Training!
And training isnt easy.... no way, no how!
You push yourself to the point of pain
... only to become stronger...
So when we have troubles in our lives, look at it as training...
...training to make life easier...
its hard to find joy in that 'trouble' in the moment that you're in it
but look ahead
Look at the strength... the endurance... you'll have for future troubles
Because you KNOW those troubles will always be coming at us
So let's ENDURE... be STRONG when they head right at us!
Anyone else pumped up now?
Who knew James was like a Personal Trainer, ready to (CLAP) Pump Us UP!!!
(I so just dated myself with that reference)
Good stuff, thanks, Rebecca Jo! I think i may look into that James study, although memorizing an entire book sounds pretty daunting.
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent and powerful lesson! You are definitely the epitome of endurance, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteWow! This really hits home for me today. Thanks for reading my mind and giving me exactly what I needed.
ReplyDeleteYour Friend, m.
Very good! Now I can't wait for the James study. We're planning to do it this fall.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Memorizing the whole book of James is quite a feat!! But think of all the truth you'll be learning.
ReplyDeleteI love the practicalities of James. And I love the fact that James is the half brother of Jesus. Good stuff!
I love you friend. I thought about you so much on Friday. We had a Women's Rally at church and our speaker was a former Disney Princess (at the parks). Her favorite? Belle! And did she ever make a beautiful Belle!! I thought of you and so wanted you to be there with me. Such a GREAT night!!
Have a Blessed evening ~~ dawn
It's perfect for this month! I'm at that point right now in my life - enduring pain to become stronger. This post is so very well put! Thanks for this :)
ReplyDeleteoh... I'm PUMPED! =D
ReplyDeleteWe are doing James too! Love it. I haven't begun memorizing it yet, but I do intend to finish copying it. So much good stuff that steps all over my toes. I need to hear it though. Good luck on your memorization!
ReplyDelete