Looking in a mirror

-

 


I know. I know. I said I was going to stop blogging and concentrate on my book.  Well this past month, I really didn’t get to my book as much as I intended.  I have been reading a few articles on the subject of writing a book (there I go on that slippery Pinterest slope again) and from that, I formulated a style in which I wish to write it in.  Baby steps right? 

So I’m closing out my study of the book of James and I just couldn’t pass this opportunity to share with you what I learned.   Of course, there is nothing like getting into the Bible yourself, just face to face with the Word.  I highly encourage you to do so if you never have.  Don't be intimidated. The method I used from Jen Wilken's book, ‘Women of the Word’ was really helpful in getting started in this personal bible study. 

So what did James teach me and help me in my walk with Christ this month?  So much!

It is no coincidence that today’s Youversion verse of the day, came straight from James. 


Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25



Studying this whole book , these past two months was like looking in the mirror. I spent all this time in it now God forbid I walk away and forget what I look like.  Now what? Well first,  I’m just going to briefly state what I carried away from each chapter.  


James 1:  God is in control and has a purpose in my trials.  Sometimes I may not see that purpose, but the point is to trust that it involves growing me into the person He wants me to be. 


James 2: Faith and works go hand in hand. That means loving others as God loves me. I am saved by grace, but I want to do these things out of love for him, not out of obligation.  


James 3: Speech comes from what’s in my heart.  So its important to do a heart check and speak in love. 


James 4: Come to God in humility, seeking his will when I pray, not my own and resting on his promise that He will lift me up. 


James 5: Being a good steward of my finances.  Confession is vital to spiritual AND physical health. 



So next step in the Bible study process which I’ve already been doing with each chapter is ‘Application’.  Taking what I learned about God first, then myself, now what is my response?  What is my action step? 


One I already did and that was pray with faith and God answered my prayers. From my frustrations and burn out from work , I’ve been praying to God to give me another christian woman physician to connect with.  Well he answered that this past month when I participated in a Women physicians in Christ half day conference.  I actually had the opportunity to meet with other women virtually in small groups.  I prayed and was prayed for!! God is so good and faithful. 


Also, I feel led to build a grateful attitude at work. 

And finally proceed in leading a small group recovery study at my church.  There I said it!

I'm secretly hoping no no one reads this blog so I don't have to be accountable to what I just shared.  But seriously,  sometimes it’s hard to take that next action step, but I must remember God’s promises in James — God is generous in wisdom (James1:5).  I can come to him in prayer. He is there to help.  (James 5:16) AND I will be blessed in what I do. (James 1:25) 




Thank you for letting me share. 

Hopeful girl Janette, 

Sober for 5 years, 7 months, and 16 days. 

Submitting my self to God for another day more (James 4:7-8,10) 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Crooked spine, crooked path

-
Image
  Today I went for a brisk 45 minute walk.  And that was the hardest thing for me to do. You might be wondering why.   Why would a  measly brisk 45 minute walk be such a big deal for this woman whos’ run marathons and 10 Ks and sprint triathlons before?  Well it all started in 2012. I was driving home from work in Orange County on the 5 rush hour traffic.  It was about a couple weeks after I ran the Huntington Beach half marathon, the one they have on super bowl Sunday every year.   It was stop and go traffic. Then suddenly, as my foot came off the gas, a lightening bolt pain shot me right in the ARSE!  or  right buttock that is.  Thereafter I would always have this tender spot or pain in the very crook of my right hamstring. Nothing severe enough to keep me from running , just a nuisance like that little kink you got in the back that tightens up every once in awhile.  I’ve got one of those too. On my right upper back, scapula to ...
Read more

Stay focused

-
Image
  It is interesting how some words of advice just stick with you. I wonder if my brother would be surprised that I still remember the words of advice he gave to me that seem to pop in my head as I read the verse above. My brother, Steve who is eight years my senior,  ha ha, ‘my senior’. That sounds so old. Anyway, my brother who is eight years older than me once told me right before I was about to go to college, to ‘STAY FOCUSED’.   He was an athlete and this was very appropriate advice for him to give.  He would know. He played baseball his whole life, first baseman  and would’ve gone professional if it wasn’t for a devastating injury during college.   On the other hand I was a horrible athlete , well in the beginning and before I found my love for endurance sports that is.  When I was in junior high, I was very awkward. I was made fun of a lot. I was a nerd! My athletic skills were nil to none  so my dear brother must have felt sorry for me and ...
Read more

Be still

-
Image
  Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. -Psalm 46:10 I have this sense of urgency, but I feel like God is working on me still, preparing me for something more.  I don’t know what that is, yet, but I’m to be still and do the work I have set before me.  My mind is never still.  In the stillness, I will praise God and worship him , glorify him with the work set before me.  The year is almost half way done and Ive been without social media. Although I do feel disconnected from those I know, I do feel more connected with my Lord. Have I gotten anywhere with my book? It is definitely slow going, but I will say I am further along then I was last year.  And even more then I was yesterday.   So I guess that’s something.  Instead of scrolling, I’ve just been filling my head with bible reading and studying.  I do watch YouTube, but mostly Christian topics appear on my feed.  S...
Read more