If you are looking to study the Bible, I’d consider the book of James. The Book of James is the football coach at a chalkboard at halftime and I’ll explain how.

Okay, just as a very brief background: James was the brother of Jesus according to the New Testament.

In human nature, the Bible is sometimes “cherry picked” to fit an individuals’ agenda. What I love about James is that, in my opinion: it can’t be. It is a deliberate, short, five chapter playbook. I love how certain verses stand out more to other people. Here are some of my favorites:

• “Know this: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” 1:19-a quick reminder to slowwww down and listen. I need this!
• “So by faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” 2:17-it’s one thing to have faith but it’s another to truly live the word through works.
• “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” 4:15-I want what God wants for me! If it is His will, then let it be!
• “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” 5:13- But, don’t forget to pray when you’re cheerful & praise when you suffer, too.
• “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” 5:19-20- If you needed a sign that it’s okay to come back to the Lord, this is it.

And finally, one I didn’t even notice in my first studies of this book:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” 1:2

My church covered this topic yesterday. Count it ALL as joy. ALL OF IT. This is hard! We want to have pity parties, but girllll I’m here to tell you: find the joy. You have no idea what may come.

Have you studied James before? I would love to know if you have any favorites. Thanks for reading!