James 1-5

Hi everyone.

I have been reading through the New Testament in a semester, sponsored by my pastor, Fred.

Today I was in James 1-5. That is the entire book of James. James is an interesting book to read. Because it is short and dynamic, it is usually a popular book to read because of that. My sister likes James. I remember how we read it aloud one night. It took us about three hours, including discussion. See? Find an easy copy and start in an easy book and reading the Bible is easy.

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (James 1:2-4).

That is James' introducation. He does not mince his words. He tells the flat-out truth. To hell with lies and shame. By being tested and trialed, God shows us our true colors. We need to endure trials so that we can see our colors. If we try to escape, we become deficient in living a true, holy life. We also become blind and deceived to our true nature.

Trials create us. Perhaps we should embrace them, praying to God that at least our character comes out right.

Lots of Love,

Rachel