Let me say right off the bat, this probably won’t be as winsome as many of the Old Testament studies we’ve done with Paige in the past, but it is going to be so good for our souls. It’s like the cough medicine that will quiet a child’s hacking cough so she can get some sleep and heal, but she refuses to receive it. She’d rather keep hacking than take the medicine.
Photo by Priscilla-du-preez from Unsplash
Oh Lord, may we not be like that, hacking along in life, wondering why we are not whole, but instead, come gladly to You, the Healer of our Hearts.
In visiting with a godly friend after listening to Paige, we both had the same reaction to her continually telling the people to put their heads down, to look at the Scriptures and not at her. She kept saying “Heads down!” We didn’t like it and felt scolded! But I think I know why she did it. She wants us to know that Bible study should be a place where you learn and receive what God says. This is important to remember in this stern letter, for, as Paige says, James has more commands than any New Testament book. You may feel pounded! But Paige wants you to know, “This is not Paige Brown telling you how to live, this is God! Therefore it is good wisdom from above, so receive it!”
So before you even listen (or re-listen) to Paige, pray for your heart to be like play-dough, receptive and malleable. For, in addition to the many commands in James there are beautiful PROMISES for those who receive. James is going to spell out how to live so that we are empowered to trust God and choose the daily path that eventually leads to light and not to darkness.
vladislav-babienko-KTpSVEcU0XU-unsplash photo
Pray here, now, for your own heart, silently.
Click here for Study 1:
I’ve divided Paige’s teaching into 5 parts, with a break on Sunday for you to share a “God Hunt,” a way God has worked in your life. This is to help you not be overwhelmed, but go at the pace that is best for you. I’ve not used the questions from Paige’s church, but feel free to do those in your discussion as well if you have time. If you are doing my questions, you can download and print off this document: Discussion Questions for Paige
Thursday: Paige’s Introduction
Icebreakers:
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? (To see my opening go to this link: https://deebrestin.com/category/personal/
Watch the first 17 minutes (From when the video begins at about minute 9 to when she reads James 1:1-19 (minute 26:26). Take notes.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye)
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons?
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself?
Friday: Count it All Joy! How Trials Can Lead To Maturity
Watch from the time she reads the text (James 1:1-18) up to when she begins Part II (about minute 41:19 when after quoting Corrie ten Boom, she asks “What is the practice of this professed faith?)
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.)
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life?
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial?
10. You may have heard it said God will not give us more than we can handle, but James actually teaches the opposite. As Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing?
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
God will take you where you have not intended to go to produce in you what you could not produce on your own. (Paul Tripp)
You will never know the strength of the anchor until you feel the stress of the storm. (Corrie ten Boom)
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
Saturday: Practicing Faith: Counting, Asking, Receiving
Begin listening again at about 41:20 when she asks: “What is the practice of this professed faith when we are faced with these hard things?” Stop at 59:48 when she says “Number 4: Boasting”
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
Our weakness does not keep us from God, our delusions of strength do. (Sinclair Ferguson)
Application assignment: Right now ask God, in faith, for wisdom about a present trial. Receive it. Live into it. Be ready to report, if possible, how it worked out for you at the end of this study. Write the wisdom here and we’ll check back at the end.
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” (John Newton)
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?”
18. Name a current trial or temptation in your life and describe what being double-minded would look like. What would single-minded or receiving look like?
God Hunt Sunday (And catch up if need be!)
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances?
Monday: Practicing Faith: Boasting, Remaining
Begin listening at 59:48 when she says “Number 4: Boasting” to when she finishes the Joni wheelchair story at about 1:08:11
20. What stood out to you from this section and why?
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9) What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her?
22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11)
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts?
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant?
I am not sure who she was quoting (Dr. Motyer?) but she wants us to remember this: We live about what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joy of our hearts. (C. S. Lewis and John Piper have said similar things.)
25. How does the above apply to you?
Tuesday: Principles of Temptation (It’s the Heart, Stupid)
Listen from after the wheelchair story at 1:08:11 to 1:18:19 when she says, “If this is who we are, then what do we need? Everything!”
26. What stands out to you from this section and why?
27. When we are tempted, who or what is the problem? Who or what is not? (James 1:13-14)
28. Paige goes to great lengths to show that we shouldn’t be blaming God, Satan, circumstances, parents, social media, or the culture. Why is this diagnosis important?
29. It is not wrong to be tempted, and every person (James 1:14), even Jesus, struggled with temptation. She quoted Douglas Moo saying “Temptation itself is not sinful –only when our hearts grab it.” We mature as we refuse to succumb to it! Give one example of muscle that has developed in your life because you have repeatedly resisted a particular temptation. (Talking about progress not perfection)
30. Cycle of Sin (She credits Sinclair Ferguson for clarifying this) Please make comments or give examples from your own life after listening to each.
A. Deception “Sin comes from things we believe that are not true.” Give an example.
B. Attraction “What insight does the word lure (as in fishing) give you?
C. Pre-occupation (Now we are enticed) That which was on the outside is on the inside. The word for desire is “epithumia” which means over-desire. (Can even be for something good – -turning it to ultimate)
D. Conception (Desire meets opportunity)
E. Subjection (Mastered)
31. Since Jeremiah 17:17 tells us our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, we must listen to someone besides our own hearts! And it’s not Woody Allen! (The heart wants what the heart wants!) Last week I gave you an action assignment to ask for wisdom in the midst of trial or temptation. Did you receive it? Give us a report.
Wednesday: Good Good Father
Listen to the end.
32. What do you learn about God from:
A. James 1:16-18
B. From Paige?
33. Do you believe you are God’s treasure? If so, why?
Jesus lived by what he loved, and the shape of his entire life and death was determined by the joy of his heart — which was us!
34. What is your take-a-way and why?
159 comments
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
I’m Laura, and I have been on this blog for many years. I have learned SO much; from others comments and discussion. I like being in community with like minded people because there is such evil in our world and I need the truth! I love Dee Brestin ♥️!
I so love having you here, Laura. Your honesty and vulnerability are a real treasure. You often say what others may think but hesitate to say.
Friday: Count it All Joy! How Trials Can Lead To Maturity
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.) – vs 6-8: I’ve seen this before, but listening to Paige, has made it pop out more because I really need to ask and believe and repeat that God has provided, even if I haven’t at that moment gotten what I’ve asked for yet. I need to know that it will come from God. He gives me what I need.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why. – When scripture says in some form “because you know” we already have seen this play out in our lives and should not be surprised.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain. – Trials crush people all the time in every way. Trials will happen in every form. Trials refine us and make us more valuable for genuineness of faith. Faith is our need, our grip. Which shows us turning from ourselves.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life? – Trials are a workout to help us grow. Money is good, but when I relied too much on it, God changed my course, and all became a struggle. I trusted and believed that God would provide. I put my faith in Him and believed he would provide for me as my needs came around.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial? – Muscles grow by resistance. Steadfastness helps us keep our grip on God. My outlook on things that happen have changed because of my faith that God is in each situation and I’ve seen Him provide for me in many ways so I know He will be there again for me in his timing.
Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing? – When I see that I am unable to do anything on my own I then turn to the Lord and call on him to help me. I need to make this more of a habit instead of struggling first and then turn to him.
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage? Friday: Count it All Joy! How Trials Can Lead To Maturity
Watch from the time she reads the text (James 1:1-18) up to when she begins Part II (about minute 41:19 when after quoting Corrie ten Boom, she asks “What is the practice of this professed faith?)
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.)
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why. – When scripture says in some form “because you know” we already have seen this play out in our lives and should not be surprised.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain. – Trials crush people all the time in every way. Trials will happen in every form. Trials refine us and make us more valuable for genuineness of faith. Faith is our need, our grip. Which shows us turning from ourselves.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life? – Trials are a workout to help us grow.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial? – Muscles grow by resistance. Steadfastness helps us keep our grip on God
Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing?
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage? – We will be made completely righteous when we are face to face with God. Before that time, we continue to grow and thrive if we stay in His Word and follow him.
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
God will take you where you have not intended to go to produce in you what you could not produce on your own. (Paul Tripp) – he took me through a divorce that was not wanted on my part, but along that journey he made me strong in many areas where I was weak. He provided me with determination to make it through and be there for my kids.
You will never know the strength of the anchor until you feel the stress of the storm. (Corrie ten Boom) – I struggled in the above journey, but once I cried out to Him, my Anchor, I started to flourish in the areas I was struggling and people so the difference in me because of God.
Hello everybody! I’ve enjoyed being on this blog for about 8 years. I was teaching a ladies Sunday School class and decided to use Dee’s book, The God of All Comfort” for a series of lessons. That was how I found out about the blog. I love the spiritual depth of Dee and my fellow bloggers. I feel like I know most of you though we’ve never met in person. I’m so appreciative of everybody here, and especially Dee! I want to say that I really benefited from listening to Nancy Guthrie last week as she expounded on the introduction to the book of James. It really helps to see what is written from a different perspective now and to see James as a person. I cannot imagine being the half brother of the Savior of the world! And it reminds me of the great humbleness of our Lord as He became flesh and dwelled among us, as even His own siblings did not accept Him for some time. So unlike me! And yet so encouraging that James did choose to make his half-brother as His own Savior! Gives me thrilling chills as I think of it even now. I listened to part of Paige’s lesson last evening. I also was disturbed by her frequent scolding of people to put their heads down. I don’t like that with adult learners as it makes the teacher seem like she is a parent and above the students. I also don’t like her delivery and never have. Yet, I have learned quite a bit from her and I appreciate the effort she puts into studying and preparing the lessons. She is not only possessing much godly insight, she is a downright brilliant woman and has great articulation which I so admire. God is often reminding me not to look at the vessel but to grasp the truth. I’m thankful He uses all of us with our quirks and failures. Thank you for introducing me to Paige. Incidentally, my adult daughter from Eastern Europe who has a very forthright and strong personality, doesn’t like to hear Paige either. I tried to get her to listen to a good portion of a previous lesson. She listened for several minutes and then pushed it away and said, “I can’t stand how she talks go forcefully like a know-it-all!” I couldn’t help but smile as that is so similar to my daughter’s way of speaking also!! 😂
Thank you for the encouragement, Miriam. This is all so interesting. About your daughter too. 🙂 This is the first time I actually had some of those feelings about Paige, but I wonder how much is simply the book of James which is so hard-hitting. And I too loved Nancy Guthrie and it made me think that the reason James may be so hard hitting is because he thought, “I grew up with Him but was so blind, and now I see. I want others to see and not to settle for outward religion but have changed hearts.” I think it is interesting that though you find her offensive you’ve grown from her, so you stay with it. Not sure I could do that.
One thing I see as a woman speaker is that she is quite different from most in that she really is not so concerned about her clothes and appearance but getting the Word to us. And she often tells how dysfunctional and needy she is. I do imagine she’s getting some feedback on the heads down thing. I doubt she’ll do it again.
Dee and Miriam,
Since we are discussing this here…
I have surely gained from listening to Paige. But when I invited my adult daughter. (age 36, a lover of Jesus, merciful and gracious) to join the first bible study we did here with Paige, my daughter listened to Paige and kindly told me she just couldn’t listen to her delivery style. So sometimes its just not a good fit. Sad but true.
Thank you for that, Nila. I, too, find that her delivery style is too hyped for me and deters from the wonderful truths she is presenting. But I’m sure some people actually like her style. I prefer the opposite style, more like a Tim Keller -soft-spoken and more gentle. I also like John Piper’s style though he is much more passionate than Keller, but I still find him easy to listen to and learn from what he is saying. I’m still very thankful for Paige and so glad Dee introduced her to us. I cringe to think of what people would say about my delivery style. To start off, I don’t have a pleasant voice. 😄 And I’m so glad you are here with us again! I so miss your insights!
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community? Judy I’ve grown to love this group of ladies Such insight that makes me try and think harder and not just hurry through Others help me see things I would miss and give no thought to
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? (To see my opening go to this link: I’m not sure I got to this link. But I love that you chase after a deep intimate relationship with God, give your time to encourage and spur other women on, and take the time to serve in prison ministry.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why. Her emphasis that this was a Bible study and all they do is study the Bible. Because I’ve been to Sunday school classes that get off topic and I ve been to church services when the focus is a theme with not much Biblical support and I want to learn more about the Bible not have a book to read along with a sermon series and the book is not the Bible
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye) see that we could consider spiritually more mature than others or we could come across as the perfect family These things could make new comers to Christianity or seekers away from Christ instead of towards Him Admitting imperfections has more of a welcoming feel and that we will take you in just as you are. Recognizes we are people with problems like everyone else.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons? I liked that she points out that reading the Bible doesn’t mean we can understand it and that we need God for that She she says they study the Bible because it’s the only thing that matters. We need to want studies and sermons that focus on scripture helping us to understand it and apply it
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself? Every verse is the opposite of nominal Christianity. It’s comprehensive and intense. It’s more than Christ covered we re to be Christ convicted. Earliest written book written in NT written around mid 40 s AD. It was written to Christian’s mostly Jewish believers. The book focuses on Jesus teachings. James didn’t exalt himself in anyway. He calls JESUS Lord and considers himself a bond servant which is stronger than word servant.
Great beginning, Judy.
And the link was for those who don’t follow this blog, but got the letter telling them about Paige — so you don’t need the link — it was just to this blog.
Thank you. I realized my error after I read Miriam’s. I listened to the recording and didn’t catch any of the keep your head down.
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog?
This will be good for my soul.
You are the healer of my heart.
These two statements melt me, because I am focusing on the word “worthy” this year and they help me know He is looking after me.
I haven’t really ever thought about this book, other than to try to memorize it years ago. I am looking forward to learning.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why.
Jesus was the oldest of 8 children who didn’t believe He was who He said He was.
I wonder why Mary and Joseph didn’t defend Jesus to their children? They knew the truth but the Bible doesn’t say much about this. Why didn’t they tell of the angels visits, and how God gave Jesus to them? Interesting to think about. I don’t think I could have held my tongue! But, maybe they thought the other children would be jealous if they knew? They could have told them that they wanted other children because they were of them (Mary and Joseph) and that made them special too. Just thinking….
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye)
I should remember that I too have sin, just like others. When I am frustrated by others in the church, remember my own sin.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons?
Her daughter decided to run track and then figured out that all they do is run! Hahaha! Paige wants us to know that in our Bible study we should read the Bible.
Getting information from other sources should back up what the Bible teaches. If teaching and sermons don’t talk about what’s in the Bible then we should question that teaching.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself?
The letter of James is the earliest in the NT. James was the leader of Christians in the church in Jerusalem.
I pondered that about Mary and Joseph too. I wonder if the Lord told them to remain silent?
This is interesting to think about, Dee. A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to a Faith Sharing on FB talking about the gospel reading for that week. So Mary (and Joseph) experienced many things surrounding Jesus’ birth…the visitation by Gabriel, Joseph’s dream, her cousin Elizabeth, the shepherds, the wise men…and then nothing much happened until Jesus was found in the Temple around age 12, and after that, nothing until the wedding at Cana. But Fr. Jim said that Mary and Joseph likely discussed these things with Jesus. He quoted from a book called To Know Christ Jesus, “Why do we think that the holy family was tight-lipped with one another?” It’s something to ponder.
I also like how The Chosen (I believe it’s episode 3 of season 3) portrays a “knowing” between Jesus and Mary, the episode where he goes back to his home town. At the end they are both standing by Joseph’s tomb, and Jesus says there’s no turning back now. I believe as Jesus grew up, his parents would have talked about what happened surrounding his birth; maybe not with everyone, but within their own household. Another interesting thing I read as I was searching the internet is that some believe it is possible that Joseph may have been married before and had children from another marriage. Who knows?!
That’s interesting about not being tight-lipped, Susan.
My understanding is that the story that Joseph was a widower with children is a result of the Catholic church wanting to make Mary a perpetual virgin — saying those brothers and sisters were all just Joseph’s children. Seems a little far-fetched to me as there were at least 8 of them. But not a battle I’d fight!
Wow, Laura! You really made me think on those questions you raised. Mary and Joseph will be so interesting to talk with in Heaven and discuss these things! How unique their parenting and thoughts must have been, to raise the Sinless One simultaneously with sinner children! And being sinful parents to start out with! Whew! It’s mind boggling and again reminds me of His deep humility for the Son of God and Creator of the Universe to subject Himself to this degradation!
Thursday: Paige’s Introduction
Icebreakers:
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
My real name is Ernema but I go by Bing which is a common nickname in the Philippines where I am originally from. There are 4 “Bing”s in our extended family so everyone uses “Bing” and adds on our real name to differentiate us one from others. Bible study in the community has blessed me because of the accountability and fellowship with other Christians. “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” The triune God will always be with us but He also has gifted us with the body of Christ to walk this earthly journey.
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? (To see my opening go to this link: https://deebrestin.com/category/personal/
Watch the first 17 minutes (From when the video begins at about minute 9 to when she reads James 1:1-19 (minute 26:26). Take notes.
What you said here: Oh Lord, may we not be like that, hacking along in life, wondering why we are not whole, but instead, come gladly to You, the Healer of our Hearts.
And also to pray that we will have hearts like play dough, malleable and receptive.
Hmm…I have a different response to Paige’s “heads down”. I think it might be maybe because I do something similar when I teach my class. (Smile). She did say it many times which to my teacher’s mind means what she is saying is important. I would often tell my kids-“look at page such and such; I want you to eyeball this word. Look at it again. This is very important when you are caring for your patient. I do not want you to forget it.”
Sometimes, I think of Paige as a modern “Paul”. They both don’t mince words and are radically sold out to Christ and can be too blunt at times but do have a real heart for Jesus and the gospel.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why.
James is calling us to a comprehensive, consistent Christianity. WOW! Nothing held back.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye)
I probably wouldn’t have said anything like that although I would agree with her. I know I and my family, have dysfunctions. Nobody is perfect; no family is perfect. And I know that often my heart is not in the right place. It takes the truth of God’s Word to take me out of the reverie that I am better than others.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons?
Her daughter said that the practice was awful. All they did was run! LOL
An authentic Bible Study should focus on the Bible and should point us to Jesus and should not be all about self-improvement or making ourselves feel good. Some Bible studies can end up being a social club, a check off on our to-do list.
Sermons should always point to Jesus. I love what Paige said. We do not want to just aim to be Christ-protected but Christ convicted. And be changed/transformed.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself?
It was written for Christians who were dispersed because of persecution-it was meant to be a circular to them. He was a bishop in Jerusalem. This epistle was written for Christians. He called himself a bondservant of Jesus, nothing was said of his being Jesus half brother or that he grew up with the Savior of the world. I was just thinking that if Jesus lived to be 33, James would have not believed in Jesus for too many years! What pain we bring to Jesus when He is so right here with us, showing us His identity and not really seeing Him for who He is. Thankfully, James believed later.
Interesting to read your reaction to the HEADS DOWN!
Dee, as I thought about this some more, another aspect of why I responded as I did is of cultural aspect. When I was growing up and in school, we see people in authority, whether a politician, clergy, educators, or the elderly speaking authoritatively, as people who knew what they are talking about. I realize one can be easily duped if one as a listener does not t practice discernment but it was not uncommon for my generation to just follow our teacher when he/she says, “heads down”. And most would probably think the same thought-this is important so she is saying heads down and look at the Bible or our books. Nowadays, not sure if that is still true in the Philippines. Rabbit trailing.
On the other hand, when I say something similar to my students, I don’t think I do it in the way Paige did it. I can see how it can be like talking down to kids.
Bing, I agree, being a teacher I sometimes say look at your document, slide show, book, etc. don’t look at me. I want my students to engage with the reading source.
Friday: Count it All Joy! How Trials Can Lead To Maturity
1. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.)
v.4 But let patience have her perfect work…KJV I often do not let patience do its perfect work in me. My timeline is often not God’s timeline.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain.
This letter was written by James to believers. Unbelievers can only see their trials and suffering as painful and uncalled for. But for the believers, trials build our spiritual muscles. Like physical muscles to grow, we do resistance training. So with spiritual muscles, we endure and stay steadfast through resisting the trials knowing that they will lead to our maturity, and completeness that will only be possible when Jesus comes again. Right now, it is the road to the end of our journey here.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life?
Tongue
Psalm 39:1 will guard my mouth with a muzzle
Psalm 141:1 asking God to set a guard on my mouth
So easy to let words out of my mouth without a thought to what may come out of it. I am learning to be more thoughtful and not be quick to speak my mind.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial?
The muscle of waiting on God. It has been almost 6 months of waiting for somebody to finish the plumbing work in the other unit of our duplex. We wanted it available for guests to use. We have not heard yet from our main plumber. But in the waiting also has come a settled peace that God’s timing is perfect. Actually makes me excited when it happens!
10. You may have heard it said God will not give us more than we can handle, but James actually teaches the opposite. As Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing?
I think “God will not give us more than we can handle” still can come across as being dependent on ourselves at the time of being able to handle whatever we are facing. If I acknowledge that without God, I am unable to do anything, my faith in Him will be deeper and will cause me to lean in on Him ALL the time rather than only during times of trials.
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
God will take you where you have not intended to go to produce in you what you could not produce on your own. (Paul Tripp)
You will never know the strength of the anchor until you feel the stress of the storm. (Corrie ten Boom)
Imputed righteousness happens at the time I accept Christ-the old has passed away, the new has come. Complete righteousness will come when Jesus comes again. And trials will help us grow toward its completion.
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
Even if not of my choosing, storms of life cannot destroy me because Christ is my anchor.
During the pandemic, my Mom got really ill and passed away in the Philippines. It tore at my heart not being to go take care of her and attend her funeral with our daughter who was struggling as well with her feelings of isolation in the state of Washington. I kept my eyes on Jesus and He saw us through that hard time with peace and comfort that He only can give.
Interesting to read your reaction to the HEADS DOWN!
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
I’m Susan, and I’ve been a part of Dee’s Bible study blog since January 2010. It’s wonderful to study the Scriptures on your own, yet very wonderful to do it in a group! Things happen in community that often don’t happen alone. We learn from each other, get new insights and perspectives from each other, and because God created us to be relational, our deepest selves may be drawn out in the company of others.
B. What stood out to from the introduction to this blog and why?
The example of not wanting to take the cough medicine! I’ve had experiences with my kids when they were little not wanting to take their medicine, or eat what was nutritious put in front of them. Sometimes, I do feel that inner resistance to God. I know His ways are good for me but I don’t want to listen, or I say, maybe later, after I do what I want, I will.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and why.
I didn’t know that you could go through the book of James and compare it with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, that they are so similar. Paige said that James was soaked through with the teachings of Jesus, so he doesn’t necessarily make quotes.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family”. Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye)
Because we can often think that we’re going to swoop in and make everything better with this person, this situation, or this group of people, that we have more knowledge, insight, or capability of doing things the “right way”. When we walk in the doors of our churches, we’re not there to make an improvement; we’re just joining others who have many of the same problems we have.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it, and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons?
Her daughter signed up to run track, and after her first practice, she complained that all they did was RUN! I’m sure her mom thought well yes….that’s what track team is all about – good job, coach! She then went on to say that people may complain likewise about Bible study – “all they ever do is read the Bible!” Paige said that’s all that really matters.
I have a few thoughts to add. I get the track example, yet running track might also include things like weight lifting or stretching exercises; in other words, to make you a more well-rounded and stronger runner, other things besides just running may be involved. And while strictly studying the Scripture is great, to make us more well-rounded, it’s also helpful to sometimes study a book or perhaps the writings of one of the early church fathers. Last year, I participated in a study on the Nicene Creed, and it really went deep into the history of some of the church fathers like Athanasius and Irenaeus, and how they were defending against heresies by developing the Creed, which is all taken from Scripture.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself?
James was likely next to Jesus in age, or second in line in the family. Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection. James never refers to his identity as Jesus’ brother in his letter, only calling Jesus, Lord. It was written around 40 AD and is the earliest writing in the NT.
Great analogy to extra things in track. I have a son who only reads the Bible (pretty much) and I always want him to consider some great commentaries — but he’s pretty firm! Always love your input, Susan.
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life?
When I face trials of many kinds, remember to hold on to joy in the midst of them. How can I do that? I think by keeping my eyes on Jesus and remembering, thinking on, who He is. He is the true source of joy. The testing of my faith through trials develops perseverance in me, which I need to complete the work given to me to do and to be mature. As I move into the latter part of my earthly life, this seems more important to me than it did when I was younger. I think more about ending well and finishing my life in a way that will be pleasing to Him as I get older.
I think that way too in this stage of life — and have regrets about not thinking that way more when I was young and strong — yet we go from here!
Amen to your thoughts here, Susan. I pray daily that the Lord will help me to live my life for His glory every day I am here and in every circumstance. I love the saying “Think of Eternity and Live Backwards from that.”
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.) Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds For me it’s been a stress filled week helping with a conference at church and a few other issues have of course cropped up. I have wondered why did I agree to help with this instead of turning things over to God, leaving it in His hands and trusting Him to work things out.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why. James fears complacency more than persecution because complacency is more dangerous. I have given that no thought before this Complacency would cause us to stagnate and not grow in our relationship with the Lord We could begin to drift and allow sin and then more sin into our lives and miss fellowship with believers and then God himself
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain. When we see God support us and work in a situation it builds our confidence and trust in Him and that He will work all things out for our good.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life?
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial? My husband last year and mother twice had serious health problems at same time. I had to rely on Him to get me through each day. My spouse just released from doc today after 7 months of various treatments and his refusing to see any specialists for further treatment and care. Last time he was released in November – 5 days later he had problems again He wants to leave next weekend for a couple of weeks Though I d prefer to be closer to his docs I’m trusting God will show me any steps to take if he has problems
10. You may have heard it said God will not give us more than we can handle, but James actually teaches the opposite. As Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing? I m thinking yes count it as joy because my inability caused me to lean closer into Him and trust Him to work things out
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage? Imputed at salvation Completely after I’m home with Jesus Trials produce resistance and resistance as in growing a muscle produces faith Faith that grips God and eventually fully steadfast so we will grip no one else
God will take you where you have not intended to go to produce in you what you could not produce on your own. (Paul Tripp)
You will never know the strength of the anchor until you feel the stress of the storm. (Corrie ten Boom)
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example. A job I thought I was to accept that I didn’t like and had too much pride to admit but my unhappiness was part of what lead me to find out if God was real and what He said true.
Thursday: Paige’s Introduction
Icebreakers:
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
—This is Bev Jensen and I have been participating in studies on this blog off and on for almost 10 years after attending an “Idol Lies” seminar by Dee at my Mom’s church in Kearney, Nebraska and finding out about the blog.
I’m doing this study because I have done other studies here before listening to Paige Brown and it has been a source of solid Bible teaching.
—I have been blessed by finding this to be a place of growth for me personally enhanced by the company of others. It has been my experience that there is great encouragement to be had in a community of believers who study Gods Word together.
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why?
—These comments stood out to me from the intro.
“pray for your heart to be like play-dough, receptive and malleable. For, in addition to the many commands in James there are beautiful PROMISES for those who receive. James is going to spell out how to live so that we are empowered to trust God and choose the daily path that eventually leads to light and not to darkness.”
—The reminder to pray first for a heart to be like play-dough, receptive and malleable. That is a desire I expressed when thinking about my word for the year, grace. I want to have a softened heart toward others and practice graciousness. I believe this can happen when I receive the beautiful PROMISES in addition to the commands given in James. Learning how to live so that I can be empowered to trust God and choose the daily path that eventually leads to light and not to darkness.”
—A personal note added here that I want to express my deep appreciation to each of you who prayed for me and the cataract surgery I had yesterday (Thursday). It went extremely well and at my followup appointment today my eye doctor said it is healing very well with very minimal swelling. The resulting irritation from this kind of surgery has been minimal and subsided quickly. I am amazed at the clarity I already have. God answered many prayers on my behalf and I am humbled and very grateful to each one of you. May God richly bless each of you who prayed for me.
Now to play catch up on the study here. 😊
Bev-so thankful to hear your surgery went so well! Praise!
So glad for the successful surgery report, Bev!
I’m meditating on how holding to the promises can help me be more grace-filled. I believe my primary spiritual gifting is prophecy (not foretelling but forthtelling God’s Word) and I do tend to see the thing that is wrong in another. I’ve been told very clearly and repeatedly by a member of our church that I’m too judgmental — so I’m processing that – -trying to sift that before the Lord — be more grace filled, and yet, not quench my gift. So I find your comment helpful, Bev!
Praising God that your cataract surgery went well and you are healing quickly, Bev.
1.Name one thing that stood out to you and tell why. Paige mentioned several times that James never mentions his blood relationship to Jesus, but says he is a bond servant to Jesus Christ, he always calls Jesus Lord. I believe this proves his total belief in Jesus as Messiah and Son Of God, in contrast to his previous belief that his brother was crazy.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye) None of us can look at another and judge them. We are all in the same condition, sinners saved by Grace.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons? All they do in track is RUN! All we do in Bible Study is study the Bible! By knowing God’s Word we can discern Bible Studies and Sermons and with the help of God’s Holy Spirit.🙏
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself? James is very serious about setting believers straight on foundational truth and what God requires of us. I learned that James was a very devout and learned Jew before Jesus Ressurection. And that Jesus specifically appeared to James in His Risen body. Then James became a Leader in the early Church.
Paige’s Introduction
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why.
—Paige said “Your life with God is really revealed by how you respond to trials.”
In Verse 2 James is talking to believers and says Count it all joy, fellow believers, when you meet trials or testing of various kinds. She says to respond with joy is only true of trials for Christians. She points out that trials crush people and that sufferings and trials come to everyone. It is not if but when. They will happen. But there is purpose for them in the life of believers. She said the word testing in the Greek means smelting, which is a refining process to prove or extract what is genuine. So in the life of a believer trials test for genuineness of Faith. Interestingly she defined faith as our need causing us to collapse on the Lord. It’s not about our ability but about our inability. I guess I would say faith is proven when we give up and choose to fall on God and say we will trust him anyway. To answer the why maybe I am not articulating this as well as I could to really get the gist of what she was saying but I feel this is very important based on the original comment from Paige I started with.
“Your life with God is really revealed by how you respond to trials.”
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church?
—I felt those comments express the reality of our own neediness and sinfulness by joining with a company of other believers in their neediness and sinfulness. The old comment that we are all just a bunch of sinners saved by grace.
My son as the lead pastor of our church often comments that he fails in his own walk and relationship with the Lord and points out how we all need Jesus and to come together in community to hear and learn God’s Word, be in support of one another and grow together. I’ve had some tell me they appreciate that he does not take a lofty stance from the pulpit in his teaching and admits his sin and weaknesses. He has said before that he sees the church as a hospital where we come to heal and help others get healed.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons?
—I didn’t take any notes on that point and her story of her daughters track experience.
I think her point was that in authentic Bible Study the most important thing is to be reading and studying the Bible. It has to be our main point of reference. What God is saying to us in the Bible is all important. It is there He has revealed himself and the Gospel which is the plan for the ages. The good news that God sent his only Son Jesus in human form to live a sinless perfect life and sacrifice that life for our sin. From beginning to end the Bible points us to Jesus. So Bible studies and sermons should always be based in the Bible, God’s Word, and centered on the Gospel. The goal being to bring glory to God. Anything less or that exalts man is a waste of time.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself?
—I learned in Paige’s words that James is hard to hear because it is Comprehensive Christianity and the exact opposite of nominal Christianity. She pointed out it is full of commands and James calls for consistent Christianity. She used the words extensive and intensive or said another way pervasive and invasive.
She said we need the book of James and it’s straightforward commands because we just want to be covered but not convicted and that we love inspiration but not instruction. How sad but true.
—James himself proved to be a humble man after believing in and seeing his resurrected elder half brother Jesus as God incarnate. He refers to himself as a bond servant of God and of the Lord a Jesus Christ. He never promoted himself in that personal relationship.
He was a main leader in the early church In Jerusalem and his ministry was to Jewish Christians and he was writing to Jewish Christians who had been persecuted and scattered for their faith.
Bev — I loved it when she said “Seeing the resurrected Christ pretty much does it for people.”
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community?
I’m Patti. I have been blessed by doing Bible study in community since I was a young married. My first experience was with a lady named Clarice, as the leader. It was at this Bible study, I met Dee. We both had young children at the time ~ our friendship has deepened over the years. I am grateful to have Dee in my life. Dee has continued to inspire me in her life, her faith, her trials, her successes, her books, and her studies. I thank God that I have Dee in my life. I have been silent in this group, but became active 4 years ago. It has truly been a great blessing and I have learned so much from all of the excellent speakers, amazing questions and the many styles of teaching, all inspiring. I have learned from the sharing of each of you on this blog~ it is such a joy to know and learn from and with each of you.
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why?
James is a book that is extensive and intensive. Two things stood out:
1.) You can never, as a Christian, be in a relationship less than: my life, my will, my destiny, my future ~ It All belongs to Him. If that is true, it will show up in every daily practical way.
2.) This book of James is about you and God. You see what your life in God is~ shown to be what it really is in your response to trials; What your life with God is really like in the hard places.
Patti — you have been a gift to me from the time I broke down sobbing at that first Bible study! :-0
I love you dear Dee!
Friday: Count it All Joy! How Trials Can Lead To Maturity
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.)
—“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Verse 12 stands out to me this morning because one of my closest friends is going through a very difficult trial even today as I write with her adult mentally and physically handicapped son. The pain and struggle of his situation runs very deep. She spent her night alone in tears. I can’t fix it and neither can she. So we are collapsing on God in prayer.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why.
—This section of James teaching lays out the process for growth to maturity and trials are the medium God uses in the process.
Paige said “Steadfastness shows the genuineness of our faith. Can there be any true conviction that has not been tested?”
This thinking gives meaning to my own testing by trials. This quote by Tripp says it well.
Paul David Tripp. “God will take you where you have not intended to go so He can produce in you what you cannot achieve on your own. “
Trials strengthen us.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain.
—I guess that is my point in question 6 above. Trials strengthen us.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life?
—I decided to come back to this question but for the sake of time now I will just go consider what others gave for an answer.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial?
—For many years I let my mind wander and be distracted by speculative thoughts. Going down paths of what if this might happen? Does so and so really think this about me? It was especially a problem when life was trying. I wasted time and energy instead of focusing my thoughts on God. Then several years ago I memorized 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 and every time my thoughts began to wander into unhealthy thinking I would recite it in my mind and I still do. It always replaces the thoughts and leads me back to letting Jesus rule my thoughts. I’ve found there is power in God’s Word and it has strengthened me personally in my walk with the Lord.
(“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”)
10. You may have heard it said God will not give us more than we can handle, but James actually teaches the opposite. As Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing?
—I go back to my comments in the first question today #5
As I ache for my sweet sister in Christ today I find I am gripping God. My hope and her hope is in God alone. We together we have seen Him do amazing things over the years and we are relying on his faithfulness.
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
—My goodness Dee, there are a lot of questions in the questions. (-:
Simply put:
•Imputed—at the time of my salvation when I accepted Christ into my life.
•Completely righteous—when My body is resurrected.
•What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
—In Verse 5 & 6b it says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting,…” so asking God without doubting him.
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
—Years ago when my widowed sister-in-law passed away suddenly leaving 3 children behind God was faithful to us in a time of grief and need.
I’m trying to cut back on questions — but I always think of someone (like a brand new Christian I’m mentoring) who needs a certain question!
But honestly, if you can bear it, as a perfectionist, skip whatever you’d like to skip!
I was teasing you a bit about so many questions but I appreciate the permission to skip some now and then. I do have a bent to want to complete them all and your reminders to give brief answers is needed for me. I know I can get way to wordy. 🥴
You absolutely have permission!
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community? My name is Dawn and I have been doing this bible study since 2011. I have been blessed to have gotten to know and share with so many women over the years and to have met some of them in person. I love that they are not afraid to be honest about their questions and life experiences.
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? (To see my opening go to this link: https://deebrestin.com/category/personal/ ) Your comparing the hard things of God with taking cough medicine. I hope that I’m not just “hacking” my way through life.
1. Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why. When Paige said that she likes to be Christ covered, but not Christ convicted. I think we’re all like that to some degree or another.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye) We all have faults and if you think that you don’t that is a definite sign that you do.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons? Her daughter said that it was hard and all they do is run. If your bible study or the sermons that you hear only make you feel good and never challenge you then they probably aren’t doing you any good.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself? That the book of James is the earliest written book of the New Testament. James never comments about being Jesus’ brother, he only refers to himself as a bond servant of Christ.
From Dawn:
If your bible study or the sermons that you hear only make you feel good and never challenge you then they probably aren’t doing you any good.
Saturday: Practicing Faith: Counting, Asking, Receiving
Begin listening again at about 41:20 when she asks: “What is the practice of this professed faith when we are faced with these hard things?” Stop at 59:48 when she says “Number 4: Boasting”
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
I am often amazed at how Paige brings about a different perspective by pointing out the placement of words, such as count it all joy, not count your trials, Romans 8:28 not all things are good but God works out all things for good. This section has deeply encouraged me to look at Scripture more intently and studiously.
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
That joy and sorrow can co-exist. This is unnatural so we should think with the logic of heaven and of God. Do not base the counting on feelings but on thinking and clinging tightly to the truth of who God is. She used the discipline of accounting. The bottom line is the total of the balance sheet. WOW!
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
We should ask for wisdom. We do not have it in us therefore we should ask the always-giving God. He is generous, and will not scold us if we come again and again. He is not just a giving God, but He is a giving God always.
Our weakness does not keep us from God, our delusions of strength do. (Sinclair Ferguson)
This quote is just another way of addressing an idol of the heart which is “strength’.
Application assignment: Right now ask God, in faith, for wisdom about a present trial. Receive it. Live into it. Be ready to report, if possible, how it worked out for you at the end of this study. Write the wisdom here and we’ll check back at the end.
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” (John Newton)
God, thank you that I can never ask too much from you. I am counting it a joy to ask from a Father who is generous, good, and will not scold me for asking. I need the wisdom to lead my chapter as we enter another calendar year. Take away the unnecessary fear of failure, disapproval from others, and any insecurity. I am secure in you. I am looking forward to how you will work out the first meeting on Monday. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
We need to receive what God will give to us. “Both feet are in the boat!” We have a pre-commitment to say yes to God and receive what He gives us what we asked for; in this case, it is wisdom. I sometimes reject the wisdom that I receive from God. Sometimes I already have a pre-planned way of handling a trial and just want God to rubber-stamp it.
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?”
She gave an example of having one foot on the dock and the other on the boat. This gave a picture of unsteadiness. Another one was when her children would ask her for advice. She dishes it out and the child would say, no, that will not work.
18. Name a current trial or temptation in your life and describe what being double-minded would look like. What would single-minded or receiving look like?
One of my students often does not carry through with what this student tells me he would do for class. I have told myself to take time to have a meeting with this student but I am concerned that this student will just blow me off. So, days have gone by into the year and I have not done it. I excused myself with reasoning like, I don’t have time, this student is not worth my time, I will just be upset, etc. Single-mindedness or receiving as I have asked God for wisdom is to put this meeting on my calendar, set a time with the student, and be gracious in my responses.
I found the accounting analogy so helpful too!
5. Read James 1:1-18 slowly as an overview on your own. Find one thing that jumps out at you. Why do you think it does at this time in your life? (Be brief.)
I think there are two things that resonate with me in theses scriptures. The first is the rich being humbled. Oh have I experienced that (in the past) for sure!
But, right now, it is the sinful nature of me, between God and the world, that is striking me as jumping out. I am a sinner. Ugh.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why.
Steadfastness is different than endurance. Endurance is when something hard comes upon you and you have to live with it. There is no choice. Steadfastness is choosing to be faithful in what you are accomplishing. Choosing to endure the trial for your own good.
I look back on how the trials our family has endured, yes, endured, have become trials we choose to live. We are steadfast out of initial endurance.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain.
Believers will become mature in their faith. They will be complete and have an inner peace, lacking nothing.
The trials help to refine you and make you pure.
Saturday: Practicing Faith: Counting, Asking, Receiving
Boasting”
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
—One of the things was the reiteration of what Romans 8:28 really means. Paul is not saying all things work together for good but that God works all things together for good. There is a big difference. The painful trials are not good but God is able to take trials and use them to work for our good. Paige said We do not count the suffering or the pain or the trial as joy. It is to rejoice that God will produce something in me through his grace that glorifies Him. This is an encouragement to my heart during trials that God is still intimately involved with my life.
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
—I liked the quote by Graig Bloomberg that she gave us.
“Joy is an unnatural reaction of deep, steady, thankful trust in God”. She said you can’t go with what you feel but rather it is what you think. To think is to count or assess the trial and so that means we still have that deep, steady, thankful trust in God in the midst of trial and sorrow.
I think it is too easy for most to get overwrought with emotion to the point of giving up or forgetting God is still very near in all things. I am personally so grateful to know He is always near.
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
—We are needy and need to ask for God’s wisdom and he will give it because he is a giving and generous God.
Our weakness does not keep us from God, our delusions of strength do. (Sinclair Ferguson)
—This is another really good quote shared by Paige.
Application assignment: Right now ask God, in faith, for wisdom about a present trial. Receive it. Live into it. Be ready to report, if possible, how it worked out for you at the end of this study. Write the wisdom here and we’ll check back at the end.
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” (John Newton)
The heaviness on my heart for my dear sweet sister in Christ, Lynda and her 53 year old son Richie is over the mistreatment and poor care he has been receiving over the recent months. The story is pretty involved of him being let go last year from the local services here in our hometown after a number of years and being moved to a service provider and workshop in another town over an hour away. He suffers some serious physical handicaps that cause him to have physical pain and as a result emotionally he struggles. He has the mental capability of about a 7 year old. The current individuals involved with his care just view him as having behavioral problems. They have been very uncaring and unkind.
Richie has become defeated and lost a lot of ground. His mothers heart is broken for him. Today he is being moved to Lincoln which is 3 hours away to a new service provider. We are trusting in answer to our pleas for his care and seeking God’s wisdom that things will change significantly for Richie’s good and I pray for peace of heart for his mother.
I recognize wishful thinking will not make it better but by faith we are totally dependent on God to bring his wisdom and grace to this situation.
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
—The doubter receives nothing. The person with faith in God finds stability. If we ask in faith we will receive.
—I find God’s commands here worth taking hold of and gripping God is my security.
—When it comes to people I probably struggle a bit receiving commands and criticism. I have been far too defensive in my past. But age and some hard knocks have gotten my attention to being more receptive to back up and listen.
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?”
—The illustration of standing on a boat dock with one foot on the dock and one foot in the boat was an excellent example of the instability of being pulled two directions and going nowhere as a result.
18. Name a current trial or temptation in your life and describe what being double-minded would look like. What would single-minded or receiving look like?
—The situation with my Mom recently in wanting to move her to a care home 5 minutes from me I had committed to trust God even if the answer was no. But when the answer was no I was tempted to second guess God’s leading (wisdom). And the verse God gave my sister and I was Proverbs 3:5 & 6. “Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and lean not on you own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.” Kind of a close comparison to James 1:5 & 6. Ask (trust) God for wisdom and he will give it. Don’t doubt in your heart but ask in faith. Be single minded. God’s answer of no comes out of his own generosity and because He is still working all things together for everyone’s good. In the end we’ll know God was right.
Just prayed for Richie — big petition I bring! For a turn around at that care home or somehow better care.
Bev, I will also being praying for better care for Richie.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money… actually play out as true in real life?
Using the tongue is an example. We need to watch what we say so as to stay out of trouble! Oh, how I have gotten myself in a fix with my tongue. I have learned the hard way to listen more than speak.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial?
Definitely I have improved my patience due to trials I have had. I pray and wait for God to step in when I am struggling. He ALWAYS comes to my rescue if I patiently wait.
God Hunt:
When I first listened to Paige I thought “Oh no — everyone will drop out.” But in preparing the lesson and allowing some time to pass, I am remembering some life changing things. It is really so good. I like the new concept of counting trials in light of the bottom line — rather than counting trials as joy. Contemplating that James was Jesus brother is big – and that he wrote the letter just a decade after the resurrection. Wow. And just to be fully surrendered in every area — and how that will lead to joy. My 3 new Christians are doing Paige with me on zoom and they are getting it – -though it is a lot!
This study with Paige is a lot! Yet, it is filled with great gems!! I am loving it! Love this: And just to be fully surrendered in every area — and how that will lead to joy.
Dee, as to your fears that everyone will drop out! And earlier, the comments on Paige repeatedly telling people to keep their heads down….I admit I had my guard up a bit before I watched her teaching, wondering how I would react to it! However, I didn’t find it offensive. I notice that when Paige is teaching, she gets very passionate, and her manner is a bit forceful, but it’s like she really wants others to get it, too. Also, I have been slowly re-reading your book on The Song, and in the last chapter I just read, you write about coming to God’s Word with “our faces raised in expectation” for a kiss from the King, as opposed to I have to check off my Bible reading for the day. So I was thinking, couldn’t I come to this study on James with the same hope and expectation? Even though it’s not a “love song” like The Song of Songs, what would be the tone of God’s voice telling me the often hard truths in James? Wouldn’t He still be “kissing me”? God’s voice may be convicting, but it is never condemning and shaming. That’s how I am going to attempt to read and study this book, with this in mind.
Susan, I loved what you said about “our faces raised in expectations”. And this: God’s voice may be convicting, but it is never condemning and shaming.
A few years back (before “us 😉), I decided to try to memorize some short book of the Bible. I chose James. I did pretty well up to a point. I was blessed by the idea of trials making me stronger. I am being blessed by Paige. No matter what she says, good or bad, she does make me think. I also am glad we can debate topics with respect. Thank You Lord, for Your guiding hand and this group.
God Hunt
My mother in law passed away two days after Christmas. She suffered greatly in her final weeks, days, hours. But she was loved deeply through it all. I witnessed adult grand children and great grandchildren tenderly caring for her as we decided she would die at home. With the guidance of a hospice nurse, I watched these young adults turn their grandma every two hours through the night, administer morphine and speak words of comfort to her.
It was hard and it was beautiful. And in the moments just following her death, one of my nieces, knowing her grandma so well, said, “Grandma finally knows her worth.”
When my niece said those words, they reverberated in my soul, for all too often the enemy attempts to cover me in shame. But our God reminds me of my worth. And one day the battle will be over and we will fully know our worth.
Fully.
What a beautiful and precious time. Thank you for sharing this, Nila. I love: “Grandma finally knows her worth.” And now she is with Jesus and knows her worth fully. This fills my soul with joy.
Thank-you for sharing this precious story of love throughout the generations…how wonderful for your Mother In-law! To be ushered into Heaven by her loving family into God’s loving arms! Praise the Lord!
Nila, Thankyou for sharing. What a precious testimony of a godly loving family caring for their own. What a treasure to have the perspective of your mother-in-law now set free in Heaven.
Beautiful story, Nila!
Nila, what a beautiful story, of seeing beauty in your family caring for your mother-in-law in her dying, and for your niece’s spoken words of truth that were not only for her grandma, but also reverberated in your own soul. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, Nila! What a story. And I love this-we will fully know our worth.
Oh Nila! What a sad, hard, and beautiful story. My word of the year is “worthy.” I want to know my worth too ♥️
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances? I have been blessed. 3 people have thanked me for prayers and indicated the difference God has made. This of course is all God but I think He wanted me to pray as many of us have unanswered prayer.
God Hunt Sunday (And catch up if need be!)
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances?
—I was the recipient of much prayer this past week as I went for cataract surgery. I know many who have had it done and it is seemingly a very simple surgery but I was somewhat nervous because I had a bad experience with anesthesia in the past and of course there are always people around who will tell you their not so great stories. But as I was so graciously covered in prayer I truly experienced God’s presence and care for me. I felt very loved on by God himself and through sweet family and friends in Christ. Also God’s Word has been rich in my life again this past week as I have entered into the study of James. My son is preaching through the book of Acts this year and his teaching this morning was rich with application. I also read “The Prodigal God and another little booklet on self-forgetfulness both written by Tim Keller.
Being fed the Word of God brings such encouragement into life.
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances? I gave a donation early in the week and then a financial situation arose (I have automatic drafts from my bank and had forgotten about an upcoming one). I was starting to regret giving the donation. I prayed and felt peace about it. I was resolved that even if this resulted in an overdraft on my account and I had to pay an overdraft fee, it was the will of God and everything would be alright. The next day I got a settlement check from a class action lawsuit that I had been involved with years ago and had forgotten all about. It was enough to keep me in a positive balance until the end my next pay.
Wonderful!
Love this Dawn .
How great is our God!!
Dawn, A delightful testimony of God providing.
Wow! That is a great God-hunt Dawn!
God Hunt Sunday (And catch up if need be!)
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances?
James 1:5 I know this verse by heart but God has taken me one step forward with understanding. Radioactive verse for me! Yes, Lord, I am asking for wisdom. And what does this wisdom look like, Lord? He led me to James 3:17-18.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
So this is going to be like a personal guide for me. I would know that God has given me the wisdom I asked for because it is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
6. Share one thing in particular that stood out to you from this section of Paige’s lecture and explain why.
“Can there be any true committment that has not been tested? Can there be any true conviction that has not been tested?” Our faith isn’t shown to be genuine by our simply stating our beliefs or convictions. It is tested by our remaining steadfast in our grip on God. I believe this is true. If I am not fully convinced of something, then when it is challenged I will let it go, without much of a fight.
7. Trials do not help unbelievers, but they can help believers to build muscles. (James 1:2-4) Explain.
Trials crush people all the time, and can make people bitter, divide families, destroy lives. She also said that they destroy nominal faith. And the whole point of our response to trials is that it is about our life with God. (An unbeliever does not have a “life with God”.) This opening of book of James is about my life with God, not my relationships with other people. James is telling what is true for a Christian when he or she experiences trials. The trials will produce steadfastness, and increase our strength in our “grip” on God.
11. When does “imputed” righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
We will be completely righteous after the trials. This is when we will receive the crown of life. In the meantime we grow by patiently enduring testing and temptation.
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
I never thought I would have children who are who they are today. I never knew how much pain we would go through.
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
The trial will not be wasted. The “joy” is not the trial itself, rather the beauty that God uses the trial for in the end. I think this picture says it all:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/05bDfdkGRnkwMcviU8lEiMz3Q
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zCrbDHUfjH9LWj9z8
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
Joy is unnatural. We need to get beyond our feelings and think with the logic of heaven. To count is to get to the “bottom line.” What is God’s final total on what He has for us?
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
He says to consider it “put joy” when given trials of many kinds. He says that tested faith produces endurance. We grow. Ask God for wisdom. God is generous. He is always the giving God. He gives with no hesitation, to all who ask, with no scolding or shaming.
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
We receive when we are full in for God. I believe I am loyal to God although I do sin in worldly ways. I guess I wonder if being loyal means I serve another “master?” I’m receptive to commands, but I falter too. I have a hard time with criticism.
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?”
She said we have one foot on the dock and one in the boat. We are torn between God and the world. Trying to face both ways.
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances?
I woke up one morning thinking of a friend and her husband. I haven’t seen or spoken to them in a long time. They used to attend our church but had to move. She texted me several hours after that! We are going to reconnect soon.
8. Faith can be tested – what God tells us should be seen played out in life. Can you give one example concerning God’s hard instructions on sex, the tongue, money….actually play out as true in real life?
I’m not exactly sure how to answer this question? Paige talked about God tells us what is true, and what we know is true in the Bible we should see played out in real life. In my own life, I know the hard instructions God gives us about how we speak, on being sexually pure, etc….I can’t say that I have obeyed perfectly and that I never fall into sin. But I don’t want to give in to my sinful desires either, because I want who I am on the inside, God’s child, to be who I am in life.
9. Can you give one example from your life of a muscle you have because you trusted and obeyed God in a trial?
This is hard too, because I feel weak in my faith (my “grip”) a lot of the time. My default reaction is not to keep fighting, it is to quit and give up, to say it’s too hard, and to become hopeless. So maybe my “muscle” is the muscle of let’s try again. A few month ago when I went on a pilgrimage that was very meaningful for me, I purposed to face again a particular sin that has been a part of me for decades; a sin that I would think I was over and done with only to fall into it again. I prayed very specifically, in a special physical location specifically, and participated in a healing service in which my intention when I went forward was to be rid of this sin. And, I really believe I have been healed of it. Even the desire for it. I still have much room for growth in other areas, and I am hopeful that with God, it will be possible.
10. You may have heard it said God will not give us more than we can handle, but James actually teaches the opposite. As Paige says, “This is all about our inability so we collapse upon the Lord.” How might that help you right now in a trial you are facing?
Paige said that faith is our need, our collapsing, clinging grip on God and everything He has done for us. I am often so discouraged to see yet more sin in my heart, and shame makes me want to run in the opposite direction from God. Yet to whom else can I go? Over and over, I have to bring it all to Him.
11. When does imputed righteousness happen? When will we be completely righteous? What will help us grow toward that now, according to this passage?
Imputed righteousness happens the moment we trust in Christ. The eternal verdict has already been given – we are counted righteous now. When we see Him, we shall be made like Him, and then we will be completely holy and righteous. The specific trials that we encounter on the path that God has each of us on are what helps us grow in righteousness in this life.
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
I don’t think I could have ever made it through losing my mom and dad who were so important to me and who I loved so much, without the anchor of God in my life to help me through it.
Susan – this testimony moved me:
So maybe my “muscle” is the muscle of let’s try again. A few month ago when I went on a pilgrimage that was very meaningful for me, I purposed to face again a particular sin that has been a part of me for decades; a sin that I would think I was over and done with only to fall into it again. I prayed very specifically, in a special physical location specifically, and participated in a healing service in which my intention when I went forward was to be rid of this sin. And, I really believe I have been healed of it. Even the desire for it. I still have much room for growth in other areas, and I am hopeful that with God, it will be possible.
20. What stood out to you from this section and why? Joni s quote What a tremendous testimony The bruising of the blessing of that wheelchair She has had struggle pain heartbreak and yet counts it as joy as it’s strengthened her faith
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9) What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her? That his identity is in Christ alone and not in the pride of his possessions . I liked that she said she loved Nashville because this is where we meet JESUS . The lady was happy to receive second hand possession and felt sorry for the lady who gave it because she wasn’t a Christian I have everything and she has nothing because I have Jesus
G to handle our finances the way He 22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11) He should recognize and boast in his need for Jesus because his earthly stuff will be gone – burned
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts? Earlier she said that when we pray for wisdom we have to have a precommitment to the answer That we will accept the wisdom and act upon it So maybe if we aren’t planning to handle our finances as He directs.
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant? If we persevere under trial we will receive crown of life (receive the laurel wreath of victor of the game) Blessed doesn’t mean happy it means fortunate, recipient of Gods promises We remain in trial & stay steadfast because every trial, struggle and pain is a stepping stone for glory for those who continue to love God
I am not sure who she was quoting (Dr. Motyer?) but she wants us to remember this: We live about what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joy of our hearts. (C. S. Lewis and John Piper have said similar things.)
25. How does the above apply to you? I have to watch myself that other people in my life (those adorable grandkids) don’t take the place of God being first in my life. Only He is my savior, redeemer, constant companion and source of true joy.
Monday: Practicing Faith: Boasting, Remaining
20. What stood out to you from this section and why?
—This comment:
“The bruising of the blessing of that wheelchair.” By Joni
It is a poignant reminder from Joni of a life physically restrained by paralysis and confined to a wheel chair recognizing the pain and suffering (bruising) caused by the wheelchair has been a blessing in her life here on earth. The layers of her story run deep with meaning and hope.
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9)
—The poor can say how rich I am.
Paige says they see things as they really they are. She says that spiritual identity is the measure of who I am. It is in Christ alone. Wisdom gives a clear perspective that of being how rich I am.
What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her?
—The juxtaposition (Paige’s word) of the Salvadorian cleaning women and the rich woman but the cleaning lady was so sorry for the wealthy woman not having Christ in her life. She clearly understood what true riches are.
22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11)
—The rich should realize in spite of having wealth they are needy. Needy for Jesus and needy for his wisdom.
This was written to Christians both rich and poor as a “for instance” of our need for wisdom.
Paige said Wisdom recalibrates what I see and wisdom recalibrates how I see. Wisdom helps us see things as they really they are.
My spiritual identity is the measure of who I am. Not wealth or lack of it. It is in Christ alone.
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts?
—Taking from the thoughts just expressed above I think it is because for lack of wisdom we don’t have a proper understanding of our spiritual identity which is found in Christ alone. When He is our spiritual life and identity money loses it control over our lives whether we are rich or poor.
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant?
—The promise is blessing for the one who remains steadfast under trials and to receive a crown (the laurel wreath) after remaining steadfast under trials. The crown is for those who love God and continue to love Him. It is not just a feel good kind of love but rather a volitional love that is practiced in a steadfast way through the trials. I would say the kind it takes to have a good marriage.
I am not sure who she was quoting (Dr. Motyer?) but she wants us to remember this: We live about what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joy of our hearts. (C. S. Lewis and John Piper have said similar things.)
25. How does the above apply to you?
—I have experienced that as I have grown in my understanding of God my Father, Jesus my Savior and friend and by the power of his Holy Spirit my love grows deeper for God and I find greater and deeper joy in in my heart. And that definitely affects how I live.
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances?
A heavenly answer to prayer for my oldest grandson. He is such a wonderful young man and I have prayed for years that the Lord would bring a sweet Christian girl into his life. He is a college graduate, but has never had a real girlfriend. He has met a lovely young Christian woman, who totally adores him. I don’t know the future for them, but I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed him with this friendship.
Sweet answer to prayer!
This is awesome Patti! I will pray for these two 🙏🙏.
Yay, Patti!
12. Have you experienced the truth of the above statements from Paul Tripp or Corrie ten Boom? If so, share in one sentence with a specific example.
I think the really hard chapters of my life, when I thought I would rather go directly to heaven than walk through the fire, have drawn me so much closer to Jesus; given me more strength for future trials; and taught me to be there for others in their times of darkness and pain. He is truly the Rock in my life. I love the statement that we are being made whole; refined; we are broken, but growing in that.
Begin listening again at about 41:20 when she asks: “What is the practice of this professed faith when we are faced with these hard things?” Stop at 59:48 when she says “Number 4: Boasting”
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
Pain and suffering have no value in and of themselves. Yet, the steadfastness and turning to God, in our suffering, results in a deeper reliance on and relationship with our Father. I also liked: Even the things God hates, ultimately accomplish what He loves. * There is a completeness being built in us on the road where the Lord has us in trials. It is a process.
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
The joy that can come with or be a result of pain, does not take anything away from that pain. We are to think with the logic of heaven (easier said than done). This spoke to me~ Blomberg quote: Joy is an unnatural reaction of deep, steady thankful trust in God.
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
Our weakness does not keep us from God, our delusions of strength do. (Sinclair Ferguson)
Application assignment: Right now ask God, in faith, for wisdom about a present trial. Receive it. Live into it. Be ready to report, if possible, how it worked out for you at the end of this study. Write the wisdom here and we’ll check back at the end.
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” (John Newton)
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
I can so easily have my own pre-set expectation of how I think a prayer will or could be answered. This is where the quote from Sinclair Ferguson will be one of my all time favorites! I am quick to ask for wisdom, but I really need to pray that I clear my mind of what I am expecting or how I am “helping” God accomplish it by my meddling. 🙂 I really have to totally put it in His hands and be still and wait on Him. I need to open my hands for Him to take away and give what He chooses. I need to wait on His direction.
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?”
Doubled hearted; Double souled.
One who is consistently inconsistent. A spiritual split personality disorder: Always claiming one thing and always living another.
Thursday: Paige’s Introduction
Icebreakers:
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community? – Hello, my name is Julie and I have been following this blog for a while but due to work schedules I’ve been in and out and hoping to get back in to it more fully. I’ve learned so much from Dee and all who comments. Such sweet ladies here. I love listening to Paige with her knowledge and understanding of the Bible
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? – I really like how you mentioned that Paige kept telling everyone to put their heads down and get in to scripture. Loved that
Interesting how some loved that some didn’t!
So good to see you back, Julie!
Thursday: Paige’s Introduction
1.Name one thing that particularly stood out to you and tell why. – It may be that God’s Word makes us uncomfortable. I really think if we have our hearts and minds open to His Word, it should make us uncomfortable if we think we can just skate along and not work at growing the fruit in our lives.
Just because you can read doesn’t me you can understand the Bible, only God can teach us His Word.
2. When she opens and welcomes those attending, she said that this was her family’s church “who have added our own dysfunction to this dysfunctional family.” Why might this be a helpful way of looking at our own hearts and our own church? (Matthew 7:3-4 – about the log in the eye) – I think we all have some kind of dysfunction in our lives and should not be judging others thinking they are worse than us.
3. Paige tells a story about her daughter’s reaction after her first track practice. What was it and what was Paige’s point concerning an authentic Bible study? How can this help you be discerning about Bible studies? About sermons? – her daughter thought it was awful and said all they did was run. We can tie this in because we need to really understand what is being said and how the scriptures confirm what the study is about. If we go in with uncertainty of what is going to happen, we will not be equipped to grasp what is being said.
4. What did you learn about the letter of James and about James himself? – James never points to himself. He points back to Jesus. James makes a point to say that he is the Bond Servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. He isn’t pulling rank at all. He is showing his humility.
Chapter 1 is very personal. It doesn’t address anyone else it is meant for us to hear.
James has the most commands and demands that calls us to be consistent.
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
“Pain and suffering have no value in and of themselves. There is nothing good about them.” Paige also brought up Romans 8:28, which is often mistranslated as, “All things are working together for good….” The correct translation is “GOD works all things together for the good…”
We are not asked to count the trial, the suffering, or the pain as joy. What we are counting as joy is that our pain will not be wasted; God will produce something good in our lives from it. Devastating sorrow and genuine joy may coexist, as we look for what God may do through us, by His grace, in our suffering. James is not telling us how we should feel in our trials, but how to think in our circumstances.
I really like this because there is a ‘theology of suffering’ out there that seems to misconstrue suffering into some sort of badge of honor, or stoicism – like we’re not supposed to really feel the pain and devastation, or that we are to count all our trials and suffering as joy. It’s a sort of spiritual bypassing of our pain. Paige explained it much better and it makes sense to me.
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean?
The joy is not taking anything away from the sorrow, it is coexisting side-by-side with the sorrow. “Counting” joy does not mean we are not supposed to feel; it refers to how we are to think about the sorrow – with the logic of God.
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5)
We are to ASK. James asks, “IF any of you lacks wisdom….” which really isn’t a question because we all lack wisdom. He then tells us to ask God, and God will give it to us. The verse literally tell us to ask of the giving God. So we learn that God is a giving God. His attributes are always true of Him. God gives with a generous heart. God gives to all who ask. God gives without reproaching us.
Such a good point to emphasize, Susan: What we are counting as joy is that our pain will not be wasted
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general?
Receiving is the key. Wisdom does not come because you ask; it comes because you will receive it. We must ask with a singleness of intent. I believe I can be receptive to commands and criticism; the criticism is okay if it is given in the right way to me. I don’t respond well to harsh, mean criticism meant only to hurt me. I have to admit that often, I seek wisdom from people or trying my own solution before I ask God. After listening to Paige, I wonder how often my complaints that I’m not hearing anything from God has more to do with me than with Him?
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded”?
It is not the same as hypocrisy, as in wearing a mask and pretending to be something you are not. It is not about being “two-faced”, but rather it is about trying to “face two ways”. Mr. Facing Both Ways in John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress. Paige used the example of having one foot on the dock and one foot on the boat. You’re not staying, you’re not going. You are unstable in all your ways. The double-minded person is always in motion, just like the constant swelling of the waves of the sea. Always wavering. Constantly tossed about by every wave of desire, invitation, insecurity, jealousy, temptation, or comparison. This person is consistently inconsistent.
I do that too, Susan — seeking wisdom from others before going to God.
A. Share your name and why you’ve come. How have you been blessed in the past by doing Bible study in community? Hello, my name is Lydia, I began to join this study almost 3 years ago after reading Dee’s book, “Idol Lies”. I heard Dee interviewed by Dr. James Dobson after she wrote the book. I felt unsure of my qualifications to join this study initially, but after praying about it I felt God’s affirmation for me to try it. I have learned so much from all of the gracious and knowledgable ladies who contribute here. I really enjoy Paige Brown’s Study’s too, very challenging! I have to pause her videos frequently and replay to capture what she is teaching,she pours out such large quantities of information at once! Thank-you so much Dee and my Sisters for making me feel welcome!
B. What stood out to you from the introduction to this blog and why? “Pray for your heart to be like playdough, teachable and maleable”. I must admit, Paige’s style of teaching is a bit abrasive “Look down, don’t look at me, stupid!” I felt sorry for the diligent, faithful audience there to learn from God’s Word. But I realized what her point is, read God’s Word for yourself! Of course, she is demonstrating the theme of this Book of James…discipline. I am indeed taking James seriously and looking forward to the meat and maturity that will studying it will bring.
Thank-you dear Sister Patti!🙏❤️🙏
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9) What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her?
They should boast that God has honored them. It’s about their spiritual identity. They are rich in spirit. They don’t need possessions, only Christ.
The woman was El Salvadoran. She loved Nashville because she saw Jesus there. She felt sorry for the rich woman who didn’t know Him.
22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11)
They should boast that they have been humbled. Wealth and money are the biggest threat to our faith. They can say how needy they are. Our whole identity is in Christ alone.
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts?
It is a side issue, not our main concern. yes God knows we need money, but we need Him more.
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant?
God blesses those who remain steadfast. They receive the crown of glory. She said it was the laurel wreath of the games. You are receiving the laurel wreath after the struggle.
20. What stood out to you from this section and why? The quote by Dr. Metier(?) ” We live by what we love, the shape of our lives is determined by the joys of our heart.” This quote was convicting for me, when I was younger and trying to serve the Lord diligently, my husband and children often came first in my heart…now it’s my grandchildren.
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9) What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her? The needy can boast of how rich they are in the Lord, because they are not weighed down and distracted by wealth and posessions.
The cleaning woman from El Salvador felt sad for the rich woman (who gave Paige and item to give to the needy) because she did not know Jesus.
22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11) His low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts? In facing my own attitude, I admit I don’t receive it because I don’t want to. It could be a control issue too.
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant? “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Paige said it means to remain steadfast, the laurel wreath of victory awaits.)
I am not sure who she was quoting (Dr. Motyer?) but she wants us to remember this: We live about what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joy of our hearts. (C. S. Lewis and John Piper have said similar things.)
25. How does the above apply to you? I answered this in question 20, I have always struggled to put God first, before family. He is still working on me with gentle God nudges every day. Praying.
What stands out to you from this section and why?
27. When we are tempted, who or what is the problem? Who or what is not? (James 1:13-14) Me God isn’t tempting me nor is satan or other people. It’s my own evil desire.
28. Paige goes to great lengths to show that we shouldn’t be blaming God, Satan, circumstances, parents, social media, or the culture. Why is this diagnosis important? We need to take the responsibility for our sin the problem starts in our heart and we need to seek the help from the outside which is God
29. It is not wrong to be tempted, and every person (James 1:14), even Jesus, struggled with temptation. She quoted Douglas (Moot?) saying “Temptation itself is not sinful –only when our hearts grab it.” We mature as we refuse to succumb to it! Give one example of muscle that has developed in your life because you have repeatedly resisted a particular temptation. (Talking about progress not perfection) sometimes my husband speaks to me in an unappreciated manner and I’m learning not to respond in the same way.
30. Cycle of Sin (She credits Sinclair Ferguson for clarifying this) Please make comments or give examples from your own life after listening to each.
A. Deception “Sin comes from things we believe that are not true.” Give an example. It’s okay to respond rudely to a rude comment.
B. Attraction “What insight does the word lure (as in fishing) give you? That we are looking at something and refuse to look away And we are in danger of getting hooked
C. Pre-occupation (Now we are enticed) That which was on the outside is on the inside. The word for desire is “epithumia” which means over-desire. (Can even be for something good – -turning it to ultimate) it’s now grabbed our attention and it becomes controlling. We need it over God.
D. Conception (Desire meets opportunity) this is where sin happens We take, speak or do it
E. Subjection (Mastered) This is point where I lost the battle and it became death to me and to my heart
31. Since Jeremiah 17:17 tells us our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, we must listen to someone besides our own hearts! And it’s not Woody Allen! (The heart wants what the heart wants!) Last week I gave you an action assignment to ask for wisdom in the midst of trial or temptation. Did you receive it? Give us a report. Asked for wisdom on how to help and increase of faith to believe God would see me through a church project. He did go before me and made it easier lifting the burden from my shoulders to His. A late wrench came into process but I remembered God was taking care of and I needed to trust Him. Things worked out well.
Good example of deception: It’s okay to respond rudely to a rude comment.
Saturday: Practicing Faith: Counting, Asking, Receiving
13. What stood out to you from this section and why?
14. She said we will have genuine joy along with devastating sorrow, so we must count. What does this mean? – Pain and suffering has no value in and of themselves. One day they will be gone and everything good will be in heaven. We are not expected to count the trial as joy but to rejoice that God will bring something beautiful through me. Trials are not a normal feeling, so we need to count it joy and getting to what the Lord is doing and promising.
15. What does James tell us to do in the midst of trials and why? What do you learn about God here? (James 1:5) – The verbal connect to vs 1-4 and verse 5 is LACK. We have to know what we lack. Wisdom is what we all lack, but what we must all have. It’s a key attribute and all we have to do is ask God for it. He’s just waiting to give us wisdom. He will give us what we need each time we ask.
Our weakness does not keep us from God, our delusions of strength do. (Sinclair Ferguson)
Application assignment: Right now ask God, in faith, for wisdom about a present trial. Receive it. Live into it. Be ready to report, if possible, how it worked out for you at the end of this study. Write the wisdom here and we’ll check back at the end. – Lord help me to have wisdom on how to handle the ways of procrastination that come from my husband. When I try to handle it all turns out wrong. Help me to know how to be content with his ways.
“Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.” (John Newton)
16. Review James 1:6-8. What do you learn about receiving? How well do you receive just the commands we’ve had from James so far? How receptive are you to commands and criticism in general? – These verses are about our sincerity. We must ask in faith, in need, no self-reliance. We must ask in faith and not doubt. This does not mean we can’t have questions or that the Lord turns our questions away. He wants us to ask hard questions. It is talking about spiritual commitment.
17. What illustrations did Paige give about the term James coined: “double-minded?” – It’s about trying to face two ways and once. A person has one foot on the boat and one foot on the dock. We aren’t going or staying. We don’t receive God’s wisdom because we don’t want to receive it. It is our choice to be open and receive it.
18. Name a current trial or temptation in your life and describe what being double-minded would look like. What would single-minded or receiving look like? – double minded when I think it’s ok to reciprocate treatment back to someone that treated me wrong. Single-minded when I turn to the Lord to provide me with the way to act toward them. Because on my own it’s hard to show love to someone who isn’t lovng.
God Hunt Sunday (And catch up if need be!)
19. How have you experienced God in your life this week through His presence, an answer to prayer, illumination from His Word, or unusual timing or circumstances? – This Sunday like normal we want to breakfast, but when we got to the restaurant some friends from church were already there and their name was on the list. We usually ask for a certain waitress but because we were joining our friends, I didn’t want to say anything. God sat us in her section anyway and we got to bless her still and have a great conversation with our friends. God is always with us, if we just look for him.
Monday: Practicing Faith: Boasting, Remaining
20. What stood out to you from this section and why? – wisdom recalibrates how we see things.
21. What should the brother in humble circumstances boast in and why? (James 1:9) What do you remember about Paige’s story of the Christian woman who cleaned for her? – She was from El Salvador and she thought that Nashville was where she meets Jesus. She felt sorry for the person who was not a Christian, because she felt she had everything just because she had Jesus.
22. What should the brother who is rich in this world boast in and why? (James 1:10-11) – he should boast in his humiliation because he will die just like everyone else.
23. Paige said we pray for wisdom about money but don’t receive it. Thoughts? – I think we pray about everything and to know how to handle things but if we are just praying to check the box we aren’t sincere in our request so God may not honor our prayers until he knows we have gotten out of ourselves and really reaching out to him for help.
24. What promise is given in James 1:12. What did Paige think this meant? – If we stand against the trials we will receive our crown of life.
I am not sure who she was quoting (Dr. Motyer?) but she wants us to remember this: We live about what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joy of our hearts. (C. S. Lewis and John Piper have said similar things.) – Blessed = fortunate. We remain because every trial is a stepping stone to glory. And we must see that he loves us and we must love him back. “We live by what we love. The shape of our lives is determined by the joys of our hearts.” This is so true.
25. How does the above apply to you? – the more I love something the more I want to be involved in it and do it. And when I do love what I’m doing it will show in how I learn or do a certain thing.
Tuesday: Principles of Temptation (It’s the Heart, Stupid)
26. What stands out to you from this section and why? – We are our own obstacle to being steadfast in God.
27. When we are tempted, who or what is the problem? Who or what is not? (James 1:13-14) – God hates sin, he must send tests but he never sends anything to tempt us. Temptation is sinful when we grab it. God is not responsible, it is not Satan, it is us.
28. Paige goes to great lengths to show that we shouldn’t be blaming God, Satan, circumstances, parents, social media, or the culture. Why is this diagnosis important? – If we continue to blame others, we will never own our sin and we will think the consequences are unjust. We will never stop the sinning if we don’t accept that it was our choice to sin.
29. It is not wrong to be tempted, and every person (James 1:14), even Jesus, struggled with temptation. She quoted Douglas Moo saying “Temptation itself is not sinful –only when our hearts grab it.” We mature as we refuse to succumb to it! Give one example of muscle that has developed in your life because you have repeatedly resisted a particular temptation. (Talking about progress not perfection) – Trying to see the good in all situations and people. I’m growing in being more open to what is really happening and not putting my own spin on things and going around gossiping about it.
30. Cycle of Sin (She credits Sinclair Ferguson for clarifying this) Please make comments or give examples from your own life after listening to each.
A. Deception “Sin comes from things we believe that are not true.” Give an example. – One is true and one is not. I’ve had it happen where I saw or heard something and didn’t truly know the whole story and ended up believing the wrong thing.
B. Attraction “What insight does the word lure (as in fishing) give you? – Lure is to catch our eyes and we refuse to look away. This kinds of reminds me of wanting to take the bigger package thinking it is better because it is big. But as we all know, big is not always better.
C. Pre-occupation (Now we are enticed) That which was on the outside is on the inside. The word for desire is “epithumia” which means over-desire. (Can even be for something good – -turning it to ultimate) – It has grabbed our attention and we may not be looking at it, but we continue to think about it. Instead of living the life God has chosen for me, I see and think about what it would be like if I was living a different life. But that can end up being the bad choice for me. Each of us is appointed our life from God because he knows what is best for us. I need to just accept and be content of where I’m at.
D. Conception (Desire meets opportunity)
E. Subjection (Mastered) – We can look back and find where we fell. We can’t follow our hearts, it is death to us.
Really good work and answers, Julie!
Wednesday: Good Good Father
32. What do you learn about God from:
A. James 1:16-18 – I don’t need to want other things because what God is providing to me is the best I will have. Nothing else will compare to what he provides to me and he loves to give us everything we need.
B. From Paige? – he gives us everything and there can be no resentment or jealousy and they are each perfect for me.
33. Do you believe you are God’s treasure? If so, why? – I do believe that I am because he is always providing just what I need when I need it. He provides a hug, a special sighting. He knows me inside out and so much better than I know myself.
Jesus lived by what he loved, and the shape of his entire life and death was determined by the joy of his heart — which was us! – So encouraging to know that God loves me that much that from the start he knew he would die for me.
34. What is your take-a-way and why? – God is always everything He is. He gave us birth and is going to give me a NEW ME. We waiver about wanting God, but he never waivers, he always wants us.
I had a somewhat sleepless night last night so I decided to read everyone’s comments. I was pretty surprised to see some of the negative reactions to Paige. I really enjoy her way of teaching and her straightforwardness (and her accent). I will continue to listen to her weekly studies regardless of whether they are the topic of this study or not.
I can be kind of blunt with people in my close circle. I don’t just say what immediately comes to mind or am careless about how it affects the other person (at least I hope not), but if I do say something it’s because I have given it thought and I want to be honest with the other person. I appreciate being with people who say what they truly think and don’t say one thing to your face while they are thinking something different. I have come across that in others more times than I like and it has caused me to distrust others and keep to myself.
In the last study with Paige I began to notice that her clothes were very neutral colored and she didn’t have obvious make up and jewelry. I took that to be a sign that the focus wasn’t on her, but on the message, much like the “heads down” comment that she frequently made in this study.
Dee, you have introduced us to so many outstanding biblical scholars. Tim Keller, Mike Reeves, John Piper, and Paige Brown are people that I had never heard of before coming to your study. I love your way of always pointing us toward Christ and his truths, never making it the “Dee Brestin Show”.
Oh, thanks, Dawn! That means a lot.
It was so interesting to me to see the different reactions to Paige’s style of teaching this time. I think I reacted negatively because though my father was truly wonderful, when he was upset with me he kept repeating what I had done wrong after I’d gotten it, and I felt hammered. So it was helpful for me to see how many really liked what she did!
Tuesday: Principles of Temptation (It’s the Heart, Stupid)
26. What stands out to you from this section and why?
—“It’s the heart, Stupid!” Is what stood out to me.
Paige’s comments:
“The biggest obstacle to my remaining steadfast is me.
The greatest threat to my being steadfast is myself. It is not my trial it is my heart. “
“Temptation is not sinful. Only when our hearts grab it.”
—it all comes back to my responsibility to guard my heart. And I need to recognize my sinful heart and to seek rescue from it’s deceitful ways.
27. When we are tempted, who or what is the problem? Who or what is not? (James 1:13-14)
—Me!! I am the problem. The gist of some Paige thoughts on this.
(The devil didn’t make me do it. It’s us not others. It’s not the culture. It’s not social media. It still our hearts.
“If we are deceived by the fountain of yuck within us we will never seek rescue from the outside.”)
28. Paige goes to great lengths to show that we shouldn’t be blaming God, Satan, circumstances, parents, social media, or the culture. Why is this diagnosis important?
—We don’t dare listen to our hearts. We have to have wisdom from outside our selves. God’s wisdom.
It really is the heart — wherever we are failing — it is the heart. She’s getting through to us with that!
29. It is not wrong to be tempted, and every person (James 1:14), even Jesus, struggled with temptation. She quoted Douglas (Moot?) saying “Temptation itself is not sinful –only when our hearts grab it.” We mature as we refuse to succumb to it! Give one example of muscle that has developed in your life because you have repeatedly resisted a particular temptation. (Talking about progress not perfection)
—Self discipline is an area of lack in my life and manifests itself in particular in my eating habits. Sugar is my nemesis in several ways. I love sugar filled things and have cravings for it. First, physically it is my enemy in that I am Type 2 diabetic. Next it is a constant temptation to give into eating it. The 5 things listed below as a cycle of sin fit the battle I enter into on a regular basis in my love/hate relationship with sugar. The bottom line is my need to practice self discipline and master it and not let it master me. Sugar is not sinful in and of it’s self. And I don’t believe eating sugar is sinful. My relationship to it can be sinful. When I want it regardless of what I need to do.
I feel God would have me practice self discipline in this area of my life as much as possible to be a good steward of my health.
In 2020 my A1c blood count was high and I knew for best results I needed to eliminate refined sugar as much as possible from my diet. It was a wake-up call to take responsibility and practice self discipline. I definitely gave the matter over to God in prayer. He graciously provided direction and support for me to change my eating habits. My husband was a huge help to me. As I developed that muscle over time ( over two years) I had good success losing a significant amount of weight and keeping it off. In this past year I have been slipping in that I have been allowing myself a little more than is healthy for my restricted regimen which was working well. Through the holidays I felt I was losing some ground and earlier this month my A1c was up slightly and my weight was too. So I’m still a work in progress and am looking to God for wisdom and some muscle strengthening again to get back on and stay the course. Who would have thought a study in James would help me clarify in my mind this area of temptation and how to address it. James speaks to discipline and steadfastness which are both muscles I want to strengthen.
30. Cycle of Sin (She credits Sinclair Ferguson for clarifying this) Please make comments or give examples from your own life after listening to each.
A. Deception “Sin comes from things we believe that are not true.” Give an example.
B. Attraction “What insight does the word lure (as in fishing) give you?
C. Pre-occupation (Now we are enticed) That which was on the outside is on the inside. The word for desire is “epithumia” which means over-desire. (Can even be for something good – -turning it to ultimate)
D. Conception (Desire meets opportunity)
E. Subjection (Mastered)
—I compiled this answer to each part of the cycle after outlining in question 29 my current struggle with temptation regarding sugar.
DECEPTION:
A little won’t hurt
ATTRACTION:
Boy that looks good.
PRE-OCCUPATION:
I know it’s good. Experience reminds me of its wonderful taste.
CONCEPTION:
It’s a Birthday Party. I don’t want to draw attention to my self by being the only one not joining in.
SUBJECTION:
I’m just going to go ahead and enjoy it.
31. Since Jeremiah 17:17 tells us our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked, we must listen to someone besides our own hearts! And it’s not Woody Allen! (The heart wants what the heart wants!) Last week I gave you an action assignment to ask for wisdom in the midst of trial or temptation. Did you receive it? Give us a report.
—My action assignment concerned not a temptation but a trial concerning my very close friend and sister in Christ Lynda and her 53 yr old physically and mentally handicapped son Richie. Richie was moved to another city to a new service provider’s home after a pretty harrowing experience living in the former home. Lynda who is physically unable to care for her son was emotionally distraught by his situation. Last week I wrote these comments regarding this assignment.
“We are trusting in answer to our pleas for his care and seeking God’s wisdom that things will change significantly for Richie’s good and I pray for peace of heart for his mother. By faith we are totally dependent on God to bring his wisdom and grace to this situation.”
It appears that is happening as the new care giver seems to have an open heart and mind to help evaluate Richie and get him the best services he needs from doctor’s and therapists. She seems to bring a good amount of experience to her care giving and Lynda and I are both encouraged God is working on Richie’s behalf. I praise God for hearing our pleas in prayer. Thank you Dee and the others who prayed for Richie. I deeply appreciate it.
Oh Bev, I am so happy for your news of Lynda and her son, Richie! Praise the Lord! I will keep praying that his new caregiver will be the Godsend that he needs for a better quality of life.
What a wonderful answer to prayer for Richie and Lynda!