little musings

Today I have been compelled to write a little about James.  James is one of the books in the bible I think is most overlooked.  I know I did until four years ago, I really could not tell you the last time I read in the book of James.  (probably in bible school....YEARS ago.)  In the last few years James and I have been tight.  There is SO much crammed into those five short chapters, life lessons, words of wisdom and a totally honest look at the heart.

My wonderful husband just started a series on James on Sunday mornings and I find myself being pulled back into the words that I fell in love with years ago.  Words of hope, of conviction, of peace, of fresh life, words that hit me right between the eyes.

As I read the words this morning I found myself stuck on one verse.  I kept trying to read farther and could not.  This happens more times than I can count when I read James words.  I start out thinking I am going to accomplish one big fat chapter and cannot get past one or two verses when, SMACK!  I'm hit right between the eyes.

So very often I fall short.  I fall into the trap of the "old Bethany" and forget who God is molding me to be.  I find myself asking questions like, when will I be able to read and not feel like I am failing?  When will I be able to read more than two verses without conviction creeping in?  But then, a still small voice reminds me that I really don't want that to happen.  I don't want to get back to the place where the Spirit is not free to move, to convict, and to restore.

So, I'm left with the book of James as a reminder of not only where I've been but where I'm going.  Thank you Lord for your restoration.  Thank you Lord for not turning a blind eye on me when I gave you every reason to do so.  Thank you Lord, for grace.