The Lure of Temptation
Trials….tests… temptations. We all face these things; times when we feel that we are being tested by God and times when we are in a storm and we are certain that we will not be able to overcome the waves of stress. James, the half-brother of Jesus writes in his letter that trials and tests […]
Neither Poverty Nor Riches
Did you know there are hundreds of verses about wealth and money in the Bible? If we include gold, silver, riches, inheritance, debt, and other financially related topics that number climbs well into the thousands, more than nearly any other subject. Why would God put such a heavy emphasis on our monetary affairs? Could He […]
Doubt is Not a Bad Thing
I have just returned from a cycling trip and I am still marveling at the beauty we can see when we travel by bicycle. I was able to climb elevation (with pedal assistance!) up to 4,000 feet along the Croatian Islands. As I looked down (made me dizzy!) I marveled at God’s creation. This week […]
Asking God For Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 As you work through your study guide this week, journal about the following two questions: What is wisdom? And, what does your picture of God look like? […]
Walk Your Talk
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” -James 1:2-4 This week at teaching and worship we are continuing our study of […]
Why God Tests Us: Unveiling the Divine Purpose
Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 This week’s study guide only goes to verse two, but we need to finish the sentence. Why should we consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of many […]
Real Life Changes
This week Drawing Near to God Ministry is began our fall and spring classes on the book of James. I wrote this Bible study years ago and felt like it was important to teach it again this year. One commentary indicates that for James, a faith that does not produce real change is a faith […]
Training My Tongue
But no human being can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so. James 3:8-10 […]
Girl Meets Budget
Dear Drawing Near community, I have a confession to make. I hate budgets. Not in the same way I dislike licorice or avocados (I know that many of you are obsessed with avocados- sorry), but in a different way; a more intense way. I am not proud to tell you this, but I hate budgets. […]
Pray It Forward
PRAY IT FORWARD As a counselor, I believe in healing. As a Christian, I believe healing occurs when we allow Jesus to enter the most painful parts of our lives, take us by the hand, and show us the way out. As a mother, I believe healing for my children…and their children…and their children begins […]