Bible Study! Who knew it could be so exciting. Art Collins was our speaker this week and even though I gave up caffeine for the week, it was the most awake I’ve been the whole DTS. He had so much energy and such a heart for what he was talking about, not to mention he would say things that we’re so off color and offensive (to some) but he was like an old man so all you could do was laugh. He’s mentioned some ministry opportunities for the summer and I’m really thinking and praying about them cause I would absolutely love to spend more time with him (and the ministries look… amazing).
So he pretty much gave the tools and charts and handouts and fun stuff to figure out how to study the bible well and accurately, and it’s been so helpful and practical.
Some key things he did was give me a respect for The Message bible, I’d always seen it as a cop out or immature, but it is so wonderful and beautiful and has been speaking straight into my soul.
Another thing that was just amazing was the fact that the only the Holy Spirit knows God’s thoughts, just like our spirit knows our thoughts. When we get saved the Holy Spirit lives in us… so we have the brain of GOD! Listening to the Holy Spirit is listening to the thoughts of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, awesome to think about.
So with my newfound bible study tools I dug into James. Mainly cause it’s my middle name. But after studying it intensely I found some things that I’ve never noticed before, like when it talks about praying without doubt that your prayers will be answered. The message puts it pretty harshly,
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:6-8
My prayers are usually filled with every option possible, just so if God doesn’t do what I ask he won’t look bad. And I won’t feel like I have weak faith. But James is like suck it up wuss, ask with confidence or stop wasting your time. I mean Jesus says over and over again in the bible that prayers in accordance with Gods will are always answered. So pray hard, if it’s not answered how you like it, it must not be God’s will. But relax in that. His way is totally better.
On the subject of praying, we do it a lot more often when we’re struggling. I think God knows that, which is why he loves perseverance. When you get in a crappy situation, or you’re down in the dumps don’t be so eager to bounce out of it, God loves to party with you at the bottom (James 1:2-4)
Notice I only touched on James uno, I have pages of notes but sadly not enough time to decode them right now. Off to check my empty mailbox then clean some toilets.
LOVE YOU ALL
Thanks for reading
And come on… leave a comment, my ego is so completely dry right now
Which is how James likes it I guess.
Dang it.
I can't wait for you to show me and teach me all you have learned about studying the bible. (!) I limp along. I want to do a DTS.
ReplyDeleteTake this all in, Son. Take it in like you are about to go to a prison where all you will have of God is what you have hidden in your heart. This chance to learn, to have the eyes of your heart enlightened, to be challenged to think and rethink, to be mentored and loved... this is a lavish gift of God to Adam James.
And about your ego..... psshh. I don't think it is a stretch to say that God intentionally quiets the praises of Adam in and around you on purpose. Because you know and I know how much you are loved, respected, appreciated and enjoyed and if you really felt the full power of that, you might possibly be lulled into believing that you don't so much need God. And He simply won't have that.
I love you, Adam James.
I am so proud of you.
Mama