Romans 8 has been my favorite chapter in the Bible for quite a while, and about a year ago while I was studying it with my Bible study group, I felt God nudge me to memorize it. I was hesitant at first, considering the length and density of the chapter, but after about a week of reluctance, I finally dove in… And I’m so glad that I did!
Having this chapter written on my heart and mind has had such a big impact on transforming my thoughts and shaping my posture of trust and gratitude towards God. With this in mind, shortly after I finished memorizing Romans 8, I knew I wanted to keep the momentum going. After praying about it, the next chapter He led me to was James 1. I love the NIV version for memorizing, but I also use the NASB translation for Bible study, and this translation’s title for James 1 is “The Testing of Your Faith”… That definitely sounds applicable to many facets of life today, doesn’t it?!
While memorizing James 1, I also decided to dive into each verse for a more in-depth study, to not only help the verse’s meaning sink in more but to also help me live it out more effectively. And the result of that study is this blog series, A Journey through James 1.
If you’re interested in diving into James 1 with me, I’d encourage you to take on the challenge of memorizing James 1 verse by verse too. My recommendation would be that as you read through the series, take the time to memorize the verses from each blog post before proceeding to the next one. Little by little, you will soak in the entire chapter, and I have no doubt God will use it in your life.
While I still have a long way to go in regards to turning my knowledge of James into faithful obedience and behavior, I’m very glad to have this chapter written on my heart and mind right along with Romans 8. If you’re ready to dive into James 1, I pray that God will bring His Word to life for you, in both understanding and action.
To continue reading A Journey through James 1 or to check out more from the ANCHORED and ABIDING Blog, click HERE.
Heather L. Myers 