AN INTRODUCTION
As we started this new year with Noah, we see in Genesis 5 how God made man and Noah’s genealogy from Adam to himself. We see how God wasn’t happy with man because of his sinful ways BUT the Lord was Merciful!
This is the month that is culturally about new beginnings. New starts. Sometimes, in order to make a new start, we have to come to terms with who we really are and what we are capable of, or not capable of, in order to let the Lord into those places in our hearts and lives where we NEED to become new.
In this study we will reflect on James. It is interesting where James is in the bible. James is in the New Testament and is in between the book of Hebrews and 1 Peter. In Hebrews, there many stories on the sacrifices and that the saints and Jesus had made. In the book of James, I believe Jesus takes us, the reader, on a journey for internal reflection on who we are and what sacrifices we need to make for a deeper relationship with Jesus and to get to the kingdom of God. In 1 Peter there is a lot of talk about hope and continuing what is before us.
Isn’t this the journey we are on now? To become new, To be made better, To stick to our resolutions and continue to faithfully run the race set before us? Yes!
Sisters, this journey might be a challenge because when we let the Lord in, it means making a change. It means being open to shining a light on the dark places inside of us that we might not have even known were there. Change isn’t always easy but sisters, its so worth it!
Things will be a little different for this study. Since this is a time for us to go internally I will guide us on a way of doing a bible study called Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). This is a simple approach through prayer with reading scripture that can be very powerful. It’s a way to intimacy with the Lord. You can use it for any bible verses you read. At the beginning of each reflection each day I will have a layout on how to do it and give a brief reflection on it.
Take some time today to prepare your hearts for this journey we will all be on in the coming days. We can be made fully new in Christ. We can make those changes. Ask the Lord to be open to what he is going to show us. May we continue this journey we started to be made completely new. Remember, you are not alone. We are on this journey of faith together! “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1 Remember, no matter what, you are LOVED!
Holy Spirit, may you help us to uncover the areas in our life where we need change and where we cant go alone. Shed light to those areas so we can become the best versions of ourselves as you intended. Help us to not be afraid but to be courageous and steadfast, always moving forward, even if they are in baby steps. May the ears of our hearts be open to listen to you as Noah listened to God and act upon these promptings. Amen.
