Continuing the Journey... James

My journey is continuing; I finished Galatians yesterday. It was a great book. I have decided to next read the book of James. Here is just a little about the book of James:

It was wrote by Jesus's half brother, James. The book is about Christian living; sort of practical things. 

I am continuing to read the NLT version, but depending on how I understand each chapter, that may change. 

Here are a couple of verses that I really liked from my first day in James:

Dear brothers and sisters,  when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  (James 1:2 NLT)

How easy is it to get discouraged when life gets tough? Right here is says that we should always see everything in life as a blessing, a joy. 

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,  and he never tempts anyone else.  Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  (James 1:13-14 NLT)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  (James 1:19 NLT)

I feel like I need this verse tattooed on me sometimes. As humans, we all fall to being quick to answer. Sometimes it is better to not be heard, but it isn't always easy. And it's even easier to take the road of anger. Anger is such an easy emotion to obtain, but it is hard to get rid of. Patience will help us all to follow this verse. Slow down! 😉

 

I hope each of you are taking time to read through the Bible. It is a great and wonderful tool, use it!

My Journey Through the Bible Starting with Galatians

I'll admit, I often fall short in my scripture reading. I have tried following a variety of ways to read through the Bible, but nothing has stuck permanently. So I decided to just pick a book, read it, then pick another. I'm kicking off with Galatians.

If you don't know much about specific books of the Bible, Galatians is a letter from Paul, a disciple of Jesus. I don't know why I picked this book specifically, it just stood out. I'm on chapter 4, reading a chapter a day. 

If you are looking to read the Bible but don't know where to start, read with me. So far Galatians has been great. Chapter 3 has been my favorite this far. 

Also if you're wondering which version of the Bible you should read, here is my advice: Which ever speaks to YOU. Some popular options are: New Living Translation, English Standard Version, King James, New International, and the Message. Honestly, I switch around. I find that different parts of the Bible read easier for me in different versions. So find what you like. 

Here are a couple of verses That have spoken to me so far in my reading:

For you are all children  of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes (Galatians 3:26 - 3:27 NLT)

But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:22 NLT)

Hope you decide to go on this journey with me; Or even venture on your own. Have a blessed evening!