Over a year ago, my friend, Leah Adams, shared with me her excitement at being asked to write another Bible study, this time on the book of James. For her to be entrusted with this privilege brought great joy to my heart. I was further delighted when, about a month ago, Leah sent me a preview copy of her study, James – Recipe for a Living Faith. After a cursory run-through of the study, I called Leah and, through tear-filled eyes, uttered the deep confession of my heart:
“I didn’t know how hungry I was until I read your study.”
And while this Bible study does include some of Leah’s signature recipes alongside in-depth scripture study, Leah knew I wasn’t talking about my stomach-hunger. Instead, I was referring to my soul-hunger, that all-too familiar, raw ache that comes to believers who understand that the Word of God is, in fact, the Bread of Life, the sustenance that fills and that cries out for a steady supply therein.
Sitting alongside Leah’s words about God’s Word from the book of James is a veritable buffet for the hungry soul. It fills our plates with generous portions of grace, practical instructions for living the Christian life, and godly wisdom, all ladled out to us from the hands and heart of one who knew Jesus best, his brother James.
James 1:1 says, “…To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.”
Greetings, scattered pilgrims.
I like that way of introduction. Perhaps, like no other season in our lives, this is a time when we need the greeting of an old friend. We need a letter from the past to reach out from the pages of holy history to feed us, to teach us, and to remind us that in our scattering, we are God’s holy remnant for such a time as this – the living, breathing witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since the time of the writing of James almost 2000 years ago, Christians have been physically dispersed and scattered across the globe; in recent days, perhaps it’s more of a feeling of scatteredness in this time of worldly upheaval and unrest. But in that dispersion, whether physical or emotional, we must remember that we have not been displaced from the family of God. Instead, we have a seat at the table of grace, alongside Jesus and his brother James. The Word of God is the great equalizer in our fight to maintain the balance between our faith and our function.
James: Recipe for a Living Faith is a good place to start. Leah’s heart, via her pen, has been given to us in this season to both fill us fully and to equip us mightily. Like me, there are many souls out there who don’t even know they are hungry. Maybe you’re one of them. If so, then I say to you what James said to those so long ago…
Greetings, scattered pilgrims. Pull up a chair; come and dine. Jesus, James, Leah, and I will meet you at the table. As always…
Peace for the journey,
To pre-order a copy of James: Recipe for Living Faith at a great price or to read a free chapter, click here. I’ll be leading this Bible study in the fall at the Benson United Methodist Church.
Elaine, that is so beautiful. I am honored, humbled, and just flat out amazed that God would use something I wrote to bless others. Thank you, my dear friend, for you kind words. I love you, sister.
We can never know (on the front end of a chapter unfolding) the eternal impact our lives will “write.” It’s only in hindsight that we can exhale and utter our thanks to God for his writing alongside us and for the eternal impact therein. You and God have hit a home-run, friend. I love you.
wifeforthejourney:
Certainly anyone who has been in semi quarantine for the last 90+ days needs something to get them thinking again. James is a great subject for study, regardless of where someone is in their faith journey. Thanks for highlighting your experience with Leah Adam’s new book! -Preacher Billy
Since I’m in the middle of YOUR study, Peace for the Journey (which is blessing me immensely!), this study on James will have to wait in line. But it’s in the queue for sure. Love Leah’s friendly style of writing, telling her readers she “prayed like a crazy woman” and including statements like, “Well duh, Leah!” I like her idea of tackling James topically rather than verse-by-verse. And her assignments look to be interesting and creative: like taking the info we can learn about James from scripture and then pretending to introduce him to an audience. Yep, this study looks promising indeed! Thank you for the recommendation, Elaine.