please forgive james

3 responses so far ↓

• Taryn McBride // December 20, 2008 at 9:50 am

  (This was supposed to be on this one but got put on the Guidelines by accident…please forgive the double post.)

  I have been thinking about the main question…WHO IS JAMES? That very first week when we all texted, I really thought I had it figured out. Then I started thinking that that was too easy, so I stopped believing it. After Tri’s message last week, I am a believer again. Who do I think James is? I believe James is me and you and any person who has ever not taken a stand for Christ.

  Last week Tri asked us all 5 questions:
  1. Do you care?
  2. Do you believe?
  3. Do you do?
  4. Will you risk?
  5. Will you go?

  I walked out of that message feeling so convicted about myself and how I live out my Christian life. I have found myself asking those questions of myself all week, and I realized that in my heart I answer yes to all those questions, but outwardly, I sometimes shy away from them. I have a passion for Christ and I want everyone around me to know Him too. So why then, do I shy away?

  I took out my Bible and read thru the book of James and man, talk about conviction. I read it in the Message version and they had highlighted the key subjects:
  1. Faith Under Pressure
  2. Act on What You Hear
  3. The Royal Rule of Love
  4. Faith in Action
  5. When You Open Your Mouth
  6. Live Well, Live Wisely
  7. Get Serious
  8. Nothing but a Wisp of Fog
  9. Destroying your Life from Within
  10. Prayer to be Reckoned With

  Each of those touched me and I encourage you all to read the book of James, but the one that touched me the most was the Royal Rule of Love. It talks about how a church can be segregated and how we may show favor on some rather than on all. I had to examine myself and really see in what ways to do I do that. Christ came for all and yet, I get choosy. How does that work?

  So yes, I believe I am James. I believe that I need to ask forgiveness for my segregation and for my prejudices, whatever they may be. I believe that God is calling me to be a doer and a goer. I believe God wants me to act out the yeses in my heart, not simply feel them. He is calling me to love all, not just those that are easy.

  So here I am changing a position…..

• Grace Gambrell // December 20, 2008 at 11:17 pm

  Taryn,

  Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty! You inspire me and encourage me to also ask the Lord to search my heart and reveal any predjudices I may have. I want to have nothing left in my hands except Him!

• Tim // January 3, 2009 at 11:41 pm

  How could I miss it? Tri, I was sure It was me, the guilt I feel from driving nails into his hands and feet is unbearable, I am such an awful person How could he love me no one could how could anyone kill its too much

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