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A Journey Through James Chapter 1

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

Hey, besties, welcome to our first week of Living Faithfully: A Journey Through James. Over the next 5 weeks, we’ll be going through this wonderful book of the Bible, while at the same time we’ll be working our way through the Living Faithfully study guide. If you haven’t picked up a copy of the book yet, hop on over to Amazon today and get yourself a copy. 

By purchasing a copy of the study guide, you’re helping to support this ministry, which allows us to continue sharing God’s Word freely, making sure no one is left behind. 

And, on that note, we understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to the “Members Only” section where you’ll find printable chapters. (email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net with any questions or with help accessing this page).

Each Tuesday, I’ll share a new YouTube video along with a memory verse and my opening thoughts for the week. On Fridays, I’ll post additional reflections as we progress through the study.

As you go through each chapter, you’ll notice that James tends to discuss more than one topic per chapter. For the sake of this study, I have focused on the main points, but there are many more to be explored. This is where your participation is vital as I invite you to prayerfully study the chapters and share your insights with us in our Facebook group. 

It was 1975. Disco music was topping the charts, bell-bottoms and platform shoes were all the rage, and everyone was lining up to see Jaws, the blockbuster movie of the summer. It was also the year my sister’s boyfriend rode into our lives on his motorcycle.

Wayne might have looked tough on the outside with his leather jacket, broad shoulders, and boulder-sized muscles, but let me tell you, behind that rough exterior was a heart of gold. He had an incredible way with kids, and we loved him for it.

I’d never been on the back of a motorcycle before, and so the first time Wayne offered to take us for a ride, I was more than ready to jump on and take off. Before we did, however, there were a few rules we had to follow for safety:

1. We had to wear a helmet.
2. We had to hold on to him at all times.
3. We had to lean when he leaned in order to stay balanced.

I have to say, the last rule was a little frightening to follow since I wasn’t used to riding a bike. Who would have thought that leaning in would help us stay balanced and safe? It didn’t quite feel right to me, but then again, what did I know about motorcycles? I had to give up my instinct to stay upright and trust that he knew what was best. If he leaned, I leaned along with him, and so it was for many years as I rode on the back of his bike.

As I got to thinking about this today, I couldn’t help but notice a parallel between the physical lessons I learned way back then and the spiritual lessons I’m still learning today. These guiding principles protect and strengthen us as we navigate life’s challenges and trials. James 1:2-4 reminds us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Joy and trials at the same time? It almost seems to defy logic, doesn’t it? It’s moments like these that call us to give up our preconceived ideas of how things should be and follow God’s lead.

It’s not easy to lean into difficult moments, at least not at first, but the more we practice leaning, trusting, and submitting ourselves to His will, the more we realize the power of His strength. So, how do we hold on to joy in the midst of our trials? We keep these three things in mind:

1. We wear the helmet of salvation— (Ephesians 6:17). Our salvation protects our minds and hearts, reminding us of the saving grace that keeps us grounded in Christ. It shields us from doubt and fear as we go through life’s uncertainties.
2. We hold on to God at all times—When we cling to Him, no matter how difficult or unpredictable life becomes, we are secure in His hands. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Holding on to God is essential as we navigate through trials.
3. We learn to lean on Him—especially when life takes unexpected turns. It may feel frightening at first, but leaning into God’s direction keeps us balanced and safe, even when it doesn’t make sense. As James 1:2-4 tells us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Leaning into God’s will—trusting Him through the trials—strengthens our faith and builds perseverance. It’s not always easy, but the more we lean, the stronger we become, finding ourselves secure in His plan, protected by His salvation, and held by His unfailing grip.

This Week’s Challenge

Practice leaning into God this week rather than relying on your own strength. Remind yourself each day to trust His plan by pausing, praying, and letting go of any fear or doubt. Hold on to the truth of James 1:2-4, and see how God uses your perseverance to strengthen your faith.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

TUESDAY: JAMES 1:1-4 | 1 Kings 18:16-39 & 19:1-18

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there).

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Read the Introduction in the study guide.

Read JAMES 1:1-4 and 1 Kings 18:16-39 & 19:1-18. Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. If you are new to the group, now is a good time to introduce yourself. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY: JAMES 1:5-8 | 1 Kings 3 & PROVERBS 3

Read: JAMES 1:5-8 and 1 Kings 3 & PROVERBS 3.  Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

THURSDAY: JAMES 1:9-11 | MARK 10:17-31

Read JAMES 1:9-11 and MARK 10:17-31. Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Pop into the the Facebook group. Quietly commit to praying  for any of the members that God puts on your heart and pray for them throughout the day. (No need to mention them in the group)

FRIDAY: JAMES 1:12-18 | 2 SAMUEL 11-12

Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on this chapter.

Read JAMES 1:12-18 and 2 SAMUEL 11-12. Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group. Try to respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.

SATURDAY: JAMES 1:19-21, 26 | 1 SAMUEL 25:14-35

Read JAMES 1:19-21, 26 and 1 SAMUEL 25:14-35. Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

SUNDAY – REST

MONDAY: JAMES 1:22-27 | LUKE 10:25-37

Read JAMES 1:22-27 and LUKE 10:25-37. Go through this section in your study guide, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!

We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.