My Godly Marathon Blog: MONDAY MOMENTS

Monday Moments is a weekly exercise that prepares a person to go the distance throughout the week—moments in time to seek and discover our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each Monday, My Godly Marathon Blog will reflect on a chapter of the Bible. Just one chapter each week is the eternal training that could give a person the strength to walk, jog, or run with the Lord to endure the earthly marathon of life on the path to our eternal marathon. Then, share your findings from the week with others on how the Savior has been working with you during the week following this blog.

You keep track which week but come back each week and select just one a week. Then seek out the Savior and discover how He has been working in your life during the week.

Monday Moments - Week 1: James Chapter 1 (Perseverance)

James was Jesus's brother, and like brother Jesus, James was a teacher. James was known for wise advice and writings that gave wisdom about living in the character of Brother Jesus. 

I take from this chapter the importance of putting faith into action and recognizing one’s perseverance to do so. Our humanity limits our eternal perseverance and our ability to mature in the strength of Jesus Christ. I see perseverance as the catalyst to the fruits of our Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). When we persevere in seeking and living in these fruits, any trials in life should reflect the character of the Savior. Any trial in life is only a situation in which the Holy Spirit is willing to assist a person only if you seek the Spirit out. 

Patience can be the fuel to persevere with any challenge in life. Patience to listen, to think before you speak, and, if needed, go to the Father and ask for wisdom, the wisdom to say what His Son might speak. 

When tempted, one can persevere in recognizing one's human desires and the desires of the Savior in any situation. It’s essential never to compare one's desires to others but to persevere in comparing Godly desires to life’s situations. But be patient with yourself. Recognize the temptation, but learn to apply your perseverance and never act on it.

The end of the chapter speaks of religion as God would like it to be. I see religion as a teaching. Whatever the Christian religion might be, its teaching should reflect the character of Christ. My earthly father was very religious and taught me Godly lessons by his example. One lesson I learned from my earthly father that has helped me put God's word into action is, “Never miss the opportunity to be a good neighbor.” 

I encourage you to read the first chapter of James. But just like marathon training, take this chapter into daily training and read it once a day this week. While you read James' teaching, plan to persevere, take his words to heart, and, most importantly, put his teaching into action. Then, feel free to share your findings from this week on My Godly Marathon blog.