Mathew 5:13 “You are the salt of the Earth. But if the salt loses it saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot.” It’s saying if a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. If Christians make little to no effort to affect the world around them, there are of little value representing God‘s presence in this world. If we are too much like the world we won’t be able to help or change it; as seasoning, we will be worthless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. But if we isolate ourselves from non-Christians we lose the ability to reach them. Instead, we should influence others positively just as seasoning, brings out the best flavor in food.

Streets Need Faith – Bible Study (James Series)James 1:2–4 | Counting It All Joy James writes to persecuted believers who lost homes, family, and stability. Instead of complaining, he calls them to rejoice in trials not because pain is good, but because God uses trials to mature our faith. Key Truths - James calls himself a bondservant (doulos) not Jesus’ brother showing humility and surrendered identity. - Joy (chara) is not fake happiness; it’s deep spiritual confidence that God is working. - Trials are refining fire, not punishment. They produce steadfastness (hypomonē) endurance that doesn’t quit. - God uses pressure to make us complete, lacking nothing. Modern Trials Look Like Addiction recovery, broken families, financial pressure, loneliness, mental battles, mockery for faith. Just like prison and rock-bottom seasons God doesn’t waste pain. He forges unshakable faith. Cross-References Romans 5:3–4 | 1 Peter 1:6–7 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | John 16:33 | Hebrews 12:2 Big Takeaway Joy in trials doesn’t deny pain. It trusts God’s purpose. Your testimony through suffering may be someone else’s breakthrough. Reflection - What trial is God using to refine you right now? - What fears or doubts might He be burning away? - Who can you encourage with your story this week? Weekly Challenge - Personal: Journal daily during a trial what you felt, prayed, and learned. - Evangelistic: Share James 1:2–4 with one struggling person this week. God doesn’t break His people. He builds them.

Bible study in 35 minutes!!!!

Scripture (ESV): “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 Reflection: Stress at the start of the week isn’t always about what’s happening it’s about what you’re carrying alone. Monday pressure usually comes from one thing: You’re already mentally living in outcomes that haven’t happened yet. Bills. Expectations. People. Deadlines. Ministry. Work. Your body wakes up braced for impact. But Scripture doesn’t say, “Figure it out and then give it to God.” It says commit first. To commit means to roll over, to place the weight onto something stronger than you. God never asked you to carry the whole week. He asked you to carry today with Him. Jesus said, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Meaning: tomorrow’s stress is illegal baggage. Truth to Anchor In: - You are not behind you are being formed. - Pressure does not mean failure it often means alignment. - God is not watching you struggle; He is inviting you to rest in obedience. Peace doesn’t come from less responsibility. It comes from right order. Prayer: “Father, before this week speaks to me, I choose to listen to You. I give You what feels overwhelming, rushed, and unclear. Order my steps, not just my schedule. Teach me to move in obedience, not anxiety. I trust You with what I cannot control. Amen.” Simple Practice (2 minutes): Before touching your phone or thinking about tasks, say out loud: “God, I give You this day. I will walk, not rush.” Then take one slow breath in… and one out. You don’t need to conquer the week. You need to walk with God into today.

The past week has been very busy for me and I need rest. Therefore we will kick back off Friday with the Bible studies! We must prioritize rest and use wisdom with the work we do!