Faith in Action: A Journey Through James

Introduction

There have been plenty of times when I’ve opened my Bible, read a passage, nodded along in agreement, and then gone right back to life as usual. Nothing wrong with the reading itself, but somewhere between understanding the words and actually living them out, things stalled. Over time, I’ve realized how easy it is to be familiar with Scripture without being fully shaped by it.

As we head into 2026, I want to start the year differently. I want to be rooted in the Word and open to being changed by it. Beginning in January, here on Rooted in the Word, I’ll be walking through the book of James with a focus on faith in action.

James doesn’t allow faith to stay comfortable or theoretical. It presses us to look honestly at what we believe and how that belief shows up in everyday life. In our words. In our choices. In how we respond when things are hard or inconvenient. It’s a practical book, and at times, a challenging one.

This won’t be a polished teaching series. It’s a study. I’ll be reading, praying, taking notes, and sharing what stands out to me and what God is revealing as I spend time in the text. My plan is to share weekly posts through the end of February as I work through James.

If you’d like to follow along, I’d love that. You don’t need anything fancy. Just a Bible and a willingness to slow down and listen. Read James with me. Sit with the passages during the week. Pay attention to what the Lord brings to the surface.

My hope is that this study helps me, and maybe you as well, move beyond talking about faith and into living it. A faith that shows up in ordinary moments and everyday decisions.

Some questions I’m asking myself as I begin

• Where have I been quick to hear God’s Word but slow to act on it

• What areas of my life reflect real trust in God and which areas reveal hesitation or control

• How do my words, especially in difficult moments, reveal the state of my faith

• Am I willing to let Scripture confront attitudes or habits I’ve grown comfortable with

• What might change if I truly lived out what I say I believe

I’m looking forward to starting this journey together.

Thanks for coming along.

Jim