REALLY good turkey bacon

My first thought this morning was one of rambling on about this wonderful turkey bacon I found at Wholley's in the Strip district of Pittsburgh, PA. Thoroughly enjoyed it on my egg beaters sandwich made on a sandwich thin and with laughing cow cheese. (6 pts for those counting. :))
But God has something else He showed me this morning to share.

Following the theme from yesterday, I found this verse as part of a daily devotion on Proverbs I receive from John Stanko. His focus has been on wisdom and the link to his blog can be found to the right.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18, NIV

This described wisdom draws me in and spurs a desire to know more of His Word and apply it to my life. The wisdom spoken of in this verse can more simply be defined as God's Word, His verses and teaching in the Bible, Jesus' life and how He taught - preparing the disciples for building the foundation for His church. And they didn't even know that at the time. They thought he'd be the new king on earth.

But first, let's recognize in the verse that it is pure, and then the rest comes.

The word impartial in the verse jumps out at me. Am I being impartial as a member of His church? Am I welcoming all who come to hear His Word with a heart of impartiality and is it sincere? Most times when I've prejudged someone I've been way off the mark on who that person really is and what burdens they carry. I pray this year Lord, for an impartial heart so that sincere mercy may be received by those I come in contact.

Another question I ask myself is this - what have I learned and what wisdom am I gaining in order to be of use for His purposes?

Let's now read this verse in the New American Standard Bible translation and learn more. LOVE that.

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18, NASB

Reading a verse, or section of the bible in a different translation usually brings out more meaning. Revealing words this time are gentle and good fruits (how my God-given gifts are lived out in action and servant hood with a heart of compassion).

And I love the word unwavering.I've had the blessing of experiencing really good bible study leaders. Each of them would look up certain words to discover their deeper meanings. I looked up wavering and in Webster's Dictionary found the following:

1
: to vacillate irresolutely between choices : fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction
2
a : to weave or sway unsteadily to and fro : reel, totter b : quiver, flicker c : to hesitate as if about to give way : falter
3
: to give an unsteady sound : quaver

When it comes to God's Word living itself out in my life, I certainly do not want to fluctuate in opinion, allegiance, or direction. I want to be unwavering - focused, certain of opinion, and want no doubt to my allegiance - to Him and Him alone.

So, turkey bacon? The brand is Godshall's, from Telford PA. I'm sure that's their last name, but how much fun is God to now show me their name. I hadn't looked at the package prior to writing this blog.

God-Shall this new year. Yes, He will. His Word and promises are true.

Blessings,
Sarah (DIG)

3 questions

I was asked two questions last night during the Wednesday night bible study at Calvary Chapel of Westmoreland County. The night's topic took us away from our normal study of Genesis, but was thought provoking and timely for the new year. So much so, it has spurred me to begin journaling again.

Question #1: Am I more Christ-like now than one year ago?
Yes and no was my silent answer after hearing the rest of the message.

Question #2: Do I follow Him closer?
My first thought when posed this question was, "well, if I'm not then I better answer question #1 more truthfully". But thankfully for me, I'd say a resounding yes. But then again, no.

I added a question this morning that I'd found in one of my previous journals.

Question #3: How do you define your relationship with the Lord?
This one stumped me. And if I'd not heard the message from last night, I would have answered it with bible verses and "Christian speak". Words and thoughts that make me feel better about being a Christian.

Last night we talked about our prayer life. This little church in Greensburg is spreading the Word and through it's faithfulness is growing not only in numbers, but in spiritual substance in the body of Christ. Now more than ever, prayer is required of each of us. And deeper than prayer, a personal relationship through prayer with Jesus.

Honestly, I fail at this in so many ways, and succeed in it in others. I do pray continuously as I know He's with me at all times through His Holy Spirit who resides in me. But I do not have a consistent time of prayer to lift up the important prayers in my life. It's become too easy to just spit out and throw up little prayers without much thought.

As we did last night, I look to my Savior for how to pray. I thank my brother Gary who taught, challenged us and gave us these verses.

"It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12
When have I gone off to pray? never. When have I spent a whole night in prayer, or even a whole day? never. The verse after this teaches that Jesus then chose his twelve disciples. He was bringing a very important decision before the Lord. He consulted with His heavenly Father before He chose. Instead of acting quickly with quick prayers, I'd like to commit to slow down and spend time in prayer seeking the Lord's will.

"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart". Luke 18:1
I easily lose heart when I don't see how God is working. I forget that the answer to my prayers is in His timing not my own. This verse tells me to continue to pray, or I will lose heart. And I have many times. Prayer brings me back to God's will for my life and for others, again, His timing, not mine.

The other verses are Luke 9:28, Luke 10:2, John 17:5, and ones I'd add to these -
1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16, and Philippians 4:6. I encourage you to look them up and read what the Lord has for you. You probably have your own too. Please share those in response to this post.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment." Philippians 1:9.

Happy new year,
Sarah (DIG)