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)