I was up before 4:00 a.m. Having gone to bed by 8:00 p.m. I guess that's enough rest. So, I started my morning devotionals. Today was Proverbs 13 (very rich) and the end of James 1, which I copied below for you to read and possibly comment on.
I was reading mumjones' blog today. She wrote on the trails, tribulations, and challenges of taking a bike trip with four children in tow to a nearby island. She's still a saint in my book. Her comments on conquering the yeast and the tomato really makes one think. Go Debbie go! If you go to Andrew Jones blog and hit his link on the top left titled "wife" you'll find mumjones' blog. For any married ladies with children this blog is a gem.
How does one control ones mouth? That's the question for today. Any thoughts?

James 1: 19 - 27
Listening and Doing 19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

The Book of James always convicts me that I have still much work to do on what comes out of my mouth via my heart. It still amazes me that I can get so annoyed and lose my peace over a small irritation. I'm not where I want to be, but by the grace of GOD I'm not where I once was. I'd love to tell you the on going story of trying to cancel my Verizon account because they couldn't port my telephone number. If anyone is interested please e-mail me.

James 1Greetings from James
1This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is written to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations.[a]

Greetings!



Faith and Endurance
2Dear brothers and sisters,[b] whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
5If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 6But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

9Christians who are[c] poor should be glad, for God has honored them. 10And those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them. They will fade away like a flower in the field. 11The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements.

12God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. 14Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. 15These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. 16So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

17Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights.[d] Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. 18In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.



Listening and Doing
19My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
21So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

22And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. 23For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. 24You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

26If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

How is everyone today? I have a wonderful praise. The LORD has brought me help to finish up decorating the house. Have you ever been at a standstill. Just not having the resources to complete a task yourself? Well GOD is good, He supplies our needs. I met Anne at Homearama here in Charlotte. She designed one of the houses that was on the tour. Hers was done in an English decor with lead me to think about Jan. My first thought was the two have to met because they have so much in common. So, they did yesterday and I was right. They both enjoyed each others company and there is common ground professionally and maybe even socially. Praise GOD!

Keep Alexandra uplifted as today is her day lunching with the Rabbi.

Proverbs 4

A Fathers Wise Advice
1My children,[a] listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, 2for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. 3For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child.
4My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. 5Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. 6Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. 8If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. 9She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."
10My child,[b] listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 12If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. 13Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life.
14Do not do as the wicked do or follow the path of evildoers. 15Avoid their haunts. Turn away and go somewhere else, 16for evil people cannot sleep until they have done their evil deed for the day. They cannot rest unless they have caused someone to stumble. 17They eat wickedness and drink violence!
18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.
20Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. 21Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, 22for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
23Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.[c]
24Avoid all perverse talk; stay far from corrupt speech.
25Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. 26Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe. 27Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

I was thinking about how God teaches us and directs our steps. This is like a treasure hunt. See how many verses you can find that tells us how and what God teaches us. Also how He directs our paths. This week I have been praying for my children. That God would direct their future and show them the next steps they should take. God is faithful all the time. Amen.

Please keep Alexandra and the Rabbi uplifted, as she will be having lunch with him tomorrow. Pray that God would open his eyes and heart to the truth of the Messiah.

Psalm 119

1 Happy are people of integrity,[a] who follow the law of the LORD.
2 Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!
6 Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
7 When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your principles. Please don't give up on me!
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.
10 I have tried my best to find you-- don't let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your principles.
13 I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your principles and not forget your word.
17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.
18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.
19 I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don't hide them from me!
20 I am overwhelmed continually with a desire for your laws.
21 You rebuke those cursed proud ones who wander from your commands.
22 Don't let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your decrees.
23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your principles.
24 Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice.
25 I lie in the dust, completely discouraged; revive me by your word.
26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles.
28 I weep with grief; encourage me by your word.
29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law.
30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.
31 I cling to your decrees. LORD, don't let me be put to shame!
32 If you will help me, I will run to follow your commands.
33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow every one of your principles.
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.
36 Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money!
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.[b]
38 Reassure me of your promise, which is for those who honor you.
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; your laws are all I want in life.
40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.
41 LORD, give to me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.
42 Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws.
44 I will keep on obeying your law forever and forever.
45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
46 I will speak to kings about your decrees, and I will not be ashamed.
47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them!
48 I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your principles.
49 Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope.
50 Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.
51 The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your law.
52 I meditate on your age-old laws; O LORD, they comfort me.
53 I am furious with the wicked, those who reject your law.
54 Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.
55 I reflect at night on who you are, O LORD, and I obey your law because of this.
56 This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments.
57 LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!
58 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful just as you promised.
59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.
60 I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands.
61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your law.
62 At midnight I rise to thank you for your just laws.
63 Anyone who fears you is my friend-- anyone who obeys your commandments.
64 O LORD, the earth is full of your unfailing love; teach me your principles.
65 You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised.
66 I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
68 You are good and do only good; teach me your principles.
69 Arrogant people have made up lies about me, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your law.
71 The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles.
72 Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!
73 You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.
76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.
78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79 Let me be reconciled with all who fear you and know your decrees.
80 May I be blameless in keeping your principles; then I will never have to be ashamed.
81 I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?
83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them.
84 How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?
85 These arrogant people who hate your law have dug deep pits for me to fall into.
86 All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88 In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your decrees.
89 Forever, O LORD, your word stands firm in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.
91 Your laws remain true today, for everything serves your plans.
92 If your law hadn't sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health.
94 I am yours; save me! For I have applied myself to obey your commandments.
95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your decrees.
96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.
97 Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for your commands are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your decrees.
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven't turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
106 I've promised it once, and I'll promise again: I will obey your wonderful laws.
107 I have suffered much, O LORD; restore my life again, just as you promised.
108 LORD, accept my grateful thanks and teach me your laws.
109 My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your law.
110 The wicked have set their traps for me along your path, but I will not turn from your commandments.
111 Your decrees are my treasure; they are truly my heart's delight.
112 I am determined to keep your principles, even forever, to the very end.
113 I hate those who are undecided about you, but my choice is clear--I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my only source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be saved; then I will meditate on your principles continually.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your principles. They are only fooling themselves.
119 All the wicked of the earth are the scum you skim off; no wonder I love to obey your decrees!
120 I tremble in fear of you; I fear your judgments.
121 Don't leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don't let those who are arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your deliverance, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your principles.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.
126 LORD, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have broken your law.
127 Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Truly, each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.
129 Your decrees are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!
130 As your words are taught, they give light; even the simple can understand them.
131 I open my mouth, panting expectantly, longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.
134 Rescue me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look down on me with love; teach me all your principles.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your law.
137 O LORD, you are righteous, and your decisions are fair.
138 Your decrees are perfect; they are entirely worthy of our trust.
139 I am overwhelmed with rage, for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don't forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal, and your law is perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
144 Your decrees are always fair; help me to understand them, that I may live.
145 I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your principles.
146 I cry out to you; save me, that I may obey your decrees.
147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
148 I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.
149 In your faithful love, O LORD, hear my cry; in your justice, save my life.
150 Those lawless people are coming near to attack me; they live far from your law.
151 But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.
152 I have known from my earliest days that your decrees never change.
153 Look down upon my sorrows and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from salvation, for they do not bother with your principles.
156 LORD, how great is your mercy; in your justice, give me back my life.
157 Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
158 I hate these traitors because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, LORD. Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 All your words are true; all your just laws will stand forever.
161 Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word like one who finds a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood, but I love your law.
164 I will praise you seven times a day because all your laws are just.
165 Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.
166 I long for your salvation, LORD, so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your decrees, and I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and decrees, because you know everything I do.
169 O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.
171 Let my lips burst forth with praise, for you have taught me your principles.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.
173 Stand ready to help me, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Good morning everyone. I was reading out of Ps 51 and Proverbs 3 today which were both very good. I think I'll copy Proverbs for you. I want you to pray for a Rabbi and his family up in Chicago that Alexandra has been having conversations with. Pray that GOD will open the Rabbi's eyes to the truth and the light. That would truly be devine favor and faith.
Tell me what verses or words speak to your spirit.
Proverbs 3

Trusting in the LORD 1My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, 2for they will give you a long and satisfying life. 3Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
7Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. 8Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.
9Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. 10Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.
11My child, don't ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. 12For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child[b] in whom he delights.
13Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. 14For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. 17She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. 18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
19By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. 20By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.
21My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, 22for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. 23They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. 24You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. 25You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. 28If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."
29Do not plot against your neighbors, for they trust you. 30Don't make accusations against someone who hasn't wronged you.
31Do not envy violent people; don't copy their ways. 32Such wicked people are an abomination to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but his blessing is on the home of the upright.
34The LORD mocks at mockers, but he shows favor to the humble.
35The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!

I'm here not there. Today I was in Mark studying about the last Passover and Jesus' betrayal. Funny, how Jesus knows what we're going to do even before we do it. Especially those hidden things in our character, our shortcomings. Thinking how Peter said to him I won't leave you even if the others do. I'll even die for you, but Jesus knew his shortcomings and said even before the rooster crows twice this night you will deny me three times. Wow! So, where does that leave us? Where does that leave me? I want to do good and sometimes I fall short even of my own expectations. But Jesus still knows me and loves me. Think what He did with Peter even after this episode. It's like a cliff hanger. When the Holy Spirit got hold of him great things were accomplished for the Kingdom inspite of his previous character weaknesses. That gives me hope. That even inspite of my flesh or my shortcomings that God can use me and He can use you too.

Wow Elizabeth, Andrew's 12 year old daughter is going to Spain to walk in the steps of the apostle James. A 700 mile trek with her older friend Cindy. I wish I was with them. Her father refers to it as a rite of passage. Go Elizabeth go! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Today I was in Is. and Ecc 10. Good stuff! God hears us while we are even talking about our needs, He is answering our prayers. God is good, all the time.

I have not blogged for a few days. I feel guilty already. I was in Mark 9 today and Ecc 10 which spoke to my spirit. I'll have to get the passages for you. Or if you want you can look them both up. My prayer partner Mary gave Alexandra a verse yesterday just for her,it was Ps 37:4, it also included the entire Ps.
Alexandra is trying to get a job teaching Math in the inner city of Charlotte. Having just graduated Samford with a degree in Psych. this is not an easy task. Please pray for her that GOD will open up the opportunity and door He wants her to walk through. It feels like a maze, trying to get answers as to what is the best road map for lateral entry and graduate school. IS THERE ANYONE THERE WHO CAN HELP ME?????????? HELPPPPPPP!

I'm sad today as I found out that Alexandra's god-mother is in the hospital in Kingston upon Thames outside of London having suffered with several strokes. She's not doing too well as of yesterday. Please keep her and all who love her uplifted. I'm asking for God's comfort and sufficiency during this time of need. Thank you.
Ecc. 7
Wisdom for Life
1A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way, the day you die is better than the day you are born.
2It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time.
3Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.
4A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now.
5It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool! 6Indeed, a fool's laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless.
7Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart.
8Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
9Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools.
10Don't long for "the good old days," for you don't know whether they were any better than today.
11Being wise is as good as being rich; in fact, it is better. 12Wisdom or money can get you almost anything, but it's important to know that only wisdom can save your life.
13Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?
14Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life.

The Limits of Human Wisdom 15In this meaningless life, I have seen everything, including the fact that some good people die young and some wicked people live on and on. 16So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? 17On the other hand, don't be too wicked either--don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time? 18So try to walk a middle course--but those who fear God will succeed either way.
19A wise person is stronger than the ten leading citizens of a town!
20There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.
21Don't eavesdrop on others--you may hear your servant laughing at you. 22For you know how often you yourself have laughed at others.
23All along I have tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn't really work. 24Wisdom is always distant and very difficult to find. 25I searched everywhere, determined to find wisdom and to understand the reason for things. I was determined to prove to myself that wickedness is stupid and that foolishness is madness.
26I discovered that a seductive woman is more bitter than death. Her passion is a trap, and her soft hands will bind you. Those who please God will escape from her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.
27"This is my conclusion," says the Teacher. "I came to this result after looking into the matter from every possible angle. 28Just one out of every thousand men I interviewed can be said to be upright, but not one woman! 29I discovered that God created people to be upright, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path."

What type of fruit are you producing? Is there a harvest at all? When I was reading Mark 4 today I prayed that I might produce that 100 fold harvest that God talks about. Little beginnings and great endings also struck my spirit when Jesus speaks about planting grain and waiting for it to grow. In my Life Application Bible it talks about spiritual maturing and our maturing is like that little seed that is being nurtured and nourished so that it will grow. God's Word, being in fellowship with other believers and having a prayer partner sure helps the process.


Mark 4

Story of the Farmer Scattering Seed
1 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. There was such a large crowd along the shore that he got into a boat and sat down and spoke from there. 2He began to teach the people by telling many stories such as this one:
3"Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The plant sprang up quickly, 6but it soon wilted beneath the hot sun and died because the roots had no nourishment in the shallow soil. 7Other seed fell among thorns that shot up and choked out the tender blades so that it produced no grain. 8Still other seed fell on fertile soil and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted." Then he said, 9"Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!"
10Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him, "What do your stories mean?"
11He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secret about the Kingdom of God. But I am using these stories to conceal everything about it from outsiders, 12so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
`They see what I do, but they don't perceive its meaning. They hear my words, but they don't understand. So they will not turn from their sins and be forgiven.'[a] 13"But if you can't understand this story, how will you understand all the others I am going to tell? 14The farmer I talked about is the one who brings God's message to others. 15The seed that fell on the hard path represents those who hear the message, but then Satan comes at once and takes it away from them. 16The rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. 17But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. At first they get along fine, but they wilt as soon as they have problems or are persecuted because they believe the word. 18The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, 19but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced. 20But the good soil represents those who hear and accept God's message and produce a huge harvest--thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted."

Illustration of the Lamp 21Then Jesus asked them, "Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed to shut out the light? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.
22"Everything that is now hidden or secret will eventually be brought to light. 23Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand! 24And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand--and even more, besides. 25To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them."

Illustration of the Growing Seed 26Jesus also said, "Here is another illustration of what the Kingdom of God is like: A farmer planted seeds in a field, 27and then he went on with his other activities. As the days went by, the seeds sprouted and grew without the farmer's help, 28because the earth produces crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle."

Illustration of the Mustard Seed 30Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, 32it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter."
33He used many such stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they were able to understand. 34In fact, in his public teaching he taught only with parables, but afterward when he was alone with his disciples, he explained the meaning to them.

Jesus Calms the Storm 35As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." 36He was already in the boat, so they started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37But soon a fierce storm arose. High waves began to break into the boat until it was nearly full of water.
38Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. Frantically they woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you even care that we are going to drown?"
39When he woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the water, "Quiet down!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40And he asked them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still not have faith in me?"
41And they were filled with awe and said among themselves, "Who is this man, that even the wind and waves obey him?"

I was in Ps 34 today and Ecc.3. My garage is full of boxes having not completely unpacked. There was a verse in Ecc 3 that says there is a time to save and a time to throw away. Please LORD help me to discern what to keep and what to throw away. Storage space is at a premium
I don't want to feel like a hoarder. I rather have a light grasp on my possessions. LORD I need Your help to make heads or tails out of the "stuff" in the garage. God is a God of order and I'm feeling very unordered out there. HELP!

Ps 34

1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears.
7 For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
9 Let the LORD's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will never lack any good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD.
12 Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good?
13 Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.
15 The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
19 The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one.
20 For the LORD protects them from harm-- not one of their bones[a] will be broken!
21 Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the LORD will redeem those who serve him. Everyone who trusts in him will be freely pardoned.

It's Sunday in Charlotte, NC and I am praying that God would lead us to the right Church for us. We visited Calvary on Rae Road. Living in its shadow we thought it might be a good choice. It was the church Billy Graham grew up in. My thought was if that church community can produce someone of the calibre of Billy Graham maybe there's hope for misfitmom? Then we visited Forest Hill Church which our assoicate pastor recommended. Their motto is "To the least and to the lost" which spoke to my spirit.

Yesterday I finished the Book of Matthew. Jesus' last words were go, tell, make disciples. This making of disciples has been heavy on my heart. I feel a nudging in my spirit for this message to be the thrust of my testimony now. Every Christian man and woman can disciple others. There is someone out there that GOD will put on your heart to help them with their journey. The question is will you be available?