I have a lot I need to do today. I pray you would help me get it done!
Love,
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; James 1:1-7
Mark 4-7
So I'm reading the seed parable again. And I'm struck by how little Matthew Mark and Luke differ. They hardly have any different stories, but you would think that since you did so much stuff in those three years that they would all have so many different things to say. I guess you knew what would really be worthwhile writing down for posterity :-)
Don't hide the lamp of God. It'll make you go no where. Judge using even better standards than you want to be judged. That's a hard one for me. I like to insult people in my mind. Insult. Do I really mean insult? I'd like to say it's more of a harsh truth, but harsh truths are insulting. Those who judge harshly are usually insecure, either because they judge others and expect others to think the same, or they start insecure and judge others because they think everybody is doing the same. Either way, not fabulous.
Your job to make a person ready to receive and grow in your word. Our job is to do what you want us to do in each situation.
"Don't you care if we drown?" "Don't you care if I don't get the money I need for college?" "Don't you care if we get swamped with small children?" "Don't you care if I don't have a job?" "Don't you care if my parents get a divorce?" "Don't you care if my children don't have enough to eat?" "Don't you care if a whole nation is ignorant of you?" "Don't you care if my daughter was killed in a car crash?" "Don't you care if our house is destroyed by the government?"
"Quiet! Be still!" "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
The legion demon story. The people were terrified of you. (I'm not sure why... because you're so powerful?) But the man wanted to go with you. And here, You didn't have any messy attic secrets, so you told him to go tell everybody his testimony. (ew that word is so civilized.)
What a moment for that woman! After years and years of being unclean and... oh I can't imagine it. She was free! The guts she had to touch You... ridiculous. I don't know if I could have done that. But I'm sure she was desperate. And then to be spoke with such kindness from you... I don't think she'll be forgetting that moment in a hurry. Funny. I've always thought of this woman as an old woman. But she could have been around your age. Anyway, it would make more sense that you would say "mother" if she was old. But I do not know.
Interesting. The girl was twelve years old. The woman had been suffering for twelve years. It probably has like, no significance, but it's interesting.
Ok, yeah, with the dead girl coming to life, You suddenly have some messy attic secrets.
It's hard to believe in a man you saw grow up. I get that. But somehow Jesus' brother was able to follow him...
The twelve are sent out. Lord, I want to be sent out. Well, to be honest, I more want to go on a missions trip to like Mexico or Puerto Rico, or El Salvador, or Honduras. I mean, I know I am sent out into Panera, and dance, and whatever, but missions trips are always exciting. But they're only exciting in your timing, so I'll let you lead.
Interesting note. Herod liked listening to John the Baptist. But was confused. But like it. Would that make him like the path? Or the thorns? He had to behead John because of a stupid oath. I wonder if Herod could have gotten away with saying that John's head is worth about 5/8 of his kingdom, so that's out. haha.
You weren't irritated when you saw all the people there. Even though you had been planning on getting a little rest and some food and such, you had compassion on them and taught them stuff. Then you fed them. Miraculously. 5,000 men, more women and children. That's a lot of people.
Why were you making to pass by the disciples? Was it just a pretense? I like how Mark doesn't mention that Peter tried to walk on water. Pretty crazy.
I wonder if there were any sick people who kept chasing You around and yet always arrived too late, or if you eventually stuck around long enough for them to find you? That's a picture. Chasing after You to get healed. Whether from health issues or sin issues.
"You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." That pretty much sums it up. O Lord, keep me from this trap!
So the man was deaf, and therefore could not talk because of being deaf. But You didn't just heal his deafness and let him learn how to talk on his own; you healed both issues. It seems like you never do the minimum. Me, remember that.
Revelation 10-11
A mighty angel with a scroll that tastes sweet at first, but turns sour. And a secret message from the seven thunders. I didn't even know there were seven thunders. :-)
It is crazy. The prophets are crazy awesome. But the devil overcomes them. But what's crazy is it says that basically the whole world will be watching. But back then, there was no TV. No newspapers. No internet. Now it's very easy for the whole world to watch an event like that.
Three and a half days. They have to endure death a little longer than Jesus.
Ridiculous. All this earthquakey stuff. Hail etc. Obvious that the end of the world has come.
Proverbs 10-11
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Me. This is no time to sleep. This is no time to procrastinate. Get a move on with scholarship apps and normal school stuff, and most of all, God stuff.
Love covers all wrongs.
When we talk too much, we draw sin near. So we need to hold our tongues.
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting. They have tact. They can understand more than a teaspoon of emotion (Thank you, Ron). Lord, please help me know what to say. Sometimes I want to show concern or whatever, but I don't know what is fitting. Give me that wisdom.
Amazing how being generous makes you rich. And being stingy makes you poor. Keep that in mind, my girl.
She who refreshes others will be herself refreshed. Good verse. One I think I need. I feel like I could burn out easily if I refresh others. Not true.
All right God. Do your thang.