Week 44

In your everlasting arm
All the pieces of my life
From beginning to the end
I can trust you

In your never failing love
You work everything for good
God whatever comes my way
I will trust you

Week 43

There are 2 things that I would love to have more of: faith and patience. According to James -- the key to that is tests and hardships (which, FYI -- I'm not real keep on having more of) But that IS the path. Just as in school -- there are hurdles of tests, studying, experiments, memorization to reach the goal of learning - not fun, but necessary. God has HIS school too:)

The key to God giving lavishly (according to 1:6) is our focus: ourselves or a commitment to God.

I love this right time statement: "at the right time, he'll know God's sweet approval and will be crowned with life"

Lot of tongue lashing going on in James -- controlling the tongue and the thoughts behind the tongue is Spirit work; Lord, baptize me with your Holy Spirit today (sermon key from this week)

and 1:27 reminds us that real religion is about caring for people around us; all people - everyone, even the ones that wear us out, annoy us, frustrate us, bully us, help us -- I've got such a long long way to go on the path He's set out for me!

Loved the commenters thoughts on the difference between Paul's faith lessons and James works lessons.  I'm trying to keep this statement in my mind: "Paul describes the root of salvation; a person is saved by God's grace received through faith. James is explaining the fruit of salvation; saving faith is a faith that works.

Week 42

Our hope is real, our faith is sealed
Come what may  -  I'm not afraid
(thinking of Peter and the Apostles heading out to preach after being released from prison!)

Week 41

There is hope - - for me today; for the God of Heaven loves me!!