Learning

I feel like I have been gaining so much knowledge lately. Between my favorite morning devotional that I read before I even get in the shower, Jesus Calling, my James Mercy Triumphs Bible Study HW, Marty's sermons on James on Sundays, and the book that I read whenever I can, Priscilla Shirer's Resolution for women, I have a lot of thoughts going on in my head! :) I just want to share a few of my favorite things that I've been learning or favorite quotes that I've read or heard. Somehow, they really all fit together.

First up, Sarah Young's Jesus Calling
"Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy-even precarious. That is how it should be. SECRET THINGS BELONG TO THE LORD, and furture things are secret things..." Oh my, I needed to read that, especially lately. I can't get it out of my head.

"If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present."

"Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her."

"You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way designed just for you. Therefore, it is a lonely way, humanly speaking. But I go before you as well as alongside you, so you are never alone."

"When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it. Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying: "Thank you, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more." Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost."

And I could go on and on and on.

Next, Beth. Oh how I love her!

"The message of James can be captured in two words: LIVE IT"

"Blessed are all who NEED Him. Blessed are those who need Him enough to know Him enough to love Him enough to know He's enough." Did you get that? :)

"Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."

"Don't forget what the word says...listen, then do it!"

"You and I may be considered by some of our neighbors, co-workers, or friends to be one of the most relgious people they've ever met. Scary, isn't it?"

When you're struggling with an unment desire, Psalm 38:9 is your best friend...All my longings lie open before you, O LORD; my sighing is not hidden from you." "Let's have the guts to ask Him what's in our hearts and, when He reveals it, die to the self-gratification and live for the greater glory."

"One of the signs of deep friendship is that we tell each other secrets. Things that aren't posted on status updates. Christ tells secrets to His intimate friends, too: "The secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them" Matthew 13:11"

"But he gives greater grace...simply receive. Let Jesus lighten you burden until you float to the top, youth renewed, heart restored. HE IS ENOUGH."

"If it's under GOD, it's in order"

"Mercy triumphs over judgment."

"We live because the Lord wills. He is the only day-timer based on certainty."

And this is primarily from this week alone. :)

If you're still reading, you can take a big sigh of relief, I'm not going to quote anything else. I am just so glad that I have all of this wisdom in one place, where I can re-read it if I need to. Lucky for you, my Bible is in the car, so no notes from the sermon will be added at this time! Haha!

I want to have Joy Whenever...
James 1:2-3
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."