Monday

It is hard for me to believe that I am writing this. Again tragedy has hit our school, again I ask my praying readers to pray. The head of our special education department killed herself over the weekend. All my students had her for math. She had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen, and I never saw anything but friendship and dedication in them. Lord, have mercy on us all.

Yes and Amen 2 Corinthians 2:19-20

New International Version (NIV)
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
I heard a bishop preach on this verse last Sunday. I just finished reading it (2 Corinthians 1:20) in several different translations. I read the whole chapter in the NIV, NAS, and Message. I don’t like taking verses out of context. I liked The Message best.

At times I have moaned that there seem to be too few “Yes and Amen’s” to my prayers. I think the only context I have ever really seen that phrase is in worship songs, never in context of the chapter, and never the way that the Bishop preached it. Yes and Amen.

The Bishop said something to the affect that Jesus Christ is God’s Yes to the human race. His Yes to all the promises made to mankind through the law and the prophets. And the Amen is our affirmation which we speak back to God. Kind of the way the NIV puts it (above).
Yes, LORD, Yes, LORD, Yes LORD yes!!! Yes and Amen. Sung like sort of magical incantation. If I sing YES and AMEN often enough and loud enough, I’ll get what I want. It’s gotta be, cuz God always keeps His promises.

This means something totally different if we look at Jesus as the fulfillment of those promises. And, if understanding that Jesus is really all we need, we sing Amen back to Him.

What led to this statement by Paul? He had made a promise that due to circumstances beyond his control, he couldn’t keep. In the long run it seemed that breaking this particular promise was in everyone’s best interest. But he was being accused of being untrustworthy. This is the way he responded according to The Message:

“Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth--a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you're wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his. Our word to you wasn't a careless yes canceled by an indifferent no.”

This makes me wonder about prayer. I’ve heard people say things like, “I prayed and prayed and God just didn’t seem to hear me.” I once said myself that “The Bible says ‘Ask and Ye Shall Receive’ well I asked, and I didn’t receive so the Bible is not true.” Maybe Bible teachers have been somewhat careless with our teaching on prayer. Sort of Glib in how we state the promises that God has made. God is never careless or indifferent. Perhaps we assume too much when we pray. We need to pray God’s heart, but we also need to understand that our ways are not God’s ways. We are urged to reason together with our LORD, always seeking wisdom and understanding, not presuming that we have all the answers.

At least, I can stop looking for “Yes and Amens”. Jesus is my Yes! And to Him I shout a joyful AMEN!

Be Mine

A few weeks ago my husband and I were treated to an event sponsored by several local churches called “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage!”. This is not usually the type of thing we are interested in, but our son thought we could use it. It was very well attended, and actually much better than we anticipated. It may have even helped smooth out some rough spots in our own road to marital bliss?
So along came Valentines day, an occasion we have pretty much ignored for the 26 years of our marriage, and it was no big deal, only this year Valentines day coincided with a message I received from my little sister about our Aunt Gertrude - aka Sr. Theresa Clair, and another message from a friend which included the “prayer of St. Theresa”.
And I found myself posting on Saints, which led to a comment about St. Valentine performing marriages that had been forbidden by the Roman Government, which rung a bell about some modern day issues, concerning marriage. And I am wondering, is it possible, in February 2006, to talk about marriage without bringing up the concept of Homosexuality? I’d rather not get into that subject here.
But yesterday, I went to the Episcopal Church again, and a Bishop was visiting, and between services there was a forum about the future of the local church where the priest - Father Carl, disagrees with the appointment of a practicing homosexual as Bishop (not the one that was visiting). Fr. Carl and many other Episcopalian priests, and many split congregations are in danger of being defrocked and loosing their church facilities because of the Biblical stand they are taking against Homosexuality. If an Episcopalian priest commits adultery he is defrocked. Fornication is considered reason for removal from the priesthood, yet having a live-in lover of the same sex is tolerated and the right to such a relationship is protected. This particular bishop, which made the headlines a few years back, would marry his partner if it were allowed. So why not allow same-sex marriage? Why are Christians butting in to the personal life of these people? What is marriage anyway?
Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh. And these words of the Torah were confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6 “And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female and said, ‘for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh, so then they are no longer two but one flesh therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
That’s pretty clear isn’t it?
Marriage doesn’t always work out that way. Evangelical Christians have about the same rate of divorce as non-Christians. The Catholic rate is a little lower, because Divorce is considered grounds for excommunication. But even though divorce is a sad fact of life, it is clear that that isn’t what God intended from the beginning. And anyone who has been involved in divorce should be able to understand why the Bible says that God hates divorce. I will not go further into the subject of same sex relationships. Even people who try to say it isn’t really a sin, have to admit that there are many, many verses in the old and new testaments of the Bible that speak against it. They can argue that those verses were written for another time and another culture. They can argue that those verses mean something else. But they can not argue the fact that they appear in the Bible.
So have you heard the argument that if we allow same sex marriage, we will have to ultimately allow all types of marriages, including polygamy, the marriage of brother - sister etc. Hey, those marriages are actually Biblical. I did a little skimming of Genesis yesterday. The first case of polygamy was the great grandson of Cane who took two wives. He was a murderer like his grandfather, sounds like a case of involuntary manslaughter. It just matter of factly states that he married two women. Of course, he’s not one whose example we are called to follow. Seems like monogamy is the norm until Sarah (the half sister of her husband) talks Abram to have a child with Hagar. Now, she was a slave, and Abram didn’t marry her, but that incident created a multitude of problems which the world is still plagued with…the off spring of Ishmael. The next case of Polygamy I found was Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. A result of deceit on the side of the first wife and the father in law, which resulted in jealousy, sibling rivalry, and crisis through which the chosen people of God were brought into Egypt and suffered 400+ years of slavery. When you read the whole story, you can see where God was working out the plan of Salvation through all these events, and confirmation that all things work for the good for those who ultimately trust the LORD. But what does that have to do with marriage.
Yeah it seems that polygamy was tolerated Biblically. Consider David and Solomon. And there is Biblical proof also, that even when a severe sin is committed, ie David’s lust which led to adultery, which led to murder…God can forgive and redeem and turn things around. The woman ended up being in the Family Tree of Jesus after all. But it is obvious that this isn’t the way God intended marriage to be. The two shall become one. Not the three shall become one.
Paul, who thought it was better not to get married at all, told Titus that elders must be the husband of one wife. And since then, Christians have taught against polygamy. Which allegedly caused quite a problem in some African villages where chiefs had many wives and were told they couldn’t continue living that way if they accepted Jesus as their savior.
So send those extra wives packing…
One more thought about Christianity and marriage. Culturally speaking, many people groups considered (still consider) women to be the property of their husbands. Men are oppressive and women are the oppressed. With Christian missionaries came the idea that women are every bit as much children of God has men, that women should be treated with dignity and respect. Young girls sold into prostitution were rescued and educated.
Some people consider the Bible to be sexist. Yet historically, the Christians did more for the plight of women then any other group. Some Christians have missed the point, some groups have been oppressive toward women, forcing women to be subject to their husbands with out going one verse further and compelling men to honor, cherish, and respect their wives. But that isn’t God’s fault. That isn’t Jesus’ fault. A lot of what the Bible says has been used in wrong ways.
Should Christians fight to keep marriage between one man and one woman? Is it really any of our business what the government decides? Should Christians fight against abortion or homosexuality? It seems we should, as followers of Jesus, take a stand for Truth. We are not living in a godly nation. We are not living in a godly world. Yet we are told to be in the World - lights shining on the hill top. Salt. When we pray, Thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done…should we not choose to take a stand for Kingdom principles?
I’m not even sure myself, for myself, what action to take. Let the world go to hell in a hand basket. Love the sinner hate the sin. Stay safely within the walls of the church and worship the KING of kings, and LORD of lords, and let the plan unfold as it is meant to, without me…Some fine day, Soon and Very Soon, Pie in the Sky…
My prayer Journal, Guide Post planner says I should include the LORD in my plans today. Everyday. And now it is time to continue my day…LORD let your light shine through me. Blessings and Amen!

TGIF

I'm not sure where to go with this. A lot is spinning around in this old head of mine.
I've lost my youngest son. He's not dead, I just don't know where he is. But it feels like he's dead, like I should be mourning for him. That someone should be mourning with me.
No, that's now where I want to go.
James Dobson was blasting bloggers yesterday. Seems he's been misrepresented, misquoted, and his intergrity as a Christian soiled. He's been called a servent of satan. I know just how he feels.
No, that's not where I want to go either.
I borrowed this quote off a comment made to one of the cites I love to "hate"
"Calvin is one of the most dangerous men to ever appear on the Christian scene with his un-Biblical, un-Scriptural, Augustinian (Roman Catholic derived) ideas which generations of Christians have blindly swallowed. Arminius opposed Calvin's theology on predestination and should be commended for that. While he did not seem to get it right either, a least he spared us the trap of the “Eternal Security” doctrine, which has surely sent more people to hell than most of the crooks on TBN put together."
Write On! Winston, whoever you are!
I've been going to an Episcopalian Church for the past couple of months.
- I really need to learn how to spell that word.
Father Carl is a wonderful Christian. And I love receiving communion every Sunday. Father Carl had something very positive to say about Rick Warren a couple of weeks ago.
Funny. I have never read any of his books. I usually don't like things that become obsessive...or trendy. I never liked the whole "Prayer of Jabeth (sp?)" nonsense. I never wore a WWJD bracelett.
I don't care much for the poem "Footprints". Although I do love Veggie Tales.
I figured all this "purpose driven" stuff was a bunch of fluff, another gimmick, and when I heard some Christian brothers bash him, I figured he deserved bashing. Now I'm not so sure. I've heard some quotes from Warren to which I had to say, "Yeah, so, what's wrong with that?". A lot of the people who have been bashing Warren, no - not bashing him...everyone in the public eye has to expect a certain degree of bashing, these people are labeling him a heretic and worse. but they are doing the same to James Dobson, Chuck Smith, Billy Grahm and the Virgin Mary. (ok, so I'm getting a little carried away here).
There was once this Christian Commedian - Mike Warnke. Ex-Satanist. He was quite the rage for a while, and then some dark shadows in his life were exposed and he fell from grace, and from the public eye. I pray that he got it all straightened out, and that he is living in peace/shalom, having been restored by the LORD that he loves. Anyway, I remember something he said once. He said some of his old friends asked why he would ever want to be a Christian. There are so many rules in Christianity....don't do this and don't be that. Mike's answer was, I don't worry about the don'ts. There are too many do's. If I focus on the do's , I don't have time for the don'ts.
I like that.
Three day weekend! Yeah!
blessings all!

From a Friend

"Jesus now hath many lovers of His celestial kingdom;
But few bearers of His Cross,
He hath many who are desirous of consolation;
But few of tribulation.
He findeth many companions of His table;
But few of His abstinence.
All desire to rejoice with Him;
Few wish to endure anything for Him.
Many follow Jesus to the breaking of bread;
But few to the drinking of the cup of His passion.
Many reverence His miracles;
Few follow the shame of His Cross."

Sister Theresa Clair

Today is Valentines day…

St. Valentine’s day…

A Roman Catholic Saint, a martyr for Jesus

I have Sponge Bob Square Pants and Care Bear valentines taped to my wall.

One of my students bought his sweetheart a box of candy but was too embarrassed to give it to her. I love and am in love with Pastor Art – my husband, my friend…

Funny twist of fate here…

My baby sister sent me an email to tell me my great aunt fell and broke her hip.

I didn’t even know that my great aunt was still alive. Isn’t that awful? She is a Catholic Nun. Has been for over 75 years. She is being well cared for. But I haven’t been in touch with her for years.

She is a gentle soul. She is my Grandmother’s youngest sister. She is the only one of 4 children still alive. I have many fond memories of her frequent visits to our home. She always came with a friend. They had to travel in twos. My grandma – nanny, always did her best cooking on the days that Aunt Gertrude came to visit. My grandpa Tom was always on his best behavior. Aunt Gertrude was always interested in everything I said and did. I’d be her “Shirley Temple” . She and her friend (which ever one it was…Sister Danny, Sister Bernadette, Sister Mary Catherine…)
Were a great audience. She was disappointed when she found out that I “left the Church.”

So I was thinking about my great aunt and a friend of mine sent me one of those silly, say a prayer and make a wish type emails, this one was called the prayer of Saint Theresa

And it touched my heart because my aunt’s nun name is Sister Theresa Clair – all her nun friends call her Theresa…

So In honor of a gentle, noble, godly woman:

Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways. Meaning she believed
in doing the little things in life well and with great love.
She is also the patron Saint of flower growers and florists. She is
represented by roses.

St. Theresa's Prayer:
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that
has been given to you....
May you be content knowing you are a child of God....
Let his presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom
to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Sunday - February 12

My mother called last night - 7:30 eastern standard time
Happy Birthday - I'm 54 years old - good grief!
I didn't go to Church today. Car trouble, and no hot water for showers.
So I listened to Christian music, watched some of the Rabbis that Pastor Art likes to study with, and went up my blog list. Some good stuff there.
I am about to go into my son's room and borrow C.S.Lewis's book This Hideous Strength. It is the third in his Science Fiction Triolgy. I haven't read it in years. But there are parts of it I want to revisit and respond to. Actually the triolgy is very interesting reading, if as a modern day person you can get past the idea that the planets visited by the hero are Venus and Mars, but not at all like the real Venus and Mars.
But before I publish post and curl up under a blanket on my cozy love seat, could I invite my blog friends to join me in a prayer, and whisper an Amen
Isaiah 65:
Oh Heavenly Father - Abba - Whose Name is Holy
Father who permits Yourself to be sought by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek, open the ears of the lost so that they can hear you calling their name...they are rebellious, following their own thoughts, my students, the violent ones, lost in the dark...call to them, saying "Here I am!" and help them to hear Your call.
Lord, as the new wine is found in the cluster of grapes, and we do not destroy it for there is benefit in it, please do not destroy these who are lost. Are the chosen and the servents the same in your eyes? You promise a resting place for all people who seek you.
And for those who forsake you, who preach Fortune (Luck), and who fill cups with Destiny...for those who you called and they did not answer, you promise a heavy heart and broken spirit.
You are the God of Truth and you will bless those who cling to that truth. Lord, for those of us who are sinking because of fomer troubles, for my son...for my family, bring us to the place of promise. Lord for those of us, who have been so frustrated by people who identify them selves as your chosen, but have turned their backs on the truth and on the lost...help us to seek Your face and not be offended by those who in your name offend. You will someday create a new heaven and a new earth. You have created your people for rejoicing and gladness. People have gotten lost but you promise to recreate them. Through your Son Jesus and by his blood, you have made this recreation possible even know.
Lord, there are those who don't even know, who haven't even been told that they can call, but you promise a time when you will answer even before they call out to you, and while they are still trying to put their thoughts of repentance and praise into words, you will hear them.
The chosen ones will do the work they are intended to do, and the children they bear through the work you have set before them, will not be Children destined for calamity.
Lord, I name them by name, I see their faces, I weep for the lost, I weep especially for the prodicals who once knew and then walked away from the knowing. (Isaiah 66) Help me to be humble and contrite, Help me to be true and obedient to your word. You said we have the choice. And concerning those who choose their own ways, you choose their punishments. Yet I pray for mercy and time, that some of those drowning because of their evil choices will hear your Call and remember your word and turn back to your way.
"As one whom his mother comforts...so I will comfort you, and you shall be comforted. "
I just pray LORD, for the sake of today...for the sake of those of us who are struggling in this dark and depraved world, for the sake of those over whom our hearts are breaking, act now in your mercy, and perserve us as you prepare the final chapter. And save us now from the fire that shall not be quenched, Save them while there is still time for salvation. Open their ears LORD and help them to hear you call out their names and say that you LOVE them.
amen

I want to pray…I want to rest in the word…I want to feed on the word. I have some time.

I will look at my chapter. Ecclesiastes 3

Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.

Turn, Turn, Turn…

We do not choose our own time to be born, or to die. But we are living in a sad time when others than God can choose if a child will be born, or when a person might die. And we call such choices just and protected rights under the law. Some Catholics believe that aborted fetuses go to hell. What a sad belief. It’s not a choice, it’s a life. What a clever slogan. But people are choosing every day to kill the most innocent of all human beings. I once knew a student at a Christian College who was certain that God had called her into the ministry – onto the mission field. She got pregnant and had an abortion; a baby would have stood in the way of her doing what she was sure God had called her to do.
A time to be born, and a time to die. God knows every soul by name. The numbers of hairs on an aborted babies head. He knows the day each soul should pass on to eternity. The Sanctity of Life…is the choice really up to us?

If God knows a person will be murdered, that the plug will be pulled, that the bomb will fall…is anyone but God to blame? Did Jesus die on the cross because ultimately all Sin was God’s fault anyway…for coming up with a faulty plan. Of course not! That is just cynicism.

And I have set out to pray, not be cynical.

And so I pray, for the lives entrusted to my care. Hurting lives, confused lives. Perhaps lives that sprang from unrighteous behavior, perhaps lives affected by the sins of their parents, oh Lord, protect those lives. At home, at school, on the streets of the community. Protect them Lord, they are lost in sin, lost in the darkness, but not without hope or purpose. Bless them LORD with your truth. Let their ears be opened that they might hear you calling their names.

A time to plant, a time to reap…as long as this world continues, there will be planting time and harvest time. Seasons, determined from creation, changed a little at the time of the flood, perverted at times by the pollution of unwise stewards, but oh joy and rapture…Spring is coming! The land is dry. The drought is not over. But the sparrows sing in full chorus anyway. Glory to the King. Send your rain and rainbows. Send new life and renew your promises. Thy Will be done, Thy Kingdom come.

A time to kill? Is there really ever a time to kill? To kill an enemy rather than to love him. To kill a living soul rather than to try to enlighten it. The Bible says there is a time to kill. Perhaps it is a time to kill lies or bad ideas. Or should we look at it as the opposite of a time to heal. God does not always heal the way we’d like Him to does he? I couldn’t be so cynical as to say that healings don’t happen anymore. But I have serious doubts, when sweet children are trapped in wheel chairs while hopping charismatics declare freedom from a pain in their neck. LORD, my kids need healing. Healing of their intellects, their minds, some even need physical healing in that area. Kill the violent ideas and dark thoughts that rage in their young brains, and replace them with a love and a hunger for truth and life.

A time to break down walls and road blocks and a time to build up the highways of holiness. That’s a nice, religious sounding, churchy thing to say isn’t it? In my community it is time to break down the barriers of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds, and to build up – complete building the housing units that have been sitting undone and ruined for years. That’s a nice, practical way to look at it.

A time to weep, and I can’t seem to stop weeping, for my own family, and the mess they are in, and still for my kids who I am praying for. For the parents who have lost their sons to violence, and the parents whose sons have done the violence. Yet I can still find time to laugh, because junior high students and three year olds, and dogs and cats are just so darn funny! And of course, the God who created giraffes and penguins, and tiny spiders that scare great big mountain men, surely has a sense of humor.

A time to mourn? Just watch the news. And a time to dance, can’t seem to stop my feet from dancing. I miss dancing in our old church. Still the dance continues.

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. I think of that in a very Biblical way. The stones of remembrance, and some things that we just aren’t supposed to remember. Don’t hold on to souvenirs of times too painful to remember, or events that cause bitterness when brought to mind.

A time to embrace…I love a good hug. A time to refrain from embracing? A time I guess to give people space. To not be too clingy.

A time to get, and a time to lose; seems like I’ve been loosing a lot. Still I pray for my kids to “get it”. How I love to hear a student say – I get it!

A time to rend and a time to sew – funny LORD, I can’t even sew a button on. A time to keep silent – oh yeah, I do talk way too much for my own good. Help me to measure my words when I speak. Help me to speak words my students will understand.

When LORD Jesus is it ever time to hate? Love you first, hate the systems and deceits of the World. Love the neighbor and the enemy, hate the trap and prison that keeps them from knowing true LOVE.

A time of war, and a time of peace. Yeah, well I guess there have been righteous wars. There are sure Biblical wars, and one soon to come. War in the world, peace in our hearts. And at least, Peace in my classroom – please!

What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? I sure don’t do this for the money! I know the task which God has given me with which to occupy myself. And my son needs a job real bad. But it’s just work. Eternity is something else. Treasure in heaven is something else.

It’s been proven again and again, that God’s sense of timing is not the same as ours, and he does indeed have an appropriate time for all things, which is why the Word urges us to be patient.

Oh oh, look what verse I am on now.

3:11(b)

*He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Let’s move on…

I think I will cut and paste the rest from the Message…

I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it--eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.
Is not having a job also a gift from God?

Are good times really what this is all about? Is good time the same as being content and the philippians’ joy?

Well maybe. Doesn’t it say everyting is just vanity? If one thinks that fulfilling the task and following the road set before them by God is having a good time…and yeah, Go for it. But see, this is one area of Scripture that is tricky. The Bible says to eat, drink, and be merry. That is not very responsible behavior. You have to look deeper.

I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.

Here’s another of the writer’s great conclusions. Whatever was, is Whatever will be, is. That's how it always is with God.

Do I hear an amen? No not yet. My prayer isn’t over yet. The day isn’t done, the chapter isn’t done. And there is so much more to the book.

I took another good look at what's going on: The very place of judgment--corrupt! The place of righteousness--corrupt! I said to myself, "God will judge righteous and wicked." There's a right time for every thing, every deed--and there's no getting around it. I said to myself regarding the human race, "God's testing the lot of us, showing us up as nothing but animals."

So is this conclusion as true as the one above it?

Humans and animals come to the same end--humans die, animals die. We all breathe the same air. So there's really no advantage in being human. None. Everything's smoke. We all end up in the same place--we all came from dust, we all end up as dust. Nobody knows for sure that the human spirit rises to heaven or that the animal spirit sinks into the earth.

Is this also true? The bible says so. Right here in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20

For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity.

For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. All go to one place:

Is it all vanity? Is it all dust in the wind. Is the writer correct in his conclusions? Nothing better than to have a good time! Nothing else matters.

Life matters, choices matter. Love and Truth matter. Spreading the Good News and making discipels matters. Jesus is a personal Savior, who so loves us...That matters.
Pick up you cross and Follow Him! Trust and Obey.
I'm turning the pages, glancing, skimming the rest of the book. Good ol' Solomon.
So rich...so much...seek wisdom
Yeah Lord, that's what I'm doing...
God bless us, God bless them, God's blessings everyone.
I'll be back.

The Book of James

Last week, my best friend was praying for me and the LORD gave her Jame 5:11.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
The same day some other friends blessed us, using James 2:16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? And we were humbled.
So I decided to spend a few days reading and praying through James. A book written by the brother of Jesus. One of the first books of the New Testament chronilogically speaking. A book, not written to a specific church or town, but to the Twelve Tribes dispersed among the gentiles.
I first read it in the King James Version. Then in The Message. Checking verses in the NIV, and NASB, and Amplified.
And as I read it, I payed a great deal of attention to verse 1:5If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.
Asking in faith for wisdom. It's wisdom that this asking verse is referring to. Not riches or healing, or signs and wonders. Plain, pure wisdom.
More on Wisdom from chapter 2
13Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
Seems to be two kinds of wisdom. Gentle and pure or bitter and demonic. God, help me to be pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. God, give me the right kind of wisdom.
So what about James' declaration that faith without works is dead.
Here is how The Message puts it:
22Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!
26Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. 27Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

from Chapter 2 NASV
14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

19You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

from Chapter 2 NIV
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

How much clearer does that have to be?

Faith can be held without actions...but it won't save. And what about the royal law?

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,"

Forget all this faith only, scritpure only, who cares what the world thinks of us nonsense.
Let's focus on the widows and orphans, let's focus on the sick and homeless.
let's make disciples who understand what it means to be the hands and heart of Jesus in this dark and depraved world.
Well that's all I have to say right now...thanks to all of you who have been praying for my family...my class and my community! Love and Blessings to you all!

Sorrow

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
Another young life gone. He was at our school last year. He was in the high school this year.
He had been in just a couple of my classes before he was transfered to another sped. program.
He'd been missing since January 23. He was found across the highway from our school. His body was in pretty bad shape. No details are known yet.
I love my job. I love my kids. I look at them and realized, it could have been anyone of them.
I look at them and think, will one of them be next? I look at them and I prayer, harder than I have ever prayed before.
My life is a mess...emotionally, financially, and the enemy is attacking, no holds barred at my spirit.
One of my morning time radio preachers was talking about predestination this morning. I turned him off. I think, God never forsakes His elect, and I look at circumstances, and come to school and find out about this young man's death...and then one of my students brings me a coke, and a couple of parents come in and thank me for helping their son. And the room is calm, and I sigh, I write, I say...The Lord is my Shepherd
And I remember to pray, I choose to pray, I have to pray...