soakinginHispresense

Ahhhh, deep breath.   Throughout the night I awakened to remember how many groups I had coming today.  Was I prepared for the number of birthday parties?  Do I have the employees scheduled?  Mercy!  It is OVER yet my mind was racing.

The last dream I had before awaking was me singing in a choir.  We weren’t standing, but sitting and singing a song about God’s greatness!  I love awakening with a song of praise in my heart!

After gently walking through the house in the dark, I made it to the den and started reading in the book of James.  Ahhhhhh.  God’s Word.

Peace.

Life!

I hate who I become when I miss time with God!  I become more and more like the world.  I get angry quicker and have a sharp judgmental response.

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  Therefore, 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.

My mouth (in my opinion) becomes more like the world because it isn’t filled with God’s Word.  Instead — grumbling and complaining fills my lips and it grieves me (and I know it grieves the Holy Spirit).

I believe I quoted Joyce Meyer once when she said marinating in God’s presence makes us softer.  This is so true!  When we are soft, sharp – rough people seem to prick us.  Mercy envelops us like a covering and sweetness becomes our aroma.

James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Ouch!

My tongue has been flying out of my mouth like a kite!  (Now, that is a visual.)   When dealing with the public, there is ALWAYS a lot of fodder to chew on!   Lately I have heard this comment come from my mouth and those who work with us:  Common sense ISN’T common to everyone!  Though the statement is true … there is no mercy in it.  I agree, people can be absolutely ridiculous and I wonder HOW they even drive themselves from point A to point B … but I would rather have my heart captured by the Lord.  I want to think on good things — think about Him.

 I need to marinate in God’s presence.

I was just having a quick chat with someone last night and  “experiences” with the Lord were brought up.   There isn’t much I love more than FEELING God’s presence, but all of the experiences I have had in my life are nothing if my heart isn’t changed for His glory.

The last scripture I read this morning was at the end of James chapter 1.

James 1:27
Religion 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.

Wow, I have heard that scripture many times and the focus is always on caring for orphans and widows, but what about the end of the sentence:  KEEP ONESELF FROM BEING POLLUTED BY THE WORLD.

The New Living Translation reads, “refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

Does that mean it is our choice?

Quick to listen …

Slow to speak …

Slow to anger …

Get rid of moral filth …

Keep yourself …

Refuse …

I don’t want to be like James 1:22 warns:

James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says. 

James goes on to say that if you read the word and don’t DO it, you are like a someone who looks in the mirror then walks away and forgets what he looks like.

I don’t want to be foolish like that.  Do you?

God bless you on this beautiful November day!   Thanks for reading.