Yes!  We are on week four!  We are almost there!  I'm so excited!  Weekends still prove to be difficult for me but reading the Bible daily is becoming more of a habit as each day goes by.

Last week life was just crazy and I was not feeling inspired so there was no "challenge week three" post, I'm sorry to say.  But from that week, I think God revealed something to me that goes along with being in the Word daily.  

I was reading in James and James is just full of good stuff but it was chapter 5:7-11 that I liked. 

"7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.  Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." 

It says to "establish your hearts".  In what?  In God's Word.  The only way to do this is by reading His Word daily and by being rooted up in it.  We need to value God's Word and prefer it to tv, movies, other books, entertainment, wordly pleasures, and selfish desires.  When God's Word is first place in our life then our hearst will be established, unmoved, firm, and steadfast.  It says in Psalm 112:6-8 that when our hearts are established we will not not be shaken, not be afraid of evil tidings, steadfast and trusting in the Lord.  

There's also  picture of an established heart in Psalm 1:2-3,  "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. "  When your heart is established, nothing can move you!  You are like a tree deeply rooted into the ground.  You will not wither when trials come your way.  Instead, you will prosper and bear much fruit!

When you are deeply rooted in God's Word, you can endure all the trials that come your way because God is your strength and you have His law and His promises deep within your heart.  You know what you know is true and nothing can shake you.  Then, like it says in James, you will be blessed because you endured and persevered faithfully.  And the key, I think for me, is to be deeply rooted in the spiritual truth set in James 5:11.  To know absolutely, always, without a shadow of a doubt in your mind, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.  He has a soft , tender, generous, sympathizing, forgiving, and kind heart.  (Psalm 86:5,15)  He has your best interests at heart and loves you unconditionally.

Last week, I doubted His love to me.  I turned my back on Him and my thoughts entertained ideas that were not true.  Because my heart was not established and rooted I kept listening to the devil's deceit.  I became afraid, I was angry at God, and as a result my faith swayed with my circumstances.  As I repented, though, and realized what a wretched sinner I am, God showed me how merciful and compassionate He is.  He took me back with open arms and loves me unconditionally.  He is so faithful and true.  Steadfast and never changing.  That is how I want to be.  Like a tree so deeply rooted in His Word that the devil's darts will never shake me.  I have to be faithful in establishing my heart "for the coming of the Lord is at hand."   I want to be ready.

Don't quit and don't miss out on what the Lord has for you!  

Share Your Heart!

April 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaof3

I'm a bit discouraged - I'm not doing very well...I get going on too many other things...first...I say that ashamedly. --- Praying you are doing well - I was thinking of how much Titus must be growing - because my sister is having twins (a boy and a girl) and we've been thinking of unique names - and I suggested TITUS. - Have a great rest of your day! - Charity

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April 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaof3

I'm having a contest on my blog - I'd love for you to join in on the fun and share about it here - Thanks! - Charity

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April 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by trustingdaily

Hey Leah! - The last two weeks have been so bumpy!! Ug...We ended up spending two weeks in Missisippi instead of just one. (big sigh..) I'm home now and got up bright and early to have my quiet time. The day was most wonderful....
I honestly cannot believe it's already almost over! Wow...

I'm always encouraged to see what you've gleaned from the Word. Thanks for sharing such rich posts.

Love, Angela

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April 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by hugs4Him

I understand. I still haven't maintained a "routine" yet, although it is becoming more of a habit thankfully.

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