Sometimes it seems there are common themes running between our Bible studies, devotionals, what we hear on Sundays and little 'lessons' we learn every day. Sometimes they go on for a while, sometimes they're just quick weekly things...

So... shall we share what things it seems God is teaching us? Scriptures to go with it would be neat to see too

A lot about trusting Him, especially when things aren't going my way. Everybody, read Ps. 37 tonight!

Patience! *groans* I can't really go into too many details now, but something I was really hoping for wasn't working out in any way at all, and it seemed like God was telling me that I was way too impatient and needed to let it work out in his timing not mine. I don't know why I never seem to learn this lesson - hopefully this time will be better!

That I'm not as perfect as my pride would like me to think. That I still have the capacity of falling and I still need His grace on a daily basis. I can't do anything of myself...

Has anyone else had those times when they are learning more and having a breakthrough or something and something cliche that they've heard all their lives suddenly takes on meaning?

Oh yeah, patience was sorely tested this past month!

So was mine, Alli.

Are you blaming moi?!

The past few weeks, God's constantly put 'Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart' in my path - my dad's sermon, a word from someone, daily reading, on a jewellery box... and you know what?? It works!

Trusting in Him, and not worrying about the little things too much.

Recently God keeps reminding of James 4:8

Quote:

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

I keep needing the reminder that in order for God to draw near to me, I need to take some responsibility and actively pursue Him.

_________________
Mi familia!
sisters:
Twinkledust
Stylnz
Kris
Berny

cousins:
Rosered
PinkQT

I can't remember the exact reference right now, but there is a passage of Scripture where Christ says that in order to follow Him, in order to be His disciples, we have to 'hate' our family. Obviously that passage doesn't mean to hate them, but it means that, in comparison to our love for God, our love for our family will look like hate. Over the past two days this has been painfully evident. And He is teaching me that what is going on is OK.

My family has basically disowned me because of the ministry path I have chosen. I knew this would be a problem years ago when my mother and I had a discussion about grace and about my book. She, and most of my major immediate family, are under the belief that once someone sins a 'big' sin, they have no right serving in the body of Christ. For instance, a woman at our old church got pregnant out of wedlock and every time she goes up to sing, my grandmother will shut off the radio. They feel she is 'flaunting her sin' by singing on stage with her illegitimate child. Never mind that the child is nearly a teenager and that her mother and father have been married for years now.

I know. It's wrong. I can only formulate my own beliefs, not change theirs. So, needless to say, I have proceeded with guarded caution as I have begun to establish this ministry. I have purposefully withheld information from my family in order to stave off any potential problems. In recent days, my mother has discovered what I intend to do and it has resulted in a disowning of myself by my family. I feel like a stranger in my own home. They will not talk with me, will not text me. They haven't spoken to me in nearly 48 hours. This morning a note lay on the table for me from my mother. Instead of signing with the usual, "Love you, have a good day" the note ended with a cold "thanks."

It's hard. It hurts alot. I am waiting for the word that I have to leave home and never come back. It has happened in other extensions of my family, for different reasons. In fact, I will be spending the next few weeks cutting back on my stuff and repacking most of it. Today, I will start looking for apartments in the DC area...

Following God is not easy, but Christ knew that. That is why He promised to be everything that man could never be.

Aw, Jessica, that really stinks. Hug from Maggie...

Wow Jessica, that's hard! It is really inspiring to see someone willing to follow God despite the costs, all the best!!

Wow that must be so tough Jessica! I couldn't imagine... Thinking of you!

I've been learning lots recently too...

* Look to Christ always - have a living, working faith
* One time commitment of something or someone to God is not good enough - it needs to be constant and unceasing
* Esteem others better than myself
* Faith brings peace
* Love must be unconditional and I am not always 'the most right'
* Do hard things!
* Live for Christ whatever the cost

That was over a week ago - there are definitely new things now in addition to that!

how to just say sorry