True Religion

You know all social networking sites ask you about your “religious beliefs.” I find this very interesting and as I scroll down all the different religions I think how many people are not finding out the truth about God. I do not look down at these people or shun them. I see these people as ones that need Christ. In James 1 this isn’t exactly what James was talking about…he was talking about are you living out what your learn, say, read, etc.

But for a Christian what is true religion? For me its having the right heart and the right relationship with Jesus Christ. Its not just talking the talk—saying all the right things, but it is also about walking the talk. There is the well know saying “You can talk the talk and you can walk the walk but your walk talks louder than your talks talk.” This quote for me applies to James 1:26-27. James was warning the church not to practice false religion. Many of the people were being religious by going to church, saying the right things…but were they doing the right things? Do I leave my “religion” in my pew on Sundays and Wednesday then turn around and not do anything about it? Do I leave what I read in the Scriptures in my house and not do anything about it? I have to admit sometimes I do…like with the whole witnessing thing I say I should do it but I do not really hand out tracts and share Christ with others. When i am talking the talk but not walking the walk I am practicing a false religion---I am being hypocritical. May my life not show hypocrisy…I want my life to show Christ.

Having a Humble Heart

Humbleness is a quality that all Christians should have. Humbleness shows us the love we have for God and the willingness to learn what He teaches. In James 1:21, James writes “Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.
Unsaved people when they receive Christ as their Savior should lay aside old habits and sin. This will truly show that they want a new life in Christ.
Christians should keep filthiness and sin out of their lives. Sin separates us from God.
When reading God’s Word we should all take the time to read and study God’s Word. We should take the time to “engraft” God’s Word in our heart. Just as a gardener engrafts a new branch on a tree. I should plant God’s Word in my heart and make it part of my life just as the branch comes part of the tree.
Meekness to me also means being humble. Having a meek and willing spirit to make God’s Word part of my life…seeing the changes that I may need to make in my life. I need to make sure I am humble when going to God’s Word – willing to learn whatever He wants me to—in order to that I need to make sure I lay apart the things that will hinder my relationship with God (like face book) =) 

Thinking of a new title for my blog

So I have been thinking about changing my Blog Title to something else than "Rebecca's Thoughts"
Readers if you have any ideas for a creative title please share! =)

So I've been reading through the book of James this week...I am still on the first 12 verses of chapter one. I am trying to study each verse. It has been a blessing and the Lord sure is teaching me a lot. Once I get to verse 12 I will post it on my blog. 
Life in God's Word has been great and I am hoping this eagerness to read the Bible and study it will stay all year long! =)

God is Good (Again)

Being a Christian school teacher lets just say I do not make a lot of money...I live paycheck by paycheck most of the time. I was praying and thinking of some ways to earn extra money. Then Thursday my administrator came to me to ask if I would like to tutor someone after school! YES I said! So I now have  little bit extra income coming in...God is good for providing my needs!

One week down...maybe three more to go =)

So at the beginning of January I decided to have a "facebook fast." It sure has been hard NOT to get on every moment that I have free. I lasted a week...well not even an entire week without the social network. I FINALLY asked a good friend to help me change me password and NOT to give it to me until February 14th. I told her if I ask before then NOT to let me have it.

So how has my life been without facebook you ask? calm...peaceful....more time to get things done. 

Talking more to REAL people...seeing how they are doing without checking fb...

I will eventually get back on but for now...I am not really missing it as much as I thought!

Exciting THings...and praying really hard

So at 7:27 am my brain isn't quite as creative about titles...funny isnt't it? =)
Well I do have an update! I went to the plastic surgeon on MOnday and he said that the surgery on my nose is a medical need. He noticed that my breathing in being obstructed and that the nuerofibroma is growing back.  He said removing the entire thing will make my nose collapse but that it is possible to rebuild my nose by using carteledge from the tip of my nose and behind my ear. The main thing to pray for is that insurance will see that this is more of a medical need than a cosmetic need.

I am excited about the possibilities!