Perseverance, Blessings, Faith

While soaking in the tub this afternoon (after slaving away at my Monday cleaning), I took the time to read my Bible.  I'm guilty, oh so guilty, of not taking the time to read my Bible.  However, when you are I am going through trials, you are I am more likely to actually pick up my Bible, dust it off, and read it.  *Gasp* I don't read my Bible 7 days a week, 265 days a year.  Do you?  If you do, how do you remain so disciplined?  Ok, so back to me.  After all, it's my blog and it's all about me. 

I opened my big maroon Bible and the front page reads, "Jolene, Merry Christmas.  I love you SO much.  I pray that God blesses you as much as He blessed me with YOU!  I love you & so does Jesus, Aaron"  Awww...I had forgotten he gave me this our first Christmas together as a married couple.  Oh, and Aaron, He has blessed me ten fold!  Thanks for praying! 

I turned the pages, looked through the concordance, and nothing really said, "read this."  So, I thumbed through and read the beginning of each book to see what it's about.  It's a study Bible, so it has lots to study and many extras.  I came across James in the New Testament.  "Purpose: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior."  Boy could we I use that!  So onward I read....

To summarize what stood out to me (James 1)...
*Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials...facing trial...considering it joy.  Not really, but I'll try.
*The testing of my faith develops perseverance.  I'm being tested and I'm trying to persevere.  Although, we haven't really "felt" the loss of his job in the finances yet.  I know we will, this will come in handy.  I'll tuck that away in my heart.
*Don't be a doubting Thomas.  When I ask for God to bless us with a job for Aaron or food on our table, I need to believe it will happen.  Got it.
*God tests, Satan tempts...don't confuse the two!
*Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to beome angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  Oh, thank you Jesus for your reminder.  My anger seems to get the best of me.  You know, when life is stressful and the kids are biding for attention.  Oh, how I need to be slow to speak when I feel Aaron isn't diligently looking for a job or doing his share.  Please God, help me to live this out!
*Keep a tight rein on your tongue...Oh God, please! please! please!  HELP ME!  I cuss at the drop of a hat and man do I need You to grab my tongue.  I cannot do it alone!

In light of my reading, cause the Word is the lamp upon my feet, I believe God will carry me through the coming weeks.  I believe food will be on the table for each meal.  I believe God will hold my tongue.  I believe I can keep my anger at bay with His help. 

And tonight, it happened, God showed up at my door.  Not God in the flesh, but an old friend and his son.  In their hands, two take and bake pizzas and a gas gift card.  Isn't it like God to show up and prove that what I read today is absolute truth?  Isn't that AWESOME!

Thank you, Jesus!  I look forward to more time with You tomorrow.