Sharon's Sharings

 I have been reminded these past couple of weeks about how important working together is.  As you know, we are moving.  It is an overwhelming task.  There is no way we could do this alone.  Family and friends have helped in so many ways.  Packing, transporting to storage and Value Village.  Helping me stay organized. I was reminded of the phrase “Teamwork makes the dreamwork”.  It really is true.  In day to day life we need each other to achieve our goals.  In the church we need to work together and compliment each others gifting.  Romans 12:4-5 “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”  We need to be able to work together in harmony as Christ calls us to.  Paul directs us in Romans 12:3 NLT “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning:  Don’t think you are better than you really are.  Be honest in your evaluation of

 In the Bible, the Book of James is a book of practical religion.  It is attributed to being written by Jesus’ brother, James.  According to the preface in my Spirit Filled Bible, edited by Jack Hayford, James’s purpose is “primarily practical and ethical, emphasizing duty, rather that doctrine.  His two fundamental emphasis are personal growth in the spiritual life and sensitivity in social relationships.” I love practical advice in scripture.  I am not a Bible scholar or theologian.  I need scripture to be interpreted in a way I can understand, and apply to my daily life.   One scripture in James I especially like is James 1:5 NKJV “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  Reproach (in Strong’s Concordance #3679) has several definitions.  It has come to denote mocking, ridiculing, scolding, insulting and using words angrily or sarcastically.  James 1:5 assures us that God gives without reminding u

 During this graduation season, I often write on cards or quote to young adults: Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”   But… do I always believe it for myself?  Before our existence, God knew us and had appointed our days ~ before they ever came to be.  Jeremiah 1:5a “ I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb… ”  He divinely ordained our steps and knows every struggle, challenge, joy and disappointment.  Life’s challenges can cause us to feel overwhelmed with heartache and sadness.  We can question the plan God has for our life.  It is vital during those times to seek the Lord and draw closer to Him.   Jeremiah 29:12-13 NLT “ In those days when you pray, I will listen. (13) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” We have the assurance from God’s word that the plan God has for us is real.  We can believe that what we pray for in God’s will, in fact,

 Perfectionism :  A propensity for being displeased with anything that is not perfect or does not meet extremely high standards. Humility :  The quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of one’s own importance or rank; a lack of false pride. I have become aware of both of these in a new way.  I tend to want to be a perfectionist in most areas of my life.  I have to remind myself that I can’t always achieve perfection and it is futile to try.  In regards to these weekly letters, I want spelling and grammar to be perfect.  I read and re-read.  I have my husband read and correct.  It seems often though, after I send it, I find an error.  That frustrates me! This past week, the Lord spoke to me and said he was using my mistakes to keep me humble.  Proverbs 11:2 NLT says, “ Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Perfectionism is not a virtue.  Psalms 119:96 NLT “ Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.”  God’s commands can be found in His