Tuesday greetings,

In the name of the Lord let us worship and drawn near to the heart of God. As we continue in the theme of our 'faith removing discrimination,' we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us. The heart of the teachable blesses the Lord. Settle in and wait.

Picking up in chapter two of James and verse 5..."Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" I love again, the reminder that I am His beloved, chosen, to be rich in faith, inheriting all of God's best.

"But you [in contrast] have insulted (humiliated, dishonored, and shown your contempt for) the poor. Is it not the rich who domineer over you? Is it not they who drag you into the law courts? Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [the name of Christ invoked in baptism]?" Who do you blame? What is your stand?

Verse 8..."If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well. But if you show servile regard (prejudice, favoritism) for people, you commit sin and are rebuked and convicted by the Law as violators and offenders." The royal law is the law of love (see 1:25; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). This law is superior to all other laws. So true then, if we show partiality, we commit sin. Wow! I have to pause and think about this!

"For whosoever keeps the Law [as a] whole but stumbles and offends in one [single instance] has become guilty of [breaking] all of it." God's Word says that all have sinned...that is why He sent us His Son to redeem our lives from the pit of hell. For this I am so grateful!

"For He Who said, You shall not commit adultery, also said, You shall not kill. If you do not commit adultery, but do kill, you have become guilty of transgressing the [whole] Law. So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love]. For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment will be merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment."

Praise the Lord for His mercies every morning. Fresh like the morning dew on blades of green grass and upon the petals of flowers. Like sparkles of diamonds we receive His grace for our journey. Only as we are truly desperate for God to touch and change our lives. Why not come to Him now? Wouldn't it be great to be free from sin and set on a path of love?

Jesus put it this way in Luke 14:11..."For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled (ranked below others who are honored or rewarded), and he who humbles himself (keeps a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly) will be exalted (elevated in rank)." So, where ever we find ourselves today, it might be best to keep this in mind. Less of me and more of Him.

There is a song we sing...Humble Thyself in the eyes of the Lord...and He will lift you up. I think of this whenever I read the scriptures about being humble before God and others. Looking ahead to James 4:8..."Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Today, let us submit to the Lord. This also means putting on the full armor of God which includes placing our faith in Him and immersing ourselves in the truth of God's Word. Reading Ephesians 6:11-18. When tempted to judge others or look down on them, we must resist this temptation the devil throws our way. Flee from the evil one. We belong to the army of the living God, so stand firm and having done all...Galatians 5:1, keep standing!

This has been rather involved sharing today. And, I have so many personal stories I could relate to you, but better to let Holy Spirit lead and teach us the way to go. You are dearly prized by God and so I pray you remain in His love and walk like a beloved child. Have a great day. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Bless you, Patricia.

Abundance is...living rich in the love of Jesus.