If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.
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THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, is now available. Ready to inspire, strengthen, and encourage you to pursue God’s path with unwavering faith. And as proof that miracles still happen, my “desk” is finally clear–turns out writing a book creates more clutter than ever imaginable.
But what you see below is a very messy table, with stacks of books and Bibles that filled every nook and cranny of my dining room as this book was being produced!
My work “desk” during a neat phase!
Unstoppable is officially LIVE and ready to jump off the shelves! You can grab it on Amazon or order it at your favorite local bookstore. But before I get into the wild ride that was my writing and publishing journey, let me tell you what’s inside.
This book began as a love letter to my children, a way for them to hear my voice long after I’m gone. But somewhere along the way, I realized it wasn’t just for them. It was for every believer, every seeker, every soul longing to know God more. The words are mine. Every thought, every bit of wisdom comes from a journey with the Lord. And I hope that as you read, you hear my voice—not just in ink, but in your heart. It is a book about the Bible, Prayer, Christian Living, Leadership, and Crises.”
The Writing Process
Writing a book should come with a survival guide. Between editing, formatting, and proofing (more than one hundred times), I learned that endnotes and bibliographies were designed to evaluate human patience. My dining room transformed into a battlefield of books, sticky notes, and a laptop that looked like it had survived a war. In an attempt to feel like I was in control of something, I started frequenting the nail salon. If nothing else, the salon became a form of stress relief to me.
And then there were the technical nightmares—the formatting jargon no one warns you about. Acrobat, DPI, cropping, templates, first-line indents, hyperlinks, marketing strategies, and the dreaded Kindle Previewer. I wrestled with Smashwords, preorders, reflowable text, TOC (which I now believe stands for “Totally Overwhelming Chaos”), citations, quotation marks, italics, and hyphens. Every minor detail became a new mountain to climb. Somewhere between resizing eBook files and debating whether “almighty” should be capitalized or not, I pondered every life instance, from toddlerhood to now, that the Lord allowed me to until this moment. And yes, He prepared me.
What God Taught Me Through the Process
But in all the challenges, God was working on me. He taught me patience, the importance of time management (because writing at 2 a.m. is not sustainable), and the power of prayer (especially when my manuscript almost disappeared into the abyss). I learned about His glory and honor, self-control, thankfulness, and stick-to-itiveness. Quitting was never an option. The Lord reminded me that persistence matters, that gratitude changes everything, and that friends, faith, and a sound support system are essential.
The Publishing Process
Ah, publishing—the part where a writer either gets an agent or slowly realizes that the industry now requires social media influence and more friends than you have. After six months of rejections and feedback that I wasn’t quite “popular enough,” I did what any stubborn writer would do—I self-published. Again.
This final process was chaotic, exhausting, but God nudged me forward, whispering that this book mattered. And when God nudges, you listen and obey—even if you’re delirious from lack of sleep.
Conclusion
So, here it is—Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God. It’s in the wild now, floating in Amazon’s Sea of millions of books. Will it become a bestseller? Who knows. But that’s never been the point. It’s a book of faith, a book of endurance, and, frankly, a book that put me through the ringer. And I believe it’s meant for someone, maybe even you.
So, go ahead and grab a copy. Not just because I’d love for you to buy it, but because I believe God has a purpose for everyone’s life, and it was written to help people live a godly life and “go the distance,” until God calls them home.
For ages 12 and above!
Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Paperback ISBN-13, 9798284335017
Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Hardcover ISBN-1, 9798284456651
It’s on Kindle too!
Feel free to share, forward, or comment as desired.
If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!
Pray
The beauty of having your own blog is that you can ramble. That is precisely what I am doing in this blog. I am rambling about prayer and Bible study, my two favorite topics.
Since I accepted Christ 53 years ago, prayer and Bible study have been the foundation that has held me together. Through trials and triumphs, I’ve learned that growth and maturity in the Lord come through these very struggles. Life hasn’t always been easy, but God has faithfully used my challenges to shape my heart and spirit.
Today, I experienced an answer to a concern I’ve had for decades—an answer I longed for. It came through a person I visited with for the very first time! It reminded me that God works in ways we often don’t expect and in His timing. This blessing stirred my heart, reaffirming that waiting upon the Lord’s answers and direction is not passive; it’s active and leads to an exciting prayer life. But timing is everything!
Have you ever felt God’s presence while waiting for God’s answers?
The Struggle and the Call to Wait
I admit that struggling with my heart’s desires tests me. Yet, over the years, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in answering prayers, sometimes in ways I don’t immediately understand. Even so, in moments of uncertainty, I continue to cry out to God, asking Him to enlighten my thoughts through His Holy Spirit. These times of prayer are vital. Perhaps you’ve felt this, too: the need to seek God’s wisdom when your mind is clouded or uncertain.
Prayer requires dedication and intention. Developing a meaningful prayer time takes effort and time. It isn’t always the same, but the process of prayer is transformative. As we wait for God to answer our prayers, we must also declutter our minds and focus on Him. Worship and adoration invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate His presence, allowing us to align our thoughts and hearts with His will.
Praying for Everything and Everyone
The Bible instructs us to pray about everything. We should pray even when we don’t understand what is happening, especially when our hearts and minds bounce around with different scenarios.
God hears us when we pray, and He will answer. Through prayer, we learn to release our burdens and trust Him fully.
Forgiveness is an essential part of our prayer lives. Repentance/confession brings peace. We are called to meditate on God’s Word, not through emptying our minds but by filling them with His truth. This meditation is an active, vibrant fellowship with God, where His Word becomes our guide and comfort. Interceding for others is another crucial aspect of prayer.
For almost 50 years, I’ve kept a prayer journal, even before prayer journals were popular. Looking back at those entries, I can see how God has guided me, comforted me, and answered countless prayers. It’s an amazing privilege to track the journey of faith and see how God has worked—both in my own life and in the lives of others.
Answered Prayers, Bible, and Transformation
Sometimes, prayers aren’t answered as we hoped, but they are still answered in God’s perfect timing within His will. From our perspective, we sometimes feel God is not moving when our prayers are unanswered. However, all prayers are answered (maybe not to our liking) but in ways that align with God’s more excellent plan. Through all of it, praising and thanking God strengthens our prayer lives and deepens our trust in Him.
Arnold Cole and Pamela Caudill Ovwighn conducted a study through the Center for Bible Engagement. They discovered that people who read the Bible once, twice, or three times a week experience nominal spiritual growth. According to their research, “If you read the Bible on more days than you don’t read the Bible, your chances for mature Christian behavior go way up.” ¹
When we commit to praying and studying God’s Word more often, we begin to change. The ultimate goal of prayer and Scripture is to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process is exciting and fulfilling.
Prayer is not just about asking for what we desire, even though we can ask for that as long as it is not something Scripture has already proven wrong. Prayer allows us to become more like the One we are praying to; thus, His desires also become our desires. We must remember that God knows our hearts. And how exciting it can be when God pours His favor on us!
Holy Bible
Trusting God in His Timing
Many of us are praying specific prayers right now. I know I am. Waiting can be difficult, but it is in this waiting that our trust in God deepens. The goal is to learn to trust Him fully, and I long for this kind of trust—for myself and you, too.
I hope this blog makes sense since I am just writing and rambling!
God bless.
Bible Verses
If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well (Galatians 5:17 NASB),
And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45 NKJV).
Show me your favor, God. I go to you for safety. I will find safety in the shadow of your wings (Psalms 57:1 NIRV).
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I do not know what or how to pray. Teach me what the Holy Spirit is leading me to understand. Remind me daily to get alone with You for prayer and Bible study. Awaken me, and help me to be transformed into Your image. Keep me from temptations because the Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Thank you for loving me and guiding me in Your timing. Give me the patience to wait on You.
If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.
Title: Note Worthy New Testament: Read and Journal Through the New Testament in a Year. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2024.
[ISBN: 978-1-4003-38-559]
As a Thomas Nelson Bible Reviewer, I received an imitation leather soft edition of the 2024 Note Worthy New Testament as a gift, and I am pleased to offer an honest review of this New King James Version Bible.
First Impressions
Upon opening this Bible, I was immediately impressed. The size, tactile quality, and font size are perfect. The layout encourages readers to complete the New Testament in a year, but it offers the flexibility to read ahead by tackling multiple sections at a time. I particularly appreciate the absence of fixed reading dates, allowing anyone to start or resume their journey through the scriptures at their convenience.
Aesthetic Appeal
Measuring 6 ½ x 8 inches, this New Testament is a joy to hold, thanks to its soft, brown leather cover. It’s a delight for those who appreciate a sensory experience when engaging with their Bible. With its high-quality construction, it appeals equally to both men and women. The Bible is flat when opened, features a beautiful brown ribbon placeholder, and showcases gold-rimmed pages that elevate its elegance.
Note Worthy New Testament
Internal Appeal
Within its 378 pages, the Bible features a well-organized structure with six daily weekly readings. Although the page margins are only ½ inch, there’s ample lined space for notetaking, journaling, and prayer requests. Each daily reading is preceded by a short phrase, for example, Week 32, Day 3, ’Be ready to obey,’ along with the corresponding scripture address (e.g., Romans 7:13-8:17). The heavy white paper is conducive to highlighting, underlining, and note-taking with pens.
Note Worthy New Testament
Purpose of the Note Worthy New Testament
This Bible aims to draw readers closer to Jesus Christ through engagement with the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. It’s also an excellent challenge for those who have yet to embark on a Bible reading plan or those looking to rejuvenate their spiritual journey.
Drawbacks
Two minor drawbacks are that Jesus’s words are not printed in red, which some readers might prefer. There are many Old Testament prophecies throughout the Bible in the New Testament, but they lack their Old Testament address for reference if desired. I believe that would be helpful for many, including me.
Valuable Information
While this Bible may not satisfy those seeking in-depth study resources—such as notes, footnotes, references, dictionaries, concordances, images, or maps—it excels in helping personal interaction with God’s word. It is an excellent choice for everyday reading and makes a beautiful gift. Its moderate size allows it to fit comfortably in a medium-sized purse or backpack. For pastors and speakers, it’s perfect for holding while preaching or ministering. A helpful introductory page also explains how to make the most of this Bible.
Spiritually, the New Testament provides guidance, comfort, and the potential for growth in various areas of life, including work, relationships, parenting, and more. I hope this Bible—like any Bible—will lead you to a deeper understanding of God’s presence.
Note Worthy New Testament
My Plan
As I prepare to teach on the New Testament soon, I plan to encourage attendees to engage with this reading plan, even if that means tripling their readings to meet our timeline.
I also recommend this Bible as a thoughtful gift for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, and other occasions.
Final Word
I wholeheartedly recommend the Note Worthy New Testament, which will be released on October 29, 2024, and will retail for $34.99.
Feel free to share this review with others. May it encourage hearts and remind us that we’re never alone on this path. The Lord is with us.
If you like articles like this, please subscribe to my blog on the right-hand side of this article, where it states, “SUBSCRIBE TO BLOG VIA EMAIL.” You will then be asked to confirm your subscription through an email request.
Bible Verse
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).
Bible Word Search Puzzlesby Patti Greene, available on Amazon
I should have known that when my husband John left his suit and tie job, he would retreat to his roots. Yes, he majored in agriculture—a field I knew nothing about and still don’t.
Gratefully, John has found enjoyment in volunteering at the Coastal Prairie Conservancy for the past two years. This conservancy was formerly known as The Katy Prairie Conservancy. This group’s claim to fame is to sustain “a resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever.”¹
Today, I finally joined John to see what it was all about and to be his “personal assistant,” by pushing a computer key to advance the teaching slides while he taught a class. I passed with flying colors, and John was extremely happy!
I observed where he spends his Tuesdays and Fridays! And I took some pics while I was out there and matched them up with Bible verses. Yes, I am geeky that way.
However, as John says, “You can take a city girl to the country, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” So true.
After today, I think I am ready for a church job in IT since I now feel qualified to push computer keys efficiently! I need to use my new DBU theological degree somewhere.
Is anyone hiring?
Have a blessed day.
¹ Coastal Prairie Conservancy, 21 October 2023, Coastal Prairie Conservancy.
Bible Verses
LOVE
This, I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
Love your spouse, your friends, the brethren, and others.
JOY
“For to a person who is good in his sight, he has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” Ecclesiastes 2:26
Share what God has taught you with others.
PEACE
“You will go out, enjoy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
It was peaceful and beautiful out in nature. I should do it more often.
PATIENCE
“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth, and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too must be patient….” James 5:7-8
God uses the times we “have to be patient” to grow us and get us ready for His next assignment. I can’t wait to see what that will be.
I do have some hopes and desires.
KINDNESS
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer, another withhold what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing, will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:24-25
Be kind to others. We never know what kind of day, week, or life they have had.
GOODNESS
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, be strong, and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14
Waiting is hard, but keep serving the Lord while waiting, even if it takes years and years.
FAITHFULNESS
“Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the Earth. Righteousness shines down from the sky” Psalm 85:11
God knows the paths He has for us! Travel His paths to see the flowers.
GENTLENESS
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
I was really gentle with the computer keys!
SELF-CONTROL
“For the spirit, God gave us does not make us timid; it gives us power, love and self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Instead of going on the trails, I sat peacefully and with discipline to work on this post and study for Wednesday’s Bible study.
God has a path of life for believers in Jesus. Are you on that path of following Jesus or heading down a different one?
8-28-2023 – By Patti Greene
_____________________________
Do you feel you are on the right path of life, following your Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slipping slowly down the wrong path?
God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the path of life.
As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. One that always attracted me is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.
Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes home is where he’d rather be.
Twice during his adventure, Scuffy said, “This is the life for me.” The first time, he was leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure. The second time was when he realized he already had been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who loved him.
Our goal should be to reach the point where we say right where we are, “This is the life for me.”
God wants us to understand we can know our path. Hopefully, it is the one he has set apart for us, but we must choose it.
Choices
In Psalms 16, King David declares he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).
What path does God want us to be on for him?
In his Tyndale Old Testament Commentary on Psalms 1–72, Derek Kidner defines a person on the right path of life asone whose affections are centered on God. This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.
We have two choices we can make in life: (1) accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and (2) follow God’s path for us leading to total joy in his presence.
We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience spiritual struggles. David trusted the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.
Righteousness and unrighteousness
As believers, we continually must choose between righteousness and unrighteousness. We want to walk in victory, but sometimes we find ourselves desiring things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.
We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of repeatedly sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross and follow him.
“And he was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23 NASB95).
“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death …” (Proverbs 10:28 Amplified Bible).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, so that he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NASB).
Reroute and redirect
A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.
It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, guiding drivers through congested areas, tracking packages, locating vehicles and more.
It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives. He shows us which way to turn, signals us on which way to proceed, helps us reach the destination and call of our lives, and guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.
Our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow his path.
‘This is the life for me’
Scuffy’s path of life allowed him to travel in a way that was not good for him. In the process, he enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then the flood waters came, and the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.
God can do the same for us as we travel our path of life.
Just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God will do the same for us when we choose to live for him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble.
Let’s live victoriously in his presence along the path he has prepared for us.
Patti Greene is a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. The views are those of the author.
Do you feel that you are on the right path of life, following the Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slowly slipping down the wrong path?
God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the Path of Life.
As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. But one which always attracted me, and still draws me to this day, is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.
Amazon’s book description mentions that Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes that home is where he’d rather be.
After traveling through dangerous situations, his life became more complicated. Eventually, Scuffy arrives home to the man with the polka-dot tie and his little boy, and he proclaims, “This is the life for me.”
Our goal should be to reach the point where we say, “This is the life for me,” right where we are on the path God has provided us. Scuffy used the quoted phrase twice: once in leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure, and again when he realized he had already been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who love him.
God wants us to understand that we can know our path. And hopefully, it is the one He has set apart for us, but we must choose it.
Life Choices
In Psalm 16, King David declares that he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11 ESV).
What path does God want us to be on for Him?
The late British Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner defined a person on the right path of life as “someone who takes refuge in God and knows life and joy.” This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.
As believers, we have two major choices to make in life:
We must decide whether to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and then
2. We must follow God’s path, which leads us to joy in His presence.
We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience struggles. Jesus is the light of the world, but He always uses our struggles and sufferings for His good. There is a purpose for all He does. Suffering causes us to depend on Him in ways we never have done before. David trusted that the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.
Some call the path of life a journey or route. David knew that he would find total joy by following God’s directions. His suffering led him to heed God’s instruction.
God’s Instructions for Us
Stay in communication with our heavenly Father,
Read His word daily and let His principles and examples saturate our minds,
Be obedient to what you read in the Bible,
Confess sins and ask the Lord to help you in both your thoughts and actions so that those sins will not have a stronghold in your life,
Decide not to visit places that lead you into temptation,
Believe the Lord will guide us to Biblical principles and Scripture so we can know the right things to do, and
Seek His kingdom above all others.
Following the instructions above is easier said than done. I have been there, working through each and every instruction listed above. I also know it takes longer to heed God’s instructions than He or I would like sometimes. However, God has always been available to hear my concerns, thoughts, struggles, and desires. I have also learned it is best to converse with God about our plans before depending on or requesting guidance from others. It is in Him we must confide our deepest longings.
He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray (Prov. 10:17 NASB95).
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Tim. 3:16).
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).
If you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach (Deut. 30:10-11 NIV).
Righteousness and Unrighteousness
“Wrong”, “Right” and question marks, Canva.
We will encounter testing and temptation on our path, but when we saturate our lives with God’s word and principles, we can be satisfied that we are following the right track. Even as believers, though, we must continually choose between righteousness and unrighteousness.
We want to walk in victory, but sometimes, we desire things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.
We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross, and follow Him.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes (Prov.10:28).
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Results of Living Right—Joy and Heaven
Woman in poppy field, Canva.
Psalm 16:11 concludes by saying if we follow God’s path, we will have complete joy and pleasures forever.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps.16:11 ESV).
When the temple restoration began in Jerusalem during the time of the prophet Ezra, we can understand the joy and what kind of joy God has in store for us. The builders had laid the foundation of the temple.
They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid! Ezra 3:11 AMP).
When we lay a Godly foundation in our lives, we can experience joy in the presence of the LORD. God cares about the path of life we choose. And when we strive to be on his team, we can live joyfully in his presence. We can also experience everlasting pleasures in this life and the next as we lift our eyes to Jesus.
It is a beautiful gift from the Lord that we can experience pleasures forever when our lives are over here. Living with our Lord and Savior in heaven is a deep gratification and satisfaction we can look forward to.
In this earthly life, we fail often, but God is always willing to pick us up and reroute and redirect our path.
Reroute and Redirect
307 Redirect, Canva
What is the purpose of a navigation system? A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.
It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, tracking packages, locating vehicles, and more. It guides the cars by directing the drivers through congested areas.
It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives.
He shows us which way to turn—to the right or the left.
He signals us on which way to proceed or not proceed.
He helps us to reach the destination and call of our lives, and
God guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.
However, our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow His path.
I love the story about how God rerouted one young boy. In sharing with another, one older man said:
__________
It’s true. I have had some terrible disappointments in my day, but none stands out like the one that came to me as a boy.
And what was that?
That was the night I crawled under a tent to see a circus—and found myself at a revival meeting!
__________
God continually tries to woo us back to him. Relief may be found in a Bible verse that comes alive to us. It may be a friend directing us back to a godly life. It may come about after agonizing prayers to remove wishes or desires that are not beneficial to our spiritual health. But, no matter how God chooses to get our attention, it is up to us to choose His path.
We need to listen and obey Him. Live in His righteousness. Get on the path he has prepared for us. And if surrendering areas of our lives to His will seems complicated, remember to talk to the Lord about everything. We can ask for His help and protection to rid ourselves of untimely thoughts or actions.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6 NASB95).
A person’s mind plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps (Prov. 16:9).
This is the Life for Me!
After Scuffy’s journey away from his home, he says, “I wish I could find the man with the polka dot tie and little boy.” And soon, the man with the polka-dot tie reached out, picked him up, and brought him safely home. Scuffy learned that the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence.
Scuffy’s path in life allowed him to experience adventures he initially enjoyed but became dangerous. He enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then, the flood waters came until the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.
And just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God does the same for us when we choose to live for Him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble or get ahead of His will.
Let us live victoriously in his presence, along the paths He has prepared for us, because “this is the life for us!”
God bless you.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that I can be confident that You have a plan for my life. Thank you that I can trust that You will show me that plan in Your timing and in a way that honors You. Please give me the wisdom to acknowledge and follow Your plan quickly, without hesitation, so You can use me for Your glory before I meet You face-to-face. Why? Because Your way is the only life for me. Amen.
Bible Verses are located within this article.
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Notes:
Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible 95, The English Standard Version, The New International Version, and The Amplified Bible.
Barry, John D., et al., Faithful Study Bible, Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
Chinemerem, Barabas Iwuala. “How to Stop Navigation Using Google Assistant, Feb. 3, 2023. https://techqlik.com/how-stop-navigation-using-google-assistant.
Crampton, Gertrude. Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventures Down the River. New York: A Golden Book, 1946, 1983.
The Speaker’s Desk Book, ed. Lawrence Hembree and the staff of Quote. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1967.
I started out yesterday with my list of things to do. My list consisted of a doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am, picking up my new eyeglasses, and meeting my retired teacher friends for lunch.
I arrived for my doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am, and it was over at 9:15, if you can believe that, so I had two hours to kill. I couldn’t go home because our home was 45 minutes away, and everything was in the same part of town as where I was for my doctor’s appointment.
So, I went to an HEB grocery store parking lot, sat in my car, and read for an hour. I like to read. A lot, actually! In fact, I was reading about how much illustrations add when preparing a message—little did I know an illustration opportunity was about to be bestowed on me.
When I got bored sitting in the HEB parking lot, I decided to go and sit in front of Visionworks until they opened. But God had different plans.
As I was leaving the HEB parking lot, I saw a Denny’s and decided to grab a takeout cup of coffee. While in Denny’s, I noticed an elderly lady with her walking cane propped up beside her. She was sitting alone. When my coffee was ready, I felt the holy nudge to talk to her, so I walked up to her table and said, “Are you alone? Would you like some company?” She graciously said, “Yes, of course.” Her name was Joanne.
We had a wonderful time chatting. I heard about her life, and she heard about mine. A lot of talking happened in 30 minutes. She was a widow. Her husband passed away about 15 years ago, and she comes to Denny’s about 2 or 3 times a week to get out. When I said goodbye, my heart was full! We were both blessed by this divine appointment.
And I still made it to Visionworks and lunch with my friends!
Today
Today in Bible study, we were talking about how to hear God. We discussed the usual things—prayer, Bible reading, talking to wise counselors, and more. But, sometimes, you just know what to do at the moment.
Pondering Thoughts
Little did I know when I walked into Denny’s that God had an assignment for me. When I saw JoAnne all alone, my mind raced back to the many times I took my elderly mother and her friends to IHOP or Denny’s, and when I saw this lady alone, my heart knew what I was supposed to do.
God knew I needed to be out of my doctor’s appointment quickly; He knew I needed to sit in the HEB parking lot for precisely an hour; He knew I needed to leave the parking lot to see Denny’s right in front of me; He gave me the desire to go in and get some coffee. The rest is history.
And who knew that God would combine a doctor’s office visit, an HEB parking lot, a trip to Visionworks, and a glance-over to Denny’s to create a divine appointment?
As you go along your daily life, God may present small opportunities for service and kindness. Don’t pass them by. Today, if you feel that holy nudge, don’t be afraid. Act on it. It may be just what you and the other person need at that exact moment.
Random Quote: “Kindness is more than a word; it is a choice to act with love, compassion, generosity,and service towards others and oneself.”
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
Prayer:
Dear God, thanks for so much in my life. Thank You for giving me time to pray. Thank You for the pleasure of reading Your Word. And thank You for the small things You put in my life—the things that bless me and the revelations You show me. But, even thank You for the things You have not revealed to me yet, for I know Your plans are the best for me. Give me patience and contentment until Your timing is shown to me. I love You.
Me
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This article may not be reproduced except for written permission from the author.
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Books by Patti
3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.
Today, in our summary of the Book of James, we will be looking at it from the viewpoint of the “five W’s.” Researchers, journalists, and other investigators use the “five W’s” to find out the full story of a person or subject. They include using these essential words: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. So, let’s get started.
Who Wrote The Book of James? And Who was Its Audience?
Most scholars believe James, the oldest half-brother of Jesus, wrote this five-chapter book. It is thought that James did not initially believe in Jesus, but that he became a believer after Jesus’ resurrection when the risen Lord visited him. James eventually became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. He wrote this letter to the scattered Jewish believers as their pastor, telling them to make changes in their lives and relationships with others. James never called himself an apostle, but in James 1:1, he calls himself “a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” He is the most likely candidate for authorship.
However, some consider two other Jameses in the Bible to be possibilities for authorship. A few scholars credit James, son of Zebedee and one of the apostles and brother of John, as the author. This theory is usually discredited because this James was martyred in 44 A.D. by Herod Agrippa.
Others consider that James, son of Alphaeus, one of the twelve apostles, is the author. On the contrary, this James was somewhat obscure, so most Biblical scholars choose the author of the Book of James as Jesus’ half-brother—the man who is known to have knees like a camel because of the amount of time on his knees before God.
James writes from Jerusalem to the audience of the twelve tribes scattered among the nations, mainly in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. These were Jewish Christians who spread from the early Jewish Church in Jerusalem because of the spiritual decline in Jerusalem and the testing and trials they were encountering, primarily from Jewish unbelievers.
What Themes are Covered in The Book of James?
The main themes of The Book of James revolve around practical and ethical Christian living. Biblegateway.com lists ten themes in the book.¹
God is the source of all wisdom
Testing and trials
Wealth and oppression
Material things will not last
The unjust rich
Everything belongs to God
Favoritism
Godly Speech
Faith and Good Deeds
The Law
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives evidence of the vast topics many people are interested in and are desirous of studying.
Where is the Book of James Located in the Bible?
James is in the New Testament between the Book of Hebrews, which discusses perfection, and 1 Peter, which deliberates about the importance of knowing Jesus.
When was The Book of James Written?
The Book of James is believed to be one of the first New Testament books written. Most scholars date this book after the death of Jesus Christ—around 48 A.D.
Why Read The Book of James?
The biggest reason to read The Book of James is for its practical instructions for our life. By including multiple references to Jesus’ teaching, believers can learn to follow Christ and His principles more precisely. And who doesn’t need to know how to have patience during trials and temptations, how not to be hypocritical, how not to express favoritism, and more? Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with our faith.”²
The challenge awaits to read, study, and apply James’ principles soas believers, we can talk and walk humbly before our heavenly Father and others.
Contained above are only small snippets into The Book of James, but hopefully, you have gained some insight that encourages you to dig deeper into God’s word. And as a plus, remember that the “five W’s” can be used to pursue your Bible studies, and for that matter, any other studies.
Great Verses in the Book of James (NASB)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, James 1:2
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? James 2:14
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; James 1:19
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. James 3:1
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. James 3:14
BIBLE VERSES:
See above.
PRAYER:
Oh, my heavenly Father, create in me a desire to delve more into Your word—The Bible. Give me Your insights into living my Christian life to its fullest potential. Would you please give me the grace to follow the Holy Spirit? Use me. Please enlighten me. Lead me closer to You every day. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
God Bless,
¹ Biblegateway. Accessed 23 Nov 2021. biblegateway.com.
² Swindoll, Chuck. Accessed 23 Nov 2021. insightforliving.com.
Edited by E. Johnson.
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Today, let us summarize a pericope from James 1:5-8.
Did I catch your attention with the word “pericope”? It is not a common word used outside of theological studies, but I will share my new vocabulary with you since I recently learned its meaning. Oxford Lexico defines a pericope as “an extract from a text, especially a passage from the Bible.” ¹
So, let’s move on!
JAMES 1:5 SAYS
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
We all encounter trials! That is why we need wisdom. We must ask God for wisdom. Why? Because He gives it to us liberally and without reproach. Reproach means “disapproval or disappointment.”
In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you?”
And Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”
God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,
wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you. (2 Chron 1:7-12 NASB).
JAMES 1:6 STATES
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
If we do not believe God will give His wisdom to us, James compares us to a wave of the sea tossed by the wind. We need to be solid and firm, not insipid about our faith.
JAMES 1:7-8 CONTINUES
For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James calls the one who does not believe he will receive wisdom from God a “double-minded man.” Some scholars call him a “double-souled man.” James also says that such a person should not expect anything from the Lord. What a tragedy when God wants to give us the best life possible by emulating Himself!
SOLOMON AND THE BABIES
In 1 Kings 3:16-28 (CEV), Solomon, a man of wisdom, had to make a difficult decision.
Two women came to him, and the first woman told him that she lived alone in the same house with another woman. This woman had a baby boy, and three days later, the second woman also had a baby boy. While they were sleeping, the second lady rolled over her baby, and he died. Then, she got up and took the first woman’s son out of her bed and put the dead baby next to her.
As you can imagine, the first woman saw the dead baby in the morning and knew it was not her son. In front of King Solomon, they continued arguing back and forth.
The king said, “Someone bring me a sword.” When a sword was brought to Solomon, he ordered that the living baby be cut in half, so each woman could have a part of the baby.
The real mother screamed, “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just do not kill him.” The second woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.”
With all his godly wisdom, Solomon said, “Don’t kill the baby.” Pointing to the first woman, he declared, “She is his real mother. Give the baby to her.” And all Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon wisely made his decision.
This kind of wisdom is possible for us as well. I experienced God’s wisdom when I asked Him for it early in my spiritual walk.
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH PRAYING FOR WISDOM
Back in the 1970s I was an elementary-grade teacher in the Fort Worth, Texas school system. Each spring, teachers selected by the district to be retained had to decide whether to sign a new contract, confirm their agreement to stay for the upcoming school year, or not sign and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Before me was the question of whether to stay in Fort Worth, or move to Houston. It was my first encounter with genuinely seeking God’s wisdom.
On April 1, 1977, our principal walked into my classroom while I was teaching and, in front of everyone, handed me my contract for the upcoming year. “I need it back by 4:00 p.m. today,” he said.
I was struck with fear of being forced to make such a consequential decision so quickly! I gave my students some busy work and consulted my Bible. I prayed, then searched the Scripture for the Lord’s direction.
Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything.
While it does not make sense to anyone else but me, that verse might as well have said, “Patti, move to Houston.” That very day, I told my principal I was moving and never looked back.
I can say that following James 1:5 in asking for God’s wisdom, He answers. It might not be the way one might envision or in the timeline preferred, but God loves us so much and has so much compassion on us that He always answers at just the right time.
HOW TO ATTAIN WISDOM
Ask for wisdom—not human understanding, but divine wisdom from God’s Holy Spirit.
Make it a habit to cleanse yourself from all known sins.
Trust in God’s word to guide you as you seek His wisdom, then
Trust that God’s wisdom will change your life.
God makes wisdom attainable to us. My charge is for you to follow the steps above and always recall this Godly pericope from James 1:5-8.
PRAYER
My dear Lord, when I am fearful to ask You for help, understanding, or wisdom, guide me by Your Holy Spirit, to You—to trust You and have faith. I want to live my life fully attuned to Your will and ways, but sometimes I fail. Please give me the courage to ask for wisdom in faith to be stable in all my ways. Amen.
BIBLE VERSES
Wisdom and Understanding—King David said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His Commandments; His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10).
Faith—Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to” (Matthew 17:20b).
Stability—Paul said, “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5).
Freely Given–Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:7)
God Bless,
¹”Pericope.” Dictionary. Accessed December 12th, 2021. https://www.lexico.com/definition/pericope.
Edited by E. Johnson.
Linked Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible.
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Books by Patti Greene (Great for birthday gifts, Mother’s Day, and more)
Have you ever felt led to pour love and grace upon a person? If so, it is most likely a person that you find great happiness being with. You want to help this person in their pursuits and passions. You protect them and wish them the best. Just as with a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, you find time to be with them—no matter what!
This is the same reason we should find time to spend with God. We do this because . . .
He loves us.
He is gracious to us.
He is merciful to us.
He forgives us, and
He sent His own Son Jesus Christ to die for us.
Let’s see what the Bible says about how to acknowledge our heavenly Father honorably and biblically. While these ten ways are not exhaustive, they are an advantageous start to keeping our minds focused on the Lord.
Ten Ways to Acknowledge God Honorably and Biblically
Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.”So, Abraham got up early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place of which God had told him. (Gen. 22:1-3)
Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. (2 Chron. 7:1)
And My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron.7:14)
Marvel at what He has done through His resurrection. (See Luke 24:1-12)
Nevertheless, Peter got up and ran to the tomb; and when he stooped and looked in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened. (Luke 24:12)
And He [Jesus] said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find the fish.” So, they cast it, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great quantity of fish. (John 21:6)
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created.
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Ps. 34:1)
When you embark on a lifestyle of poring your love and mercy upon your heavenly Father in an honorable and biblical fashion, you will notice positive changes in your life occurring and so will others! Despite anything you are going through!
And that’s awesome!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to become more honorable to You. Allow me to become more conscientious as I go through my day to appreciate the tenderness You have shown me. I am sorry for when I have failed to recognize Your movement in my life, Let Me become more like You as I practice Your righteousness in my heart and before men.
God Bless.
All Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
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