James 4:1-6
It is a good day to ASK GOD FOR WHAT HE IS PUTTING ON YOUR HEART!
Here is how;
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Why do we need this reminder, again?
Because we can get really mixed up about who God is and where we fit in His scheme of things. We start to try and make things happen on our own and this causes conflict.
“Where do wars and fights come from among you?”
They come from our selfish “desires for pleasure…(you), lust and do not have…you fight and war…”
So, we argue a lot, demand our own way, hurt others, accuse others, murder others (hopefully only in our minds), and worse. All, to see ourselves “on top.”
Likewise, “you do not have because you do not ask.” Let’s pause here…
1. Do you actually talk to God throughout the day?
2. How do you speak to Him?
3. What do you talk about?
We can “pray unceasingly.” This means just normal and ongoing chatter with God about the wonderful morning smells, easy traffic, thankful for a job or upcoming vacation, desire to see a family member or friend healed, etc. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He is also your Lord and as such wants to help and love and guide you as well as enjoy you and your life daily, moment by moment. Radical, right!
Let’s pause and simply talk to God:
“Thank you Lord for my salvation. Give me wisdom on my life today. Please help close this deal or that arrangement. Bless my family and let Your perfect will be done, oh, and thank you for spring bunnies playing in hedgerows, so cute Lord, amen!”
Sometimes we, “ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Remember, “the Spirit that dwells in us yearns jealously.”
God is jealous for our motives because it is our motives or desires that can control us and our destiny.
Emerson said:
“Sow a thought reap an action; Sow and action reap a habit; Sow a habit; reap a character; sow a character and reap a destiny.”
Let’s be very careful to:
Not be mean to others. Not be jealous and confrontational of others. Not fight and bring war to others…because of our own selfish desires.
Instead, remember “He gives more grace.” Therefore He says:
God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Here is the secret. The very thing you and I want, He wants to give us beginning with more intimacy between God and us, which will result in more peace, less strife, more graceful joy, and a hope that does not fail. As we “seek first His kingdom and righteousness all these things (everything else that now matters to you), will be added unto you.”
Do you want less strife, more peace, to get back in the “flow” of the Lord’s wonderful plan for your life? Today, relax, rest, stop with your plan and ease into just being with Jesus. Talk to Him and listen to Him. Give up your pride and drink in His Grace. Enjoy a fresh start for your heart and mind today as you “seek first His kingdom”…and humble yourself…remember He “gives grace to the humble.”
Enjoy!