Wednesday, May 19, 2021

James 4 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

James 4:6

But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

We have a choice, whether to live in God's favor or in His opposition. Think about that; we can literally decide what side of the fence we are gonna be on just by how we live our lives and who we live our lives for! Humility isn't an option but a necessity and a command. Jesus, the King of Glory, humbled Himself more than anyone else. So, if we serve Christ, we have to humble ourselves as Christ did.

Serving Christ and refusing to humble ourselves as He did is basically saying that we're better than that. That we don't need to follow in His footsteps but can blaze our own trail! When we look at it that way, it's pretty alarming, and we see why God opposes those who refuse to humble themselves.

How do you respond to hurt? In prayer this morning, the Lord led me to something that has to deal with how we handle our hurt and if we are operating in humility or pride: A proud heart wants revenge, but a humble heart wants results! Think about how Christ responds when we hurt Him (sin against Him). He doesn't want us to pay the penalty or fall under judgment but to repent and turn to Him, to fall into mercy and grace and be healed. He has a humble heart seeking results, not revenge. So, where are we today? Plotting with our proud hearts or honoring God with our humble ones? Let us humble ourselves before the Humble King!

Philippians 2:5-8- In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Thank You, Jesus, our Humble King!

God bless! I love you all, but His love is more powerful! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!

 

James 4:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Yesterday, as I was waiting on the shower water to heat up, God revealed something to me. See, that shower water takes a lot longer to heat up than it does to cool off, and our faith and relationship with Him can be the same way. It has taken me months of prayer, worship, daily Bible reading, church attendance, and fellowship to grow my relationship with God, and if I stop doing those things, my relationship with Him will instantly start to cool. And cool. And cool until I’m ice cold. And one thing I have learned about being cold is that you feel much more alone and isolated when you’re cold! Things look much bleaker in the winter than the summer here in Ohio!!

 


I have heard the word “intentional” a lot this week, and it’s so fitting here because whether it’s $1 or $100, 1 prayer or 10, 1 minute or 1 hour, we have to be intentional about spending time with God and serving Him!! It’s not always easy, but we have fought hard to grow closer to God, so let’s not give it back that easy!! God is fighting for us but we have to do our part also!!! The Scripture says, “Draw near to God AND God will draw near to you!” God wants to be closer to us; we just have to make the first move!! No matter how hot or cold, God still loves you and wants to grow closer with you!!! If you’re reading this, then it’s not too late to run into the Father’s arms!!! Be encouraged!!!!!

 

I love you all, God bless, and Glory to God!!!!

 

 

James 4:8

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world.

 

As I’m lying here and can’t sleep, the Holy Spirit is pouring this into me about how we as a church have to be more intentional. Is the time spent with Him intentional or optional? The time of considering God an option instead of the only option is over. We are either intentionally seeking God or living for the world! I know that as I have made my time with God a priority instead of a minority, He has looked upon it with favor and used it to draw me into Him and blessed and grown me more than words can say!!!!

 

Who am I that I even have the opportunity to come close to the Creator of the universe? And if that wasn't good enough, it says that He will then come close to me as well!! Think about it, He sent His Son to die for us, which was way more than any of us deserved, but He doesn’t stop there. He said, “I made the way, and I’m even willing to come closer if you would just seek me intentionally!” That speaks to the heart of our Father.

 

I believe that the more intentional you are seeking God and spending time with Him, the deeper and stronger your relationship will be with Him!!! I don’t get out of bed in the morning before I tell the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit good morning and ask Him to guide and guard my day. It may only be a few steps to the bathroom, but I don’t want to go anywhere without Him!!! Everyone has 20 minutes each morning they can spend in their Bibles and in prayer, and I challenge you to do it and see if He doesn’t respond!!! Divided loyalty is no loyalty at all, and I don’t think any of us want to be divided from Him on Judgment Day, so let’s get intentional now!!!

 

Be intentional, be a servant, be willing to sacrifice, and most importantly, open the door of your heart to Jesus !!!

 

I love you all, God bless, and Glory to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

 

 

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