The weeks are just flying by and found us in James Chapter 4, where we continue to take a good look at the condition of our hearts:
- It’s all His grace. Just when we think we might be at the end of His supply, “But he gives us even. more. grace.” (James 4:6, NLT) His supply of grace towards us in inexhaustible.
- The enemy within. We must know and name the enemy within, those desires which war against our soul, in order to effectively battle when they rise up. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” (James 4:1, NLT)
- We must deal with our divided hearts. Our hearts will remain divided unless we remove anything which pollutes our hearts. James uses the very same imagery as the priests who needed to purify themselves before entering the temple. “Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” (James 4:8, NLT)
- Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We are not to brag about tomorrow. Today is all we have. This moment. We must be mindful to factor God into our everyday plans. “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like a fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:14-15, NLT) I was reminded of the words to an old hymn … “Many things about tomorrow. I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”
- The only way up is down. God desires a humble people. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10, NLT)
James continues to be packed with much to think on and apply to our lives …
Grace and humility.
Down on your knees, it’s the only way up.
We humble ourselves, and
He gives us even more grace.
Today I am joining … #Small Wonder and Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Mondays and Playdates With God .
I’m a planner, so I appreciated your thoughts on “tomorrow”!
Often when I write in my gratitude journal, I tend to thank God for what is coming in the day ahead . . . whoa, it hasn’t happened yet, and my mind has already raced on from all the things God has already done for which I should be out of this world grateful.
Great reminder today!
Michelle, what an interesting observation to notice – to thank God for what is coming & hasn’t yet occurred. And yet in so doing, we neglect to be grateful for what He is currently doing. May we be aware to presently give thanks. Grateful you shared!
Even more grace. That is SUCH a miracle. I’m in need of “even more grace” today as I go visit a friend in ICU who needs “even more grace” too. Thanks for waking me up to this nugget in James, Joanne. Just what I needed!
Lisa, that nugget has been stirring in my soul for days now. Praying for you … may there be even more grace to go around to both you & your friend. So grateful His grace is inexhaustible! Blessings!
Joanne,
What great truths…Thank you for reminding us….I especially am grateful for God’s grace and for how He always brings me back to Himself…and yes, down on our knees in prayer and repentance..
Dolly, may we always be grateful for His grace which is always at work in our lives. Grateful to have visited with you today!
Down on our knees to build us up and we don’t know what tomorrow holds. Feeling that in a big way this week – both of those things. I’m so thankful for His grace!
Carol, sorry that you have been feeling both of these things. Yet I am grateful that our God is able to meet you right where you are, bringing you ALL that you need. Blessings!