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- Oct 26, 2007
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But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 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. James 4:6-10 NKJV
Many have described James as one of the Bible’s most practical books, offering “how-tos” for living as a Christian.
Today’s scripture includes a list of mind-sets and actions on the theme of humility. After alluding to Proverbs 3:34, James urged his readers—in the first century and today—to consciously place themselves under God’s authority. Knowing we are under God’s authority, we can confidently oppose Satan’s work in our lives. Having pushed away sin, we can draw even closer to God, enjoying an ever-increasing experience of His presence. We’ll adopt a heart attitude that contradicts this world’s pattern, choosing the pure, the serious, and the humble. And, in His time and His way, God will show us favor and lift us up.
Every one of these how-tos requires action on our part. Submit, resist, come, wash, purify, grieve, change, and humble are all commands, If we choose to obey them, we have the promise of God’s reward.
Prayer: Father, Your commands are simple if not easy. Help me to obey.
Many have described James as one of the Bible’s most practical books, offering “how-tos” for living as a Christian.
Today’s scripture includes a list of mind-sets and actions on the theme of humility. After alluding to Proverbs 3:34, James urged his readers—in the first century and today—to consciously place themselves under God’s authority. Knowing we are under God’s authority, we can confidently oppose Satan’s work in our lives. Having pushed away sin, we can draw even closer to God, enjoying an ever-increasing experience of His presence. We’ll adopt a heart attitude that contradicts this world’s pattern, choosing the pure, the serious, and the humble. And, in His time and His way, God will show us favor and lift us up.
Every one of these how-tos requires action on our part. Submit, resist, come, wash, purify, grieve, change, and humble are all commands, If we choose to obey them, we have the promise of God’s reward.
Prayer: Father, Your commands are simple if not easy. Help me to obey.
