James 4:4-10 - "He Loves Us"

In reading James four today the Lord focused my thoughts on verses four through ten. It reminds me of the choice Jesus gave us to decide whether we would take the wide or the narrow way in Matthew 7:13-14. It is not only important to make such a decision but there is an urgency in it. All must make the choice of following the ways of the world or following the Lord. Everyone must choose in allowing self to be in control of their checkbook, calendar, family, etc. or allowing God control. When one makes the choice of the world, they are described as "adulteresses" in James 4:4. This is not describing a non-believer but instead James is writing of a believer. One can accept the Lord into their heart and still not allow Him full control. That believer is not part of the True Church but rather is living a false Christian life. As a believer lives out envy and selfish ambition with actions of fighting we are not only treating others with hatred but in essence are doing the same to God. This not only hurts God but it also makes him a jealous God. His jealousy is what enables Him to give people grace when they consecrate their life to Him. He yearns to have all be in such relationship with Him. The way to do that is found in verse ten. We are to "Humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord..." This is also found in Proverbs 3:34, Luke 14:11 and Luke 19:14. The result of such living is that of love and peace. There are three promises to grasp and live out from these verses...

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Grieve, mourn and wail.
Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Living a life reliant on God's grace is the best life to life. There is freedom in...

• not worrying over what to do or say
• loving on all instead of wondering what someone else will say about you
• not having to second guess your actions
• loving with His love instead of worldly love.

Plain and simple. Living a life reliant on Him is living for eternity not just for the time on this earth. It may seem strange and even hard to live such a life but it is not. God gives His supernatural empowerment once we make the choice to live such a life and be reliant on His grace. Salvation is not enough. All must take the next step in relationship with Him in order to live with Him for eternity.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the words of James 4. Thank You for the way You empower me each and every day to live a life toward eternity with You instead of a life with worldly pleasures. Thank You for the day that is ahead. I praise You for #14 that will be accomplished today. I praise You for the way You will give me supernatural strength to not only get through this day but to see and hear the opportunities You put before me. Father, do not let my tiredness become a distraction to the desires of Your heart. Actually I am praying for the tiredness from the lack of sleep to be gone. In Your Holy Name, I pray it to be gone. Show Your strength through me today in a mighty way. Thank You for being My Empowerment. Amen.