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In the middle

In the middle

James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

I have a lot of ‘big picture’ things going on in my life right now. It all can be overwhelming, and the tasks and decisions that lie ahead weigh heavily on my mind. The earthly way will tell us to take the road that brings self gratification at the least cost, but is that the path God would take? James in the scriptures above was speaking to Jewish Christians in the early church, and dealing with many of whom were likely self seeking in their works in the church. The sin of pride had likely crept in and was causing turmoil and confusion in the church. When we are looking for wisdom, the way to look is by bowing our heads, swallowing our pride, and seeking God.

The height of your pride will determine the depth of your confusion, for a humble heart is the ballast upon where you find God in the center. In other words the higher you elevate yourself, the farther you will fall. 1 Timothy 3:6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Seeing God and hearing from God all come with spending time with God. The more time you spend, the easier it is to hear His voice. Satan will creep in and the confusion will come, but that confusion is not from God, and you must just press in closer to God for discernment. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.

The time is now to cultivate that relationship with God. The depth of that relationship will prepare you for the days of confusion and when the trials and turmoils come. Start today, for you do not know what tomorrow may hold, if it comes.

 
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Posted by on June 20, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Broken Easy Button

Broken Easy Button

Philippians 1:6  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

But I want it to be eeeaasssyyy. Why would God let these things happen in my life? Why are those that are living for their time in the world, full of blessings? Because God loves you so much He desires to make you more like His Son. That gift will last you more than maybe 100 years, but will last you an eternity in paradise with Him. They have their time now, and we have ours for eternity. When God is working on you in a sort of stress or tribulation, be glad that He loves you enough to be performing that work, molding you into the image of His Son. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Those scriptures go against the worldview of consistent self gratification in all things. The world preaches do whatever feels good at whatever cost; Christ preaches faith in Him to control all things and His Will to be done. Once you humble yourself and submit to His authority over your life, you have told Satan you are no longer a pawn in his team. He will ask God for permission to test your faith through many means, and plans to draw you back to the dark side. God knows that your faith can be strengthened through his tests, and Satan’s plans backfire. Paul who endured much suffering for Christ, spoke of these things in prison in Philippians 1:12: But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. When we are up against all that life throws at us, let us lean on the One whom it all filters through His hands. Let it build us up as He plans, not tear us down as our enemy plans. Take it all to God as in Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Thank you Lord for where you have me today, your plans for me today, and the hope for tomorrow.

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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