BY: Pastor Bob Miller
CHAPTER READ: James 4
SCRIPTURE SELECTED: James 4: 6-10
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
OBSERVATION: When I’ve failed Him again, His grace is given. He gives us more grace. Realizing that we are the product of Grace is the first step towards humility which opens the door to receiving God’s love. When we submit ourselves to Him in our brokenness and resist the devil’s lies that say “I’m beyond redemption” and draw near to Him, He comes near to me. And He doesn’t come to “put me down” or to tell me ‘I’m just a failure” but He comes to lift me up and to restore me.
APPLICATION: He gives more grace! As the song says: He giveth and He giveth and He gives it again! About the time I think I can “stand alone” and live this Christian life by myself, I quickly find myself in over my head and needing to submit myself to Him. And He comes to me and lifts me up! I need to open my heart to receive His Grace again!
PRAYER: Lord, l need Thee every hour. Every hour I need thee. I can’t live this day alone. I desire to live it for You! Thank you for extending me grace once again! May I in turn, extend grace to those around me! Amen