James 4

Read James 4 – (2min, 27 sec if you were thinking up an excuse to put it off) We get in our own way so often. James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” :1

The one you’re fighting with may be in the wrong, but where is your pride in the situation? Is there another way? Do you imagine Jesus standing next to you shouting, “Yeah! You tell em!” Of course not!! Instead Scripture reminds, that the Holy Spirit yearns jealously for us (:5).

Beloved, when you go off course, you will feel the Holy Spirit’s presence cringing within you, but you also have the free-will power to push his voice to the side. You can do this so much that you no longer hear it. Scripture tells us to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. That is power, that is fighting with God on your side, and the first step is on you. Lay down that pride, instead submit to God… give a quick prayer before you respond to the person who has ruffled your feathers, “Jesus, give me words.”

Verses :13-16 speak about setting goals and leaving the Lord out of them. Hold on loosely to this life; it can change in an instant. Always strive to be in the center of God’s will. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” :15

You might enjoy listening to the David Crowder Band’s – HOW HE LOVES US. It kept spilling into my thoughts as I read this morning. May Jesus’s love fill your heart as the Holy Spirit guides your thoughts, words and actions today!