Tag Archives: the book of James

November 21
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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”  (James 4:8, NIV)

How does the disciple of Jesus address internal conflict and external strife?

According to James: First, draw near to God, and submit to His rule in your life, and; second, resist the devil.

Yesterday, we focused on the latter.  Today, let’s look at the former.

The act of “drawing near” to God can be as simple as taking time to pray, but it is always intentional, and it always reflects our desire to enter the presence of our heavenly Father.  It is in the presence of God that the child of God receives the wisdom necessary to address internal conflict and external strife.  – Luther

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November 20
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“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  (James 4:7, NIV)

Today’s scripture selection is a “summary verse” of James’ explanation of the source of our internal conflicts and of our external strife.

The solution to this serious problem is two-fold: (1) Draw near to God, and submit to His rule in your life, and; (2) resist the devil.

Today’s focus is on #2.  Tomorrow, I will address #1.

The devil is intelligent, experienced, practiced, cunning, and persuasive.  He is not irresistible.  In fact, our simple resistance foils his tactic of playing to our desire for the immediate gratification of our physical, emotional, and spiritual desires.

Our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are real — and they are important. Therefore, resist the devil’s “good” offers.  Wait, wait, wait for our heavenly Father’s better, greater gifts.  – Luther

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November 18
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“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  (James 3:13, NIV)

Deeds done in humility are particularly fragrant because the person performing the deed is not doing it to draw attention to herself.  Wisely, she sees a higher purpose and a bigger plan in play.

The greatest deeds, by God’s estimation, are performed in obscurity; the left hand unaware of what the right hand has done.  The greatest deeds provide help to the helpless; hope to the hopeless; and empower the disenfranchised.

Everyone — regardless of title or status — can live a life of humble service to others and to God.  Make this your ambition.  With wisdom comes humility.  – Luther

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