The theme in the epistle of James is encouraging us to release our hold
on worldly possessions and pursuits, in order to unreservedly love Christ. We
make a conscious choice to pursue God's Kingdom.
God is our fountain of living water, which exceeds any stale, human
cistern we can build for our self (Jeremiah 2:13). Jesus is God manifested in
human form (1 Timothy 3:16). He is our example of who God is and how He relates
to us in this world (Acts 10:38).
At times, God will use nature and circumstances to judge, discipline or
alter our behavior. He will use Satan for this purpose as He did with Job.
However, He put spiritual and natural laws in place to protect us from most
calamity.
When we choose to walk contrary to God's spiritual or natural laws, we
always sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). Our reckless and
rebellious behavior reaps for us the negative consequences of our choices.
Although we usually reap what we sow, God's unconditional love covers a
multitude of our sins (Galatians 6:7-9; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 5:8). God freely
loves us all, but He desires that we live in righteousness and prove our love
for Him by obeying His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 2:1-2).
God rescued us from the dominion of darkness, sits us on a hill and
uses us as His light to the world (Colossians 1:13). He exhort us not to hide
our light under a mesh of worldly cares, but to let it shine out through our
good works, so people will glorify Him (Matthew 5:14-16).
When we make conscious choices to follow the spiritual, rather than any
earthly call on our life, we reap the blessings of God and the fulfillment
which only comes from serving Him with our life.
Prayer:
Father God, use us as Your ambassadors on the earth as we allow the
light of Christ within us to shine out into the dark world which surrounds us
(2 Corinthians 5:20). Give us opportunities to share our light with our family,
friends, neighbors and workmates. Make us ever mindful of divine opportunities
to share Your Truth.
We praise You for all You do in our life each and every day. We want to
give You the love and appreciation You deserve from us. Yet, we often get too
busy with worldly pursuits to spend time with You. Remind us that we are the
ones who miss out on Your blessings when we choose to dabble in the world
instead of sitting at Your feet.
Thought for the Day:
Call to the Lord and He will answer you and show you the great and
powerful results of His dealings in our life and in the world around us. -
Jeremiah 33:3
