Pondering James 4…..
This post is part of several other blogs that have joined in on a Blog Small Group. It’s a great way to study God’s word and see what others think at the same time.
I have said it before but I’m going to say it again. I love how direct James can be. He gets right to the point and speaks directly to you. Like what were you thinking thats not it at all it should be this way or that. He puts the word right in front of your face. Just what I need most of the time.
I’m going to use the message translation tonight so lets get on with it.
Get Serious
James 4:1-2 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
Oh man is this true or what. I haven’t reverted to violence to get my way before but I defiantly have used my mouth in an ill manner. Have you ever wanted to make more money at work and did whatever it took to get it? Made a last effort push to impress the boss to get a raise at the expense of someone else? I have and I regretted every minute of it. In some cases I got the raise or promotion but it never really quenched that burning sensation inside to do more be more or get more.
James 4:2-3 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
At the time I sure didn’t think about asking God. I knew inside the things I wanted were all about me and no one else. I wanted what I wanted and I wanted it now. Do I sound like a little kid at a candy store begging mommy for some candy? If not I meant to.
James 4:4-6 You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
At the time I was cheating on God I really didn’t understand what he was all about. I loved the world and thought I was in control. I was very prideful. I didn’t even like to ask for help from others that knew more than I did. Don’t worry I have seen and know about the errors of my ways. I had the burning desire inside of me that could not be quenched with worldly stuff. When I came to Jesus and gave it all to him the fire inside of me was put out.
James 4:7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Dabbling in Sin will eventually get you swimming in the sin. Oh I have hit bottom and God was already there waiting for me to lift me up. If you ask it of him he will be there. What an Amazing God! Thank you Lord for being there for me and everyone else who has asked for your will to be done in their life.
James 4:11-12 Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?
Oops My bad. I have been working on this for sometime now with my mouth and last week was a great reminder for me. Even at church this week my Pastor challenged us to go 24 hours with nothing but kind words. I haven’t made it a full 24 hours yet but by this next Sunday I’m sure I will. I have been reseting the timer each time I mess up and each time the timer goes a little longer. It started out at 5 min.
I’m all the way up to 12 hours now.
Nothing but a Wisp of Fog
James 4:13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”
I personally think this is kind of funny. He’s saying “Who you do you think your are you little peons?” It’s not your will be done it’s God’s will that will be done. HAHAHA! On a serious side, yes it is God’s will be done in my life and I continue to learn this lesson each day. I have a little prayer that I say most mornings on my way to work. “God, What is your will for me today?” and then I listen………
James 4:16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.
This one can be one of the hardest things to do ever. This verse right here is for those of us who like to sit back and take it easy and not say anything or avoid people. It could be a sin if I sit back and withhold a friendship to someone that might really need one. Also the more you know about God’s word the more responsible you become to uphold and do what is right according to that word.
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I love the wording of that last verse in the message;
“In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.”
Tomorrow when I wake up, I’ll be reading again, and commenting. This chapter was personal for me.
Thanks for participating.
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Kyles last blog post..Blogger Small Group
If you could, can you make the link to where it links back to today’s small group entry. Thanks man.
Kyles last blog post..Blogger Small Group
I also saw the proverb that talked about how He is “a fiercely jealous lover.” I struggled understanding verse 5, and really looked at this closely. I think it was due to the fact that there are so many things in my life that take over…
Also, love the 24 hour challenge…
Michaels last blog post..James 4
“Say a quiet yes to God”…I love that.
I constantly yell at my children…GUILTY…maybe I should try another approach seeing as that’s how God speaks to me. Quietly, but powerful.
Mandys last blog post..Blogger Small Group
I love how you have personalized this. It brings so much more life to the passage when we can see how it plays out in our everyday life. I really love it when we can get a little humor out of what the apostles are saying. Should we go around calling each other little peons so that we will remember not to think too highly of ourselves during the day?
b/s last blog post..James 4
[...] Pondering James 4….. (Got Root) [...]
GREAT post, really. I tend to get much more theological about scripture but it is about how it effects us personally and that is what you did here, great job.
Scott Fillmers last blog post..24 Hour Challenge, A Day Later
Truth = “Dabbling in Sin will eventually get you swimming in the sin.”
I love this line too: “Also the more you know about God’s word the more responsible you become to uphold and do what is right according to that word.” No retirement from being a servant of God.
Excellent. I love that line about saying a loud NO to the enemy and watching him scamper…but a whisper-quiet “yes” to God draws Him ever so close.
Are you reading out of the Message? I might have to do a change up next week…hearing different translations helps me reexamine what I am thinking.
See ya next week!
Jens last blog post..Blogger Small Group: James 4