March 7, 2006 - Jim Stilwell, Family of Faith

March 7, 2006

James 4:7-10
Jim Stilwell, Family of Faith

Read the passage and respond to these questions:

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “the cart before the horse”? Many live their lives before God with the frustration of trying to obey Him before truly submitting to Him. We get the cart of obedience before the horse of wholehearted love and surrender to His will. It is difficult to obey over the long haul without surrendering to His will.

Recently I asked my 9- and 13-year-old sons what this scripture verse meant to them. My 8-year-old responded, “It means to let God into your life and don’t worry about the devil.” My older son responded, “Just give in to God in every area of your life.” Ah! the simplicity of youthful hearts. Yet, as our hearts live life under the sun, we get burned from its experiences and learn not to let anyone in, let alone giving in to anyone, even God the Father. Where does He need to come in to your life? Where have you have been burned by life? Where do you just need to give in to Him?
James says to us “come on, come a little closer to God and you will experience how close He is to you. As you read these words you are moving toward Him and He has come close to you. Why? He can’t resist a heart that makes a move toward Him. Even in the weakest attempt. Notice all the things James tells us to do—wash, purify, grieve, mourn, change—all happen as we come close to the One who empowers us to do all those things.

Where is God asking for your obedience in life? You are sons and daughters of the Father and He has your best interest in His heart. When we know this we will obey without gritting our teeth. We can humble ourselves and be lifted up and encouraged by Him. God loves humility; this is how He set up His Kingdom. Jesus wore the garment of humility and the Father loved it.
prayer
Lord, I surrender to your will today. Bring my heart closer to you, and clothe me with humility. Help me to set right priorities that line up with you. Fulfill your promise to be with me with every step I take today.