Sharpen your skills

7"Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded".  James 4:7-8   CSB

How should we respond when we realise that we have been living a selfish existence - The 'M' Factor? Well, you'll soon know about this when you don't appear to be getting anywhere with your daily time with Jesus. The 'M' Factor is when you are praying: 'Please let me have this Lord' and 'I want it now Lord, I can't wait a moment longer.’ God's response to this type of prayer is - Zilch, you get nothing. James says, 'You ask and don't receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.' James 4:3

When we have been acting in this way, we must realise that we have been very selfish, just looking after our own desires and requests. Therefore we need to repent. We do it this way:

Submit to God  Remember that God resists the proud but, gives grace to the humble (v6), so this is the place to start. We need to recognise our weaknesses, stop fighting and wanting everything we see like a spoiled child and surrender to Jesus. 

Resist the devil  Don't ever doubt that the devil is much stronger that we are and, smarter too. Let's face it, he has years of practice and he won't stop trying to get you to keep on acting in a selfish manner. The only way he can be stopped, is to quote relevant scriptures to him, like Jesus did when he was in the wilderness. When we proclaim this, he runs away but, know that he will return at some unexpected time so, be on your guard (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Draw near to God  This means to come into His presence with prayer, praise and repentance. This, however, must be a daily occurrence, not just once a week on a Sunday.

Note something that can be easily missed; as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. He doesn't require talking round by trying to win Him over. He is not like a human being. He is a forgiving and loving God, one in which as we go to Him, He comes to us, perhaps with arms extended and will wrap them around us when we reach Him. He is the Almighty God - El Shaddai and even though He has many followers all over the world, He still has quality time for you.

Isn't it about time that you realise just how much Jesus cares for you? He wants you secure in this fact; strong in this fact and rock solid in this fact. His arms were wide open on the cross and, they are still wide open every time He thinks of you. Savour this thought.. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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