2023/08/15 – James 4: Friendship with the World, Judging Others, & Boasting of Tomorrow
Jerry Starling
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Reading: James 4 – Friendship with the World, Judging Others, & Boasting of Tomorrow
Verses for Today: (James 4:7-8a) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Daily Devo
James continues speaking of their disputes. He asked, “Where do these conflicts come from? Do they not come from your cravings within you?”
You want something you do not have, so you murder to get it. You covet something and you dispute and argue to get it.
You have not because you ask not. God gives good gifts! You ask but do not receive, for you ask selfishly.
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
“Love not the world nor the things in the world. The desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and pride in riches do not come from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
Worldly things pass away, but those who do God’s will live forever. James and John agree!
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit to God. Draw near Him, and He will draw near you. God wants to be near you, so do not push him away.
After Jesus cast a legion of demons out of the man everyone feared, the people of that region begged Him to leave their area. Jesus left where He was not wanted.
When we wonder why our public schools are not what they used to be, ask how our nation has systematically removed God from the schools. If God is not wanted, He leaves us.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
Judging Others. Who made you the judge of another man’s servant? If you become a judge, you judge the law, but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
“There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and destroy.” So, who are you to judge your neighbor?
Boasting of Tomorrow. You say, “Tomorrow we will go to this town and spend a year there making money.” Yet, you do not know what tomorrow brings.
You are but a breath that vanishes. You should say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” You arrogantly boast, and such boasting is evil.
“Anyone who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.”
Jesus was in the synagogue, and the Pharisees watched Him to see if He would heal a man with a withered hand, so they could accuse Him of Sabbath violation.
He knew their thoughts and asked, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life, or to kill?” They were speechless but Jesus healed the man’s hand, for it was the right thing to do.
Had He not healed the man’s hand, He would have sinned.
James warns us of how to do what is right. He teaches us to live humbly. Do not pile up treasures on earth; live simply and be generous givers.
Pray for Your Self: Father, give me an understanding of Your will for my life, for this is my prayer, in the precious name of Jesus, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me) Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. I pray that each of us will meditate on the lessons James gives us. This is my prayer, in the holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
Updates for Central
Game Night will be August 19 beginning at 6:30. Bring your favorite game and be prepared for a lot of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie.
Our Next Potluck Fellowship will be on August 27. Bring a dish to share, invite your family, friends, & neighbors, and have good fellowship, food, and camaraderie.
Son Quest is September 1-3. If you are going, start thinking about what to take and what to leave home. Who will your roommates be? Get ready for three days of fun mixed with some great Bible teaching. Come back fired up for Jesus!
Our Eastern European Mission “Million Dollar Sunday” contribution will be on September 24. Our entire contribution that day will go to EEM to provide Bibles for the former Soviet bloc nations. Last year, EEM distributed almost two million Bibles, up 24% from 2021. They expect to have more this year. Ukraine also received $2 Million in benevolent help due to the war.
PRAYER NEEDS
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Belinda Pate is at home but is not walking well.
Sarah, Bill Leavitt’s friend in the Philippines, is out of the hospital doing much better. He thanks us for our prayers for her.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home following surgery. Now, we need to pray for her rapid recovery.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. fell, injured his shoulder, and has been in the hospital. Ruth said last Sunday he might be going into rehab soon. She needs prayers as much as Jesse does.
Kristi Holder is slowly recovering from her surgery. Some progress each day, Jerry said, but she improves daily – bit by bit.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks, with an MRI (hopefully) coming soon. She recently told me she really needs our prayers to help her through.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.