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- Oct 26, 2007
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Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and [your] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:9-10 NKJV
Have you ever taken your car to the mechanic for routine maintenance only to receive the news that your vehicle has a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away? No one enjoys surprise expenses. Still it’s better to spend money on things that keep you and your family safe than to put off needed automotive repairs and be sorry about it later.
That same principle can be applied to your spiritual life as well.
In today’s scripture passage, James challenges his readers to engage in some deep, honest self-examination. He encourages you to pray like King David. He pleaded; “Search me, God, and know my heart…See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV). He says you should look at yourself with sometimes-painful honesty and appraise your thinking and actions. Make sure they are aligned with what God says He wants for His people.
Then you’ll have reason for true thanksgiving.
Prayer: Lord and God, help me humble myself before You and see my attitudes, thoughts, and actions as You see them. Thank You for Your promise to forgive my sin and to lift me up in Your way and in Your timing.
Have you ever taken your car to the mechanic for routine maintenance only to receive the news that your vehicle has a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away? No one enjoys surprise expenses. Still it’s better to spend money on things that keep you and your family safe than to put off needed automotive repairs and be sorry about it later.
That same principle can be applied to your spiritual life as well.
In today’s scripture passage, James challenges his readers to engage in some deep, honest self-examination. He encourages you to pray like King David. He pleaded; “Search me, God, and know my heart…See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV). He says you should look at yourself with sometimes-painful honesty and appraise your thinking and actions. Make sure they are aligned with what God says He wants for His people.
Then you’ll have reason for true thanksgiving.
Prayer: Lord and God, help me humble myself before You and see my attitudes, thoughts, and actions as You see them. Thank You for Your promise to forgive my sin and to lift me up in Your way and in Your timing.
