Devotional Time with God

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

Humility is the key to success while learning God’s word and doing what He says. Humility is the way God wants me to conduct myself.  He wants to bless me richly and I must do it without a selfish intention.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

James 3:13

Does knowing God’s word and understanding what He wants is all I need to know?  Of course not.  Firstly, God has a much better purpose for me. The only way I can fulfill this purpose is by doing His will. I do the work, not to get as much credit for myself.  The work needs to be done with God’s love, not mean spirited, nor with complaints. The work needs to be done with the knowledge that it’s God’s command, not my selfish desire to be seen as wise.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

James 2:17–18

Simply put, faith without work is no faith at all!  I have to show my faith by doing what God told me to do!

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:22–25

I try to read my bible every day. I sometimes listen to it through the audio version, or from the pastors at church. Sometimes, I convinced myself that it’s all I need. If I listened or read it, that’s all there is to it.

But all this time, I’ve been fooling myself. I have to apply what I know!  It’s not enough that I read the word – I have to do what it says!  I can imagine seeing blemishes on my face, or dirt on my clothes, but I do nothing to clean it.  Same thing for my life. I need to clean the sin. I need to stop doing things that do not glorify God. I need to obey God’s laws, because He wants to protect me. He wants to bless me.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 1:19–20

Pastor Rick once said, God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we should be listening more than speaking. This verse additionally tells me to not get angry too easily.  Instead, I should be listening more intently, with understanding and compassion.  Then I may talk with kindness, and the very last thing I should do is get angry.

Should I get angry at all? The Message version of the Bible summarized it like this:

Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

I should not get angry with evil intentions. If I find myself wanting to speak or act in anger, I must let God be the one doing the talking and acting. God does not react in evil ways. He’s the author of life and the knows everyone’s future. He’s the only perfect solution to any problem.

I plant myself with God’s word, so I may yield fruitful life and relationships. Self-righteous anger is not right.  God-centered solution is what I need, with strength under pressure.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

God’s word is like a weapon. A weapon against evil.  A weapon against temptation. a weapon against all things that do not agree with God’s purpose for my life.  I have to keep God’s word in my heart, so I may use it, at moments notice, to protect myself against the devil’s attacks. I need to have God’s word to help me guide my way through this treacherous world.

James 1:2-4 said I must have perseverance during the trials of my faith, and the best way to do it is using God’s word.  His words also helps me grow spiritually and lets me fulfill God’s purposes in my life.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

James 1:22-25

I try to read my Bible, every day. I try to learn from it. I try to make it a part of my life.

But as God said, don’t just merely a reader – go and do it!  I don’t want to sit here, thinking I’m so high and mighty after reading the entire Bible, cover to cover, in multiple languages.  God is not impressed by my knowledge alone. God is more impressed with what I’ll do with His laws.

Will I obey and help the poor?  Will I listen and don’t be quick to anger or judge? Will I be transformed by changing all of bad habits into good ones, according to His word?  If I want to be a better person, I have to do what God’s words say!

In Mark 8:34-38, God commands me to “take up my cross”. This was what Jesus did for me when He died on the cross. He served people. He healed people. He gave people hope. He worked long and difficult to heal this world – and ultimately sacrificed Himself so we can be saved.

My sin to confess is that I don’t do enough to help others. I fear the consequences of giving too much money away. I fear what others think of me. I fear criticism.

But I hold on to God’s promise that I will be vindicated if I do the right thing. When I’m not selfish, I will be justified. When I help others, I will be rewarded.

The choices I made help shape my attitude. To be like Christ, I can’t be like this world. I don’t need to care about what others think. I must only care what Jesus think of me.

Thus, I will obey God’s command to go out there and be a light to this world. I need to be a good ambassador for Christ.

The ultimate example is Mother Theresa for doing good deeds. She sacrificed a lot, just to help others. Not many can match her dedication, but I must try!

I must also watch out for my pride. I can’t be too proud of my good deeds. I must focus the glory to God, for He gives me the strength to be un-selfish.

Truth to remember:

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Mark 8:36

I am so thankful that God sent Jesus to be the greatest example and teacher, I can learn from. He’s the blueprint for humanity. He gives me the ability to go forth and be helpful!

I will do what He says!

In Mark 3:1-6, Mark described a situation in which Jesus healed a sick and dying man, with shriveled hand, on a sabbath day.  The law, during that time, stated Jesus must not heal during sabbath.  Jesus knew this.

But Jesus also knew compassion. He also knew the needs of the people. If I were the sick person, I would want Jesus to restore me – no matter what day it was!  I would come to Jesus, any day any night, just to ask Him to provide for me. I would ask Him to heal my hurts.

There’s no sabbath for providing help.

In this day and age, where everything is being criticized, even for good works – wouldn’t it be more refreshing if we all praise what’s good?  Wouldn’t it be amazing to focus and get excited on positive news? Wouldn’t it be great if we could ask for healing and get it, right away?

I have this “shriveled” hand. I need it restored so I may help others. At any time!

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:9

This world is full of temptation. This world is full of deception. This world is full of false hope and temporary riches.

It’s easy for me to be drawn to what this world has to offer. Sinful ways are always attractive and pleasurable. But they are not from God. Thus, I’m getting away from God’s provision.

Getting back to God’s way is easy: just follow His word!  Open the Bible and read the instruction manual. I need to talk to God to provide for my daily provision, according to heavenly riches, as promised in Philippians 4:19.  I need to stay pure, in God’s glory, according to His words.

The law of the LORD is perfect,   refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,   making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,   giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,   giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure,   enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,   and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,   than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,   than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;   in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

God knows I’m not perfect. God knows I’m not always right. God knows I’m vulnerable. God knows I need direction. God knows I need provision. God just knows.

To put it simply, all I have to know in life – to enjoy life, is to know God’s word and laws.  He gave me the instructions manual, the Bible, for my protection.  It’s the blueprint to be a good man. It’s the way to know how to be like Jesus.

I will follow His words.  I will be a do’er of His word. For He promised me a great reward. He’s waiting to give me the strength to go through this life – which in itself, is a reward worth having.

Life is good, eternal life is better. God’s perfection is what I’m looking for.