Today’s Scripture: James 4:2, NKJV- “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”
We all have battles that war within us. James, the half-brother of Jesus, was born to Mary and Joseph. Can you imagine the battles that would rage inside of you if your older sibling claimed to be the Son of God?
History tells us that James did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah until after the resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:7, Paul tells us that Jesus appeared to James and then to all the apostles. After this experience, James became a believer. He went on to lead the Jerusalem church and tradition tells us that he was killed because he refused to deny his faith.
Belief in Jesus changes us but does not stop our battles. However, the good news of the Gospel of Jesus is that He died for all of us to be able to speak to God directly. In fact, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “Pray without ceasing.” (KJV)
I was brought to these scriptures today by the Re:generation Week 11 Day 1 lesson entitled “Daw near to God.” James 4:7-8 states “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (NKJV)
One of the most comforting promises I recall from the Word of God is James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (NKJV) God does not call us to be perfect nor to be without battles. However, He does call us to draw near to Him, to humble ourselves, and He WILL lift us up.
We cannot purify our own hearts or keep our minds singularly focused on God without constantly drawing near to Him. Can you think of anything in your life that keeps you from being near to God? The application question in this Re:generation lesson was “When was the last time you felt near to God?”
I knew that only moments before this lesson I had been on my knees and felt very near to God and was bursting with thankfulness that Jesus came and died for me so I could pray with the Father as He did. However, we all have times where we wonder if we have what it takes to be faithful. We also have doubted if other people have it in them to do the right thing.
The solution is clear. We must draw near to God and ask Him to give us what we do not have. If we have loved ones who are struggling, we can also draw near to God and ask Him to give them what they do not have on their own strength.
The great news is that the Gospel of Jesus promised In John 14:13-14 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (NKJV) Also in John 15:7 Jesus stated, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (NKJV)
When we ask God to give us what we need to glorify Him, He will do it. Will you ask?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am asking You do give me what I need to glorify You. I am humbly confessing my battles to You now. Keep me close LORD and draw my heart, mind, and soul near. I am praying to abide in Jesus and that His words abide in me so that I glorify You with all my life. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I do pray. Amen.
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