James 4:4-10

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. – James 4:4-10

Dear Jesus,

I know that the biggest problem I have in life is not that I don’t get what I want so often.  It’s that I want more than you and what you give me.  Then I get all turned around and strive to make others meet my self-proclaimed needs.  I compete for attention, influence and money.  Your brother, James, is right when he calls me adulterous.  I have committed adultery on you. I loved this world more than I loved you, the Creator.  That’s why I get competitive and angry when I don’t get my way.  I repent.  I am humbled under the examination light of your word.  I will wait for you to lift me up in grace and forgiveness.  Thank you for redeeming me from all my sins, even the sins of the heart.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Repentance is hard but when God works it in us, it yields precious fruit in his sight.