The Bible says that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). This requires effort on our part. That’s the thing about relationships. Both parties must make an effort for it to work. In our relationship with God, surrender and obedience is necessary. This is what proper worship is … Continue reading Making the Effort
Tag: James
Is it Beneficial
Today’s verse is one I try to remember daily when I am going through the motions of life, asking myself “is it beneficial”? 1 Corinthians 6:12 says: “‘Everything is permissible for me,' but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me,' but I will not be mastered by anything” (CSB). This verse says not … Continue reading Is it Beneficial
Observation
As the dogs and I were walking along, I noticed that Marci was walking differently. I picked her up and found something on the bottom of her foot that I quickly removed. Observation – paying attention – requires us to be intentional. It is necessary to be intentional to understand the needs of the people … Continue reading Observation
Stay True
Paul told the Philippians to “stay true to the Lord.” This is all about being totally committed to God, not letting anything come between you and your relationship to God. In Matthew 5, we read that those who are pure in heart are blessed. They will see God! How awesome is that?! Staying true to … Continue reading Stay True
Restored Wanderers
There are people that are living life hardcore for Jesus and then something happens to rock their world. Sometimes these people wander away from the truth. This could be gradual so the person doesn’t see it coming. One day things are not the same. Even though these people wander away from the truth, they can … Continue reading Restored Wanderers
Sin of Knowing
We spend a lot of time trying to label sin and rate sin. We will list certain sins as worse than others. We group some sins together. Some sin is more acceptable than other sin to some people. The truth is that sin is far stretching. Some sin we overlook because we don’t have a … Continue reading Sin of Knowing
Coming Closer
My dog Max is laying on the sofa by my side as I type this devotion. If I get up and go into the kitchen, I have moved away from him. We then are not as close in position. When it comes to God, some people will say they feel like God isn’t around, like … Continue reading Coming Closer
Resist
James says if we resist the devil then he will flee. That seems so easy. We resist him and he leaves us alone. But it’s not as easy said and done. The devil continues to press upon us. We must continue to resist him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, he will flee … Continue reading Resist
Worldly Friendship
We are in the world though not of the world. We will be in the world until we are called home to be with the Lord. But James reminds us that we cannot be a friend of the world. This doesn’t say we cannot be part of the world. We are a part of the … Continue reading Worldly Friendship
Wrong Motives
In James, we read about wrong motives. Sometimes we ask for things but our motives are wrong. We want something for the wrong reason, and because God is gracious, we don’t get what we want. What a blessing! Consider what you request. What are your motives? Are you seeking something that will allow you to … Continue reading Wrong Motives
Tania Gutekunst 