Verse of the Day 6/7

Verse of  the Day 6/7

James 4:6   But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  English Standard Version (ESV)

I read through this passage from James chapter 4 the other day and noticed how they are just packed with sound advice for us today.  In society and  on TV, in the magazines and the internet all you see are people who are proud of themselves, unabashedly so.  It is truly hard to find a person with genuine humility.  The passage reveals to us that humility comes with grace, God's grace.  It is this great grace that should empower the Christian's life to be able to be humble.

If we would step back and examine our lives, chances are we would see areas of pride that need to be  dealt with.  If we are unwilling to do so, according to James we are actually "flirting with the world " (The Message) standing  in opposition, enemies to God.  Not a good place to be.

I know I've shared his definition of grace before, but I still think that John Piper's definition is about the best that I've heard.  He writes,

"Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon."

He  gives grace to forgive and more grace not to sin in the future.  He gives victory over it to those who humbly come to Him for forgiveness and help in time of need.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, 
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! 
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured, 
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. 
Refrain: 
Grace, grace, God's grace, 
grace that will pardon and cleanse within; 
grace, grace, God's grace, 
grace that is greater than all our sin!

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

James 4:6-10The Message (MSG)

^4-6 You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."

^7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.