Verse of the Day 4/6

Verse of the Day 4/6

James 4:10

New King James Version

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Our Tuesday Men's Bible study group went through James chapter 4 yesterday.  The passage below is an important one for us to consider as we live our daily lives.  I speaks of God "opposing the proud"; "giving grace to the humble"; tells us to "submit to God"; "resist the devil"; "draw near to God" and to "humble" ourselves.  I want to focus on the last one today.

That last statement "humble yourselves" is different than being humble.  It speaks of doing something to ourselves.  When have you been humbled in your life?  Perhaps in being passed over for a job promotion which you felt you deserved; or being looked over for a starting position on a softball team; you thought that you were most qualified or the best choice.  Perhaps it came when you finally realized that you couldn't fix something and finally had to get help.  Perhaps you were lost and had to stop and ask directions.  In all of these situations we may feel slighted, become angry or jealous or simply confused.  The verses tell us to humble ourselves.

Christian financial planner Dave Ramsey often responds to people on the radio this way when people ask him the question "how are you doing?", he says "better than I deserve".  That is the attitude of someone that has "humbled himself".  When this is our attitude in any of these situations that other things fall in place.  We will draw near to God; we will submit to Him; He will give us more grace in the situation; and we will not be proud or boastful about ourselves and our ability but will trust God for His guidance.

As you venture out today; see if there are opportunities to "humble yourself".  See how God provides the grace for each specific instance, lifting you up out of the dumps of disappointment.

Blessings,

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 4:6-10

New King James Version

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

"God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble."

Humility Cures Worldliness

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.