Verse of the Day 8/2

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)

For years a popular fast food restaurant has used the statement "have it your way" in its advertising campaigns.  It has proven to be quite successful because it fits with the nature of most people in today's society.  Reading today's verse in The Message below should stop us in our tracks with the thought that if all you want is your way, to have life as you want it, you're cheating God.  You might be inclined to say, "that's just natural, what's wrong with that?"

The verse referencing grace, is a common thing in the Bible and it doesn't come naturally it comes from God.  I was reading in 1 Timothy this morning where the Apostle Paul was teaching and encouraging the young pastor about this.  Max Lucado, in his devotional Bible, writes   "More grace was always there for Timothy, and it is there for all believers. We are not only converted but also strengthened by the grace of the gospel. Knowing that our God loves us, forgives us, purifies us, helps us, comforts us, enables us, and secures us—all because of his mercy rather than our merit—encourages and strengthens us for the calling he gives us."

We tend to want things our way in life and when things don't go according to our plans, especially through the trials in life, we can become discouraged. These are the times that we need God's grace.  But it doesn't come naturally for us to go to God to ask for it.  But we must humble  ourselves, come to our senses, realize our need and go to Him.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Some, reading this post today are facing a difficult situation.  They might not feel right about there relationship with God and want to avoid going to Him or feel that He just doesn't care. The writer of Hebrews challenges us to put those feelings aside and draw near to Him in confidence to receive mercy and the grace we need for the day. 

1. 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! 

2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, 
threaten the soul with infinite loss; 
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold, 
points to the refuge, the mighty cross. 
(Refrain)

4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, 
freely bestowed on all who believe! 
You that are longing to see his face, 
will you this moment his grace receive?

"God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."   The Message

--   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 4:6The 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."