Revelation of the Word:

THEME: JEALOUSY

James 4:3‭-‬6 ‬‬‬

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 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.”

INSIGHT
-Jesus often taught about the kingdom of God using parables which often remind us that we are citizens of heaven and should therefore be distinct in mentality and character; as His children. James calls his brethren adulterous; intimating lack of faithfulness to Christ our Bridegroom. Spiritual adultery is achieved when one loves the world and the things of the world more than loving God. This is opposed to the divine mission through His works on the cross for our eternal salvation; and sparks His jealousy since it’s a form of idolatry. Jesus says that no one can serve two masters; but can either love one and hate the other; one cannot serve both God and money (Mat 6:24). We also read that when one asks and does not receive is because he/she asks amiss to spend it on their own pleasures. Christ has called us His friends that we may turn our eyes away from the world to Him; for He gives us more grace. To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and He will give us all other things. He also calls us to embrace humility in obedience to His divine will and we will find eternal pleasure in Him. Christ has promised us that if we trust in Him and do good; we will dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Further, when we delight in Him and commit our ways to Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Ps 37:3-5).

PRAYER
Lord You are my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. You make me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside still waters, You restore my souls. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of dead I will fear no evil for You are with me, Your rod and staff comfort me. We thank You Lord for You have always been faithful to us. For loving us with an unfailing love despite our shortcomings. Grant us the gift of wisdom Lord to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Fill us with Your gift of humility that we may submit our lives completely to You Holy Spirit. Help us always find pleasure in You Lord rather than in world; for only in You there is fullness of joy and everlasting peace. Amen

Blessed Thursday

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