Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 17; James 4; Jonah 1; Luke 6
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you out to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15
This earthly life is short, no matter how many years you’ve been here. How we spend them makes a difference. What is your life? I read a devotion today about how everyone has a story. How true. What’s yours? Take a few minutes to read this story from Proverbs 31 Ministry called Everyone Has a Story.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4
This story reminds me of parts of today’s readings in James 4 and Luke 6. What gems to hold tightly to as we navigate our ways through this mist of a life praying that our desires are aligned with God’s will. God’s plan includes us living for him until the day he decides to take us home with him.
As you prepare for this Thanksgiving remember some lessons shared by James to teach us loving Christian behaviors. At a time when you are spending time with family, friends, and strangers our example of living for Christ goes a long way. Our words, responses, prayers, and actions will model who’s will we are following. Will it be our worldly desires or His great plan for us? James 4:4 says Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.
During this time of Thanksgiving be grateful for God’s grace poured out for us. Pour this same grace out to others without being blinded by assumptions or judgement. God’s Law expects us to love others unconditionally. Examine your heart, words, and thoughts towards others. Don’t let others current situation blind you from the love they need.
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. James 4:11
So even if your Thanksgiving isn’t all songs of love and pumpkin pie; remember, as you wish what others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 Are our words, thoughts, and actions building others up or tearing them down?
Dear God,
In a couple of days we will celebrate Thanksgiving around family, friends, and others. God I pray that our love for you and our faith in your will for our lives will be evident in our words and actions. Let us be grateful for the time you give us to love others. Help us to see others through your eyes and come along side them with encouragement that only comes from you. Amen
To Live Is Christ – Sidewalk Prophets
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.