Psalm 103:2-5

Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits; who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

We need to remind ourselves daily of the blessings of God in our lives. God promised us healing, salvation, and forgiveness of our sins, and we must reach out in faith for these promises. We must remind the devil that these gifts from God are ours, and we won’t take any sin or sickness from his direction. Press forward in faith and take hold of the promises of God. 

James 4:7-8

So submit to (the authority of) God. Resist the devil (stand firm against him) and he will flee from you. Come close to God (with contrite heart) and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your (unfaithful) hearts, you double-minded (people).

God is always ready to help us in times of need. When we feel pressure from the devil, God wants to help us, but we must be willing to submit to God. When we draw near God, we can better hear His guidance, but we also need to purify our hearts. We can’t be double-minded and still hear from God.

James 4:6

But He gives us more and more grace (through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation). Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but gives (the gift of) grace to the humble (who turn away from self-righteousness).

God gives us the grace to turn away from sin with the help of the Holy Spirit. When we humble ourselves before God and ask for help in faith, God will answer our prayers. We can’t let pride get between us and help from God because we can’t do the miracles and changes we need. 

James 3:4-5

And look at the ships. Even though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it boasts great things.

Besides the purpose of communication, our speech is meant to speak faith. If our tongue speaks doubt and fear, our ship will go off course. When our lives seem to be going off the path, we need to check what we say because it reflects our beliefs; what we think, whether faith or doubt, will map the course of our route.

James 1:22

But prove yourselves doers of the word (actively and continually obeying God’s precepts), and not merely listeners (who hear the word and fail to internalize the meaning), deluding yourselves (by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth).

The Bible is an instruction book for our lives. Not just a book to be read and set aside. If we are to gain full benefits from the instructions, we have to practice what it says. We must practice these things when it says do not sin, be angry, and love one another. The words of God are meant to enter our hearts and be our guide as we are a doer of the word.

James 1:13

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” (for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws); for God cannot be tempted by (what is) evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited (to commit sin) by his own (worldly) desire (lust and passion).

We are drawn away when our wants don’t align with God’s word. Our motivation behind the desires is the key? Are we greedy, envious, or selfish in our wishes will be a question we need to ask ourselves. As we continue our reading of the Bible, we have a clearer understanding of the Godly way to fulfill our desires.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance), he is to ask of (our benevolent) God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. 

We all need direction when we are going through life. When times are challenging, it takes one word from God for reassurance in the order we follow. If we remain in a close relationship with God and His word, the line of communication is readily available. God will give to us generously when we ask for wisdom. 

James 1:11

For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away; so too will the rich man, in the midst of his pursuits, fade away. 

God should be our first pursuit in our lives! Any feelings of emptiness or lack of purpose will disappear when we do this. Money and things never satisfy, but God keeps our hearts at peace when we keep connected to Him.  God will provide the desires of our hearts, and He wants us to be blessed. 

Romans 8:1-2

Therefore there is now no condemnation (no guilty verdict, no punishment) for those who are in Christ Jesus (who believes in Him as personal Lord and Savior.) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 

Jesus has set us free from sin and continual failure. Without grace through salvation, the difficulty of attaining righteousness would be overwhelming and unattainable. With Jesus as the substitute for our sins, we confess our sins and move forward in Christ, and we don’t get caught in a sin spiral. Jesus is our way out and way to heaven. 

Romans 4:14-15

If those who are (followers) of the Law are (the true) heirs (of Abraham) then faith (leading to salvation) is of no effect and void, and the promise (of God) nullified. For the Law results in (God’s) wrath (against sin), but where there is no law, there is no violation (of it either).

When reading the Old Testament, it is clear that keeping the law would be a struggle. Without salvation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a man quickly loses focus on the law and sins. Through salvation, grace removes the law as a barrier to reaching a connection to God through Jesus.