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. 

Romans 3:22-24

The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those (Jew or Gentile) who believe (and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son). There is no distinction since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God and are being justified as a gift by His grace, through the redemption which in is Christ Jesus.

Man is not capable of attaining righteousness without salvation through Jesus. Creating rules and philosophies cannot achieve what a spirit connected to Jesus can do. Our spirit connected through Jesus opens the door to right standing and propels the believer to a closer relationship with God. Our connection makes our faith in God important for answered prayer, healing, and daily life.

Hebrews 2:1

For this reason (that is, because of God’s final revelation in His Son Jesus’ superiority to the angels) we must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard, so that we do not drift away from the truth.

Our minds will have a mind of their own if we let them. Our eyes will travel here and there and see things that should be avoided. We get distracted, tired and confused because we have lost focus on the truth from the word of God. The Bible is our best defense against becoming apathetic and lost in an ugly world. 

Philippians 2:14-15

Do everything without murmuring or questioning so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a (morally) crooked and (spiritually) perverted generation, among whom you are set as bright lights in the world (of darkness). 

There are times when circumstances are frustrating, and all we want to do is verbalize our frustration, thinking it will make us feel better. God instructs us to hold our tongues and not complain amid trials. Why? Because God is the answer to our problems and can help us when we seek Him over the matter. 

Galatians 6:4-5

But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work (examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior), and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear his own burden (of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible).

Paul is gently telling us that we can only control ourselves. We may not be able to control the circumstances, people, or events around us, but our attitudes are behaviors we can control. We are responsible for our shortcomings and faults, and we have God’s ability inside us to overcome them.