God gives help to those who acknowledge Him. He doesn't want us to turn away and be independent. Instead, He wants to help the humble. If you ask for help, He will be quick to answer.
Today I was listening to Christian radio and heard James 4:6: ..."God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble". Those who have no desperation for God in their hearts, because of their own pride, will not have easy access to God. Pride causes God to set Himself against us. Now that can seem harsh, but it's the truth. And the redemptive factor is that He is quick to relent once we realize our foolishness and commit to change!
Confirmed: Here is a recent article from the Elijah List by Phillis Ford. There is a trend of humility, submissiveness and repentance in this word. Below is an italicized excerpt. Later on, there is great insight into how God's great Grace allows us to come into His Glory.
As we cry out before the Lord with hearts of repentance, we will make great strides. As we embrace the truth of Jesus Christ, having passion for the things of God, we find the strength to dismantle feelings of complacency and battle weariness. The reality is that we shall be a people that the Lord is establishing now.
Those with the greatest passion will be on the front lines, but know that your position doesn't exempt you from going through more of the perfecting process of grace. Those will be led by the Spirit of God if they submit to the process to grow. These are major decisions that must be determined in the hearts of God's people. Those that say I am not a part of this because I am above this, or who say I don't need the Lord's help will find themselves in painful experiences until they submit willingly to God. We are approaching serious times, and the Lord is purifying His people.
Submit to God. Agree with Him that He is Lord of all, and willing to be fully devoted to. Humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up. When David cried out to God, it is written that the Lord "reached down from on high" and took hold of him (Psalms 18:16). Doesn't that sound wonderful? It sure does to me.
There is an ongoing cycle here. This pattern is meant to draw us closer and closer to God--two steps forward, one step back, if necessary--until we are living like the true sons and daughters that we are. The Lord has been speaking to me about this process recently.
1)We fall into sin and confusion (Lamentations 1:20)
2) We acknowledge our sin (1 Chronicles 21:8)
3) We call out to God in the spirit of humility (Psalms 119:145)
4) God rescues us and draws us near (Psalms 18:16, like above)
5) Nearness to Him burns out our uncleanness (Hebrews 12:29)
6) But He gives us more Grace (James 4:6)
Look at steps 5 and 6 here. When we become near Him, we get burnt in the flames of purification. We offer up our sinful habits as a burnt offering. "Fire" has been such a thematic word recently. We do this, because it must be done if we are to draw near to Him. Look at James 4:8. If we want to approach Him, we must purify ourselves first. And as He draws closer, He purifies us more and more. He cleanses us and upholds us for His name's sake!
God makes us pure because He is a jealous God. The Holy Spirit within us is jealous, and He cannot take pleasure in anything we do that doesn't give honor to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God's tabernacle fire. When He "reaches down" for us--and He always does--He will prompt us to say, "whatever it takes". He shows us how to give every single bit of the Glory to God. If we are led by the Spirit, we will stay away from the world.
How do we do this? This is where step 6 comes into play. How do we be purified to the extent that we have lost all earthly distractions? That sounds hard! And it is, or else James 4:6 would not acknowledge it as so. "But He gives us more Grace". Glory to God! He gives us more grace, and He gives us the Spirit. By His grace he gives us more of His Holy Spirit, and by His grace He gifts us new wineskins to hold His riches in (Matthew 9:17).
Praise Him for amazing Grace. It's a gift that keeps on giving. But we need to use it to draw near to Him! We need to accept it as an opportunity to be made new! His Grace leads us to become slaves of righteousness. God cannot be mocked. Grace given to water down sin is no grace at all. Repent and now that He has forgotten your sins. Repent and receive that new wineskin. And give glory to God and His grace!
Confirmed: When I was close to finished with this post, Vanessa came in and told me good news from a family member. They've been returning to God, and it's fantastic to see. This person has just submitted to God in a new way. Among other things, they've professed to our Lord: "I want to lose myself to you. Consume me in your fire". Just like that, even the small things in their life have been saved (Romans 10:10). Hallelujah!
Today I was listening to Christian radio and heard James 4:6: ..."God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble". Those who have no desperation for God in their hearts, because of their own pride, will not have easy access to God. Pride causes God to set Himself against us. Now that can seem harsh, but it's the truth. And the redemptive factor is that He is quick to relent once we realize our foolishness and commit to change!
Confirmed: Here is a recent article from the Elijah List by Phillis Ford. There is a trend of humility, submissiveness and repentance in this word. Below is an italicized excerpt. Later on, there is great insight into how God's great Grace allows us to come into His Glory.
As we cry out before the Lord with hearts of repentance, we will make great strides. As we embrace the truth of Jesus Christ, having passion for the things of God, we find the strength to dismantle feelings of complacency and battle weariness. The reality is that we shall be a people that the Lord is establishing now.
Those with the greatest passion will be on the front lines, but know that your position doesn't exempt you from going through more of the perfecting process of grace. Those will be led by the Spirit of God if they submit to the process to grow. These are major decisions that must be determined in the hearts of God's people. Those that say I am not a part of this because I am above this, or who say I don't need the Lord's help will find themselves in painful experiences until they submit willingly to God. We are approaching serious times, and the Lord is purifying His people.
Submit to God. Agree with Him that He is Lord of all, and willing to be fully devoted to. Humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up. When David cried out to God, it is written that the Lord "reached down from on high" and took hold of him (Psalms 18:16). Doesn't that sound wonderful? It sure does to me.
There is an ongoing cycle here. This pattern is meant to draw us closer and closer to God--two steps forward, one step back, if necessary--until we are living like the true sons and daughters that we are. The Lord has been speaking to me about this process recently.
1)We fall into sin and confusion (Lamentations 1:20)
2) We acknowledge our sin (1 Chronicles 21:8)
3) We call out to God in the spirit of humility (Psalms 119:145)
4) God rescues us and draws us near (Psalms 18:16, like above)
5) Nearness to Him burns out our uncleanness (Hebrews 12:29)
6) But He gives us more Grace (James 4:6)
Look at steps 5 and 6 here. When we become near Him, we get burnt in the flames of purification. We offer up our sinful habits as a burnt offering. "Fire" has been such a thematic word recently. We do this, because it must be done if we are to draw near to Him. Look at James 4:8. If we want to approach Him, we must purify ourselves first. And as He draws closer, He purifies us more and more. He cleanses us and upholds us for His name's sake!
God makes us pure because He is a jealous God. The Holy Spirit within us is jealous, and He cannot take pleasure in anything we do that doesn't give honor to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God's tabernacle fire. When He "reaches down" for us--and He always does--He will prompt us to say, "whatever it takes". He shows us how to give every single bit of the Glory to God. If we are led by the Spirit, we will stay away from the world.
How do we do this? This is where step 6 comes into play. How do we be purified to the extent that we have lost all earthly distractions? That sounds hard! And it is, or else James 4:6 would not acknowledge it as so. "But He gives us more Grace". Glory to God! He gives us more grace, and He gives us the Spirit. By His grace he gives us more of His Holy Spirit, and by His grace He gifts us new wineskins to hold His riches in (Matthew 9:17).
Praise Him for amazing Grace. It's a gift that keeps on giving. But we need to use it to draw near to Him! We need to accept it as an opportunity to be made new! His Grace leads us to become slaves of righteousness. God cannot be mocked. Grace given to water down sin is no grace at all. Repent and now that He has forgotten your sins. Repent and receive that new wineskin. And give glory to God and His grace!
Confirmed: When I was close to finished with this post, Vanessa came in and told me good news from a family member. They've been returning to God, and it's fantastic to see. This person has just submitted to God in a new way. Among other things, they've professed to our Lord: "I want to lose myself to you. Consume me in your fire". Just like that, even the small things in their life have been saved (Romans 10:10). Hallelujah!
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