James 4 - 06.29.23

SCRIPTURE: James 4:13-15 NLT

“Look here, you who say, 

“Today or Tomorrow—

we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. 

We will do business there—and make a profit.” 

How do you know—what your life will be like—tomorrow? 

Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while—then it’s gone. 

What you ought to say is, “If—the Lord wants us to—we will live—

and do this or that.””

OBSERVATION:

This statement that James makes is reminiscent of the Parable that Jesus shared about the Farmer who had the bumper crop (Luke 12:16). His barns were too small-so he decided to build Bigger Barns so he could have Greater “security” for the Future.

“And I will say to myself, “You have MANY goods STORED up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!” ’”

(Luke 12:19 NASB)

But, God’s reply to this man’s Boasting was:

“You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you”

(Luke 12:20 NASB)

APPLICATION:

INVEST in Those Things that are ETERNAL.

Life seems long and we measure it in years—but in comparison to eternity—Life is a—vapor.

Since Life is SO brief—and God-alone has marked our time—

We cannot afford to waste our lives—We Must Invest our Lives in His Eternal Kingdom.

““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NASB)

When the Rich Young Ruler came to encounter Jesus with the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal Life?” Jesus told him, “… Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then— come, FOLLOW—ME.””  (Luke 18:22 NIV)

It is Important to understand that it’s not a prerequisite for all believers to “Go out and sell everything” to follow Jesus. What Jesus understood about this “Rich Young Ruler” is that his riches— “Ruled” him. Jesus was inviting him to “Lay down the earthly treasure that he “worshipped”—for lasting treasure.

To receive an Eternal Treasure by Following Jesus as Savior and Lord.

PRAYER:

LORD Jesus,

As I ponder Your Word Today, I am asking myself if anything “has Rule over” me. I pray nothing will take Your rightful place as Number One-My Resource, Provider, My Sovereign Lord. I surrender all to You, Today. May I seek Your Will First in all I do. Everything I have belongs to You—including my time here on earth. I pray I hear Your voice and am quick to respond. Thank You for your Holy Spirit-Your Promise for Wisdom, Strength, and Power to do Your Will.  Here I am Lord, send me. Amen.

“God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases HIM.” (Philippians 2:13 TPT)

Tina L Kudelka