James 4 - 2.4.25

SCRIPTURE:  James 4:6b-8. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and He will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

OBSERVATION:  James addressed the root problem that many of the so-called Christ-followers were dealing with; pride and arrogance.  Their sinful and evil desires reflected the pride that was in their hearts. They were attempting to maintain a “friendship” with the world, and yet be followers of Jesus. 

Many of the affluent believers had become so self-centered and arrogant that they were excluding God from their daily activities. 

James called them double-minded, and adulterous people. “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred to God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend to the world becomes an enemy of God.”  James was referring to the kind of pleasure that kept them from pleasing God.

APPLICATION:  The best way for me to get rid of any pride and arrogance in my heart is to humble myself before God, and submit to Him. Pride makes me self-centered, but when I draw near to God, and apply His wisdom, He draws near to me, and purifies my heart as I turn from my sins, and ask for His forgiveness. 

PRAYER:  I submit myself to You God, and pray that You will help me to imitate Jesus’ example in my day to day relationships with both Christians and non-Christians, and that I will demonstrate the kind of unselfishness, humility, and self-sacrifice that I am only able to do as I love You more than what the world has to offer.

- Robin Orefice

Psalm 3 - 2.3.25

Scripture

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

Observation

This is a psalm of King David expressing his complete trust in God no matter his circumstances. In this passage, King David is surrounded by his enemies. Even his own son, Absalom, is out trying to kill him so he could rule in his dad’s place. Talk about a stressful situation! But, David doesn’t allow any of that stuff to get to him. His eyes are fixed solely on the LORD.

Application

Keeping God on speed dial.

We all face problems in life. I’m not sure if any of us faced problems quite like David here, but nonetheless, we all still face our own problems. The question is how each of us chooses to face our problems. Do we go in full panic mode and totally freak out?! Or maybe we go in full denial mode and try to hope our problems “magically” go away? Who do we turn to when these problems arise?

I want to encourage everyone out there to handle those problems the way King David did here in this psalm. You see, David knew God was BIGGER than any of his problems. David didn’t allow fear to take hold of him no matter how many enemies he was facing-(verse 6). David knew all he had to do was cry out to God and God would hear his voice-(verses 4 & 7). David had confidence that his salvation comes from the LORD-(verse 8).

So if anything is bringing you down, cry out to God for help. Don’t make it a last resort! Put God # 1 in your speed dial for everything. He would love to hear from you and He is never too busy to take your call.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. You are always willing to “take my call”, and are never too busy for me. God, nothing is too small or too big for You to handle. You are sovereign in every way. May I continue, and may our church continue, to implement the discipline we attained these past 28 days, and seek You first in everything. May we carry the confidence that David had in this passage, that no matter what problems we face, You oh God, are our shield and salvation. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

‬‬

-Moses Gaddi

Proverbs 31 - 1.31.25

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-12 & 25-31

 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Observation

The author of this chapter is unidentified, but it is a famous passage describing the virtues and attitudes of a godly, excellent woman. She is a woman of integrity, honor, trust, loving and hard working. This kind of woman is uncommon in the world, but to the man who finds her, she is a precious jewel that shines brightly. She is a treasure to him and his children.

Application

The world does not value the importance of a woman who chooses to stay at home, take care of her children and household. They feel she is not able to use her talents and gifts. I completely disagree with this opinion. God has a way that He has designed us to live and doing things “God’s Way” produces abundant fruit and a Blessed Life. A woman who trusts the Lord with all her heart and knows that He will lead, guide and direct her path can walk through life radiating strength and dignity. She is not fearful of the future because she trusts the Lord. She carries with her a sense of calm that can only come from trusting God and spending time in His presence. She is wise and creates an atmosphere that her children can thrive and feel safe in. Her husband is loved, honored and valued and gives her respect and praise. 

The world tells us that true beauty comes from a fit body, nice clothes and lots of makeup, but that’s so far from the truth. A woman that is completely surrendered to God, reads and lives out His words, instructs her children in the ways of the Lord, loves and supports her husband, takes care of her household and radiates Jesus’ love and compassion to all she meets…that’s True Beauty. She is a priceless jewel that should be cherished and honored.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Help us to see beauty through Your eyes. Open our eyes to see the gifts you have given us and the people you have put in our lives that are precious jewels. Help us to always be thankful and grateful for our lives and our families. Help us to always honor and praise the precious women in our lives that give so much of themselves to make this world a better place. Thank you, Lord for Godly Women!

- Michelle Craig