March 23. James 4. The Rondorfs

Yesterday and Tomorrow

Cheryl Rondorf

As we talked about yesterday, earthly, unspiritual thinking is in direct contrast to peace-loving, submissive godly wisdom. Don’t be double-minded but be humble before the Lord. That word, submit, in verse 7 can be hard for us to swallow. But what a promise that follows! Picture the devil fleeing from you because you live a life in humble submission to God. I want that life, don’t you?

Neil Rondorf

James (4:13-17) writes about the view of tomorrow. Who of us has not dreamed of what tomorrow could be. Tomorrow can be in 24 hours or years from now and it has a place in our thoughts and dreams. There is a challenge in being so occupied with “tomorrow” that we forget to deal with today. As Corey pointed out in the message at Mt Trashmore - God used Peter to communicate with Cornelius. He has things for us to do on a daily basis as well. If we are too busy focused on “tomorrow” we may miss the things God has in store for us today. We need to live every day with purpose to serve God. That may be easier said than done. In Acts 10 Peter refuses God’s vision of the sheet full of edibles. Peter refused based on his experience and knowledge and was unwilling to accept what God was intending. We need to be close enough to and in tune with the Spirit to be able to listen and recognize what we need to do today. That begins with a great study of scripture, prayer, and getting advice so we can respond today and not just hope for tomorrow.