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Posted on 02/29/2012 10:21:16 PM PST by JustAmy
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~LUV~
A man once asked me, “What is your biggest problem?” I replied, “I see my biggest problem every day in the mirror.” I am referring to those “me first” desires that lurk in my heart.
In James 4:1 we read: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” The words “desires for pleasure” refer to our self-serving desires. That’s why in James 1:14 we are told: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” James warns that such “me first” desires will destroy our friendship with God (4:4) and cause divisions, wars, and fights (vv.1-2).
Therefore, we are told to put off “me first” thinking. How do we do this? First, “Submit to God” (4:7). We need to get our ranking right—God is God and His will must always be first. Second, “Draw near to God” (v.8). Deal with those desires that lead to sin by going to God for cleansing. Don’t be double-minded, desiring both evil and good. But rather desire to please God alone. Third, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord” (v.10). Then “He will lift you up.”
Remember, “me first” living is not the key to success. Put God first.
Read: James 4:1-10
Wonderful message, Mayor! Thanks for ODB every day! It helps me!
Hi Jaycee, Happy Spring!
I just learned of some very sad news. My good friend, Geneva, who I always go to those high school lunches with, called to say that her son Marc, 49, had passed away. She was crying and of course I started crying too. She told me he never went to a doctor on a regular basis and that he had some bleeding and let it go for a while, thinking it was hemorrhoids but it wasn’t.
He went to the doctor and was hospitalized immediately and was in the hospital 21 days until his death. He was divorced and had no children.
My friend Geneva, was constantly doing something for others. She is one of the sweetest, easy going ladies that I have ever known. She would drop everything she was doing to help a friend like taking them to a doctor or taking food to someone sick.
She had her doctor’s degree in Education and before her retirement, she was a teacher for years, then Principal, then Superintendent. She worked in the Bristol, Virginia school system, just across town. We are two cities here as I’ve mentioned in the past.
None of us know what tomorrow may bring. Say a little prayer for Geneva as she deeply grieves the loss of her beloved son. I plan to go to visitation tonight.
Thanks, Rus and NnB.
I checked and the last post by TulipTree76 was November 11, 2010 on “Lightning Rod Gets The Zot”. She is probably busy with her teaching ...She should change her name to DrTulipTree76. :)
Hope that WayzataJohnn shows up with a new poem soon. Also, we haven’t seen Billie for almost a year. She needed a break and never came back :~(
Saying prayers for comfort for Geneva, Jaycee. There is nothing worse than losing a child. My heart goes out to her. May God hold her in His loving embrace as she grieves.
May the Lord's Blessing be upon her.
~Wishing You A Thoughtful Thursday~
Luvie - I DOOD it wrong! #1053 was NOT for AMY - but for YOU!!! Hope it’s a happy one, my FRiend!!
OOPS! #1051 was meant for you LUV. Too many drugs altered my thinking.
LOL
Okay, You two .... shape up!!
ODB is always an education to me and it’s my pleasure to post daily. The messages have been excellent lately.
I guess my search wasn’t thorough enough. : )
Must have had spelling errors or not the whole name.
I know, Billie has been gone for some time.
We’ve all been here for a long time now.
Thank you, Amy. Geneva has faced crisis before. She lost her husband when they were in the late 40’s from heart disease. And she has a grandson who is on dialysis. It makes us wonder sometimes about the suffering of one human being. I guess thats why God is on duty 24-7 for us!
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