James 4: 1-2
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
When I read a bit about these verses from James, it is made clear he was refering to conflict in the church. But the sentiment is the same whether in small or large numbers. The dynamic of one person wanting to have more control or more power than another can happen between two people or two million people. It is hard to even imagine how different the world would be if every conflict were approached with prayer and thanksgiving.
Holy Lord, make me an instrument of peace, not conflict. Help me to turn to you before I resort to angry words or actions. Amen
Becky, transforming
James 4:1-2
I think not having what is wanted, not necessarily needed, can bring out some of the worst in people, the keeping up with the Joneses thing can cause unnecessary frustration. The conflict within may manifest in a quarrelsome demeanor. Are these earthly things desire or true need. All we need to do is put it in God‘s hands and have faith in his decisions.
Heavenly Father, please lead me to you when I need something in my life, please strengthen my faith in knowing you will take care of all my needs. Amen.
WAR
Wednesday, November 27th, 2024
James 4:1-2
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.
God says our conflicts, our quarrels and arguments with others is the conflict going on inside us. So it would make sense to first acknowledge this. My biggest conflict is always forgetting God. It's my selfish desires I want for myself and not what God wants for me. I’m expecting other people to meet my needs instead of God, I,m not praying about it,…
James 4: 1-2
Fights, quarrels, battles . . . In so many instances, just follow the money and that’s where the fighting will be. If greed, envy and covetousness could magically disappear tomorrow, part of me says the world would be a better place, but the pessimist in me says we will simply find something else to fight about. The answer is not only letting go of sinful habits, but keeping God at the center of our decision-making.
Prayer - Lord, I pray You take away any urge I may have to engage in conflict over petty, earthly concerns. Let me be a conduit of peace at the right place and right time. Amen
TAA
James 4:1-2
James's advice to his churches is today's advice to the world.
Kay and I are singing in a Christmas Cantata on December 15 with another church choir. It has a wonderful gospel rhythm. This Sunday we are singing one of the songs as a way of introducing the music to Hillside. The song we are singing is called, "Waiting." The Isrealites were waiting for a Messiah. One of my favorite sections goes like this:
we are waiting til the clouds don't cover the skies
for the fighting to Stop for quarrels to cease
Savior's gonna come and bring us heavenly peace.
The Isrealites knew they had to pray. If only we ALL did the same thing to tr…