– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/21/2025
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?
James 4:1–12 (MSG)
– Reflection:
Whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or even globally, it arises from unchecked desires and pride. These tensions don’t appear out of nowhere; they stem from our internal struggles, our need to control outcomes, and our reluctance to surrender those desires to God. When we pursue what we want without considering if it’s right or aligned with God’s will, we end up hurting others and ourselves. The message is clear: humility is the way forward. God isn’t looking for perfection, but for a heart that’s willing to listen, yield, and grow. When we stop trying to win every battle and instead let God lead, we find peace, clarity, and strength. It’s a call to be genuine, stop pretending, and let grace do the heavy lifting.
– Where do we go from here?
James 4:1–12 reminds us that much of the conflict we face, whether with others or within ourselves, stems from misplaced desires. We want things our way, and when we don’t get them, we fight, argue, and even drift from God. James isn’t just pointing fingers; he’s asking us to examine our hearts. Are we pursuing what God wants, or just our own wants? The good news is, God offers grace. He’s not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for humble ones. So, from here, we embrace humility. We stop judging others, stop trying to play God, and start drawing near to Him. That’s where peace begins, and that’s where real change starts.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for using him to show us what it looks like to live with wisdom, humility, and faith that works. His example helps us understand the kind of life You call us to, a life that draws near to You, resists pride, and chooses peace over conflict. Help us walk that path today. Let his words shape our hearts and guide our steps as we follow Christ more closely. Keep us steady. Amen.
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?
James 4:1–12 (MSG)
– Reflection:
Whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or even globally, it arises from unchecked desires and pride. These tensions don’t appear out of nowhere; they stem from our internal struggles, our need to control outcomes, and our reluctance to surrender those desires to God. When we pursue what we want without considering if it’s right or aligned with God’s will, we end up hurting others and ourselves. The message is clear: humility is the way forward. God isn’t looking for perfection, but for a heart that’s willing to listen, yield, and grow. When we stop trying to win every battle and instead let God lead, we find peace, clarity, and strength. It’s a call to be genuine, stop pretending, and let grace do the heavy lifting.
– Where do we go from here?
James 4:1–12 reminds us that much of the conflict we face, whether with others or within ourselves, stems from misplaced desires. We want things our way, and when we don’t get them, we fight, argue, and even drift from God. James isn’t just pointing fingers; he’s asking us to examine our hearts. Are we pursuing what God wants, or just our own wants? The good news is, God offers grace. He’s not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for humble ones. So, from here, we embrace humility. We stop judging others, stop trying to play God, and start drawing near to Him. That’s where peace begins, and that’s where real change starts.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for using him to show us what it looks like to live with wisdom, humility, and faith that works. His example helps us understand the kind of life You call us to, a life that draws near to You, resists pride, and chooses peace over conflict. Help us walk that path today. Let his words shape our hearts and guide our steps as we follow Christ more closely. Keep us steady. Amen.