ESOCS Devotional 9 April 2021
TEXT: JAMES 4:13–5:6
MEMORY VERSE: “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain.” James 4:13 KJV
Boasting neither makes a man any greater in the esteem of others nor does it improve his bodily or spiritual condition. Let man brag as he will, he is none the greater. Tomorrow is a thing that we have not yet obtained; therefore, not only if we had it would it be foolish to boast of it, but because we have it not, and may never have it, it becomes extremely foolish to glory in it. Remember tomorrow come from God and we have no right to glory in them.
Our text is addressing those who plan their lives without any thought or regard for the will or work of God. There are many today who are living their life as a practical atheist. What we mean is that while they may profess a belief in God, they live their life as if He doesn’t exist. There is nothing wrong with making plans, setting goals, and thinking about the future. The problem comes when you fill in the date book of your life without ever considering the fact that God alone knows the future, and He alone knows what is best for you. Like the rich farmer in the parable that Jesus told, who wanted to tear down his barns so he could build bigger ones, you are not bringing God into the details of your life. Planning is great, but planning without prayer is presumptuous. None of us knows what will happen in the future. There are two important reasons why we should never presume upon the future: A) Life is unpredictable: We don’t even know what will happen tonight, much less next week or next year. B) Life is immeasurable: Our life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then it vanishes away. There are many who try to control today in order to ensure their tomorrow. We need to realize that we are not in total control of our lives – God is. No amount of money, influence, power or planning can guarantee tomorrow. Only God can grant us another sunrise or another breath.
Our text is challenging us here to demonstrate an attitude of submission to God, to acknowledge that all of our life is to be lived out in recognition of the fact that God is in charge of everything. May God grant us grace not to boast, especially of that which we are not guaranteed to have, in Jesus name.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
In the process of planning your life, have you in anyway neglected God’s purpose for you? Are there areas in your life that you have boasted about things and have not allowed God to be in control? Talk to Him about this and make amends.
PRAYER POINT
Pray to God to fill you with the spirit of humility and to subdue the flesh; and that your plans will align with God’s purpose for you
FURTHER READING: Psalms 90:12; Proverbs 27:1-2
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ESOCS Devotional 9 April 2021
