Discipleship Study – Rhythms – James 4:7-10 – Near To Him, Near To You – Growing As Disciples
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:7-10 (ESV)
Draw Near
I have led a double-minded life. I have had unclean hands. I have had an impure heart. I have played around with evil. I have allowed myself to be tempted. I have led a wretched life that was no laughing matter. I have also turned away from that life. That life is done. That life is gone. That life is dead and buried. You have given me a new life in you. You have changed my heart. You have transformed my mind. It is now the desire of my heart and thought of my mind to give myself to you without any reservations. No longer am I half heartedly following you. No longer do I have a double mind. Now, I am wholeheartedly devoted to loving, following and serving you. I can see that you are fully devoted to me. Your thoughts, and words and deeds are pleasing to me.
You seem quite confident of your commitment and very strong in your stand. My confidence is not in myself. If my ability to love, follow and serve you stood on my own strength I would be without hope. I would certainly fail. All my trust is in you. It is the joy of my life to draw near to you. It is my delight to hear all that you have to say to me. There is no place I would rather be than in your presence. There is nothing I would rather do than worship you. There is nothing I want more than to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. I have tasted of your kindness and mercy. You have lavished me with your love. I know that you will draw near to me as I draw near to you. Yes, I will. I know that I will be strengthened and changed as I am in your presence. You will mold and shape my life. You will make me into the person you have created me to be. You will use my life to bear fruit for your kingdom. You will allow me to bring glory to your name. You will strengthen my desire to live my life fully with and for you. You will strengthen my ability to resist the devil and all his evil. Yes, I will. You will fan the flame of passion in my heart and mind to love, follow and serve you. Yes, I will. That is what I want. These are the things that I am asking for. These desires of your heart will be granted.
Lord, my life is completely in your hands. I am unconditionally at your disposal. I am all yours without any reservations. I am reverently submitting myself to you as I draw near to you. I am resisting the devil and his evil. Draw near to me Lord. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
Rhythms – James 4-7-10 – Near To Him, Near To You – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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