You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.  James 4:2

We are all familiar with our external battles like verbal conflict. But there is another battle that is a bit tougher to identify; our internal struggle for control. This takes place when we’re presented with the choice to either fulfill God’s plan for our lives, or to fulfill our own desires for life separate from God.  We can wear ourselves out by clamoring for dreams and goals that were never meant to be ours. And when we try to claim something that doesn’t belong to us, we are guaranteed a nasty fight. Ultimately, when we desire possessions of this world, we are selling ourselves short of the greatness and grandeur that God has in store.  If you base your value on the have’s or the have-not’s, then you will always find yourself fighting for rank, yet still falling short in the world’s economy. Instead, surrender to the truth of God’s perfect plan and ask Him to take control. He is the only one who truly has your best interest at heart. And remember—in God’s economy, your true value and worth will never waiver.

Dear God, I know that I struggle with wanting to maintain control. I realize that Your plan is better than anything I can devise on my own. Help me to surrender control to You so that I can experience the ultimate plan that You have for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  James 3:7-8

“A restless evil, full of deadly poison”—sounds like a poisonous snake, doesn’t it? Snakes are ruthless, wild and deadly, just like cruel and bitter words. And both can sneak up out of nowhere, attack and leave victims scared, hurt and confused.  If the truth were known, a lot of people act just like that: verbal vipers. They specialize in gossip and secrets and slander. Instead of listening to others as they speak, these verbal vipers are only building their verbal arsenal, preparing to strike. We can all have a tendency to act this way. It’s part of our human nature to exhibit our selfishness through harmful, untamed words.  But there is hope—if we surrender our words and our tongues to God. Although we can’t tame our tongues on our own, he can. So when you feel the tension rising and you catch yourself coiling up, preparing to attack—stop and call in reinforcements! Ask God to take control of the situation, and he will do a mighty work in your life as he begins taming your tongue. 

Dear God, When I feel the temptation to sting others with my words, help me to call on you to help tame my tongue so that I won’t become a hazard to those around me. Also help me as I deal with the verbal vipers in my life, and allow me to be used to bring them closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  Deuteronomy 15:10

To be blessed by God is to be on the receiving end of the tangible and intangible favor of God. The intangible favor of God refers to things such as peace, joy and healthy relationships. The tangible favor of God deals with financial, material and other blessings that you can actually hold in your hands.  God wants to bless you, but you must choose to accept God’s blessing. You must choose to step into his will for your life. This is where God’s blessings will flow to and through you.

But to choose God’s best, you may have to leave something behind. You might have to turn away from a bad attitude, an unhealthy relationship, reckless spending habits or some of your social activities and friends. God’s plan requires abandoning anything that will stand between you and the blessings he has planned for you. Are you ready to choose God’s best?

Dear God, Please provide opportunities for me to willingly help others with my time and resources. I choose your best, your will for my life. Help me to walk away from whatever is standing in the way of your blessings. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.