James 1:25, "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."(NIV)
Yesterday, in our time together, we thought upon James 1:21. Today, we're going to drop down just a few verses to James 1:25. It was a few years ago, as I was reading this verse for the umpteenth time when I was gripped by the fact that it said the perfect law (God's Word) gives freedom. I was so excited by that promise. It is right there; God's perfect law gives freedom!!! There is hope.
If you are in bondage of any kind, bondage to sin, bondage to your emotions or moods, bondage to your past, or bondage to anxiety, fear, or worry the perfect law gives freedom. Whatever, holds you bound, does not stand a chance against the perfect law because God tells us His
perfect law gives freedom. Isn't that exciting? Doesn't that give you a glimmer of hope that you can be free?
As I continued to meditate on that soothing, encouraging promise my eyes fell upon another part of the verse. The part that said, "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law..." Looks 'intently'...Oh! Wow, did that ever convict me. My time in the Word is not about getting three chapters done or something I can check off my to-do list. It's about looking intently into the perfect law that gives freedom. And of course, as the verse says, it's not just reading it but
actually doing it. There is a three part action plan that brings results. 1) Look intently, 2) remember what you read, and 3) do it. The result will be that you will be blessed in what you do.
Your challenge for today is to take one chapter of Scripture (Any chapter of James would be great), read it intently looking for one thing you can implement through your obedience. Write it down. Do it.
Diane
No comments:
Post a Comment