There is so much that would distract us from God’s love and purpose in our lives. And when we come right down to it, all of that is just junk in comparison. James suggests that we can’t have both. We can’t choose the junk and God – we have to be willing to let go of the junk so that in God we can be complete and focused on what’s really important.
We started the night out with a couple songs: “Yesterday, Today & Forever” by Vicki Beeching and “Foreverandever, Etc.” by David Crowder. We watched the following intro video: you can watch it if you want. And read our verses from James for the night:
James 4:1-10
1-2Where 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. 2-3You 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.
4-6You’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.”
7-10So 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.
John shared a sermon all about how to make this kind of focus a reality in your life. And we responded first by singing “One Pure & Holy Passion” together and then with a time of prayer (shaped by our verses) with time for silent reflection in between. It went like this…
God, we read in James that so much of the negative in this world happens because we want our own way. And we fight to have it – this selfish nature in us is always getting in the way. We ask you now to help us see where in our lives we have gone too far and been selfish…
God, we read in James that we lust after what we don’t have and we often risk everything to try and get it. We are spoiled children, wanting our own way. We ask you now to help us identify those distractions in our lives that we hunger for instead of you…
God, we read in James that we tend to cheat on You and your love, and that the more we grab a hold of the world, the more we become enemies of yours. We know you are a jealous lover, and you offer far more than anything else we can find. We ask you now to help us focus in on your blessings and recommit to your love and your love ALONE…
God, we read in James that if we will draw near to you, you WILL draw near to us. Come near, God. Give us the strength to say no to evil and the sin that haunts us. Give us the courage to stop doing the things that hurt you, and instead may we honor you with our choices. Give us the focus we need to be serious about this relationship we have with you. Give us that pure and holy passion to know you and follow hard after you.
Because the truth is – This world is empty, pale and poor compared to knowing you, God. And Better is one day in your courts, in your presence, in your love – than thousands elsewhere. Amen.
Then we sang “Better is One Day” by Passion Band and “I Will Not Forget You” by Waterdeep. It was a good night.
Here is our current prayer request list. (Anyone can ask for prayer, just let me know! You can talk to me or drop one of our prayer request cards in the worship space Drop Boxes.)
:: Holly Stockburger will be undergoing weekly treatments on Thursdays from 12-4ish for the next 10 weeks. Please lift up her family that takes her to chemo and stays with her. Pray she can balance health and work and family.
:: Eric and Tina are expecting their first child! So far, so good. Please keep everyone’s health in your prayers. We’re 34 weeks! Eric’s dad Theo is feeling better, and is having some tests done to figure out why he’s been sick so often – pray they can figure it out!
:: Pray for Christa and her sons
:: Nathalie, Andrea & Tony S, Amanda B and Randall F are all looking for new jobs – pray God will open up the right opportunities.
:: Pray for Syd Kiser’s sister (Ellen) as she fights Breast Cancer. And for her daughter and her family – they’ve been going through a rough patch for a while.
:: Pray for Lyn K as she struggles with pain and the side effects of cancer treatments. Also pray for her Niece, a 17 year old with what they think is Crohn’s Disease.
:: Pray for Amanda B’s mom who is going to have to stay in rehab afterall. She’s having a rough time. Pray also for Amanda who has a pinched nerve and for her job search.
