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For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist there will be confusion and every kind of meanness. James 3:16 (OGV)
When the events of life and culture overwhelm, I get confused.
To sort things, as I have been doing a lot lately, I read books, listen to YouTube, and talk to others. Often, I find conflicting points of view and get more confused.
Paul writes, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
I get my peace back by prayer and simple obedience. I think too much, and one of my weaknesses, prone for attack from the evil one, is confusion. The confusion causes sleepless nights, irritability, and a tendency to be angry with those that I am closest to.
The Book of James has been my “re-hab” from confusion book more than once.
Years ago, during an intense moment of church difficulty and confusion on my part as to exactly what I should do about it, I came to a weekend service and began asking people how I could pray for them. I felt better. I didn’t find a solution, but serving others gave me a perspective to which peace could return.
Back to the Book of James. It is a book that lists small acts of obedience. These obedience points are not confusing, no deep theological discussion necessary, and they work for both Democrats and Republicans.
Listed below are the ones that I have tried. If you are confused, pick one verse and devote the next month to following the plan based upon this passage.
Simple faith and easy obedience bring clarity to confusion. Get your peace back!
Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18
You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. James 4:2-3
You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:8
Plan 1 – James 1:19: Almost impossible to spend a month being quick to hear and slow to speak. Try it! Ask God to convict and give you strength. Amazing, the results!
Plan 2 – James 1:27: Ask God to bring into your path someone who has a need. Don’t fear. God will provide this need through you.
Plan 3 – James 3:18: Be a peacemaker. If you are not at peace with someone close to you, pray, forgive, and then go talk to that person.
Plan 4 – James 4:2-3: Consider and then ask a huge prayer request. Answered prayer is the greatest adventure of following Jesus.
Plan 5 – James 5:8: Say to yourself every time something confusing or discouraging happens, “The Lord is coming back soon.” Overcoming temporary affliction means having an eternal perspective.
Plan 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Which one? Small acts, not heroic deeds, bring daily peace.
For other Interruptions on the Book of James look up
#200, #206, #219, #224, #230, #241, #246
at www.grantedwardsauthor.com.