11 - Nov

There is no guarantee of receiving answers to what was never made a subject of prayer; the only exception being God’s sovereign will and providence.

Once lust takes over, reason resigns to a corner. Lust and jealousy are no less destructive today than they were when James first wrote his letter. We need the help of the Spirit to constantly bring under control the longings of the flesh.

Even without seeking elective offices, believers can rule by proxy through the wisdom of God on display. Joseph and Daniel did that successfully, and it can only get better since we operate on a better covenant and promise.

Prayers like this remind us that we are engaged in a war that can only be won by the supply of grace from above.

Since no man can tame the tongue, we must seek intervention from God who is able to bring all things under control.

The primary way people express anger is by speaking, mostly unguarded words. A city without walls is without protection; it is open to attacks. This is the lot of those who speak volubly.

They prefer to speak more to the Lord in prayers than engage in empty babbling that only breeds complications. As we shall see in subsequent meditation, the mouth is a gateway of life that requires a maximum guard to be mounted to keep safe.

If you remove the spirit, what is left is a dead body. This is analogous to how faith works. If you do not take steps agreeable to what you believe for, then your faith is dead. 

You must match what you say with practical action steps. Combining actions, no matter how little, with what you say is a way of demonstrating your faith by your works.

The summary of all this is that whereas we did not work our way to salvation, we should showcase our salvation with noble deeds of love.