DATE POSTED
Thursday, December 26, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from The Living Bible (TLB) and found in James 1:12-16

THE SCRIPTURE READS
¹² Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. ¹³ And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. ¹⁴ Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. ¹⁵ These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God. ¹⁶ So don’t be misled, dear brothers.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
Perhaps as we reflect on Christmas, we remember the idea from a child’s point of view that if they’ve been good, they will receive good gifts at Christmas. Now with that in mind, re-read today’s Scripture and take note of God’s promise to us through His servant writer James. But more than that, let’s look into this Scripture and use the rest of the Bible to help us understand what we believe James is teaching us here. First of all, let’s look at why mankind might give in to temptation. I believe that when one has mixed feelings about their commitment to someone, or something, then it takes very little convincing for them to walk away or be unfaithful. Many marriages fail because of weak or nonexistent commitment to the spouse they promised God they would love till death parts them. We blame one another for weakening relationships, but the truth is that we each must take personal responsibility for our promises to God and to each other. But looking at the topic from James’ point of view, he wants us to see how God looks at the faithfulness of His children. You see, it becomes much like our gift giving at Christmas. Very often we give gifts because someone has given us a gift – either in material form or in being especially good to us. God says to us in today’s Scripture that if we stay firm in our commitment, love, devotion, to Him, and if we stay firm, He will gift us with the crown of life – life eternally in glory with our triune God. This idea of being rewarded a crown was also spoken of in Luke 19:11-27 when a certain nobleman told a servant that because of his diligence in investing the money given to him, he would rule over 10 cities. The thing is, God has given each of us many gifts to use in our cities today also. In your opinion, based on your investments of the gifts given to you, will He crown you as ruler over 10, 5, or perhaps no cites in His Kingdom? However, the impact of verses 13-15 will hit home for many of us today. So often we seem to instantly try to find a scapegoat – someone else to blame, for our lack of commitment, and/or our failure to use the gifts given to us by our faithful Father. Unfortunately, while some will buy into those excuses out of respect to you, God is able to discern the faithfulness and honesty of your heart. There is a well-known gospel song entitled ‘He knows My Name’, a favorite of mine. The Bible also tells us that God knows our very thoughts, not just what others hear from our lips. So, can we be very, very personal with God today and either rejoice with Him over our honest thoughts and works, or confess to Him our inadequate actions and degree of commitment to the gifts granted to us, while also asking for His strength, power and love to help us overcome these things and press on to greater heights in His Kingdom? If not my friends, we might easily become misled by what the world wants us to think. Now it’s your turn with God, go for it!

PRAYER
Oh Lord Jesus, we are unworthy of Your love and Your sacrifice on Calvary, for although we have invited You into our hearts, we often struggle with surrendering lordship of our lives to You. In this world, we are impacted by the attitude of seeking relationships with those from whom we can gain or improve our status or position in life. But You have shown us throughout Your life, and especially on the cross, that love is best understood by what you do for others. You sacrificed Your very life, even while we were yet sinners and participated in every way with Your crucifixion, so that we who accept You as Lord, can have eternal life. Please forgive us Lord, and today begin a new work, a godly attitude in us, to help us show the world that the Jesus we claim to exist inside of us, is being reflected in our attitude: towards our crazy and dangerous drivers, in our busy and chaotic stores, and our restaurants filled with selfish and ungodly patrons who are rude to waiting staff who may not provide for their every need. People so badly need Jesus, not more of our selfish and worldly attitudes. Please fill us to overflowing with Your character and Your heart so that every word and action that exudes from us might impact others for the Kingdom. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!