Near To God

James 4:8 - Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Psalm 73:28 - But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Zechariah 1:3 - Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty.

Malachi 3:7 - Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'

Psalm 119:113 - I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.

Conclusions:

• “I will tell of all your deeds” is a concluding vow to praise God for all His mercies to him
• If the people of Zechariah’s day would change their course and go in the opposite direction from that of their forefathers, the Lord would return to them with blessing instead of with a curse
• If the Lord is to come for Israel’s redemption, she must repent
• A double-minded man is unstable in all he does

Application:

• Do you praise God for all His mercies to you?
• Have you returned to God?
• Have you repented?
• Are you unstable in all you do?

Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Brother In Humble Circumstances

James 1:5-11 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

Psalm 119:113 - I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.

Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Conclusions:

• A double-minded man is unstable in all he does
• Wisdom enables one to face trials with pure joy
• Wisdom is not just acquired information but practical insight with spiritual inclinations
• The plans and purposes of the nations will not prevail

Application:

• Are you a double-minded person?
• Do you ask God for wisdom?
• Do you believe the word of God stands forever?

All Scripture verses from NIV

Comclusions derived from NIV Study Bible