Thurs.’s Devo. - The Simplicity of the Gospel

Read: Eze. 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Ps. 118:19-29; Pr. 28:3-5 In reading the description of the new temple that Ezekiel saw there is no mention of the ark of the covenant that represents God’s glory and presence. That is because God’s glory and presence is no longer contained in a room. When Jesus died, the veil was torn allowing all to come in and God’s presence to go out. James asks a viable question: what is the source of our quarrels? They come from the lusts in our hearts. To be a friend of the world and a friend of God is adultery. You can’t love the world and love God because they are in direct conflict of one another. Pride is of the devil but humility is from God. A humble person doesn’t slander his brother, or judge him. He doesn’t judge others or the Word; only God can do either of those. He is the one who knows the future so the only wise thing to do is ask Him to guide us through it. So, to make it simple: just do what is good in God’s eyes. Lord, what You ask of us is very simple and we make it so hard. All we have to do is trust You, follow You and do good to others. This is the day that You have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.