Putting on the moves - James - pages 311-318

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." - James 4


What a reminder.  What a powerful notion.  That when we move toward him, he will respond in kind.  That we must move first, because he wants our want.  It says in John that we love Him because He first loved us.  But here it says that He moves toward us when we first move toward Him.  It's highly relational, isn't it?  It's a give and take.  It's a reciprocal relationship.  Back and Forth.  Him first, then us.  Us first, then him.  If we abide in Him, He will abide in us.  While we were yet in sin, Christ died for us.


Which is it?  Maybe it's both/and.


God, will you keep reminding me of this?


Remind me of your presence today, Lord...it's hereness, it's nowness.
Remind me of people's potential.
Remind me of this world's good facets.
Remind me that I'm not alone in this redemptive movement.
Remind me that I'm not all that.
Remind me that I can make a difference if only I'll surrender to your stirrings.
Remind me to cling to what is important.
Remind me that fall speaks of the beauty of dying.
Remind me that I don't have to be right.
Remind me that the future shouldn't distract me from the present.
Remind me that I can change even if I think it's just the way I am.
Remind me that I'm weak without your empowerment.
Remind me that I need to confess my sins daily.
Remind me to inject a vaccine of goodness into this day.
Remind me to remind others of hope.
Remind me that people are the only thing carrying over to the afterlife.
Remind me that You aren't uptight.
Remind me that Jesus died for my shame, not just my sins. (Heb. 12:2)
Remind me that memorizing Scripture isn't negotiable.
Remind me that friendship is worth fighting for.
Remind me that without faith it is impossible to please You. (Heb 11)
Remind me to stay vulnerable and transperant with others.
Remind me to be humble with what I know and hungry for what I don't.
Remind me to love my family with a passion.
Remind me to breathe deeply each morning inhaling your optimism.
Remind me to give thanks in everything and to rejoice in the You always. (note: Scriptural)
Remind me to trust you with the little things.
Remind me that you don't need me to get the job done.
Remind me that you do want me to get the job done.
Remind me of these things...


And as you remind me of all of this...help me to draw nigh to you.  And as I pull up next to you, move toward your good heart, would you do me a favor?  Would you come close to me as well?


What a reminder.



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