James 4:11-17; Psalm 143:7-12

James 4:11-17
James was good at giving us warnings. We have seen warnings about the tongue, prejudice, lack of good works, and pride, among other things. Today we see that he warns about judging others--particularly other believers. It's always easier to see the flaws in others than it is to admit them in ourselves. I have to admit that during sermons, the following has crossed my mind, "I hope so-and-so is listening," or "I wish so-and-so were here." This is judging others rather than judging myself, and it's an attitude that grieves the Lord. My job is to obey and make sure I am right with God. Judging others is God's job! vv. 11-12

Another warning, given to us in vv. 13-17, is against boasting which I suppose is a first cousin to pride. James reminds us that life is short, like the morning fog, and also it is uncertain. We have no promise what tomorrow will be like or even if we will live to see another day! We must do God's will today. Boasting about our plans and our future without considering God's will is sin. vv. 13-16

V. 17 is an interesting way to end this chapter. We usually think of sin as something we do that we should not do. This verse reminds us that it's also a sin to neglect what we should do. "Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."

Whew! James rakes us over the coals pretty well! But don't be discouraged! We have the Holy Spirit living within us, and He will work through us to do what pleases God. When we fail, which we surely will, we are to confess our sins, accept God's forgiveness, and then joyfully go on for the Lord.

Psalm 143:7-12
If you will remember in the first verses, David confesses that he is afraid and that he has lost hope
In v. 7, he admits to being depressed. And so what do we do when we're afraid, discouraged, and     depressed? If we follow David's pattern we "trust God" and hear of His unfailing love each morning through His Word. It seems that when we're down is when we least want to look into God's Word, but actually doing exactly that is what we need. v. 8

To recap this psalm, let's look at the requests David makes of the Lord:

• Hear my prayer. v. 1
• Answer my prayer. v. 1, 7
• Show me where to walk. v. 8
• Rescue me from my enemies. v. 9
• Teach me to do your will. v. 10
• Preserve my life. v. 11
• Silence my enemies. v. 12

And so it seems that whatever our needs are, it's always right to ask God for help! He is a wise and loving Father, and if we come to Him with the right motives, as much as we can, He will answer according to what He knows is best for us. He will give us what is for our good and His glory.