The Book of JamesSample

Today's Devotional:

We all know the sting of being let down by someone. Sometimes, experiencing broken trust in our relationships with others can make us wonder if God is any different. Is God really trustworthy? Will He let us down too? Are His ways really the best? When our trust in God wanes, our souls can seek satisfaction in counterfeit ways. Jennie Allen says, “Every sin, at its root, is based in something we do not fully believe about God.”

This passage in James contrasts the deceptive and fraudulent pathway of sin vs. the pure and trustworthy gifts from God. Our soul will seek satisfaction in one way or another—we can choose the allure of immediate gratification or sin, or we can trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He said He will do.

Verses 17 in The Message translation says, “There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.” And Numbers 23:19 describes Him this way, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

You may have been let down by others—we all have at one time or another. But God is reliable—a firm foundation, strong tower, and safe refuge. His love for you is vast, His motives for you are pure, and His intentions toward you are good.

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Today's devotional was written by Melissa Miller.

Questions:

1. In what areas are you lacking trust in God?
2. Is it difficult or easy for you to believe that God is trustworthy?
3. Jennie Allen says, “Every sin, at its root, is based in something we do not fully believe about God.” Have you experienced this in your life?

Prayer:

God, thank you for your pure love and faithfulness in my life. Heal me from the effects of broken trust in my life, and don’t let any past hurts prevent me from fully trusting you. Increase my discernment when sin knocks at my door, and remind me of your abundant and trustworthy path. Amen.