praying effectively: Do Not Be Deceived (James 1:16-27)

(James 1:16-27)  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that God takes care of His children, and the blessings which we receive from Him is all part of His will (1:17-18)

- that the only way to become children of God is to put aside all sin and humble ourselves to ask Jesus into our hearts (1:21)

- that we pursue holiness, and don't let the world influence us toward evil (1:27)

- that we are not deceived (1:16)

- that we bridle our tongue (1:26)

- that we are quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (1:19-20)

- that we put into practice what we see in God's word (1:22-25)

- that we visit orphans and widows in their distress (1:27)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You so much for the blessings that You give us.  Help us realize and appreciate that all good things are from You.  Thank You for Your word, which not only saves us but directs our paths in the way we should go.  Give us wisdom and strength to understand how to effectively apply Your will in our lives.

Protect us from evil, and from being deceived.  Protect us from ourselves.  When facing a dilemma, remind us to ask You for wisdom.  Help us to pray and think through things before we react.  When we see a need, in ourselves or someone else, prompt us and guide us in taking the appropriate steps.  All to Your glory, amen.