More Grace

The pioneer spirit was that if we work hard, trusting in God that we would succeed in our efforts. This is often portrayed as a strong independent person "toughing it out", like the movie star John Wayne. Often he would walk alone into the sunset, a larger than life person. John was a friend of a cowboy music composer who was saved in a Billy Graham evangelical crusade. Stuart Hamblen was asked by John Wayne about the rumor going around Hollywood that Hamblen had changed his ways. Hamblen replied that it was no secret what God had done for him and what God could do for his friend, too. John Wayne then replied that Hamblen should turn those lines into a song and he did. It is no secret what God can do

Jas 4:5  Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 
Jas 4:6  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

1Co 6:19  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 
1Co 6:20  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 

We were created in the image of God to have fellowship with him and to rely on him. Lucifer was created to serve God, but he was so beautifully made that he became full of pride, he wanted to take the place of God. God cast him down to earth and Lucifer stole dominion of the earth from Adam and Eve. 

Jesus came to take our sins upon himself, humbling himself  in obedience to the Father, even to die on a cruel cross. His death and resurrection broke the power of satan. Those who accepted the atonement of Jesus for their sins have fellowship with God once again. God gave us grace, power from above to be used in our obedience. Still, pride was a problem and satan who dwells in sin would raise up his ugly mouth to accuse us. We are to submit to God, and not be proud, but humble. His grace is the enabling power of God available to us. Grace for salvation and grace to do the will and purpose of God.

Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
Jas 4:8  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

We are only made pure through the sacrifice of Jesus. Our righteousness is from him. We must not try to do things independently from our God. This is being double minded, having pride instead of being humble and relying on the grace of God. The scripture says when we think we are  something, we really are not.

Gal 6:1  Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 
Gal 6:2  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 
Gal 6:3  For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 

We are the adopted family of God. Let us draw closer to him, resisting the devil. We belong to God Almighty by the finished work of Jesus, and that by his grace. More of you Lord and less of me. It is no secret what God can do, thank you Lord for your abundant grace. Amen