Several girls in our 180 group have discovered the importance of spending time alone with God and becoming doers of what He teaches them. They want to offer an opportunity to any girl that wants to join in, to log onto this site each day and learn with them.

Ever wondered what to read in the Bible? Or better yet, what something in the Bible means? Well join us each day, right here, and we will walk through God's Word together:)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Day #46



Begin this morning with a praise song…
Here I am to Worship

Yesterday we learned about bitter jealousy and selfish ambition and how these two characteristics are opposite of what God calls us to be, which is MEEK (gentle)… see Day #45.  God was communicating to us in James 3:14, that if we are wrapped up in any jealousy or selfish ambition that we are trying to compete with God and we will cause division among believers.    

What??  But how could my jealousy and selfish desires cause division?  Because a life marked by these characteristics is false to the TRUTH of GOD.  The envy of others and promoting of “you” will lead others in this same pursuit for their lives.  That is scary.  You may say, “You mean that my sin can cause others to sin as well?”  Sure it can.

Remember us talking in earlier lessons about how this Bible you read is not just about you.  It is also about those you will come in contact with in this life.    You must remain close to the Father, but also recognize where you are competing with Him.  Oh, and a side note, you will not win.  Praise Jesus!

Read James 3:15-16.

GOD’s WISDOM has nothing to do with bitter jealousy and self-promotion.

Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are…
1.    Earthly
2.    Unspiritual
3.    Demonic

The root, or the beginning, of these evil characteristics is DARKNESS.  And before you start conjuring up names of people who are jealous and selfish, let me tell you… everyone has been involved in this and still may be… even the young Christian girl at the private Christian school.


If you are a part of a Christian group of people who desire to be like Jesus Christ (your family, your church, your youth group, etc.), and you are living in jealousy and self-promotion, you are going to cause this group to divide and crumble.  These characteristics make bodies of believers everywhere unstable (see James 1:8) and restless (see James 3:8).

What kinds of things are you involved in that you use as an excuse for not spending time with Him and/or obeying Him.  What kinds of thoughts course through you mind that are rooted in jealousy.  Guess what?  If there is even a little of the above, you and I are living in competition with God.  But, PRAISE GOD, we won’t win!!  Thank you so much God for never letting us win!!

So, YES, your sin does affect others.  Never forget this.  Start asking God to show you where these characteristic could be in your life.  When He shows you, tell Him you recognize it and ask Him to show you how to turn away from it.

TARGET of the DAY
Write the following verse on your hand and start memorizing it today.
James 4:7.  “Obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you. “ NIRV
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