Advancing Encouragement By:
Bishop James Jr. Hairston
James: 4:17: Therefore to him that knows to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
What was said before this passage and how can this passage encourage you? First of all let’s address the latter; you should be encouraged to know that to do good please God. Everyday there is always something to do that is good without going out of your way to do it but it won’t hurt to go out of your way sometimes. Here are some examples about how to do good when it comes to prayer; if you have been praying about something asking according to his will do you sit and wait on God and do nothing or are you going to wait on God while you are seeking? Consider Matthew 7:7, 8, here we are to ask, seek and knock and if it is His will the door will be open unto you why, because you were asking according to His will, James 4:14, 15! I believe the door will be open according to His will because we say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that. I also believe based on what Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, 8 it is not good to just sit and do nothing as long as you asked according to His will, and faith without works is dead James 2:26! Another example is what was said before verse 17 in verse 13; I believe it is good to show the Lord some glory, honor and praise by recognizing who is in control of your life. Once the Lord answers your prayer do not take for granted that He can keep you from obtaining your blessings, remember it is not coming from you or the world but the Lord, verse 15! Therefore, give God glory, honor and praise for what He is about to bring you too, filled with prosperity and success based on the latter part of verse 13; you are going to gain what God has for you in Jesus Name…
James Jr. Hairston