File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940426.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------




          OUR DAILY BREAD                          Tuesday, April 26, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  James 4:1-10

                                GOD'S JEALOUS SPIRIT

                    Do you think that the Scripture says in vain,
                   "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?
                                      James 4:5

          Shep,  the  newest  member of our family,  is  a  young  Shetland
          sheepdog  who openly displays his jealousy when I kiss  my  wife.
          He doesn't snarl or bite, but in the language of barking he seems
          to be saying "Hey, Master, you belong to me!"  His jealousy gives
          me a good feeling.  After all, don't we all like someone to  care
          that much about us?

          There's  another kind of jealousy -- a righteous jealousy  --  at
          work in the life of every Christian.  It's not the yearning of  a
          subject  for his master, like that of my dog Shep, but  of  "the"
          Master for His subject.  Some has rephrased James 4:5-6 to  read,
          "Do  you think that Scripture says without reason that  the  Holy
          Spirit,  whom  God  caused  to live in  us,  jealously  wants  us
          exclusively  to  Himself  in order to pour out His  grace  on  us
          generously?"

          When  we lust, covet, and create strife, we embrace  the  world's
          values   (vv.  1-4),  and  this  stirs  up  God's   jealousy.  He
          continually longs to keep us near to Him.  He corrects,  rebukes,
          comforts,  guides, and urges us to get to know Him  better.  This
          pure possessiveness doesn't stifle or demean us, but uplifts  and
          liberates  because it is full of grace and truth.  That's why  He
          wants us all to Himself.

          Thank God for His jealous Spirit.

          Author:  Dennis J. De Haan

                                  ACTION SUGGESTION
                   Since we are aware of God's righteous jealousy,
                        what steps should we take so that He
                            can bless us?  (James 4:7-10)

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          There's no room for double occupancy in the Christian's heart.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Psalms 46-48

          Our  Daily  Bread, Copyright 1994, used by  permission  of  Radio
          Bible   Class,  Grand  Rapids,  Michigan  49555,   USA.   Written
          permission  must be obtained from RBC for any further posting  or
          distribution.  RBC  provides a variety of Bible resources,  which
          are  free  of  charge.  RBC  is  not  funded  by  any  group   or
          denomination,  and support come voluntarily from its members  and
          friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221.
          *****************************************************************



























































-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------