Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4:1-17, Psalm118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5

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Tug-of-War Of The Heart

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” -James 4:1–3 (NLT)

Let’s be honest—some of our biggest problems don’t come from outside enemies, but from the battle raging inside our own hearts. James pulls no punches here. He says our conflicts, arguments, and inner turmoil are often fueled by one thing: selfish desires.

We want something—recognition, success, love, influence—and when we don’t get it, our frustration boils over. It shows up in anger, gossip, envy, and conflict. But James reveals the deeper issue: we aren’t asking God. And even when we do, we often ask with wrong motives—wanting God to bless our desires, not purify them.

God isn’t a vending machine for our cravings. He’s a loving Father who longs to shape our hearts, not just grant our wishes. He wants us to come to Him not with selfish ambition, but surrendered trust. This passage isn’t just a call to pray—it’s a call to examine the motives behind our prayers.

Are we quarreling because of what we think we deserve? Are we asking for blessings that would ultimately feed our pride or self-centeredness?

Instead of demanding what we want, let’s ask God to give us what we need—His heart, His wisdom, His will. That’s when true peace comes: when our desires align with His. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Find 5 quiet minutes today to be with God. Ask the Lord:

• “What do You want me to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let Him reveal any hidden motives or misplaced desires within you. Invite Him to realign your heart with His.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve let selfish desires rule my heart. Cleanse me from pride, jealousy, and striving. Teach me to pray with pure motives and to seek Your will above my own. Align my heart with Yours, and let Your peace replace my striving. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.