wait for the Lord

Habakkuk 2

v3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

We should be patient for the Lord's help.

raising up contention

Habakkuk 1

v3

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.

It says, there are [that] raise up strife and contention. today we should work on not doing that.

serious judgment for serious sin

Nahum 3

v1

Woe to the bloody city! it [is] all full of lies [and] robbery; the prey departeth not;

We should watch against lying today.

the spoils of silver and gold

Nahum 2

v9

Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for [there is] none end of the store [and] glory out of all the pleasant furniture.

Nineveh had plenty of riches, but the Lord still caused them to be destroyed. We should just remember, even though we already know it, to not trust in riches.

James 4 - Key

v17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

I've been trying to stop doing a wrong thing: wasting time. Sometimes stopping doing the wrong thing is much easier when I focus on doing the right thing instead. I should focus on doing the right thing at the right time, and that'll help me stop wasting time.

Application

When I'm going into a situation where I'm tempted to waste time, I'll write a to-do list and focus on the things I should do then.

James 4 - Outline

v1-5

our strong, controlling desires for things that are wrong, actually keep us from getting what we want

v6-10

humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord

v11-17

don't be presumptuous about the future

He knows those who trust in Him

Nahum 1

v7 & 8

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

I just saw in this that I need to be more serious about making sure I'm "on the Lord's good side" with my behavior.