NOTHING

"For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:7).

There are plenty of verses in the Bible that I don't personally like--this is one of them.  I don't like it because it is a clear warning shot fired across the bow of my life's ship.  Who is that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord?  The answer to the question is found in the two verses preceding, v5-6.  I would summarize it as, "You and I should not expect to receive anything from God when we're lacking wisdom and direction.  Further, we should not expect to receive anything form God when we finally ask Him for help but we're not really ready to do what He says.  The word, "expect" in James 1:7 carries the idea of a conceited assumption.  It's almost like we believe that God owes it to us.  The word, "anything", means "anything"...and "everything".  The bottom line?  Don't arrogantly assume that God is going to rescue you when you have ignored his suggestions (more like commands).

Let me encourage you today to make sure that you are getting God's perspective as you are making decisions.  His way is the best way--truthfully, the only way!