James is showing us that saving faith and good deeds must go hand and hand. Merely claiming to have faith doesn’t mean that the person possesses saving faith. For as he wrote, a faith that isn’t accompanied by appropriate deeds is no faith at all. This type of faith is only an intellectual belief in the existence of God…while true “saving faith” always bears the fruit of the love of God and our neighbor. On the other hand, assuming that “living a good life” is all that’s necessary to get to heaven won’t get us very far either…as is placing our confidence in just performing “good works.” One is called antinomianism, and the other legalism…and both are heresy.
Psalm 4:7 ” You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”
The greatest joy we may receive is often unveiled within the smallest of blessings. Tiny blessings that no one else sees but us. We not only recognize them, but immediately appreciate that God loves us so much that He blesses us with these little heavenly gifts meant only for our eyes. That’s because, true everlasting joy comes directly from our relationship with God…a Divine gift, reflecting His favor and Presence. So when God surprises you with a very intentional blessing, acknowledge that it has come from a loving Heavenly Father Who loves and knows you very well.
Proverbs 19:21 ” Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
We all have lots of thoughts, plans, and intentions. But when God firmly shuts the door on one, we can still trust Him AND admit we’re angry that it didn’t turn out how we wanted. Faith in God doesn’t require that we “pretend” we’re okay with it…God already knows how disappointed we are…so just be honest with Him. Several places in Mark it tells us that when they were all together alone, the disciples would ask Jesus questions, and He would explain all things to them…patiently clarifying and illustrating what He had just taught the crowds. So the next time your plans fall through and you’re disappointed…be honest with God, work through your frustration, and then listen…allowing Him to teach you His perspective, plan and purpose.
” You can live for this world or the next; but to live for both is impossible.” Charles Spurgeon
The very practical advice of I John 2:15 is clear, “Don’t love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father isn’t in him.” It’s simple then, the world’s system is one of rebellion, pride, and characterized by fleshly desires…while our life hidden in Christ should not take part in any of it. The Apostle John exhorted over and over that Believers don’t belong to the world any more than Jesus did…and even though we live in it, we don’t belong to it. (John 15:19, 17:14-18) So today, take the advice of Paul in his letter to Titus and just say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. (Titus 2:12) For it’s impossible to live in both.
Romans 13:12 ” So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
A Believer shines differently when Jesus is in the center of their heart. When we’re transformed by Jesus, we radiate humility instead of pride…peace instead of panic…hope instead of fear…and love instead of bitterness. I Thessalonians 5:8 reminds us that, “We belong to the day.” Which means we are to live in the light of God, staying spiritually alert, protecting our heart & mind from the darkness, and being self-controlled…not pursing the fading things of the world but rather the Presence of God.
Psalm 31:12 ” I have become like broken pottery.”
In those Seasons of despair we may feel broken…but in God’s eyes we remain beautiful. Thus, we can bear testimony to the miracle of His grace in the midst of the struggle. And slowly, the fragments of our brokenness will transform into a story of redemption through Him. For although we may feel like a shattered vessel…crushed, and useless… God offers compassion and restoration for our suffering, (Psalm 147:3) and healing for our troubled life. (Psalm 38:8)
Jeremiah 6:16, ” Thus says the Lord: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
It’s only God Who makes it well with our soul… when it’s anything but well with our circumstances. This Scripture in Jeremiah calls us to seek after eternal God-given righteousness in order to obtain peace, security, and spiritual wellbeing under God’s protection. Jesus reiterated on this in Matthew 11:28-30, when He promised that we could find rest in faith through an intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, by embracing His teachings and following His example, we too can experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends all worldly troubles.
Hebrews 13:6 ” The Lord is my helper.”
Courage doesn’t always roar. Being brave doesn’t always need to be loud attention-seeking clamor. Sometimes it simply is whispering in a quiet hush, “God is with me.” …and that’s enough to persevere for another day. Hebrews 3:14 encourages the saints of God to patiently persist in spite of the difficulties before them. That’s because every time we venture out in our life of faith, we’ll find situations that, from a commonsense standpoint, contradict our faith. Couple that with fear, exhaustion, and anxiety… and courage can melt away. (Psalm 107:26) But if we trust God and doggedly run the race set before us…fixing our eyes ever on Jesus…we will be victorious in the end. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Psalm 44:21 ” For He knows the secrets of the heart.”
We don’t pray to inform God, we pray to involve Him. God is Omniscience, (John 2:25)…He already knows what’s going on in your life. He is simply waiting for you to ask for His help. We may think we’ve got some deep dark secret…but remember, God understands and know you, (Jeremiah 9:24) He knows your thoughts, (Psalm 94:11) and you can’t hide anything from Him. (Hebrews 4:13) So there’s no need to “enlighten” God…just draw Him in as an active participant…for He knows exactly what you need. (Matthew 6:8)
Deuteronomy 31:6 ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
As Jesus reassured and encouraged His disciples in Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” He is with us today and forever…for even His Name, Immanuel, is God with us. (Matthew 1:23) So in those times when we feel everything is out of our control…when our body isn’t doing what we want it to, when we stand powerless as a natural disaster devastates everything we own, or when we’re hit with the sudden loss of a loved one…we can cling to the greatest assurance we have- the Presence of God – which is at the very heart of our covenant relationship with Him. So today you may feel powerless and lacking control over the situation at hand…but remember, God is there with you, and has everything under control.
