Real Faith is More Than Words

In review of James 2:14 I'm reminded, “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” (NLT)

I may claim to have faith, but what I may have is only intellectual assent and agreement with a set of Christian teachings. This is incomplete faith. True faith will transform my conduct and my thoughts. If my life remains unchanged, then I don't truly believe the truths that I claim to believe.

There are a lot who say they are Christian. And, yet, many of these people appear to live according to their own rules, not by trusting in God’s Word. What they say about their faith and how they choose to live don’t line up. Real faith is more than just the words they say.

Just because I say I have faith doesn't mean it’s true. This is what James is addressing in today’s verse: what’s the use in saying you have faith, if it doesn’t show up in the way you live and the things you do?

James isn’t saying I am saved by my works. The Bible is clear that I am saved by faith in Jesus, nothing more and nothing less. But my attitudes and actions should be evidence of our faith.

This is the difference between a fake faith and a real faith. In this time of pandemic and upheaval, my faith must be real. My response to these events should come from my faith and not fears. This is a time to put my faith into action.

There are thousands of promises from God in the Bible. I need these promises to stay stable and strong right now. But to access those promises, I need to fully trust God. That’s the kind of faith that will lead to answered prayers and a changed life. It’s a faith that will save you.

I can know I have real faith, one that will stand up to life’s biggest pressures when I look at my actions and see if they back up what I say I believe.

As you do that, remember the Good News is there is no condemnation in Christ. If my faith hasn’t been real, then tell that to God. 

In summary, what good is it, if I say I have faith but don’t show it by my actions? I may claim to have faith, but what I may have is only intellectual assent and agreement with a set of Christian teachings. This in of itself is an incomplete faith. True faith will transform my conduct and my thoughts. If my life remains unchanged, then I don't truly believe the truths that I claim to believe. Just because I say I have faith doesn't mean it’s true. In this time of pandemic and upheaval, my faith must be real. My response to these events should come from my faith and not fears. This is a time to put my faith into action. I can know I have real faith, one that will stand up to life’s biggest pressures when I look at my actions and see if they back up what I say I believe. Remember the Good News is that there is no condemnation in Christ. If my faith hasn’t been real, then tell God. Be honest and repent.

Father, this morning I confess and admit that I do not always live my life according to the things I believe. I want to do that starting right now, so that you can transform my life and use it for your purposes. 

I pray today for the Holy Spirit’s help in reminding me of my thoughts and choices and to check if they are in line with what I truly believe. I ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my tasks, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things in your Son Jesus name, Amen.

There’s a Difference Between Knowing and Learning

In review of Daniel 5:22 I read where Daniels says to the king, “You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself.” (NLT)

Often kings would kill the bearer of bad news. But Daniel was not afraid to tell the truth to the king even though it was not what he wanted to hear. I should be just as courageous in telling the truth under pressure.

God won’t teach me something new until I’ve put into practice what he’s already taught me.

He isn’t in the business of simply satisfying my curiosity. He tells me something and waits for me to act on it. Once I act on it, then I’ll get to go to the next step.

God wants me to apply the truth I’ve learned, and I haven’t learned something until I’ve done it.

It’s not enough for you to tell people I believe the Bible. I must do what the Bible teaches me. If I don’t, then I really don’t believe it.

This is what is seen in the story of Belshazzar in the book of Daniel. He lost everything because he didn’t put into practice what he’d already learned.

He pridefully refused to learn the lessons God had taught his grandfather. His empire fell because of that.

Belshazzar saw Nebuchadnezzar literally lose his mind for about seven years because of pride. He saw all the mistakes his grandfather made. He saw his grandfather come back and correct those things. He saw the good and the bad in Nebuchadnezzar’s life, and he chose to ignore God. Belshazzar chose to ignore the lessons. So God took away his kingdom.

Belshazzar knew, but he didn’t learn. I need to understand the difference between knowing and learning. I can know a lot of things, but if I don’t act on them, I haven’t learned anything.

God wants me to be a doer of His Word. That means he will support me as I step forward in faith, applying the things he’s taught me to do.

In summary, I know and have seen examples in my own life and the lives of others, yet I still continue to not humble myself. God won’t teach me something new until I’ve put into practice what he’s already taught me. He's not in the business of just satisfying my curiosity. He tells me something and waits for me to act on it. Once I act on it, then I’ll get to go to the next step. I haven’t really learned something until I’ve done it. So do what the Bible teaches me. If I don’t, then I really don’t believe what is said is true. I too can lose everything because I don't put into practice what I've already learned. I need to understand the difference between knowing and learning. I can know a lot of things, but if I don’t act on them, I haven’t learned anything. God wants me to be a doer of His Word. That means he will support me as I step forward in faith, applying the things he’s taught me to do.

Father, this morning I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I remember and practice humility and of being of helpful service to others. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my tasks, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.

Be Humble or I’ll Stumble

In review of Proverbs 15:33 it reminds me that “Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself. You must be humble before you can ever receive honors.”(GNT)

I need to show respect to the Lord always. If I do, I'll be learning and doing the wise thing, I must be humble before I can ever receive honors.

A wise person will remain humble. Humility and teachability go together. I need to be humble or I’ll stumble.

Humility starts with realizing I’m not God. Whenever I get stressed, I can repeat this to myself: “God is God, and I’m not. God is God, and I’m not. God is God, and I’m not.”

That’s humility. Those who aren’t humble think they’re God or have ultimate control.

In another verse from the book of James, it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 HCSB).

In my goal of becoming wiser, I need to get to know God. When I do, I’ll be wiser in building relationships, managing money, handling conflict, diffusing problems, and dealing with all kinds of other challenges in life.

Another translation says, “Fear-of-GOD is a school in skilled living—first you learn humility, then you experience glory” (Proverbs 15:33 The Message).

Humility says I can learn from anyone. I don’t know it all. No one does! This is why I need to remain teachable, humble, and a lifelong learner.

In summary, reverence for the Lord is an education in itself and I must be humble before I can ever expect to receive honor. So show respect to the Lord always. A wise person will remain humble. Humility and teach-ability go together. I need to be humble or I’ll stumble. Humility starts with realizing I’m not God. For "God is God, and I’m not". That’s humility. Those who don't, think they’re God or have ultimate control. God will resist the proud, but he will give grace to those who are humble. So get to know God. When I do, I’ll be wiser in building relationships, managing money, handling conflict, diffusing problems, and dealing with all kinds of other challenges. True humility says I can learn from anyone. I don’t know it all.

Father, I pray this morning that with help from the Holy Spirit that I’m reminded in all situations I face that, “you are God, and I am not.” I know you have so much to teach me, If I’ll only learn to practice humility aways in my thoughts and conduct. I pray for wisdom for how to handle my reporting relationship and changes at work. Help me to realize when I’m going off the rails, especially before I open my mouth and speak to others. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, for my work, for my leadership and for my interactions with others. These things I ask through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

A Journey of Lifelong Learning Starts with a Choice

In review of Proverbs 23:12 it tells me to “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” (NLT)

I am more likely to gain knowledge if I'm willing to listen. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to pay attention to what others have to say. If I'm eager to listen then I will continue to grow throughout my life. If I refuse to become set in my ways, I can always expand the limits of my knowledge.

The journey of lifelong learning starts with a choice. It’s a choice only I can make. It’s an incredibly important decision that’ll impact your entire life. My education didn’t stop when I graduated. God has so much more he wants to teach me. My education should never end.

And learning isn’t just a stage of life. It is my life! God wants me to learn something new every day. So start working on learning a new skill. God wants me to grow. I should be and can be different and better a year from now than I am today.

It’s in my best interest to do so. Lifelong learning will make me a better leader, a better parent, a better spouse, and a better friend. It’ll make me more effective in my job. It brings both success and profit.

The Bible says, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV). If I’ve got an ax with a dull blade and I’m chopping wood, it’ll take a lot more energy to do the job. If my ax is sharp (which represents skill in this verse), then it doesn’t take as much effort. The Bible is saying to work smarter, not necessarily harder. I’m never wasting time when I’m sharpening my ax.

In summary, I need to commit myself to instruction; to listen carefully to words of knowledge. I am more likely to gain knowledge if I'm willing to listen. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to pay attention to what others have to say. If I refuse to become set in my ways, I can always expand the limits of my knowledge. The journey of lifelong learning starts with a choice. It’s a choice only I can make. My education didn’t stop when I graduated. God has so much more he wants to teach me. Learning isn’t just a stage of life. Lifelong learning will make me a better leader, a better parent, a better spouse, and a better friend. It’ll make me more effective in my job. It brings both success and profit. If I’ve got an ax with a dull blade, it’ll take a lot more energy to do the job. Learning is much like having a sharpened saw. So work smarter, not necessarily harder. I’m never wasting time when I’m sharpening my ax (learning).

I know that I personally have struggles in listening to what others may be saying. Deep down I feel I know better and have done what I know is best. During my past few quiet times, I’m hearing God tell and even warn me to be a better listener and to respect what others may be saying or trying to teach me.

I pray this morning Father, for the Holy Spirit to remind me of these things. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus Name, Amen.

Successful People Help the Poor and Those In Need

In review of Proverbs 31:8-9 I'm reminded to  “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (NIV)

I must defend those who are helpless and have no hope. I need to be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless.

To live a successful life, the Bible offers some countercultural instruction: Serve the poor! How does this help? Here are just a few of them:

1). It’ll make me happy. “If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone” (Proverbs 14:21 GNT).

2). I’ll honor God. “Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God”(Proverbs 14:31 NCV).

3). It’ll make me a better leader. “Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly” (Proverbs 29:14 The Message).

In this life, it’s not about me. Rather, It’s all about God.

Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds me to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (NIV).

This is what I’m called to do by my Father. It reflects His characters. So make it a point to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; be ready to defend the rights of the poor and needy. When I do: It'll make me happy, I'll be honoring God and It will make me a better leader. My life is not about me, rather it's all about God. This is what I'm called to do. It reflects His character.

At this time in my life God has provided amply for my needs and has given me extra. I need to use it to help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand-up for themselves.Typically people, including myself, tend to only think of our own needs and see the extra we have a bonus to indulge for ourselves. With the recent economic stimulus check we received I was considering giving 10% to the food bank and 10% to the church. I’m re-thinking this, and will now consider giving much more of it away and setting much more of it away to be used as needs come up. I’m encouraged by the story of one of our church members giving their whole economic stimulus check to the church.

Father you have provided us with more than what we need at this time. I pray that you speak to me on giving. I ask with the help of the Holy Spirit that you remind me of being generous to those in need. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work activities, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.