Six months after starting this devotional blog, we've written 125 posts and had over 4600 page views! I really hope that your life is being touched and blessed by our conversations with God.
Today, I'm going to James 5:1-6 to hear what God might want to say. My first response? Ouch! I think I've just been God-smacked. Have you noticed that Scripture doesn't hold back? It speaks deepest love to us and also smacks us good when we need it. No holding back or fear of hurting anyone's feelings is to be seen among the writers of Scripture. But then again, they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. So if you're not the mouthpiece of God you still need to practice tactfulness! This statement is jumping out at me:
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. (v. 2-3)
Wow, that's pretty intense! So what's up here? Is God angry with people for being wealthy? Well, that wouldn't make sense because God is the giver of wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Abraham was very wealthy, as was David, Solomon and Job. However, something has changed since their day. Jesus has come. Though he owned everything, he has modeled for us a life of self-giving. These are the last days. We've been in the last days since Jesus returned. We are to live on the brink of eternity with a view to what's next.
And what should that perspective be? That whatever wealth God blesses us with is not only for us to enjoy but for us to use wisely to bless others. We're not living to build our own little kingdoms here in this present world. We're living to receive God's Kingdom and to help bring it into the experience of everyone we can. If you understand that you are living in the last days, God says, you can't possibly think of hoarding all your material blessings for yourself. Why not? You want to use them to honor God and bless others so that you are sending them ahead of you into eternity to the only place where you can enjoy them forever.
A friend of mine just donated a significant amount of money towards the well that we are sponsoring to be built in Guatemala. That's a great example of last-days living. I don't want to end up standing before God with all this stuff and money I hoarded and having him ask me how I used his blessings to invest in his purposes.
And you know what? God doesn't want me to end up in that unenviable situation either. That's why he is warning us here in language that will get our attention. Lord, I hear what you're saying. I really do. My stuff is really your stuff. Thank you for giving me this trust. I will do my best, by your grace, to manage it well and share your goodness.
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Future Planning
Happy Monday morning! I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to start a new week full of God's surprises. I, Michele, am focusing of James 4:13-17 today. This is a short section but there is lots of good insight to gain from it. The verses that speak most to my heart are:
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that". (v. 14-15)
If only I could plan my future the way I want it to go! I would choose everything perfectly and know exactly how things that I am hoping for today will work out. As human beings, we all fall into this deceptive trap. We think our lives are our own and we have as long as we want to do whatever it is that we choose to do. What if our plans/dreams for our family don't work out the way they are "supposed to"? What if the people we plan to have in our lives aren't always there? What if the perfect plan I have for my life ends up not being so perfect at all? What if I put all my eggs in one basket and that basket falls apart? Then what? Does this all sound familiar?
The second part of verse 14 reminds us that our life here on earth is not guaranteed to be for any certain length of time. We can make all the plans we want and then our life may end before any of them come to pass. What if we miss out on some amazing blessings because we forget to include our Lord in our plans? What if everything I've dreamed of and more is right around the corner but I choose to take another path without consulting God? I don't want to be so focused on what I want that I spend my life chasing something that may not be in God's plan for me after all. I want to use everyday that I have on this earth to follow God's lead and do whatever it is that he would have for me to do. I'm not in control of my future. God is. And God is also the only one who knows how much time I have here on earth.
If we are following Christ and his reign in our lives, we will seek his guidance and our best made plans won't compare with what he has in store for us. Even when times look bleak, when things are happening that seem to be devastating, our Lord has a plan. It may seem that God is letting us down or taking away something that we would think he would want for us. God's plan does not always make sense but I would rather be under his control than my own. Sometimes.....I would even go as far as to say most times....amazing blessings come after times of despair. With our eyes focused on the one who saves us, we can come out victorious!
Lord, help me to only make plans after knowing what direction you have for my life, where you are leading me. Remind me daily that within your will is where I truly want to be. Don't let my feet slip from your path because I desperately want to go this way or that. Only if your will is my goal will I live the victorious life. Help me to do whatever it is you are calling me to do, even if it seems too painful. I love you, Lord. Amen
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that". (v. 14-15)
If only I could plan my future the way I want it to go! I would choose everything perfectly and know exactly how things that I am hoping for today will work out. As human beings, we all fall into this deceptive trap. We think our lives are our own and we have as long as we want to do whatever it is that we choose to do. What if our plans/dreams for our family don't work out the way they are "supposed to"? What if the people we plan to have in our lives aren't always there? What if the perfect plan I have for my life ends up not being so perfect at all? What if I put all my eggs in one basket and that basket falls apart? Then what? Does this all sound familiar?
The second part of verse 14 reminds us that our life here on earth is not guaranteed to be for any certain length of time. We can make all the plans we want and then our life may end before any of them come to pass. What if we miss out on some amazing blessings because we forget to include our Lord in our plans? What if everything I've dreamed of and more is right around the corner but I choose to take another path without consulting God? I don't want to be so focused on what I want that I spend my life chasing something that may not be in God's plan for me after all. I want to use everyday that I have on this earth to follow God's lead and do whatever it is that he would have for me to do. I'm not in control of my future. God is. And God is also the only one who knows how much time I have here on earth.
If we are following Christ and his reign in our lives, we will seek his guidance and our best made plans won't compare with what he has in store for us. Even when times look bleak, when things are happening that seem to be devastating, our Lord has a plan. It may seem that God is letting us down or taking away something that we would think he would want for us. God's plan does not always make sense but I would rather be under his control than my own. Sometimes.....I would even go as far as to say most times....amazing blessings come after times of despair. With our eyes focused on the one who saves us, we can come out victorious!
Lord, help me to only make plans after knowing what direction you have for my life, where you are leading me. Remind me daily that within your will is where I truly want to be. Don't let my feet slip from your path because I desperately want to go this way or that. Only if your will is my goal will I live the victorious life. Help me to do whatever it is you are calling me to do, even if it seems too painful. I love you, Lord. Amen
Friday, August 5, 2011
Dancing With God
Friday is here! So you've got some plans for a fun weekend, I hope! Make it a great one by letting God speak into your life today. That's what I doing right now, reading from the Bible in James 4:6-12.
Life with God is a dance. But sometimes we get out of step and get our toes stepped on. This text is about having the right attitude towards God, understanding that there is a God and I am not him. That's pretty important to realize in life. Otherwise, I'll be prideful, judgmental and think I have the right to do whatever I want, answering to no one. It's an illusion that many people manage to maintain, but it always ends up with a rude awakening. That human arrogance just makes it impossible to have a harmonious relationship with God.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then to God.... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (v. 6-7, 10)
Hopes and dreams are the fuel of life. So what do you do when your dreams don't materialize? I don't know about you, but I sometimes feel disappointed with God. We live with certain expectations that if we do certain things that God is going to reciprocate by allowing us to reach our goals and bring our dreams to life. And sometimes that's exactly what happens. But then there are the other times. The failures, or perceived failures. The disappointments. The unmet goals. The desires we can't attain. The precious things or people that we lose.
What God is saying I need most in those times is a humble attitude before him. I need to submit myself to his sovereign rule, to remember that he is God and I am not. I may not understand the reasons, but God has something else or another time in mind. Living by faith means that I really entrust my life to God. I am willing to accept his will. Then we can dance!
It's not exactly easy. Sometimes I get in resistance mode. But he reminds me it's the devil I need to be resisting (v. 7), the sworn enemy of the human race. If I have a humble and yielded heart before God, I'm going to stay close to him even through those disappointments. And he loves to exalt people who recognize his right to rule! He pours out his undeserved favor (grace) on the humble, not the proud, and lifts them up to set them on the peaks. Sooner or later, an attitude of understanding the reality of God over all brings all the rewards of Heaven. To dance with God I've got to let him lead.
Father, I yield my will to yours, my plans to yours, my dreams for my life to your dreams for me. Deep inside I trust that your plans are always better than my own, anyway. I believe that you will lift me up and show me your amazing grace. This dance is yours, so take the lead! Amen.
Join the conversation! Please share your comments and insights below (for help, click on "How to Sign In" at the top of the right-hand column). And please invite others to join in by sharing this post to your Facebook page. Click the Facebook logo (F) below. It's so easy! And thank you!
Life with God is a dance. But sometimes we get out of step and get our toes stepped on. This text is about having the right attitude towards God, understanding that there is a God and I am not him. That's pretty important to realize in life. Otherwise, I'll be prideful, judgmental and think I have the right to do whatever I want, answering to no one. It's an illusion that many people manage to maintain, but it always ends up with a rude awakening. That human arrogance just makes it impossible to have a harmonious relationship with God.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then to God.... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (v. 6-7, 10)
Hopes and dreams are the fuel of life. So what do you do when your dreams don't materialize? I don't know about you, but I sometimes feel disappointed with God. We live with certain expectations that if we do certain things that God is going to reciprocate by allowing us to reach our goals and bring our dreams to life. And sometimes that's exactly what happens. But then there are the other times. The failures, or perceived failures. The disappointments. The unmet goals. The desires we can't attain. The precious things or people that we lose.
What God is saying I need most in those times is a humble attitude before him. I need to submit myself to his sovereign rule, to remember that he is God and I am not. I may not understand the reasons, but God has something else or another time in mind. Living by faith means that I really entrust my life to God. I am willing to accept his will. Then we can dance!
It's not exactly easy. Sometimes I get in resistance mode. But he reminds me it's the devil I need to be resisting (v. 7), the sworn enemy of the human race. If I have a humble and yielded heart before God, I'm going to stay close to him even through those disappointments. And he loves to exalt people who recognize his right to rule! He pours out his undeserved favor (grace) on the humble, not the proud, and lifts them up to set them on the peaks. Sooner or later, an attitude of understanding the reality of God over all brings all the rewards of Heaven. To dance with God I've got to let him lead.
Father, I yield my will to yours, my plans to yours, my dreams for my life to your dreams for me. Deep inside I trust that your plans are always better than my own, anyway. I believe that you will lift me up and show me your amazing grace. This dance is yours, so take the lead! Amen.
Join the conversation! Please share your comments and insights below (for help, click on "How to Sign In" at the top of the right-hand column). And please invite others to join in by sharing this post to your Facebook page. Click the Facebook logo (F) below. It's so easy! And thank you!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
God or the World?
Good morning to all you fellow bloggers? This is Michele with you on this Thursday and I am loving this study on the book of James. This book is packed with words of wisdom for us to meditate on. I am focusing on James 4:1-6 today. Give it a read. It is very short, so you might read it a couple of times in order to really take it in.
This section begins by telling us that we are jealous of others and want what they have. It also reminds us that there is a reason why we don't always get what we want. It's kind of like in junior high and some kids have all designer clothing or expensive shoes or is more popular and another child who is less fortunate wants to have all that stuff too. He or she may have clothing to wear or shoes on his or her feet, but they may not have everything they want. Adults even struggle with wanting what others have (bigger homes, nice cars, exotic trips, compliant children, a higher spot on the corporate ladder, etc). It seems as if we are never satisfied and always want more, more, more, more!!
......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. (v. 2-3)
Is there anything wrong with wanting nice things or even asking God for them? No, and sometimes God will bless us with far more then we can ask or imagine. This passage is telling us that sometimes we leave God totally out or we have the wrong motives when we do ask. Just because I want to "keep up with the Jones' " is not a good reason to have certain things. If we are always trying to keep up with others or be like them, we are not being all that God wants us to be. He wants us to strive to be like him, not the world! When we are so focused on the world's value of things, we quickly forget what Christ values and we become very hollow and godless.
You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: if you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. (v. 4)
What a profound statement!! Adulterers? We are God's, we belong to him. God feels like we are cheating on him when we are so focused on things of this world. Again, it's not wrong to have nice things and even wealth but if we make them the center of our existence, then there is no room for God. I don't want to be an enemy of God. I want my commitment to be to God and his plans for my life, even if I never have all that others have.
But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble". (v. 6)
This is very encouraging news! I have God's grace to forgive me when I fail and to change my heart so that I can stand against the evil that fills my heart as a human being. I want to be humble so that God will pour out his favor on me. Only with God can I be changed and renewed so that my mind and desires are not focused on the emptiness that this world has to offer. I do not want to be an opponent of God, I want to be on his team!
Lord, cleanse me of all selfish ambition and help me to focus on wanting you and all that you have for me. Help me to seek your values and find my contentment in you, not this world. This world is empty. You are so filling, Lord. Help others to see that my commitment is to you, not to having more and giving into greed and envy. Help me to seek your kingdom first and allow you to bless me as you see fit. I love you, God, and want to live for you. Amen.
Please share your comments with us! This is a great study and it is so encouraging to share thoughts amongst other Christians as we study the same passages.
This section begins by telling us that we are jealous of others and want what they have. It also reminds us that there is a reason why we don't always get what we want. It's kind of like in junior high and some kids have all designer clothing or expensive shoes or is more popular and another child who is less fortunate wants to have all that stuff too. He or she may have clothing to wear or shoes on his or her feet, but they may not have everything they want. Adults even struggle with wanting what others have (bigger homes, nice cars, exotic trips, compliant children, a higher spot on the corporate ladder, etc). It seems as if we are never satisfied and always want more, more, more, more!!
......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. (v. 2-3)
Is there anything wrong with wanting nice things or even asking God for them? No, and sometimes God will bless us with far more then we can ask or imagine. This passage is telling us that sometimes we leave God totally out or we have the wrong motives when we do ask. Just because I want to "keep up with the Jones' " is not a good reason to have certain things. If we are always trying to keep up with others or be like them, we are not being all that God wants us to be. He wants us to strive to be like him, not the world! When we are so focused on the world's value of things, we quickly forget what Christ values and we become very hollow and godless.
You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: if you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. (v. 4)
What a profound statement!! Adulterers? We are God's, we belong to him. God feels like we are cheating on him when we are so focused on things of this world. Again, it's not wrong to have nice things and even wealth but if we make them the center of our existence, then there is no room for God. I don't want to be an enemy of God. I want my commitment to be to God and his plans for my life, even if I never have all that others have.
But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble". (v. 6)
This is very encouraging news! I have God's grace to forgive me when I fail and to change my heart so that I can stand against the evil that fills my heart as a human being. I want to be humble so that God will pour out his favor on me. Only with God can I be changed and renewed so that my mind and desires are not focused on the emptiness that this world has to offer. I do not want to be an opponent of God, I want to be on his team!
Lord, cleanse me of all selfish ambition and help me to focus on wanting you and all that you have for me. Help me to seek your values and find my contentment in you, not this world. This world is empty. You are so filling, Lord. Help others to see that my commitment is to you, not to having more and giving into greed and envy. Help me to seek your kingdom first and allow you to bless me as you see fit. I love you, God, and want to live for you. Amen.
Please share your comments with us! This is a great study and it is so encouraging to share thoughts amongst other Christians as we study the same passages.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wise Living
Being in God's Word is so strengthening and makes me feel closer to God. And today's conversation with him is centering around James 3:13-18. What do you hear him saying to you in your present circumstances? I hear him saying that to live well, I must live wisely.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (v. 13)
And this isn't what the world necessarily defines as wise living. The wisdom of God proves itself in what we experience. The wisdom of the world proves to be futile and misguided. Selfish ambition and bragging and conniving my way into the top spot or the spotlight may be what the self-help books promote, but that produces only a fragile sense of importance that eventually falls apart, along with the relationships I kill along the way. Contrary to conventional "wisdom," you don't have to have the cold, killer instinct to be successful in business or to come out the "winner" in relationships.
God's wisdom isn't two-faced but sincere. It's not mean-spirited but gentle and reasonable. Wisdom teaches me to be considerate of the other person and willing to sometimes yield to their wishes instead of always demanding my own way. It's characterized by the fact that I can get along well with others, starting with those closest to me. And the result is a rich harvest of the best things in life--a peaceful relationship with God and with most others.
Jesus, I see the wisdom of your way of life and I'm so drawn to you. Lead me in your ways so that I can live wisely and experience the rewards. Amen!
Okay, it's your turn to share what God impressed on your heart in this text. Sign in (top, right corner) and then comment below. If you don't have a Google account yet, click on the link "How to Sign In" at the top of the right column. You can also choose Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. And please share this post with your Facebook friends (click F icon below).
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (v. 13)
And this isn't what the world necessarily defines as wise living. The wisdom of God proves itself in what we experience. The wisdom of the world proves to be futile and misguided. Selfish ambition and bragging and conniving my way into the top spot or the spotlight may be what the self-help books promote, but that produces only a fragile sense of importance that eventually falls apart, along with the relationships I kill along the way. Contrary to conventional "wisdom," you don't have to have the cold, killer instinct to be successful in business or to come out the "winner" in relationships.
God's wisdom isn't two-faced but sincere. It's not mean-spirited but gentle and reasonable. Wisdom teaches me to be considerate of the other person and willing to sometimes yield to their wishes instead of always demanding my own way. It's characterized by the fact that I can get along well with others, starting with those closest to me. And the result is a rich harvest of the best things in life--a peaceful relationship with God and with most others.
Jesus, I see the wisdom of your way of life and I'm so drawn to you. Lead me in your ways so that I can live wisely and experience the rewards. Amen!
Okay, it's your turn to share what God impressed on your heart in this text. Sign in (top, right corner) and then comment below. If you don't have a Google account yet, click on the link "How to Sign In" at the top of the right column. You can also choose Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. And please share this post with your Facebook friends (click F icon below).
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Wicked Words
Today is a good day! God loves me, and he has me in his hands and his plans. The same goes for you, my friend! I'm listening for a word from God, continuing to take in this inspired letter of James. Why don't you join me in being still a moment, asking God to speak, and reading James 3:1-12. This is worth a second time through! Truer words have never been written!
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (v. 6)
Thank you for this convicting reminder, God. I keep a careful watch on what I say, but I'm sure that my mouth has gotten me in more trouble in my life than anything else. I can't think of anything that causes more pain in the flow of everyday life than the things people say. And it starts so young! Long before a person ever gets old enough to beat someone up or rob them or cheat them or murder them, they will already have sliced and diced the feelings of countless people. The old adage about "sticks and stones may break my bones..." is such a fantasy. Words do far more damage than any other weapon humans have ever created.
I want to use mine well today, Lord. And every day. Forgive me for all the wicked words, or even misguided words, that I've ever spoken. I am so thankful for your grace! I'm also thankful that I have your help and strength to rely on to help me keep my tongue under tight reigns. I know that alone I can never tame my tongue. So I will consciously turn it over to your Holy Spirit's control each day. "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord. Keep watch over the doors of my lips." (Psalm 141:3) You guide my words. I will say what you want me to say. And clean out my heart, because I know that all my bitter words spring from there. Thank you for giving me a chance to use my words to build someone up instead of tearing them down. In Jesus name, Amen.
Would you please share this blog with your friends and family, or a coworker? You can share it on your Facebook page by just clicking on the F (Facebook) logo below. And feel free to share your own conversation with God through this text by commenting below. Sign in first (top right corner) or pick Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. Be blessed!
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (v. 6)
Thank you for this convicting reminder, God. I keep a careful watch on what I say, but I'm sure that my mouth has gotten me in more trouble in my life than anything else. I can't think of anything that causes more pain in the flow of everyday life than the things people say. And it starts so young! Long before a person ever gets old enough to beat someone up or rob them or cheat them or murder them, they will already have sliced and diced the feelings of countless people. The old adage about "sticks and stones may break my bones..." is such a fantasy. Words do far more damage than any other weapon humans have ever created.
I want to use mine well today, Lord. And every day. Forgive me for all the wicked words, or even misguided words, that I've ever spoken. I am so thankful for your grace! I'm also thankful that I have your help and strength to rely on to help me keep my tongue under tight reigns. I know that alone I can never tame my tongue. So I will consciously turn it over to your Holy Spirit's control each day. "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord. Keep watch over the doors of my lips." (Psalm 141:3) You guide my words. I will say what you want me to say. And clean out my heart, because I know that all my bitter words spring from there. Thank you for giving me a chance to use my words to build someone up instead of tearing them down. In Jesus name, Amen.
Would you please share this blog with your friends and family, or a coworker? You can share it on your Facebook page by just clicking on the F (Facebook) logo below. And feel free to share your own conversation with God through this text by commenting below. Sign in first (top right corner) or pick Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. Be blessed!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Faith That Works
Hello all, this is Chris. Thanks to Katrinka and Michele for covering for me last week! I know that you guys benefit as much or more from their insights as mine, and it's great to have their input. Today I'm looking for a word from God from James 2:14-26. I'm finding one:
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (v. 15-17)
God is reminding me that if I really trust him, I will actively care for people. If my faith is real it's going to show up my actions, and specifically in the way I treat the poor or anyone in real need.
Authentic faith is more than just a theoretical belief system. Yes, I'm saved by faith. I'm going to heaven by the simple trust that I put in Jesus as my Savior. But salvation is bigger than just going to heaven when I die. God wants to save me from a self-centered life full of poor choices and the consequences they bring to myself and others. He wants to save the planet from the painful effects of human sin. Salvation is experienced fully only when my faith works. My trust in Jesus produces action. I step in behind him and follow in his footsteps...because I want to.
I'm glad that as I read this I have some opportunities to practice it. In a couple of weeks my church will be feeding the homeless at a Houston shelter. I will get to do something to meet their needs because of the faith that I have.
And in October I'll be taking a small team to Guatemala to build a water well to provide clean, safe water for a needy community for decades to come. At times it's been discouraging because the original size of the team has dwindled a lot over the months. Just earlier today I was questioning whether to continue. And then I read this. God is reinforcing to me through this text that I should. As long as the opportunity is still there, my faith needs to act to do more than just wish these thirsty people well and hope someone else will take care of them. In the process of giving water we will give life, and our faith will come alive! (If you'd like to come, let me know asap!)
Would you please share this blog with your friends and family, or a coworker? You can share it on your Facebook page by just clicking on the F (Facebook) logo below. And feel free to share your own conversation with God through this text by commenting below. Sign in first (top right corner) or pick Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. Be blessed!
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (v. 15-17)
God is reminding me that if I really trust him, I will actively care for people. If my faith is real it's going to show up my actions, and specifically in the way I treat the poor or anyone in real need.
Authentic faith is more than just a theoretical belief system. Yes, I'm saved by faith. I'm going to heaven by the simple trust that I put in Jesus as my Savior. But salvation is bigger than just going to heaven when I die. God wants to save me from a self-centered life full of poor choices and the consequences they bring to myself and others. He wants to save the planet from the painful effects of human sin. Salvation is experienced fully only when my faith works. My trust in Jesus produces action. I step in behind him and follow in his footsteps...because I want to.
I'm glad that as I read this I have some opportunities to practice it. In a couple of weeks my church will be feeding the homeless at a Houston shelter. I will get to do something to meet their needs because of the faith that I have.
And in October I'll be taking a small team to Guatemala to build a water well to provide clean, safe water for a needy community for decades to come. At times it's been discouraging because the original size of the team has dwindled a lot over the months. Just earlier today I was questioning whether to continue. And then I read this. God is reinforcing to me through this text that I should. As long as the opportunity is still there, my faith needs to act to do more than just wish these thirsty people well and hope someone else will take care of them. In the process of giving water we will give life, and our faith will come alive! (If you'd like to come, let me know asap!)
Would you please share this blog with your friends and family, or a coworker? You can share it on your Facebook page by just clicking on the F (Facebook) logo below. And feel free to share your own conversation with God through this text by commenting below. Sign in first (top right corner) or pick Anonymous from the "Comment As" menu. Be blessed!
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