Today’s Scripture: James 2:22, NKJV- “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?”
James 2:21 states “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?” (ESV) God did not require that Abraham sacrifice Isaac, only that he was willing to act on his faith.
Our acts or works of faith can make the difference of a lifetime. Taking a moment to put aside all our other demands and wishes to act in faith for someone else leaves a lasting memory.
Our faith is only made perfect when we do the perfect will of God. We must act. As James 2:17 tells us “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV)
In the same way as what? James 2:15-16 state “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (NIV)
As James 2:18 challenges us, “Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (NLT)
James 2:23 said that Abraham believed God. Do we? Abraham was called a friend of God. Are we? James 2:24 in the New Living Translation puts it this way, “So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.”
“Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” James 2:26, NLT. As James 3:2 states we all stumble in many ways. Our stumbles should humble us. James 4:6 promises that God shows favor to the humble. James 4:10 teaches us to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (NIV)
When we submit to God, He will plant seeds of good deeds into our hearts and minds. We should act immediately without second guessing the costs. Our goal and faith are to do the will of God.
James 4:17 warns us “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (NIV) We should offer the same compassion and mercy the Lord has given us. God gives us opportunities to share our faith. James 5:15 reminds us that every request and opportunity to help someone can come with a prayer. “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
This sounds like a great memory verse and practice to share with those in need. Yes, I will give you what I have, and may I pray with you? In addition to meeting physical needs we can offer the bread of life. The opportunities presented to us are for good works and the prayers to our Father that may save us.
I have been challenged to pray with those who reach out with needs. I have chickened out more times than I care to share. However, James has convicted me and provided me with a promise that acting with a good deed and a prayer is the perfect will of God.
Will your next good deed be offered with a prayer?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father we know that the thoughts You give to us from heaven are pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. We need Your Spirit LORD to guide us to Your will. Our faith is in You Father God. Please show us our opportunities for good works and grant us the faith to provide both physical and spiritual needs. In the name of Jesus Christ we do pray. Amen.
Leave a Reply