Good morning! Last week we read verses that focused on the call for believers to assist others – faith in action. In the book of James chapter two verses 14-26, it highlights demonstrating faith. We covered expressions of true faith, evidence of true faith, and today we will read the examples of true faith. Enjoy today’s reading and your day.

Bible Verse – James 2:21-26 NLT

“²¹ Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? ²² You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. ²³ And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”^[g] He was even called the friend of God.^[h] 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

²⁵ Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. ²⁶ Just as the body is dead without breath,^[i] so also faith is dead without good works.”

Reflection

Sisters and brothers, James focused on faith and action working hand-and-hand. Faith is what leads us to carry out the deed/action to completion.

In the first example, Abraham was justified by what he did. It was evidence of faith. In the second example, just like the first, Rehab was declared righteous for her actions – welcoming the spies and helping them escape. Overall, James is stating faith and deeds are essential to one another. Apart they can never fully be complete. Together, true faith continues to help believers grow and develop spiritual maturity. Believing what God says and doing what God wants us to do.

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for another Monday morning. We thank you for blessing us with another opportunity to grow and develop in spiritual maturity. Lord, as we listen to and read your word help us to do what your word would have us to do. Lord, we don’t want to simply hear or read your word and forget what it says, we want your words inscribed on our hearts, on the tips of our tongues, and constantly in our minds. Lord, give us peace as we take your Word and apply it to our lives. We want to be living and walking examples of faith in action in our homes, as we love our families, as we trust you with boundaries and healing. We want to see evidence of our faith and that faith in action as we trust You in our marriages, our singleness, the upbringing of our children, care for parents, on our jobs, in our churches, and communities. Lord, continue to transform us daily.

Lord, we pray for those in Indiana, the Hawaiian Islands, and parts of the East Coast experiencing flooding, water damage, and severe storms. Lord, let each person/family receive equitable treatment, care, and the support they need to recover from those storms and weather conditions. Lord, our continued prayers go out for the various countries impacted by earthquakes. Lord, help them to find more people alive. Heal those who are injured and comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and/or homes. Send aid to all those in need. Lord, we ask for prayer for those facing high temperatures this week. Lord, we pray for cool breezes to flow throughout the day. Lord, we pray for those working outside to be able to stay cool. We pray for those in need of air conditioning or fans to be able to get them and let them work.

Lord, protect each student as they head off to school or start school today. Guide them and keep them safe from harm. Lord, expand their minds and attention to learn. Lord, give them wisdom and discernment in their lessons. Lord, we pray over the curriculum and guidance given by the states and school districts. Lord, may everything they learn pass through your filter.

Lord, be with everyone who is going to work this morning or headed somewhere today. Lord, be with them. Direct their steps. Give them favor in the task ahead of them. Lord, give them favor with their bosses, with interview committees, and peers. Open doors for those seeking employment. Remove anxiety, fear, and depression from each person, and fill them with Your spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Lord, we lift up every woman and man who is having a procedure, recovering from a procedure, or in need of a medical procedure. Lord, heal those in need of healing, and help them to recover well. Lord, touch their bodies and strengthen them. Lord, be with their loved ones and caregivers as they trust you for their healing. Lord, continue to work miracles.

Lord, continue to strengthen our faith as we trust you with our lives, our families, our finances, our mental health, and our physical health. Lord, we ask all these things in the name of Jesus, amen!

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