Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Imagine Siegfried without Roy, Peaches without Herb or Cheese Fries without cheese. I know I know, a stretch right but I had to get your attention. What do each of these things have in common? The latter is good but oh so much better when it is combined with the former. The bible says the same is true of faith and works. In chapter 2:14-26 of his book, James the half brother of Jesus, challenges us to really examine our claim to faith if our actions do not demonstrate what we say we believe. How can we truly walk out a life of faith in God if our works do not back it up? So here is one more…The body without a soul. We are considered dead if our body has no soul just as our faith is dead if we have no works. James goes on to say that faith by itself is not enough because unless it is accompanied by action, it is dead. So how can we practically demonstrate our faith through works? One thing you can do is find a simple way to bless someone else. Speaking a kind word or making a concerted effort to go out of your way to help someone in need plants a seed which in turn will reap a harvest. Secondly, showing forgiveness really challenges us to step outside of ourselves and rely completely on God. Forgiving is hard especially when you consider something as simple as the person that cut you off on your way to work or the physical assault you may have endured. Undoubtedly they do not compare but the act of forgiveness requires an action that releases you from the chains of the enemy. Finally, sharing the goodness of God with others requires action on our part. Yes we can be silent witnesses but nothing reaches to the heart of man like when you share how our heavenly father pursues us always, in hopes that we will accept his gift of life. So let’s get to work! Power Verses James 2:14-26

Test Taking Skills

We have all encountered some sort of major test in our lives. Some come as a total surprise or have been marked on the calendar to remind you to prepare for it. From chapter assessments to life threatening illnesses, we can relate all along the spectrum. 

We are going to be tested. We can not control the test but we can control our response to it. 

One of the most infamous accounts of testing in the bible, is the story of Job. Job was a faithful and righteous man of God who did what right in the sight of God and he prospered because of it. Satan met with God to express his desire to test Job for he believed Job was only faithful to God because of the blessings God had given him. Satan surmised that if his family, wealth and health were stripped from him, Job would curse God and turn away.

In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from God to the circumstance so that Job becomes so consumed with his condition that he turns his heart away from God. 

Then we have Saul, a man who orchestrated the persecution of many Christians. Apparently, God had been testing his conscience prior to his blinding encounter with the light of God on his trip to Damascus. God needed to get Saul's attention so He took away his sight forcing him to examine his heart. God tested the heart of Saul to propel him to a greater purpose so Saul, renamed Paul, could lead numerous people to God. 

In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from the circumstance to God in preparation for the mighty ways God intended to use Paul. 

Every test we encounter is not directly from God but we can choose to direct our focus toward God as he helps us to endure and develop our character for His greater purpose. The by-product of a test is what builds your character to lead people to God. Count it all joy. 

Power Verses

Gold and silver are tested by fire, and a person's heart is tested by the Lord. (Proverbs 17:3 GNB)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)