James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-- and shudder.
We know that faith alone seemed to save the thief on the cross who spoke to Jesus before he died. But we really don't know anything else about that man. We assume him to have been a career criminal, totally devoid of redeeming qualities. But that is not known to us. Jesus (being God) knew this man, and knew his history. When I read today's verse in its context in James, I think about "walking the walk." We may not necessarily be required to tally up a certain total of good deeds. But when we know Christ, we have an "other" attitude. We live our lives knowing Jesus urged us to love one another and to take care of each other.
Holy Lord, may I walk through this day with an "other" attitude, generous and forgiving. This will lead my deeds. Amen.
Becky, transforming
James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
I often try to place myself in the mind of the writer when I read something. What is this writer trying to tell me? And why didn’t he just say it?
As I was thinking about this passage and wondering why the writer was not a bit more direct, I remembered a passage from Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times. He was describing a fictitious English mill town called Coketown.
“The McChoakumchild school was all fact, and the school of design was all fact, and the relations between master and man were all fact, and everything was fact between the lying-in hospital and the cemetery,…
James 2:19
Having a strong faith is wonderful! But there is more to it than that. We must demonstrate an example of true faith and that would be to love one another and to help those who need it. For true faith should change us. It is not enough to just believe. We have the works of Jesus to show us the way.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to always practice my faith with much love. Amen
Tuesday, March 5th, 2024
James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. good Even the demons believe that and shudder!
We are justified before God by our faith and our faith alone. But we need to be justified before other people by our good works that we can do by our faith only. I need to be sure that I allow my faith to be completed by working with God to do the good works that will allow other people to benefit from it.
Lord, we know all good things come from You. Help us to share in the good works you have prepared for us by our faith in Christ, to the people You have placed in our…
James 2:19
James insists on an action-oriented faith. We are not to declare belief then sit back, assured of our own salvation and forsake all others. He famously wrote our faith without works is dead. Our salvation is not gained by our deeds. It is in thanksgiving for salvation that our faith is demonstrated through our deeds. The demons who shudder at the thought of God grind their teeth in envy and rage as we demonstrate the love of God to others. One of our life goals should be to render these demons toothless.
Prayer - Lord, let me find ways to live out my faith and work out my salvation. May my deeds always honor and glorify Your name.…