A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, August 13
- ontrakk
- Aug 13, 2025
- 1 min read
James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
It is our faith, and our relationship with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, which make us aware of the needs of others. We act on the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Faith leads us to action. I would never believe that true faith could be “dead”. True faith includes a relationship with God and the belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. This is never dead. But it is true that when we live out our faith, we do grow into a different and closer relationship with God. I guess I just have a problem with James’ choice of words here. (I am reading that Martin Luther had a problem with it, too.)
Holy Lord, help me to be so in tune with your Holy Spirit that I see more and more opportunities to live out my faith in action. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
James 2:26
The reading today makes me think of a church we attended, as you exited the sanctuary, above the doors were the words “You are now entering the mission field”. Everyday, all around us there are folks in need. We need to be ever vigilant of opportunities to help. In Ephesians it states “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Dear God, please help me to live a life of good works, to extend a hand and…
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 James 5:20.
I have been taught that church is a verb-a doing action. I've always seen church as a place of prayer and worship, but more than that, a place that offers me work to do in His name. In the "Message" verse 10 in Deuteronomy reads in part, give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart.
Prayer: Gracious God, May I always see the needs of those around me so that I may make a difference. AMEN
Daily devotions
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
A living faith
(Focus: families without food
James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James helps us understand how faith and works relate to each other in the life of a believer. The heart, brain, and organs have to be working in order for a body to work. Likewise, if there is no faith in the heart of a believer, it is impossible for there to be good works. While even non-believers can do seemingly “good” deeds, truly good deeds are only those which are accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Whoever abides…
James 2:26 James’ emphasis on works as a manifestation of faith is so important in a world that constantly asks, “What have you done for me lately?” Christian service has probably swayed more thinking than even the greatest preaching. There are purists out there in church world who discount “life-style evangelism” but it can be a very valuable and effective tool. After all, basic material needs must be met before one is open to the gospel. Witness the words of the woman who received the groceries in this morning’s Upper Room, “I’ll take these over thoughts and prayers any day.” Hard core secularists love to ridicule “thoughts and prayers,” and when Christians fail to follow up thoughts and prayers with works…