Chapter 2 in James is pretty straight forward and cuts right to the heart. So I guess the question is how dead is our faith? When was the last time you saw your faith in action. James describes faith in action as meeting peoples needs. I am actually posting in San Diego getting ready to take the kids to Sea World. This weekend is all about serving my kids. I would say it doesn't take much faith since it bring me so much joy to see them respond to Carolyn's and I weekend of focusing so much attention on just them. Isn't it true that the greatest and joys in life is when you do lay down your desires for somoene else's. I pray all of our faith is filled with acts of Love. Someone can show me some love by making a stinkin comment. Let's start making some comments because I know so many of you have unreal insight. Actually I realize so many do not know I am posting again with some kind of consistency so please pass the word. I actually had a cup of joe while I posted this evening so good. I let you know how Shamu is doing.
Smell you later,
Joe
3 comments:
although i am not doing this study with you (i probably should...) i thought i'd show a little love by commenting! hope you guys had a great time at sea world. it's not just for kids...ryan took me a couple years ago and we had a blast. so true, when we focus on others, God gives us true joy. can't wait to experience it w/my own kids one day. had to mention also--your ending "smell ya laters" immediately reminded me of edwin lee!! he loves to use that one... :)
On March 6, 2008, I put myself on a bible reading plan so that I could finish reading the entire Bible in a year. To be honest, with school and just life in general I've fallen behind but this weekend I have found this need and this want to just read. To really get into it and just enjoy the word of the Lord and thats what Ive been doing. Then I started thinking of Tuesday's Bible Study and remembered this blog and decided to look into it. This post really hit home, I've been trying my best to be the best Christian I can be. I understand that it doesn't only take going to church and reading the bible, but doing so much more. I feel like I have really matured in my life and especially in my faith. My parents put me in catholic school for 9 years of my life and as soon as I hit high school and public school I lost it all until I recently decided to rededicate my life to the Lord and thats what Ive been working on.
I see that I have changed as a person; hatred and anger have all gone out the door. I cant help but feel happiness and joy with the life I'm living. And when things in my life go wrong my faith becomes even stronger because I know that he will be there with me every step of the way. And now I want others to feel that, to know that through the good and the bad its important to have the same level of faith if not to have stronger faith.
"Love your neighbor as you love yourself" James 2:8 I feel that I have really grown in this area in my life. I remember when everything was about me, me, me. Now its about others and helping others. And I feel like I have made that turn around in life and many people have told me they've seen this turn around in my life, this new maturity. I will continue to help others in everything they do: this week I've helped a friend who was sick, I choreographed a dance for someone who needed help with one, I was there to give my shoulder to a friend who was in desperate need for one. I think I'm living up to the word of the Lord, well I'm certainly trying to.
I agree with You Joe that Chapter 2 really does cut to the quick. James 2:13 "For judgement is without mercy to the one that has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
God gave up everything so that he could bestow mercy on us. It blows my mind at how deep God's Love for us is. If we are to put on the character of Christ everyday than mercy is definitly one of the main things that should be evident in us. I know that forgiving people releases bitterness and blesses you. Job 42:7-10 is a perfect example of this.
James 2:17-19 I love the part where he says "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Now you do no need to have any works to show that you have faith, but how will others see it if you do not do anything. Genuine faith has a byproduct of good works which produces good fruit. I know that accepting God as my savior is just the beggining. Doing these works do not get us into heaven it is by our faith in Jesus that gets us into heaven.(James 2:23)
Father, I pray that my faith is tested daily because with testing it will grow. I also pray that you give me many chances everyday to do wonderful works in your name. Whether that is sacrificing time to help a stranger, or just being there for a friend. People guide me in my steps and actions everyday. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thats a double shot!
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