Reflections from March 30, 2010

Today in James 2:26 we read, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

James is telling his readers that one can have faith, but it's the evidence of this faith that puts it into motion. With examples he gives the reader insight to this. The person who is hungry and has no clothes cannot be helped simply by telling them "Depart in peace, be filled and warm." (vs. 15). We may have faith that the person will be ok; however, it will take our action to help this person by giving them clothes, food and shelter.

Likewise, we can say we are a subject of Christ, but we need to show we are by keeping the commandments of God. That's what he expects us to do and that's what we should be doing out of our love for Him.

Proverbs 30:31 reads, "For as the churning of milk produces butter, And the wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife."

I think this is telling us that by creating wrath around us and on us, we'll have nothing but strife and hard feelings around us. By living a life that creates stress due to anger or hostility, we'll live a life that eats us up inside with anger, loneliness, and calamity. This opens the door for evil to enter our life and take over our thoughts. Keep clear of this by focusing on God and His love showing love for others. Keep in God's word to provide armor to stop this in your life.

Blessings to all