Without Works

James Writes,

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2 ESV)

James also writes later in the same letter,


What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

(James 2:14-17 ESV)

I recognized something today in myself while praying about this passage.

My trials are testing my faith. If these trials are testing my faith they should also be testing my works.

I recently was in need of my Christian brothers. The trial in my own life was to much for me to bear and the LORD provided my brothers.

Looking back I see how in as much as God was teaching me steadfastness in my personal struggles my friends proved their faith through the works they showed me.

Their character was being tested by a fellow brother (me) and through God's grace they struck like strong anchors of the faith through their actions in my life.

James is reminding me that faith is not invisible. Faith is not something that CAN be hidden. When i was being helped along towards the face of God by my friends their works by faith stood as a testament to me. LORD willing you have people in your own life that will be the same to you. If you do not then SEEK THEM. This is apart of the wisdom that James is talking about.

I pray that my faith will be seen by my works towards the name of God. Less me more HIM.

Heart, please remember that faith isn't lofty, or high thinking thoughts. Faith is practical. Faith by wisdom recognizes needs and discovers ways to fulfill them. Heart!!! LISTEN TO ME!! LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD!!!

FAITH IS PRACTICAL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.

Heart, show love and be genuine

Heart, be joyful and know it is okay to express this both at times inwardly and outwardly.

Heart, be at peace. The LORD is going before you, be at peace

Heart, be patient... seriously... be patient. Show this by having self-control! That is right, CONTROL.

Heart, don't be bitter! >:( ... Be kind :).

Heart, show kindness and goodness to all without being partial. Don't judge outward appearance.

Heart, be gentle. Don't be harsh, rash and crazy. Be gentle.

Heart, will you be faithful to these? Will you allow the Holy Spirit convict you when you are not showing these fruits? I won't let you forget.

I have been learning not to let my heart get away with so much.

James has been reminding me of my friend's actions by faith, and my tested actions leading to steadfastness.

James has been reminding me that I need to be constantly filtering God's truths through my heart. My heart is so dumb. So dumb...

I pray the LORD restore me constantly for His names sake. :) I have faith He will and Does.