January #jammed : Grace in Life’s Face
Day 25: Grace goes Beyond the Grave.
Walking up the solid cement structure, the erie advance of the rolling waves began to creep up and over ever so slightly, depositing a little more lake water with each pass. Sediment started to pile up on the sidewalk.
“We won’t be able to walk down here tomorrow, ” I notioned to my dog, who looked like she was standing underneath one of those turbo charged hand dryers.
When the North wind blows against the shore, tree debris litters the main road in our town and the pier is often impassable on foot. Today’s verse hits us like a heavy gust of that lingering wind.
James is smacking us with the winds of accountability in todays verse. Imagine the fury of these early church leaders who had embraced Jesus and heard His words fall fresh on their ears. Surely the frustration in hearing and doing was as prevalent then as it is now.
“Paul describes the root of salvation; a person is saved by God’s grace received though faith.(Galations 2)James is explaining the fruit of salvation; saving faith is a faith that works.” James 2:14 (VOICE commentary)
God encourages us in this verse to keep soldiering on. To keep seeking Him, and trust the Holy Spirit’s process of refinement at work.
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21
He’s the only one who can shut off the battering North Wind.
Father, We praise You for Your gift of grace, and Christ’s sacrifice to enable our salvation. Thank you for blessing our lives here on earth. Forgive us for acting opposite of our heart’s intent. Bless us to avoid hypocritical faith, and life a faith in action. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What hard situation presses you to act against what you know is right? Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace!
#greatgrace17
Happy Calling,
Megs
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That is a great verse to bring out. Commitment in words isn’t enough. I was listening to a online podcast last night of a sermon and the minister said if you just show up to church, read your bible, and sit in the pew then you are a pagan on the pew! That was harsh but really true. Like this statement we must put into action our words.
Thanks for visiting. You have a nice blog.
Thank you, Sherry! Your words truly encourage my heart. I like what that minister said. Truth is truth, easy to hear or not! Happy Wednesday!
That is a great verse to bring out. Commitment in words isn’t enough. I was listening to a online podcast last night of a sermon and the minister said if you just show up to church, read your bible, and sit in the pew then you are a pagan on the pew! That was harsh but really true. Like this statement we must put into action our words.
Thanks for visiting. You have a nice blog.
Thank you, Sherry! Your words truly encourage my heart. I like what that minister said. Truth is truth, easy to hear or not! Happy Wednesday!
Ah yes, the working out of our salvation. We may be saved, but we must then put into action the grace and truth the Lord has planted in our hearts. I love this, Meg. And just studied James last year about this time, so it’s nice to be reminded of some of those powerful challenges and truths.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your kind words, here. James is full of truth and challenge, you are so right. We all need a little reminder of James. Happy Wednesday!
Anyone can say they believe in God, but what does that do? If we aren’t forgiving, loving, and helping those in need, we are useless. I am so glad I have God’s strength to do these things, because I certainly can’t on my own!
Amen and well said!
Anyone can say they believe in God, but what does that do? If we aren’t forgiving, loving, and helping those in need, we are useless. I am so glad I have God’s strength to do these things, because I certainly can’t on my own!
Amen and well said!