The Partners of Faith And Works

The Apostle Paul said that faith without works is dead.  Many people have taken that to mean that in order to have the hope of heaven we must do good works. That is incorrect. Works alone will not save you. Faith is an active thing. It isn't just wishing. It is putting legs to our prayers, walking them out if you will.

 

You may be going through a physical trial that requires you to do things that are uncomfortable, even painful, such as physical therapy.* You may have a broken heart. You may be burdened for a loved one.  You must do something! Follow that course of therapy. Keep to the regimen of diet for diabetes. If you have a broken heart, encourage someone else. When you are burdened hand it over to Jesus! And no matter what the situation, bathe it in prayer and stand on the Word. Get into the Word and get the Word into you!

 

 

 

 

*Physical therapy and diabetes  is how I can relate to this!

*James 2:20-22 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

Is Jesus Calling Your Name?

In our Bible Study we are learning from the 6th chapter of Luke.  In verses 12-13 we find Jesus calling and naming His disciples/apostles by name. He knew that Peter would deny Him and that Judas would betray Him. He knew Nathaniel would be skeptical.

 

 He called Zacchaeus down from the tree, He called Martha away from her distractions. He called Matthew away from the tax collectors and He called Lazarus out of the grave.

 

Is Jesus calling your name? Is He prompting you to do something?  Is He calling you away from distractions or things that may hinder your relationship with Him. Is He drawing you  to Himself for emotional and spiritual rest, or is He  calling you out of complacency. He may even be giving encouragement for something we are about to go through. No matter what the scenario is we can take comfort knowing that Jesus knows our name and we belong to Him!

 

 

 

 

 

*Isaiah 43:1But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,  And He who formed you, O Israel:“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. (emphasis mine.

 

A Roll of the Dice

Many times throughout the Bible the casting of lots was used to make important decisions about uncertain situations. What does casting lots mean? Well mostly it would be like a roll of the dice or a coin toss. Who could be certain if decisions were made by man or God without taking the chance of supernatural intervention?

We are about to select a new president. All are encouraged to vote their convictions. But really even though we all have our own ideas, still it amounts to a coin toss. One candidate will win and one will lose, or some other unprecedented thing might occur. But one thing is for certain. We either believe the Father is in control or He isn't. *

By voting we are expressing our faith that God is in control.*




*I Kings 18:21  Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.

*Proverbs 16:33 NLT We may throw the dice,but the LORD determines how they fall.