FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

James 2:14-26   what good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have work? Can such 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 addressing their physical needs, what good is that? In the same way, faith by itself, which is not accompanied by actions, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have worked.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

How can we have mega Churches that seat thousands of people, but won't open the doors to the homeless when it’s cold outside.  When a new member joins the Church but has no clothes to wear, why do we not empty our closets to them, instead of judging what they wear?  How could we throw away food, when there are so many hungry children in our neighborhoods that have not eaten?  How can we call ourselves Christian but do not address the issues and needs of our people? We have opportunities every day to meet the needs of someone, It can be as simple as making sure a confused customer finds the right item for their need; or noticing that a new co-worker needs help but is afraid to ask. James urges us to take special concern for those who are vulnerable or marginalized, and we may need to practice notic­ing who these people are at our places of work, Church, schools, and neighbors.

Father, give us Your love so we may help those in need, Lord give us Your guidance so we may not follow man, but focus on You.  Give us Your protection so we may protect those who cannot protect themselves.  Lord, produce in us Christ-like character so that we can be Your disciples and not worldly Christians, but willing to help the least of us.  Father, teach us how to Fast so we can develop reverence and humility when we pray and keep us humble.  Our Father, who is in heaven Holy be Your name, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done for us as it is in heaven.  Lord, give us the wisdom of Your Word and forgive us of our sins, and strengthen us so may forgive those who have sinned against us.  Lord, thank You for new life, health and strength, in Jesus name Amen