And…Action!

James 3:15-17 – “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
We went to the state youth meeting last night. This was the main message that was presented. It was compelling.

Think about it, faith without action is dead. Does that mean you loose your salvation if you fail to produce fruit? No. But it does mean consequences. When you didn’t do what your parents told you to do, you got in trouble, right? Same thing here.

But what I really want to focus on is action. Faith should produce action. And I’m not talking about warming a seat in the sanctuary. I’m talking about getting in and pulling up your sleeves and getting in the middle of it all. Not because you have to but because you want to serve your Savior.

Look at what Paul said of the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” These people had faith – true blue, hard working faith. And Paul was grateful for all that they did.

How about you, princess? When was the last time you got in the trenches and served to the best of your ability? God wants us to care for His people and walk alongside Him. Action requires movement and effort. Lip service is not an action. There are many ways to be active. Your action may be prayer – do it fervently and with passion. Whatever your action, do it with your whole heart. This is an area I know I can improve. Sometimes my service is not with my whole heart. But this has inspired my heart to choose to be focused on action.

Songs in the night

Psalm 77:1-2,5-6,11-12 – “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart muses and my spirit inquired…I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”

When I read these verses this morning, I thought about our veterans – not only those who have died but also those that lived.

We take so much of our freedoms for granted. We bicker and fuss over what should be allowed and what should be controlled.

Today, let’s put away our differences and remember those songs in the night, those who died for our right to be different.

And then, let us not forget the Supreme Commander-in-chief that gave the ultimate sacrifice for a higher freedom – Jesus Christ. Let us serve Him in truth and honor and be the soldier princess He has called us to be. March on, sister!

God’s special gift

I Corinthians 12:4-6 – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
Funny thought – What is your “stupid human trick”? Yes. You read it right. We all have some thing that we can do that is abnormal – whether it be touching your tongue to the end of your nose or wiggling your ears. Go on, take a moment and figure out your “stupid human trick”. It’s kind-of fun!

Ok, now what is your God-given spiritual gift? Oh, haven’t thought about that one in a while, have you? Me neither. Sometimes I feel that thinking about what I am good at will lead to pride issues that will get me in trouble. Are you with me, sister?

Well, Paul tells us here in Corinthians that we all have gifts. And really, no two gifts are exactly the same. But they all come from the same place – God. We all have service to do in our local New Testament body. We all have work to do.

God has given us so many tools and so many things to do. Do you have the desire in your heart to work for Him? Do you know what He has made you good at? Are you utilizing your special gifts?

This weekend, princess, I want you to think about what gifts God has given to you. I want you to ponder if you are using them to the best of your ability. Then, take action. Get involved in your local church. God is waiting to bless you for your faithful service.