James 2:18
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
I have been in many conversations of late that have touched on the issue of faith. The topics of the conversations varied: my health, religion, politics, workplace, family relationships, among others.
Faith brings hope and healing to the scary places where the unknown, despair, and pain lurk. Faith is not simply a concept, it is life’s blood for the healing process.
As I presided at the Sunday service last week at St Paul’s, Arrowtown I had a one-off health issue, a “syncopal episode”, and, Praise The Lord, quickly recovered. However, not only was I placed in the position of not being able to complete that service but of also being unable to travel to St Peter’s to take the service in Queenstown.
So, two initial things happened. Firstly, instant care and an outpouring of love and concern from the people at St Paul’s. Secondly, a coming together of the Lay Ministry Team and congregation at St Peter’s to ensure that service proceeded and God’s people were able to praise and celebrate His glory.
NEVER, EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
NOTHING HAPPENS THAT IS NOT PART OF GOD’S PLAN - IF I WON’T LISTEN TO HIM TELLING ME TO “SLOW DOWN” THEN HE’S GONNA “LAY ME DOWN”!
In doing all these things and more (as the week progressed), The Lord showed me that my sisters and brothers put into practice - in a very real and modern setting - James’ instruction for Christians to live out their faith with their deeds:
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (v. 17).
James was concerned that the church take care of the widows and the orphans (James 1:27), and he also wanted them to rely not on empty words but to act on their faith with deeds of love.
We are saved by faith, not works, but we live out our faith by loving others and caring for their needs. May we, like ALL my friends who showed their care for me this past week, continue to keep our eyes open for those who might need our help as we walk together in this journey of life.
Thanks be to God for placing you all in my life.
Thanks be to God for uniting us as a people of faith.
Blessed are You, loving Father,
For all your gifts to us.
Blessed are You for giving us family and friends,
to be with us in times of health and sickness,
To help us in days of need,
And to rejoice with us in moments of celebration.
Father, We praise You for Your Son Jesus,
Who knew the happiness of family and friends,
And in the love of Your Holy Spirit.
Blessed are you for ever and ever. AMEN.