Dana Hagstrom – Page 435

James 2:14-26 – Useless Faith

What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” Since we cannot see God like we see each other, our faith allows us to truly believe.

But, it goes beyond that. Even demons believe in God. Our faith needs to be deeper. How’s that? Faith plus deeds equals righteousness or being “right with God.” That’s quite a concept.

Deeds would be what we do and how we live. Maybe we need to take our “deeds temperature.” If we are totally inward focused and do nothing to help others, our deeds temperature will be COLD! Alternatively, if we are active in our churches and community to help others, serving them in the name of Jesus, our deeds temperature will be HOT, or at least warm.

If our faith is alive and active within us, we are going to be burning to serve others. Jesus was the perfect example of being a servant leader. We need to be on the look out for the needs around us. We need to be listening for God’s instruction to us. Just like Abraham listened to God. Abraham really listened. I’m not sure I would have been as obedient to have nearly sacrificed one of my children. But God’s plan was perfect, and Abraham’s faith was played out in his deeds.

“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” What deed can you do today?

Verse 26 says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” Is your faith alive or dead?

Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today reflecting on my faith life. I don’t want my faith to be dead. I want to serve you and be transparent in my devotion to you. It is my desire that my actions truly make a difference in the lives of others. Give me the courage to live my faith out loud, louder than I already do. Show me the plans you have for me, Lord. I want to please you in all I say and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 2:1-13 – Mercy Triumphs

Read James 2:1-13

Breaking the law, God’s law isn’t anything we intend to do. At least for most of us. Sometimes it happens. When we do stumble, we look for God’s mercy and forgiveness. When we seek, we find it. God is merciful and he does forgive, so long as we have also shown mercy.

What are ways that we can show mercy? We can start by not holding grudges against others. We need to forgive and forget, just as our Father in heaven.

This passage also speaks a lot to our attitude toward others. Being judgmental is something we definitely should NOT do. We all do it though. The example given was really good, didn’t you think? Since I’ve read it before, I’m always convicted to be more attentive to the poor and needy, than to respond to the rich and sophisticated.

And isn’t it a good point that it is the rich who are the very ones who make our lives more difficult. They are the rule enforcers, and many of those rules are designed to help them, the rich, giving no mind to the needs and position of the poor, or even middle class sometimes. That is a bit of a frightening realization – nothing has changed. Unfairness still exists.

I like how we have here the simple reminder of the “royal” law. We may also know this as the “golden rule.” That is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yes, it’s Biblical, and what a good reminder. It sounds simple, but sometimes it is very difficult. Not everyone is lovable. I’m sure each of us knows someone who is stubborn, hateful, grumpy and mean. I could go on with adjectives, but it is set out clearly for us – love your neighbor! Period.

How can you be a better neighbor today?

Let’s pray. Lord and Father from above I thank you for this reminder. Your Word never returns empty, and today it has left an impression on me. Thank you that you have given me the resources to help those in need. Help me go beyond just the financial but to really be present for those less fortunate. Forgive me for times when I have not shown the mercy on others that would have been appropriate in your eyes. Forgive me for any hurtful things I may have said or done. Lead me to those people who need to hear from you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:19-27 – Listen Up!

Read James 1:19-27

There are so many nuggets in today’s passage. Do you agree? I love how God’s word can always come alive and speak to us today!

I heard the other day that we need to listen twice as much as we speak because we have two ears and only one mouth. Think about that one! In our business, listening is KEY. In life, listening is really KEY!

We should be acting and responding to people in response to what they have said. If we listen closely, we can discern their needs, their hopes, their struggles. God can use us to help each other. That’s how the body of Christ works.

But too many times, we are busy formulating a response in our heads and our listening ears are clogged. Here, Paul is telling us to be slow to speak. His counsel is more to protect us from dispute or saying things out of anger, which certainly are good things to avoid. No matter what, when we are in communication with others, we need to be better listeners.

Listening for God’s voice is probably the most important voice of all. When is the last time you truly sat down and listened, waited for God?

It’s the same with God’s word. The Bible is at least something tangible that we can put our hands on. Many times God will use his word to speak to us. We need to come to him in our time of reflection and close out all the other noise of the world. Are we giving God the time he deserves?

Are we living out our faith based on the Word and instruction God has given us?

Take a moment to really reflect on that. Can you do better? What is keeping you from the full relationship with God that he is craving?

Verse 27 say,“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

One of the goals on my dream board is to help build an orphanage to care for children of Haiti. I am blessed to be able to help at the orphanage in our neighborhood here in Mexico, but I want to do more. I want to honor God and his wishes.

As I wait for this opportunity, I am trying hard to keep from being polluted by the world. I’m sure you can agree that this world has become a dark, delusional and dangerous place. Instead of being sucked in, we should be empowered to make a positive difference.

Let’s be better listeners first, and then go do and be blessed!

Let’s pray. Father God I give you thanks for the ability to listen. Forgive me when I don’t take the time to just sit still in your presence. What is your message for me today? Please reveal yourself to me. In the same way, I want to be a better listener to the voice of others. You have placed me in this time and place for a reason, and I want to be able to live out your plan to my best ability, with your ability inside me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 1:1-18 – Temptation

Read James 1:1-18

This passage is so much more than temptation, but I thought we could focus a bit on that today.

What tempts you? If you’re on a diet, maybe a juicy hamburger and fries is your hot button. If you’re trying to cut down on sweets, maybe it’s a piece of dark chocolate cake. Non-food temptations may be laziness or the opposite, over-working. Evil temptations are deeper than these examples, yet the motivations are similar.

When evil steps in to put a desire on our heart, it is generally not a helpful thing. But evil, being evil, will make it seem enticing. We are then quick to justify and let the temptation overtake us.

This passage is clear. Temptations are not from God. He cannot be tempted, nor does he tempt. It is all in our heads! It starts with an evil desire and blossoms from there.

Can you think of examples from your life where you were enticed to do the wrong thing? Maybe it was telling a “white lie” to make a situation sound better. Maybe it was looking on your neighbor’s paper during a math quiz. Maybe it was driving over the speed limit because you were in a hurry.

Zing! That last one got me!

There is another passage that really helps put this into perspective. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

God is faithful. Evil is not. Evil will deceive us and fail us. God will never fail us. He provides us a way out when we are tempted. The promise is here for us. The passage doesn’t say God will not allow any “trial” beyond what we can stand as many people often interpret. So be careful in that regard.

Today’s reading also talks of trials, but the promise is different. If we are to withstand our trials and persevere, then we will receive the crown of life. Our final reward is with our Father, forever. If that doesn’t bring us joy, I don’t know what can. So to be clear, we’re not to be joyful for the trial, but to consider it pure joy when a trial comes knowing you will grow stronger from it.

In either case, trials or temptations, it is important for us to remember that “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” God wants the best for us. He created us for his own delight, and we are his. Find your joy!

Let’s pray. Heavenly father I thank you for the life you have given me. Forgive me for when I let temptations take hold of me. I know you have given me the way out. I need to do a better job of looking for that provision. I thank you, too, for how I am growing in perseverance as we walk through the challenges and trial of life together. Knowing I am not alone is such a comfort and brings me joy. May the joy I feel overflow to others around me. Use me this day, and may I walk in your perfect will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Mighty to Save

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20

Hallelujah! This is quite a prophecy. Little did the people of Zephaniah’s time know that Jesus would soon be there.

Jesus delights in us. He loves us. He will calm our fears. He rejoices over us. What a feeling of love and comfort overtakes me when I think of that very thing.

Verse 17 of this final chapter of Zephaniah is probably the best known. It is quite something. “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Let’s unpack that. After all of the wrath and destruction that has preceded this message, this is like a rainbow after a storm. God is with us! We can have no fear. He has not abandoned us,despite our sinful ways. He fights for us, and he is mighty to save! God gave us Jesus to bring that salvation to life.

Have you ever imagined God taking delight in you? Maybe you feel unworthy of his love and mercy? But he does delight in us. Much like a parent finds joy in their child, multiply that by an infinite number because it’s God after all. His capacity to love is so much greater than we can even fathom. All of that love is directed at us!

He rejoices over us and is thrilled to have us as his children. Have you ever sung a lullaby to your children or grandchildren? Maybe you have your own fond memories of being sung to as a child. Imagine the God of the universe singing over you. Did you just feel the peace of God wash over you as you pictured that?

So what is the message you need to hear from God today? Are you feeling alone and comforted to know God is with you? Are you in the middle of a storm and delighted to know God is fighting for you?

Let the words of God’s promise wash over you and feel his breath as he sings over you this day.

Let’s pray. Lord, I give you thanks for being a warrior for me. Thank you for having my back and always being there. Forgive me for my lack of attentiveness and being distracted. I want to be more focused on you. Continue to use me as your hands and feet here to bring others closer to you. Use this devotional as you deem appropriate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.