Thursday: Last night's lesson focused on James 1:22-25. In this passage, we are instructed to be "doers" of the Word. That is, we are not just supposed to hear and understand what the Bible says. We are supposed to put our learning into action. Without action, our knowledge does us little good. For example, I could go to the library this afternoon and check out all the available books about golf. I could then research golf on the internet, learning everything about its history, its rules, and the best techniques for playing. However, I'm never going to rival Tiger Woods until I start actually playing. Ask yourself: Am I am putting my knowledge into action? How am I being a doer of the Word? Pray that the Lord will give you opportunities this week to be doers for Him.
Friday: While the James 1:22 makes "doing" the Word seem like a suggestion, it is made clear in the next chapter that good works are required of Christians. James 2:14-26 tells us that faith without works is dead. Even the wicked may believe in God; doesn't Satan and his demons? Our faith must be more than just words; we must enact our faith every single day. What does that mean? It means that we must care for others more than we care for ourselves. To be a Christian is to be called to be a servant; this could mean giving someone food or clothes, this could mean visiting and praying for someone with no one else to depend on, or this could mean being an example of godly living for the people around you. Keep praying for ways to put your faith into action.
Saturday: We must also remember that what we believe in our hearts will, at some point, be evident in our actions. Jesus told His disciples a parable to illustrate this point. A parable is a short story with a meaning besides the obvious one. In Luke 6:43-45, Jesus tells His disciples that good tree can't bear bad fruit; a good tree bears good fruit. Of course, this is true: apple trees can't grow oranges, and orange trees can't grow apples. Likewise, a good man or woman says and does good things, but an evil man or woman says and does evil things. Take a moment to examine all that you've said and done today: are your words and actions reflections of a Christian heart?
Sunday: See you at church!
Monday: In his letter to the Romans, Paul (one of the greatest men in God's service) talks about what our options are as human beings. In Romans 2:6-10, he writes that God will give to us according to what we've done. God will give only two things: eternal life to those who "by persistence in doing good seek honor, glory, and immortality" OR wrath and anger to those "reject the truth and follow evil." This week, keep these options in your heart. Are you seeking honor, glory, and immortality? If not, what are you seeking?
Tuesday: Sometimes being a Christian can be hard. After all, Satan will always tempt us with "fun" things that God forbids: premarital sex, drunkenness, using drugs, mistreating others, and putting ourselves first. But we have a hope that overshadows all those things. We have a Saviour who loves us so much that He suffered a brutal death for us. More importantly, we know that He is the Son of God because of His miraculous resurrection. Someday we will meet Him again when He returns to Earth for His church. Until then, remember 1 Peter 3:15-17: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." So embrace your good works knowing that through them you glorify God!
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