November 27, 2024
DANIEL FOSTER | NEXT GEN PASTOR
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.
The youth, youth leaders and myself had the privilege to serve at Combat Hunger last week. If you are unfamiliar, Combat Hunger is a food drive effort spearheaded by Manna Cafe where volunteers stand in front of strategic locations with a list of items that can be used to help the needy in the community. For me, this was the second time I got the opportunity to help with this outreach. One of the things that came up in conversation that afternoon was how unpredictable it was to tell who, of the people we handed out lists to, would come back with any items to donate to the cause. Some would look at us with a smile and graciously take a list, even thank us for serving but not return with any items, while some would take a list with a scowl and come back with a bounty!
Having faith in Jesus, and the ministry of good and not evil that accompanies it are two sides of the same coin. Faith is not meant to be hidden. Good works do not in of themselves make us “good people.” When it comes to faith and works working together to show the people around us evidence of our decision to follow Jesus, what is the hardest part for you? Is it knowing how, when and where to be active in good works? Is it your attitude in doing good works? Is it a faith that can become stagnant and comfortable? Do you struggle keeping your eyes sharp for how you can meet the spiritual and physical needs around you? If you are like me, each of these have been a struggle over the years. Hopefully it is a good reminder to you like it is me to have an active faith! Look for opportunities today to help meet needs, and stoke the fire of faith in your life!
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.
The youth, youth leaders and myself had the privilege to serve at Combat Hunger last week. If you are unfamiliar, Combat Hunger is a food drive effort spearheaded by Manna Cafe where volunteers stand in front of strategic locations with a list of items that can be used to help the needy in the community. For me, this was the second time I got the opportunity to help with this outreach. One of the things that came up in conversation that afternoon was how unpredictable it was to tell who, of the people we handed out lists to, would come back with any items to donate to the cause. Some would look at us with a smile and graciously take a list, even thank us for serving but not return with any items, while some would take a list with a scowl and come back with a bounty!
Having faith in Jesus, and the ministry of good and not evil that accompanies it are two sides of the same coin. Faith is not meant to be hidden. Good works do not in of themselves make us “good people.” When it comes to faith and works working together to show the people around us evidence of our decision to follow Jesus, what is the hardest part for you? Is it knowing how, when and where to be active in good works? Is it your attitude in doing good works? Is it a faith that can become stagnant and comfortable? Do you struggle keeping your eyes sharp for how you can meet the spiritual and physical needs around you? If you are like me, each of these have been a struggle over the years. Hopefully it is a good reminder to you like it is me to have an active faith! Look for opportunities today to help meet needs, and stoke the fire of faith in your life!
Posted in Daily Devos