There is an important difference between belief and faith, particularly, between belief in God and Christian Faith.

James writes in James 2:19,20, “Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.” TLB

Paul defines Faith in Hebrews 11:1, “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.”

So as Christians, yes we believe there is a God, but much more than that we have faith, “the confident assurance,” in Jesus Christ who saved us from the consequences of our sins, by coming to earth, being crucified, and returning from the dead. Because of that faith, we have eternal life, and because of that faith, we submit ourselves to Christ and strive to do His will.

Dear Lord, help us to put our faith in action every day; submitting ourselves to your rules that we find in our conscience and in your word, and by doing good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

James 3:1-12 writes about the power of our words for good and evil.

James wrote in James 3:4-6 “And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire.”

There are many ways we can misuse the power of our words. One is sarcasm. We often think when we use sarcasm, “it is harmless, he/she knows I am kidding.” However when we stop and think about what sarcasm is, “The use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Synonyms including ridicule, and scorn.” Would we every chose to mock or ridicule those we love most and who are most influenced by what we say?

On the other hand, the amazing power we have for good in what we say can change those peoples’ lives. Let us use this power to strengthen, encourage, and uplift those we love.

Dear Lord, Help us remember the powerful effect of our words on those we love and who love us. Give us the wisdom to use this power for their benefit. Inspire us with words they will remember for strength, hope, and peace in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I think there are many people who were either brought up Christian, or had been practicing Christians, but went astray and got into activities and lifestyles that they know were wrong.

When they consider returning to practicing their faith, they don’t believe that they could be accepted back, because of the things they have done. Additionally, the Devil, who is also called the “accuser of the brethren” in the Bible, puts thoughts of unworthiness in their minds.

Many, if not most, of the people God uses to tell his story in the Bible, had flawed characters in their past but became leaders and teachers of his message. From Abraham, who distrusted God’s promise for a child, and chose to have a child with a servant, to Jacob who deceived his father into giving him his brother’s inheritance, to David who had Bathsheba’s husband killed so he could marry her, to Paul who persecuted the Christians, and Peter who denied knowing Jesus, and many others; God used people like this to show future generations, like us, that no one is un-forgivable.

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”

So if you feel un-forgivable, or you know someone who may feel this way, remember it only takes a moment to accept the gift of forgiveness God gave us through Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, your grace is so amazing, that no one is beyond your love and the opportunity for forgiveness. Help us remember this for ourselves, and share the peace that comes from this knowledge, with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

If you read the book of Proverbs chapter 1:20-21, written by Solomon, it says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech” It is easy to read this as literary technique, giving personification to the idea of wisdom by calling it “she.”

However, if you read Proverbs 8 it makes you think a bit more about what Wisdom may really be. In Proverbs 8:22-23 Wisdom says, “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” and verse 30, “I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.”

It is very interesting to me that the characteristic that we call wisdom, that we think is something we learn and develop, is actually an entity that God created, and that he can give to us. James 1:5 writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In Proverbs 8:22 Wisdom is speaking, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.” and verse says, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

This is another fascinating and wonderful complexity that God has created for us.

Dear Lord, your word and creation always has something new that we can learn. Send us Wisdom that “she” may help us glorify you and find your joy and favor, as you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it said, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Though it is important for us to be responsible people, have goals and plans, and work diligently in our activities, sometimes God steers us in directions we did not expect. Often these unexpected directions have tremendous impacts on our lives, sometimes for just a couple minutes or hours, and sometimes for our whole lives.

Solomon, considered to be the wisest man in history, wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-7 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. God’s ways are as mysterious as the pathway of the wind and as the manner in which a human spirit is infused into the body of a baby while it is yet in its mother’s womb. Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will. It is a wonderful thing to be alive!”

With joy, we need to live every day of our lives looking for the direction God has for us.

Dear Lord, help us live in the joy and expectancy of your involvement in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.