Today's Verse: James 2:26

Sunday, February 26, 2012

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
— James 2:26
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

By this definition, I fear that many people claiming to be believers are spiritual corpses. For our faith to be genuine, James says it must express itself in good deeds. Jesus said something similar in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:21). Faith not only moves mountains but must also move believers to act in ways that honor God and bless others. Faith also becomes a true believer's way of demonstrating thankfulness to God for his amazing grace.

My Prayer...

Holy and Faithful Father, please forgive me for the times I've been lazy in my spiritual walk when my faith didn't prompt me to do good deeds. Help me see the many opportunities for service you give to me each day and empower me to act on those opportunities in ways that bless others and honor you. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Dead or Alive
Illustration of James 2:26
Inspirational illustration of James 2:26 -- As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
More Than Mere Words
Article by Rubel Shelly
How do we make our faith more than mere talk? Rubel Shelly reminds us that religion has to do something and not just talk about a lot of things -- it must walk the talk, practice what you preach, and put your life where your mouth is.
Just Do It!®
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Read My harsh words to the Pharisees about their all-talk-legalism and not-much-help religion (Matthew 23:1-36). When you do, you will..."

Illustration

Illustration of James 2:26 — As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 26, 2012

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Hebrews 9:20
"There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Returning to the Same Sin Hinders Our Prayer'
"[The Lord has said:] "They have returned to the sins of their ancestors. They have refused to listen to me and are worshiping other gods. Israel and....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Speaking in the Spirit' (Ep. 5:15-20)
"Dear Father, Help me speak to my spouse, my family, your church, and the world about you and your grace. Let my heart and my mouth overflow with the...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Supreme Over All the Earth' (Ps. 97:9)
"For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse