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

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 5:18-19
"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Yes, I Believe' (Jn. 11:27)
""Yes, Lord," [Martha told Jesus]. "I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Faith and Good Conscience' (1 Ti. 1:3-11,)
"Dear Father, Keep us from believing any teaching different from that which your genuine apostles taught about our Lord Jesus Christ. Let what they..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Encouraging Through Many Trial' (Acts 14:21-25)
"After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they....."

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