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Topic: Needed Works of Faith
[DCLM Daily Manna 27 January 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: James 2:10-26 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).
MESSAGE:
An unsparing holiness preacher concerning whom little was known of his domestic life lived downtown in a Council flat. He told his staff and congregation never to visit him at home without an appointment. An usher living close by frequently flouted this rule, preferring to come to the pastor’s house to submit reports without prior notice. The pastor desiring to know the reason asked the young man: “Did you realise you are disobedient by coming to my house without me inviting you?” He answered and said: “I am sorry, but I did it that I might, by some chance, come to discover how you react to the provocations of belligerent neighbours, the disturbing noises of infant wards and the mischief of domestic staff in your home. This I hoped, would help me beyond lessons from your sermons.”
Our profession may be great, but our conduct and attitude both in good and bad times are the real proofs of our hearts and the evidence of our faith.
In today’s reading, the writer placed high premium on faith evidenced by its works. The faith that shows no corresponding positive traits is dead and useless. True faith in our Lord Jesus Christ works out some positive changes in the believer. If these desirable changes are not in our lives, then it is doubtful whether we have been united with Christ. Those who are destitute of the fruits of the Christian life cannot claim to know the Saviour.
However, we cannot produce these fruits by our own efforts outside of Christ. Though we may try to do what is good and right, staying close to Jesus and being obedient to His word is the only way to living a fruitful Christian life. We must determine to quit surface level Christianity and show forth evidence of a true walk with God.
Thought For The Day: A tree is known not by the leaves but by the fruits.
Bible Reading In One Year: Exodus 37-38
