Jeremiah 22,23,26; Psalm 77; James 2

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2: 14,15&17 ESV

Works are heavy when I am trying to do them on my own. They start to feel like a burden, a chore. And I have nothing left to give. That’s when I know I need give my honest, messy self to God in prayer.

“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago.” Psalm 77:1-5 ESV

I was thankful for the sunshine after the many rainy days. I found myself thanking God for the reminder that there is always hope after a dark night, day, week, month…for a God who shows up in my pain and brokenness. He loves me anyway and is always ready to give me a fresh start.

“Then Jeremiah spoke to all the officials and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you.” Jeremiah 26:12&13 ESV

I don’t think I’ll ever have this faith vs work thing figured out. But, I am learning that God doesn’t desire perfection. He asks me to reach out with His love to others. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own little bubble that I forget there is a hurting world out there. I can get overwhelmed and it seems so big. But, that’s when I need to listen to the Holy Spirit’s prodding on my heart. Because He promises to go before me and knows the needs before I do.

Thank you Father for your compassion. That You love me no matter what. Help me to welcome others with that same love, so they will see You in me. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

Advertisement