Doing What God’s Word Says
Today’s Bible Verse:
James 1:22 NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Today's verse is my favorite of the entirety of Saint James’ letter. If I ever get a tattoo, this is the verse I’d ink to myself. Since getting a tattoo is something I would never do, let’s begin:
In this straightforward verse, James confronts a common human tendency: to hear the Word of God without putting it into practice. We can easily become engrossed in sermons, Bible studies, and devotional readings, nodding in agreement. But faith is not merely an intellectual exercise; it demands action.
James calls us to be "doers of the word." This means allowing God's truth to transform our lives and shape our thoughts, words, and actions. It's about living out our faith in tangible ways, reflecting Christ's love and grace to the world around us.
The danger of being only a hearer is self-deception. We may convince ourselves that we are spiritually healthy simply because we know the Bible. But true faith is evident in our obedience to God's commands. It's in loving God and our neighbor, forgiving those who wrong us, and pursuing righteousness.
As Lutherans, we understand the importance of grace. We are saved by faith alone, not by our works. But true faith will always produce good works. Our actions flow from a heart transformed by the Gospel.
Prayers
Remember:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have been a hearer only, deceiving myself. Help me to be doers of Your Word, living out my faith in tangible ways. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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