Monday November 15, 2021

Today is Monday, November 15 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about good deeds.

As I approach these fifteen minutes devoted to the Lord, I pause and become still. I take slow, deep breaths and focus my entire being on the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

God, I worship and praise you in the quiet stillness of the morning. Help me to hear the message you have prepared especially for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 71.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long – though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Psalm 71:14-16

Pause and Pray

The book of James is unique in the New Testament for its no nonsense, practical and proverbial wisdom. James provides a straightforward look on how to live life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Living a life of faith is a blessed gift from God and I am to live generously – loving others and offering myself in service every day. Putting Christ first in my life generates active compassion toward those in need. In the first chapter, James quickly calls me to action – to do more for others.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25 (NRSV)

I reflect on what it means to be a “doer of the word”. I enjoy Bible study and the reading of scripture, yet I remember that the biblical teachings are given to me to put into practice. I confess there are times when I read scripture or listen to a sermon and feel a sense of conviction, determined to change something in the way I live my life, yet once I leave my time of devotion or exit the sanctuary I forget my intentions. James encourages me to persevere so that I will not forget the word of God, but through grace put it into action. Acting on the truths of scripture will bless me and others.

Ask: As I look back over the last several days and examine my actions, how have I put God’s word into action? What good deeds can I name?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I hear your words of truth yet consequently forget them in my daily life. Teach me to look more intently at your perfect law and proceed to put your precepts into action. I ask for the gift of your sanctifying grace to grow a heart of compassion in me so that I am quick to respond to your word with generous good deeds. I read James’ words again, listening for the message you have for me today.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25 (NRSV)

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

James causes me to reflect on times I have heard the word of God as well as times I have acted on the word of God. Even though I know the teachings of Jesus, there are instances when I do not put his words into action. When I reflect on my spiritual journey toward maturity, what action verbs from James’ passage most align with my progress – words like hear, look, do, act, continue, persevere, remember. Or perhaps my spiritual progress more closely aligns with verbs such as – leave, forget, ignore, overlook, deceive. Is my relationship with Jesus Christ the highest priority in my life? Am I allowing Jesus to transform me, increase compassion, and spur me on to do good deeds?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart to examine the barriers I have erected which prevent your transforming word to break through and change me so that my resultant behavior is noticeable. Grant me perseverance to grow in grace and holiness, softening my heart and increasing mercy and love as only you are able to do. Amen.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I take God’s word with me and look for opportunities to put his truth into action. Amen.