Clive's SOAP Devotionals: James 2:24, 26 - Real Faith

Sunday, 3 June 2007

James 2:24, 26 - Real Faith

SCRIPTURE:

Jas 2:24, 26 ESV
(24) You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

(26) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

OBSERVATION:

Very interesting... we are not saved by faith... but our faith is proved by our acts!
Without the acts... their is no fruit of our relationship with God.
My relationship with God is proved in how I act towards other people (and not by religious practices or attendances)!

APPLICATION:

By not spending time with my neighbours and nonnies... I'm not loving God!
By not investing in the needs of the less fortunate I'm not loving God!
By not encouraging others I don't even know... I'm not loving God!

What proof is there of my love for God?

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to truly love you by loving others. May there be enough evidence of my love fo you to lock me away forever! Help me to lift my eyes off of myself, my work, my agenda... to see your agenda... others.
Amen.

1 comment:

Paul's Thoughts said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4 June 2007 at 3:18 pm

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So Whats SOAP?

As we read God's words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.
Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the 'gems' that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.
S = scripture. Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O = observation. What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A = application. Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P = prayer. This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.