Faith is an Action Word

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. – (James 2:26, NLT) 

A person’s body that does not have a spirit is dead. It is the same with faith – faith that does nothing is dead. – (James 2:26, ERV) 

Removing action from faith is like removing breath from a body. All you have left is a corpse. – (James 2:26, VOICE) 

 

Faith is a verb. It is an action word that requires something of us to exist. Our decisions to step out beyond ourselves and do the things that God calls us to, are those that define and breathe life into faith. Just as we have no life without breath, faith has not formed without follow through. Faith grows as we continue to move forward in the direction to which we are called. Each new step fortifies our faith and makes it tangible. May we move forward in faith, ever trusting in God, who grants all that we need, so that our faith will grow and His faithfulness show, in all that we say and do. 

 

Lord, lead us forward,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

To trust and obey; 

So faith may take root, 

You do what You say. 

The things that You ask, 

Require we choose faith; 

A trust that steps out, 

Certain of God’s grace. 

As we choose to trust, 

Allow faith to rise; 

We see You move, Lord, 

Before our own eyes. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that faith is not a mere idea nor theory, but rather it is an intentional action as we move forward, trusting that You are who You say You are, and that You will do what You say You will do. Forgive us for the times that our faith has faltered and we have stayed stagnant when You call us to move. Teach us to trust You more, ever leading us to take steps in the direction You call us to move. Show us how to love those around us in a way that inspires faith. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be people of faith-filled action. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

Take Heart and Hope in Him

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – (Psalm 31:24)

 

Though these are great words of encouragement, I wanted to dig a bit deeper to find out more specifically what was being spoken. To be strong, is to allow the Lord to be my strength and to rely on Him as my Source who sustains me. The next few words, take heart, seem to translate to courage and bravery. After reading several translations of the Bible, I found that particular portion of the passage was written as: be courageous, be brave, and be of good courage, in addition to the NIVs translation that says to take heart. All you who hope in the Lord, would include all believers everywhere. If we have given our lives to Him, this word applies to us. We are meant to rely on Him to be our strength as we are brave; hoping, ever trusting in the Lord, who He is, and what He says He will do. May we be of good courage and strength as we place our hope in the Lord.

 

O Lord be my strength,

as I trust in You;

help me to be brave,

and live a life true.

May my hope be found,

alone in You, Lord;

You lead, I’ll follow,

Christ, whom I adore.

Wherever I go,

let Your strength shine through;

as others too see,

that hope’s found in You.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are loving and kind, and that You give strength and courage to all who hope in You. Forgive us for not placing all of our trust in You, or for seeking to solve strife in our own strength. Teach us to trust You more, so that we seek Your strength and wisdom, and learn to find courage in You. Lead us to love others well, just as You so completely love each of us. May many come into a saving relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we rise up in Your strength and courage and place all of our hope in You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1