James 2: 21-24

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 

You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

 He was even called the friend of God.

So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.

Faith, faith faith!

The seed of faith has to have action backing it up!  Faith without works is dead, scripture says.

So to have complete faith you have to believe.  And, for you to be righteous in God’s eye, and become His friend we have to obedient!

We can’t just say we believe, and don’t do anything!

There are some Christians who have accepted Jesus into their heart, but have not made Him Lord.  How can that be? Yet, it happens every day!  In fact, we may even know someone who is just going through the motions.                     

Saying: I am a Christian, but am not living a Godly life.
I have to say: there is MORE to God that going through the motions!
He is an excellent God- He wants to bless you, and your  faith!  We need to do more- In fact, like Abraham, we need to act!!!

Abraham knew he had to do something!  He brought the sacrifice, (His son) the elements for the sacrifice, (the wood, kindling) and went to the altar.

What he brought to the altar was faith.  God was going to provide the rest.  He just knew it!  So much, that he told his son, God will provide a ram.

He believed God, when circumstances looked bleak.  He trusted God.  Whether God took his son, or let his son live,  was up to God, and that choice was God’s department.  So what did he do?  He trusted.  He believed.  He  acted upon his faith.  And for that, was counted 
R I G H T E O U S.

Be still- and know, that I am God.  

When we can do that act of faith, and let Jesus BE Lord, our results normally turn out better than we could ever think or ask of Him.                                                                         

Do you want to be a friend of God?

Oh, I do!

To be considered righteous?

Yes!  I remind myself that I am the righteousness of God IN Christ Jesus!

Am I still?

I have to be-  I know that I know that I know that 
                            HE IS GOD!              

That scripture that says more of Him, less of me, is so true.  I literally take it further.  

Father,  ALL of you and NONE of me.  I want ALL OF God in complete control of my life.  Of all the good, all the bad, and all that is in between.

I want my faith and actions to be pleasing to my Father.  I want my faith and action of my faith to W O R K.  All things work together for good to them who love the Lord, to them who are called according to His purpose!  

So, where does that take me?  
                   To God.                  

When I give God my ALL- and hold nothing back.  God blesses me, abundantly!

Scripture says: without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Well, there I go!  One of my daily goals in life is to please my Father.  To be His delight, and also delight in Him!  I want my ways committed and submitted to Him.  All of my ways, not holding any part back.

I want to be so transparent before my Father that  I choose to be a friend of God!  I make it my very personal goal.           

Jesus, once again, thank you!  I am a friend of God, and I love it!  Thank you for molding and shaping me with your        Holy Spirit.  Thank you for showing me how to be righteous in Your eyes.  Bless our faith today, Lord.  Bless the reader.  In Your precious name I pray.  Amen Jesus.