Devotion for Wednesday, June 22, 2022

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:19)

The demons work as they do to thwart God.  They act on what they know.  In other words, they believe.  How is it then that we have this idea that somehow or other we need do nothing, which is the same as saying that we do not believe?  You will act upon that in which you have faith, or in the case of the wicked ones, act against.  Both are because of the same source.  One is evil and the other good.

Lord, I work so that I can earn money to pay bills and so on.  I know – know – there are things I need to do.  Yet, in my faith I am often without action because, well, I don’t think about it.  Lead me to have faith followed by action, that is, belief.  Keep the temptation of inaction far from me so that I would be one who does what is pleasing in Your sight and not just someone who talks of, but doesn’t walk in, faith.

Lord Jesus, You came into the world and were constantly doing things.  You did not just teach, but You also healed along the way.  You were doing things, all that the Father gave You to do.  In that example, lead me to be someone who does things that are right and fitting as one who has faith.  Guide me so that I never put what I do first; but let the faith You have given me lead the way.  Amen.