Devotion for Sunday, August 14, 2022

“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

If your focus is upon another and not upon yourself, that is an important first step in relating with one’s neighbor.  We are called to care for one another and help each other as we journey with Jesus.  Come then and be a help to others so that we each may grow in the likeness of Christ.  Christ alone redeems us, but we too have our part; for God has chosen to work through means.  Come then and live according to the Word of God and be led by the One who redeemed you.

Lord, in You alone is all hope.  But especially in these self-serving times, I focus too much upon myself.  Lead me, Lord, in the way of everlasting life in order that I may now and always be guided by You.  Help me to understand that You have provided the way of life and that I cannot go by my own direction.  Without You I am lost.  Only the One who has descended can ascend because only He knows the way (and is the way).

Lead on, O King eternal, our Savior Jesus, for You who are from eternity have come to lead into eternity those who will not perish, but have everlasting life.  Guide me, Lord, to see that in You is all hope and the only future worth living.  Keep me and others around me from error so that we may live peaceful lives that conform to the Father’s will, the way You have laid before us.  Amen.