Half Way There!
This is the ½ way mark of our fast! I’ve been encouraged to hear about so many fasting something. I know that God will bless you & our church because of this. Today’s reading is from one of my favorite books, James. Chapter 1 starts of with some convicting things & challenging statements. After all, who wants to count trial & tribulations as pure joy?
Yet as Christians in whom our faith lies in Christ, we can. Knowing that when we are weak, He is strong, allows us to boldly face persecution. Believing God when He says, “I will NEVER leave your or forsake you” empowers me as a believer. This life is a life of challenges, trials, happy times, sad times, etc. Yet through it all, He is guiding my every step. Even the steps that lead me in the valley of shadow and death.
James addresses the fact that so many only hear the gospel and fail to act on the gospel. You may hear & ask Jesus into your heart, but then often that’s the end. In reality, it is only the beginning! Now it’s time to put our faith into action & follow the example of Christ who heard the voice of His Father & acted on it. What about you, are you acting on what God is telling you?
I have a beef with people that constantly ask God to use them, bless them & give them a fresh Word, when they have failed to ACT on the last Word He gave them. Why should He give you a fresh word or blessing when you haven’t been obedient to the last on or used the last blessing for His glory? When you start being faithful w/ what He’s already spoken to you or given you then look out…more is on the way!
I close with this, what are looking for in the second half of this fast? It’s time to get real honest with ourselves. If you have done a lot of asking in the first half, maybe this half should be more about listening & being obedient.