Faith Completed...

 Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 5 / NT - James 2:14-3:12

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God." - James 2:21-23

Nik Wallenda became the first man to walk over the Niagara Gorge in 116 years on Friday evening, June 15, 2012; the first ever to walk right over the falls. Nik had been interviewed during the previous days, questioned concerning the possibility of this walk being successful. His confidence was undaunted, but not until shortly after 10:30 p.m. on June 15 was his faith actively completed by his walk.

Abraham was clearly justified by faith many years earlier than Isaac's birth. He believed God in Genesis 15:6 and it was placed on his account as righteousness. Abraham traveled, settled and raised his family in a land promised to him by God. His confidence was undaunted, but not until the day of Genesis 22:12 was his faith actively completed by his works.

You may call yourself a friend of God my friend, but do you have an active faith? Belief in God is more than mental ascent. True faith is walking with God through the valleys and over the mountaintops. People who are firmly confident in God's promises willingly sacrifice everything for Him without fear. Your faith, as Abraham's, will always be completed by your works.

 

Quote for the Day

"Fold the arms of your faith and wait in quietness until the light goes up in your darkness. Fold the arms of your faith, I say, but not of your action. Think of something you ought to do, and go do it. Heed not your feelings. Do your work." 

- George Macdonald

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 38 / NT - James 3:13-4:17