GOD’S WORD FOR  MARCH 24

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

THE FRUIT OF FAITH

James 2:14

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”

D.L. MOODY

I believe in a faith that you can see; a living, working faith that prompts to action.  Faith without works is like a man putting all his money into the foundationof a house; and works without faith is like building a house on sand without any foundation

You often hear people say:  “the root of the matter is in him.”  What would you say if I had a garden and nothing but roots in it?

ERWIN LUTZER

Moody put it well.  Our faith must indeed be grounded in God’s Word and there should be a direct connection between the Word of God and our lifestyle.  In fact, people who are in the Word consistently are most often committed to the church in their service and generosity.  That’s why James commands us to look intently and persevere in the Word so we may be changed.

The Word of God, says James, is like a mirror.  We must respond to what we see.  When we persevere in the “law of liberty,”  we will be blessed in our deeds (James 1:25).  A prime example is controlling our tongue.  It doesn’t matter how many sermons we’ve heard or songs we’ve sung if you cannot control your tongue, your religion is “vain” (James 3:1-12).

  Let’s not deceive ourselves.  We can say, “Look, I’ve heard the Word:  I’ve memorized the Scripture.”  But hearing the Word doesn’t mean it’s gone deep into our heart.  Our faith becomes practical and real when we respond and obey.  Let’s not just invest in the foundation but build upon what we learn.

PRAYER

Father, please grant me the grace to bear the fruit of a living faith.

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Genesis 26:5

because Abraham obeyed Me and fulfilled his duty to Me, and kept My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.

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Exodus 19:5

Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

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Psalm 15:1-2

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?   Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly,   and works righteousness,   and speaks the truth in his heart;

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Psalm 25:5

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

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Psalm 25:10

All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth To those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.

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James 2:18

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
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Psalm 51:6

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in secret You will make wisdom known to me.

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Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth.

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