As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. v26

While our approach to the Old Testament ceremonial law has undergone a "dramatic change", all of scripture, including the Old Testament moral law, applies.  God has roles for each of us to play and He has expectations for His children.  Yet God does not want to compel us into service - just like He wants us to be cheerful givers (see 2 Corinthians 9:7), God wants us to serve Him with gladness.

Similarly, we are not to grumble and complain.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me a new heart and new life - freedom indeed.  I know You are not done with me yet but I am grateful how You have transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I worry and I have other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. v26

Building on what he wrote in James 1 (see post here) faith and action work hand in hand.  The examples provided such as Abraham and Rahab are illustrative and clearly reinforce the key message - be in action, not only to reinforce understanding of scripture but also to demonstrate faith.  Spiritual disciplines work together and if we lack one our drive towards spiritual maturity and greater faith is incomplete.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love (indescribably so!) and mercy for me...all of this knowing everything about me, including my brokenness and sin!  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love and mercy because of my sin...I know the wages of sin is death and that is what I deserve yet You have mercy.  Thank You again Jesus!  I need You desperately in my life - I often fail to be content.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me more fully and completely practice spiritual disciplines.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa comfort, strength, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Thank You Jesus for a good appointment with the surgeon-praise You for the great news and progress driving out this cancer!  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.