“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” James 2:26

Here’s the deal as I see it. All we need is our faith. It is just our faith that leads us to redemption and no matter how hard we worked for it, we could never attain the level of perfection required by God. We will always fall short. What James is calling us to isn’t a life of faith centered in works, but rather a life of works centered in our faith. He is challenging us to show our faith in …

“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” - James 2:25

Just in case you were wondering, James wants you to know that it isn’t just the founding fathers of nations that possessed an amazing faith, there were also prostitutes. At least one. What strikes me the most about Rahab’s faith was the fact that she was putting faith in the people of God. She made a statement, “I know the Lord has given you this land.” She trusted that if the Lord …

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” - James 2:24

They say that repetition is a great method of advertisement. That by repeating yourself over and over, your name or slogan sticks in the head of your potential customers. I remember a Blimpie subs commercial where the CEO stood in front of a deli slicer and just sliced meat for the entire commercial. He was wearing a shirt that said, “Blimpie” so every time he pushed the slicer, you read, “Blimpie.” It must have been somewhat effective, I still remember it.

James is clever. …

“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 2:23

Such an awesome passage on faith. Abraham’s faith was so strong that it was money in the bank. I should really say right now that I don’t have that type of faith. That “counted to Him for righteousness,” faith. I often struggle greatly in matters of faith. Especially when I feel God calling me to make an unpopular decision or lead in an unpopular direction. It’s hard enough to sacrifice your own Isaac’s …

“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works” - James 2:22

This day in the journey is yours, tell me what you think…