Today's Verse: James 2:26

Thursday, February 26, 2004

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
— James 2:26
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

By this definition, I fear that many people claiming to be believers are spiritual corpses. For our faith to be genuine, James says it must express itself in good deeds. Jesus said something similar in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:21). Faith not only moves mountains but must also move believers to act in ways that honor God and bless others. Faith also becomes a true believer's way of demonstrating thankfulness to God for his amazing grace.

My Prayer...

Holy and Faithful Father, please forgive me for the times I've been lazy in my spiritual walk when my faith didn't prompt me to do good deeds. Help me see the many opportunities for service you give to me each day and empower me to act on those opportunities in ways that bless others and honor you. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Dead or Alive
Illustration of James 2:26
Inspirational illustration of James 2:26 -- As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
More Than Mere Words
Article by Rubel Shelly
How do we make our faith more than mere talk? Rubel Shelly reminds us that religion has to do something and not just talk about a lot of things -- it must walk the talk, practice what you preach, and put your life where your mouth is.
Just Do It!®
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Read My harsh words to the Pharisees about their all-talk-legalism and not-much-help religion (Matthew 23:1-36). When you do, you will..."

Illustration

Illustration of James 2:26 — As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 26, 2004

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Romans 4:7
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Only Out of Love' (Ti. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, Help me never to teach or serve in your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for you. Help me to stay away...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Nothing is Too Hard for You!' (Je. 32:17)
"O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!"
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Escape from Darkness' (Jn. 12:46)
"[Jesus continued,] "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.""

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse