If we wanted to define the word “works” for context here, we would say “behavior with ethical and religious consequences.” I think we can all agree that evil deeds eventually lead to condemnation. On the other hand, good deeds lead to commendation. But good deeds in and of themselves don’t…

As I said on Tuesday, I’ve personally experienced the justice and mercy of the cross. Because I’ve received mercy, I know how to give mercy. As receivers of God’s mercy, we’re expected to extend mercy to others. Showing favoritism for any reason is never merciful. Let me see with His…

Speaking and acting covers our interactions with others. We are free to behave however we please. We are free to say whatever we want to. But we will be judged for the things we do and say—most especially those things that grieve the Lord. As His children, we are to…

“God of Mercy, God of Grace” might not be familiar to you. This was originally a poem written by Henry Frances Lyte, a pastor in Ireland in the early 1800s. The words were put to music by Conrad Kocher in 1838, and were published in The English Hymnal in 1906.…

James is pretty direct with this command: Do not show favoritism. Apparently he’d received word that the wealthy were being given preferential treatment in the houses of worship, were offered the nicest seats while the poor were relegated to the back of the room or the even the floor. James…

James reminded his readers of something they should already know. Jesus instructed His followers to love their neighbors…and by neighbors, He meant anyone with whom His followers came into contact. Love must serve anyone in need. That James gave this reminder tells us his readers weren’t really abiding by the…

We sometimes confuse the word “blessed” with “happy.” Listen, trials will not make us happy. But they will bring about the blessing of greater strength and spiritual maturity. When we stand the test—when we hold to our faith even in the face of great pressure and conflict—to us will come…

I confess, when someone repeatedly asks me for the same information, I can get a little impatient. I am so glad God does not get impatient with my questions. Because I ask a lot of them. And I love that He gives generously and ungrudgingly to ALL who ask. He…

HYMN DAY! “Be Thou My Vision” was originally a 6th-century poem written by Irish poet Dallen Forgaill. The stanzas were translated by Mary Byrne, and the result is a beloved hymn that truly reads like a prayer. 1 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all…

Have you ever felt like snapping at someone, “Grow up!”? (Maybe someone has snapped it at you…heh, heh, heh.) James was kind of telling his readers, Listen, folks, it’s time to grow from baby Christians to maturity. From the day we receive Christ until our final breath, we should grow…