To Walk By Faith

In the New King James Version of the Bible at the beginning of the book of James, is an introduction to the Epistle of James that expresses how important faith is. It is expressed so eloquently that I was moved to share it. Faith without works cannot be called faith and "Faith without works is dead" as stated in James 2:26. A dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must inspire action. True faith must manifest itself in works of faith for faith displays itself in works. Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Through trouble and trial it stifles complaining. Faith understands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word; it will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doers. Faith harbors no prejudice. Faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overtly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it because faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisdom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world but allows submission to God. Faith provides us with the ability to resist the devil and humbly draws us near to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord (I added a few word alterations). May you have the peaceful blessing of walking and living by faith. Sherry