| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Christian community” Our Bible verse for today: “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Put feet to your faith” I want to take us back this morning to the illustrations I used in two previous devotionals. One was about how it is that when fishermen don’t fish, they fight, and how true that can be of church life. The other was about our Acts 1:8 model of ministry and how that continuous focus on serving others helps to keep our church healthy. When Christians are not focused on serving, and when we aren’t intentionally looking for opportunities to share our faith in both word and deed, we tend to focus instead on other things that are less important, things that are maybe even silly and unhelpful. There’s a lot of truth to the old saying, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” I think Christians sometimes give Satan far too many opportunities for recreation and fun by allowing him to play around in our minds and in our relationships. That happens because we’re bored with life (especially church life) and not engaged in things that really matter. In Hebrews 13:16 the writer urged his readers to stay focused on doing what is good (good deeds; acts of ministry), and generously sharing with those in need (using our individual and our church resources in generous ways that benefit others). He says that such actions are pleasing to God. This is all about putting feet to our faith. It’s what James was calling for when he wrote in James 1:22 “But be doers of the word and not hearers only.” One of the most repeated themes in the Bible is that the proof of our faith is found in what we do, not just in what we say. Repeatedly we’re urged to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the poor, care for widows and orphans, comfort those who are hurting, assist those who are struggling, and so much more. It’s all about love in action – it’s about faith in action. One of the best things an individual and a church can do to stay spiritually healthy is to take your eyes off yourself and focus instead on serving and helping others. I encourage you to put some feet to your faith today. God bless, Pastor Jim (Join us at Oak Hill Baptist Church every Sunday at 10:00. Join us in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you are a shut-in, join us online at www.YouTube.com/oakhillbaptistcrossville) |
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