JOURNAL/FAITH AND WORKS

Jesus could NOT perform any miracles in HIS hometown of Nazareth-IT TOOK GREAT FAITH
for Jesus to perform HIS MIRACLES-but they could NOT accept that he was special

"AND he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their LACK OF FAITH"
Matthew 13:58

TO them he was just ordinary-"ISN'T THIS the carpenter's son?  ISN'T his mother's name Mary?"
---they ALL said

IT is a GREAT day to HAVE FAITH in the Lord-and BE ALIVE in GOD'S LOVE for us!








FAITH AND WORKS---The Story of Saint James




James was the ½ brother of Jesus
And along with his brother John
Were called “the Sons of Thunder”


He never believed
That Christ was the Messiah
Until after the Resurrection


At Pentecost
James received the Gift of the Spirit
Along with the other Apostles
And sets out
To help
In building the Kingdom of God


James in his writings
Points out that faith alone is insufficient


We must have faith
That manifests itself
In action or good deeds


“What good is it, my brothers,
If a man claims to have faith
But has no deeds
Can such faith save him


Suppose a brother or sister
Is without clothes and daily food
If one of you goes and says to him


“Go I wish you well
Keep warm and well fed”


But does nothing about his physical needs
What good is it


In the same way
Faith by itself
If it is not accompanied by action
Is dead” James 2:14-17


James also
Teaches us about patience and pure religion
He tells us
That patience is a godly virtue
And that a believer
Needs to possess it
In order to become
Perfect and complete in Christ


Like Saint Francis,
James believed
That being a Christian
Is living righteously before God
And as an example
To others in this world
Particularly orphans and widows


And so Lord
We pray that today
We come to understand the teachings
Of Saint James


We are saved by faith alone
But real faith never stands alone
That faith without good deeds
Is NOT real faith


James is believed
To be the first Apostle
To die for the cause


Dear Lord
We pray that we receive
The spirit of Christ in our hearts
NOT that we die like James
But that we live like him


Expressing our SPIRIT
NOT only in our faith
But in our ACTION


Robert P. Wallman
7-25-11

Ps MISC. WITNESS 5-01-14