Faith without works...

Father, your creation declares your greatness and lovingkindness, encouraging statements of pure truth in our daily walk... We like to use the phrases, "it was destiny" that made this or that come to fruition or that it was "a magical moment" in time, etc. But deep down in we know that things don't "just happen," rather hard work, dedication, and daily effort applied with a heavy dose of a willingness to do whatever needs to be done, these are the components of greatness in this life. So why would we think the spiritual side of life is any different? Jesus died on the cross so that we would have a pathway to you, O Lord. But like everything, it depends on how much we are dedicated to the cause. Are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus the way he sacrificed for us? No, you didn't design it so that we could work our way to heaven, far from it, but rather that we would be encouraged to do the good work you have placed before us to do. For "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-17) …Thank you, Jesus, for showing us that you are the way, the truth, and the life; THE answer for those committed to seeking the truth in all things!