Faith without works is dead...

Father, your creation declares your greatness and lovingkindness, encouraging statements of pure truth in our daily walk... I do firmly believe that true, genuine faith cannot be hidden; for faith, in it's truest form, inspires us to seek out those in need, then to look beyond our own wants and desires and into the hearts of others. Martin Luther once so aptly summarized this point when he said, "God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does." Our works will never serve as a justification for our place in the kingdom, but they do serve as an outward reflection of a foundation built on the love of Jesus Christ; lovingly doing that which we were called to do! James revealed the relationship of faith and works when he wrote; "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. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!" (James 2:14-19) Inseparable? Without question they belong together as one, just as Jesus demonstrated to us every moment of every day… 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!