Luke 6:47-49 (NIV)
“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
James 1:19-27 (NIV)
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Devotion
Luke and James point out that the wiseman is the person who not only hears the words of Jesus but also puts them into practice. Having Jesus as the foundation of your life has practical implications. Mainly that we are to allow the words of Jesus to shape our thoughts and our character. What practical steps can we take from these passages that will help us to be the hands and feet of Jesus during this pandemic?
Prayer
- The Lord may want to do some internal work on Your heart today – James talked about getting rid of moral filth (James 1:21). Allow the Lord’s kindness to reveal anything You might need to confess or get rid of.
- The Lord may lead you to practical steps in being hands and feet of Jesus.
- He may lead You to give money/donate or write letters or cards. Or spend the day worshipping Him or soaking in His rest. He may want You to pray for the things You are watching on TV or on social media… OR turn off all technology for the day.
Heavenly Father, thank You for my own salvation, thank You for Your mercy, kindness, lavishing me with Your love, thank you for giving me hope, peace and forgiveness. Thank You for giving me life in You and the amazing reality that I am your son/daughter, co-heirs with Christ Jesus. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit that resides in me, thank You for life everlasting! What love You have lavished upon me, what grace and mercy. I love Your presence! Lord, I want to be led by Your Spirit today, what is on Your heart? How do You want me to live out Your word today? How do You want me to reach out? What do you want me to pray for? Who do you want me to encourage with a call or text? Guide me Lord, show me by Your Holy Spirit I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ.