AUGUST 1, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

AUGUST 1 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING:  JAMES 2:14-26

There are those who have not liked the Book of James, fearing that James was teaching a faith that is the result OF good works. I disagree; James is presenting a faith that results in good works. He speaks of a genuine biblical faith that changes not only the heart, but results in a total change of the person. A faith that impacts every area of the believer's life. The point is that if one is born again and has the Holy Spirit living in them, the result is always going to be the Spirit producing good works in and through the believer.

Part of the work of the Holy Spirit in us is to teach us the things of God. His primary method in teaching us is using the eternal Word of God. The Spirit is the perfect teacher of God's Word...He teaches us it’s meaning...He teaches us how to apply its truth in our lives...He always affirms its perfect message in our lives. Some like to make a false dichotomy between the Holy Spirit and the Word. I have heard people say, "I don't spend much time in the Word, I just let the Spirit lead me." How do they even know which spirit is leading them without the Word? I have also heard people say, " I don't get into that Holy Spirit stuff, I just read the Bible and do what it says." Impossible, for one cannot understand the Word without the Spirit. When it comes to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, it is never an either/or...it is always a both/and.

Our growth in the Word taught to us by the Holy Spirit takes time...it takes discipline...it takes an intention to study to find out what the Word is saying. Christian growth is experienced as we spend time in the Word, being taught by the Holy Spirit and this always brings forth the good works of God in our lives.

Please share your thoughts.