Episode 417

TODAY’S READING:

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

James 2:14-18

 

We have a big year ahead of us. Like we talked about yesterday, we are all on fire to change. We are on fire to accomplish the goals we have set. We have a vision, and we are excited to see it come to fruition.

 

But as I read this verse, I was reminded that even with all the faith in the world, if I do not back my faith with my action, I know that my plans will not flourish.

 

This is the time for us to move, to take action, to sow the right seeds. It’s time for us to put in the work. If you want to save to buy a house, it’s time to get on a budget. If you want a new career by the end of the year, it’s time to put together a plan on how you’re going to achieve it. Do you need to go back to school? Or write a cover letter.

 

A lot of the time, we don’t achieve our goals, not because they are too hard, but because we fail to take the proper steps.

 

When Jesus told Peter to get out of the boat, Peter had to take the first physical step. It wasn’t enough to believe.

 

In Matthew 14:29, we read: “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.

 

Peter got down out of the boat.

 

This is the year Alison gets down out of the boat and truly steps out in faith and takes action for the things she is believing. I know this can be your year too, but it starts one day at a time. One step out at a time. We let us all today get out of the boat.

 

PRAYER

Father God, we know that faith alone won’t help us achieve the goals we have set. We know that we are to take action. We know that we need to work to change our circumstances. We look to you for strength, but today we are stepping out of the boat. We thank you for always being right there, asking us to come. The same words you told Peter. We believe in a great year. We love you with everything in us, AMEN!