Tag: action

August 7, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Fruits of Labor

Opening Verse

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” – Proverbs 14:23 (KJV)

Introduction

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves caught between action and mere words. Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that true profit comes from our labor, not just from idle talk. Idle talk brings poverty; it doesn’t plant the seed.

Devotional Story

There was once a man named Samuel who was known for his grand ideas and ambitious plans. He often spoke about the great things he would achieve, but his life was a series of unfinished projects and unfulfilled promises. His friends and family grew tired of his empty words and began to lose faith in him.

One day, Samuel visited a local carpenter, an elderly man named Thomas, who was well-respected in the community for his craftsmanship. Samuel marveled at Thomas’s creations and asked him how he managed to accomplish so much. Thomas smiled and said, “While you talk about your plans, I work on mine. Each day, I labor with my hands, and through this labor, I find profit.”

Inspired by Thomas, Samuel decided to change his ways. He stopped boasting about what he would do and instead started working diligently on small tasks. Gradually, he saw the fruits of his labor. His efforts were rewarded, and he began to gain respect from those around him.

What This Means

Proverbs 14:23 teaches us that action speaks louder than words. Labor leads to tangible results, while mere talk leads to poverty. It’s a call to put our hands to work and see the value in what we can accomplish through diligence and effort.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where you tend to talk more than act?
– How can you begin to focus more on diligent work rather than empty words?
– Reflect on the last project you completed. How did it feel to see the results of your hard work?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to see the value in our labor and to understand that true profit comes from the work of our hands. Guide us away from idle talk and inspire us to be diligent in all that we do. May our actions bring glory to Your name and benefit those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)

 

 

May 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Doers of the Word

Opening Verse

 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22 (KJV)

Introduction

The sound of rain on a leaky roof is hard to ignore. It’s a constant reminder that something needs fixing. Similarly, the Word of God calls us to action, not just passive listening.

Devotional Story

Imagine a family living in an old house with a roof that leaks whenever it rains. Every time a storm comes, they place buckets under the leaks and hope for the best. They hear the drip-drip of water, see the damage being done, but delay the necessary repairs. Over time, the structure suffers, and the repairs become more costly and extensive.

One day, a friend visits and points out the worsening condition of the house. Concerned, the friend offers to help fix the roof. Inspired by the friend’s initiative, the family finally takes action. Together, they repair the roof, and the next time it rains, the inside of the house stays dry and safe.

What This Means

In this story, the family represents those who hear God’s Word but do not act on it. The leaks are like sins or problems in our lives that we ignore. The friend symbolizes the Holy Spirit or a fellow believer who encourages us to take action. Being a doer means actively applying God’s teachings, not just acknowledging them.

Think About This

Are there “leaks” in your life that you’ve been ignoring because fixing them seems too difficult or inconvenient? How can you start making repairs today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides and directs us. Help us not to be mere listeners but active doers of Your Word. Give us the strength and wisdom to address the areas in our lives that need Your touch. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” – James 4:17 (KJV)

 

February 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

From Barren to Blessed

Opening Verse

“And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” – Isaiah 62:7 (KJV)

Introduction

In the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy lies a call to persistent prayer and intercession. This verse is a powerful reminder of our role in God’s plan for restoration and praise.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there lived a dedicated gardener named Santiago. His garden was his pride and joy, but it was situated next to a neglected and barren plot of land that belonged to the village. Every day, Santiago would look over the fence, dreaming of turning that wasteland into a flourishing extension of his garden.

One day, Santiago decided to take action. He began to clear the land, remove the weeds, and prepare the soil, all while praying for the village’s support and permission to transform the plot. Despite initial resistance, his persistence in prayer and action eventually won the village’s approval.

Years later, the once barren land became a beautiful park, praised by all who visited. Santiago’s dedication mirrored the call in Isaiah 62:7 to not rest until the mission is fulfilled, showing the power of persistent prayer and action.

What This Means

Isaiah 62:7 isn’t just about praying for the physical city of Jerusalem; it’s a metaphor for being relentless in our prayers for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Like Santiago, we are called to be gardeners in this world, working and praying without ceasing for the restoration of all things.

Think About This

Consider the “barren plots” in your life or community. How can you, through persistent prayer and action, be a part of God’s restoration plan?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the strength and perseverance to pray without ceasing for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to be agents of change, transforming barren plots into places of beauty and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:” – Isaiah 62:8 (KJV)

January 25, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

A Time for Action

Opening Verse

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22 (KJV)

Introduction

In life, there are seasons where action becomes the primary focus, overshadowing periods of introspection. These are times when external responsibilities and challenges demand our immediate attention, pushing us towards practical deeds rather than contemplative reflection.

Devotional Story

Craig, a young carpenter, found himself overwhelmed with numerous projects. His community needed repairs after a severe storm, and every moment of his day was dedicated to helping rebuild. During this period, Craig’s routine of morning prayer and scripture reading was disrupted. He struggled with guilt over this, feeling he was neglecting his spiritual growth. However, as he worked, he realized his actions reflected the teachings of Christ – serving others selflessly. His hands became tools of God’s love, repairing not just buildings, but hearts.

What This Means

This phase in Craig’s life highlights that there are times when our faith is best expressed through action. Serving others, meeting urgent needs, and responding to crises are as much a part of spiritual life as meditation and prayer. In these moments, our deeds become a living testimony of our faith.

Think About This

Consider how your current actions reflect your faith and values. Are there ways you can serve others or engage in your community that align with your beliefs? Remember, faith is not only found in quiet contemplation but also in active service.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to recognize the seasons of action in my life. Help me to serve You and others with a joyful heart, knowing that my deeds reflect Your love and teachings. Guide me in balancing action with introspection, so that in all things, I may glorify You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:26 (KJV)