DAY59
DATE: 2/28/13
Good morning! My name is Jason Butcher and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of James chapter 1.
KEY VERSE:
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
REFLECTIONS:
The book of James is my favorite book of the Bible. There are so many good verses that we can apply practically to our lives. Today I want to share a thought about James 1:27. Here, in one verse, we have a blueprint on how to live our lives as Christians. The first part of the verse is very easy to understand. We, as Christians, are supposed to help the widows and the orphans in their needs. I don’t believe Jesus wants us to stop at widows and orphans; He wants us to show His love and minister to all those who have needs. The last part of the verse is the hardest part – keeping ourselves UNSPOTTED from the world. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the world and all the flashy things it offers. It is a daily fight as a Christian to keep a good testimony in the world. The Bible says we are to be the “light of the world.” I think we can all examine our lives and ask the question, “Is the world influencing me, or am I influencing the world for Christ?”
APPLICATION:
There are many ways we can reach out to those in need. A perfect start is the Easter Basket Outreach next month. Ask God to use you and the resources He has given you to help someone. Luke 12:48 says “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” How do we live an unspotted life? By saturating ourselves in the Word. God has given us the Bible so that we can learn to be more like Him. If we never read it, how will we know what is right or wrong? Reading the Bible is only the first step. In James 1:22 it says “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” As Christians we are to be Christ-like in everything we do. Let’s make it our goal to show the love of Jesus and make the world SPOTTED with HIM.
Thank you for being a part of the 66 Day Challenge. Thanks for reading and you have a blessed day.
In Christ,
Jason
SAVED: November, 1992
FAMILY: Wife Nikki, Children Madison, Haley, Cade
OCCUPATION: Lineman
HOBBIES: Watching the Bears lose
AREA OF MINISTRY AT CHURCH: Deacon, Children’s Church