Words for Life Articles

Most of the time I can see it coming. An outlandish thought, followed by a thoughtless plan, followed by a reckless act. I make some attempt (usually I think a valiant one) to resist temptation, but at last I succumb, and end up doing a one-point into the ground. I tell myself that I'm mature enough in my faith that these temptations should not present much of a struggle. So why do the simplest temptations sometimes trip me up?

Many Christians don't realise it, but faith and fear are very similar in nature.   Both faith and fear are an unshakable belief in an unseen future.  Neither is merely emotional, but both are spiritual forces. The only difference between the two is that one believes God will come through for you - The other believes He won't.

“My brothers, what profit is it if a man says he has faith and does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and if one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it? Even so, if it does not have works, faith is dead, being by itself. But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith from my works” Jas 2:14-18.

I have sometimes wondered about this scripture on faith without works.

So many will reflect on 2009 and wonder where it has gone. Some will look at the numerous challenges they had to face and will wonder if 2010 is going to be the same. With the recession unabated, redundancy still lurking in many quarters, many will wonder if they can face another year faced with these challenges. The scriptures says in Daniel 11:32 – “By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.”

I get to receive e-mails everyday from both Christians and non Christians. Here is one of those e-mails that blessed me so much, I thought I would share it with you. It is titled “checking in”.