Scripture:
James 1:22-24
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
Reflection:
James is addressing his fellow Christians in this passage. One explanation of James 1 is; James teaches us to focus on the long haul, listen and obey. This verse spoke to me after a particularly long day. We sometimes feel helpless in this world. Could I have said or done something to maybe change a situation? Did I say the right thing? Did I do enough?
We feel like the answer is usually yes, there’s always more to do. But if we follow Jesus’ example and follow our heart, sometimes even the smallest gestures can mean so much to someone.
I have had a lot of death close to me recently, and I came across a poem that started, One of the great tragedies in life is that you will be loved more than you will ever know.
You almost always hear the family say; “I didn’t know so many people would come to the services.” “I was so happy to see so many old friends; or I loved the stories everyone shared, I never knew how much they meant to so many.” So while we can always feel that there’s more to do, or something else we could have said; with Jesus in your heart, he will help you find the words or lead you where you need to go, if we are willing to listen.
Reflection Written by Cheri Kopko
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for providing your perfect example for how to treat others. Please continue to provide guidance to us as to how to live, love and care for each other. Thank you for your love and care and help us to continually try to be more like you. May we continue to live by your example. Let us be there for each other, in good times and bad.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up
our Next Generation ministry event today - "You've Been Egg'd." May we pray that the children and parents have a wonderful time and deepen their understanding of Jesus's love and the meaning of Easter. Let's also remember to keep the volunteers in our prayers for strength and guidance.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
Here I am, Lord by Chris Bray