LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22, NLT
Theme: Taking the Bible seriously means not only reading it regularly but also putting it into practice in the ways we act and think.
COME AND SEE
God is a living God. His Word is the Living Word. His Son, Jesus Christ, is a living Savior, King, and Lord. The Holy Spirit is living in us. “Living” is the key word. We are called to live by the example Jesus gave us. We can never be perfect like Him, but God doesn’t expect us to be. Because He loves us, He invites us to “come and see” who He is—His character, kindness, and goodness. The Bible is His gift to us, written with living water, tears, prayers, life-giving blood, and a love we cannot even measure. And He had you and me on His mind when He inspired it.
PORTRAY
Actors make their living portraying a person in a movie, and the success of that movie often depends on how well they represent the character. In a nonfiction film, the actor studies the life of the person being portrayed—their character, family, experiences, and even their mannerisms—to make the portrayal believable. The rewards can be great if they are successful: money, fame, and maybe even an Oscar. But they have to do the work—and so do we.
THE SCRIPT
Our “script” is the Holy Bible, and we have been commissioned to follow Jesus. Jesus was definitely a “doer” of God’s will, even unto death. He preached, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught His disciples to do the same. We have our work cut out for us, but our rewards are far greater than money, fame, or Oscars. We receive eternal life with Him, a crown, a seat at His table, and a room He is preparing for us even now. Be a doer. When you belong to Jesus, others will know it too, because your life will reflect His glory.
Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (NKJV).
Make It Personal: Are you ready to let your light point someone to Jesus? Are you willing to do what it takes to make a difference in your own life and fulfill the commission that came with receiving Christ as your Savior? He has asked this of all His followers, and He has equipped each person with what they need to do it. Can you be ready for the person He places in your path? Yes, you can. Go to the script He has written. Dive into it, and it will change your life forever.
Pray: Lord, we see a world filled with fear, broken hearts, broken lives, sickness, and people who are lost. Heavenly Father, we seek Your wisdom, understanding, and courage to share Your promises of healing, peace, and joy. May others come to know that following Jesus gives them a future and a hope. Let them see Your glory through our walks with Jesus. In Jesus’ holy Name, Amen.
Read: James 2:17, 26, Psalm 66:5, John 1:1
Weekly Memory Verse: “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2b, NLT