Praise & Shine

Our actions should characterize a Christ-centered life and stems from a relationship with Jesus. It bears witness to Christ and carries on His work wherever we are, in all we say and do. It is through these actions that we share God’s grace.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Let’s look at the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10.

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him up, and went off, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, but when he saw the injured man, he passes by on the other side. So too a Levite, when he came up to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan who was traveling came to where the injured man was, and when he saw him, he felt compassion for him. He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever else you spend, I will repay you when I come back this way.’ Which of these three do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

The priests were the religious leaders of the time, while the Levites were the teachers, judges, and caretakers of the temple. The Samaritans, on the other hand, were like you and me. Notice how Jesus says the Samaritan felt compassion. He didn’t only care for the man’s wounds but went above and beyond by giving the man a ride on his animal, likely meaning the Samaritan had to walk. He then puts the man in an inn and pays for his care. Some even say the two silver coins were all the money the Samaritan had. The good Samaritan is the perfect example of what Christian Action looks like, bearing the witness of Christ.

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26

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Often I find it hard to rest, feeling like there are always things to be done. Even on vacation, I find myself filling every spare minute with activity. Can you relate? Overworking ourselves by working too hard, too much, or too long can have negative physical and mental effects. Even the creator of our universe took time to rest. Who are we to think we can do more than God?

God values rest so much he made it a commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy.” Exodus 20:8. The Sabbath for the Jewish people is an observance and abstinence from work that lasts from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. It extends to your whole family, workers, and even animals. God even commanded the land to rest in the seventh year. Exodus 23:11.

In preparation for the Sabbath, Jewish people will do all their shopping chores and cooking before sundown on Friday. This way, they don’t even need to cook on the Sabbath!

A day of rest allows time to recover, reduce stress and build deeper relationships with our loved ones. I’m not suggesting that you follow Jewish law; however, clearly, God intended us to rest and reflect at least one day a week. It doesn’t even need to be Saturday or Sunday.

Many of us have a couple of days off from work each week. It could be as simple as setting aside a day off to rest and spend time with family. Plan ahead, pre-cook your meals, and let the dishes go for a day. I promise they will be there the next day! Turn off your phone and the TV and spend quality time with your loved ones. Play games, read a book, tell stories, and spend time with the Lord in prayer. We will feel refreshed and renewed for the week ahead.

God knew what he was doing. He didn’t need to rest. He was setting the example of how we should spend our Sabbath. Set apart a day for rest and honor the Lord.

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Rejection can hurt deeply; however, one rejection is not a projection of future failures. We shouldn’t ignore the pain of rejection, but we also can’t allow rejection to be a permanent hindrance. We must choose to move past our source of rejection without allowing it to shout us down.

That rejection has already stolen enough from your present, don’t let it affect your future too. 

No, that book proposal wasn’t a good fit for that publisher. But that doesn’t mean you can’t write. You don’t have to go with that publisher, or any publisher, to be an effective writer. 

No, that friend didn’t stay in your life. But that doesn’t mean that you aren’t loved or capable of meaningful relationships. 

No, you didn’t get that job opportunity. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be other interested companies. 

God always has our best interests in mind. Failure, rejection, and unanswered prayers simply mean God has bigger, better plans in store. 

So replace those negative thoughts that are hindering you. Replace them with praise for God, who loves you, provides, and will deliver you. 

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