LOVE GOD AND PERFORM GOOD DEEDS -- BOTH ARE NECESSARY

RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE RIGHT ROAD - Sis. Stella Dhinakaran You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (James 2:24) It is imperative that we lead a life of righteousness in this world. Our conscience bears witness to all our deeds (Romans 2:15, 1 John 3:20). It is stated in the Bible, "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?" (James 2:24-25). The path of righteousness alone pleases God. It is difficult to walk in righteousness with our own strength. That is why Paul the Apostle says, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me" (Romans 7:18-20). Carnal thoughts arise causing us to fight against God. For example family feuds take us away from the path of righteousness. Our conscience pricks us to pursue peace with all. However, the carnal mind creates enmity, contentions, selfish ambition, bitterness, etc. A certain mother brought up her son in godly ways. He studied well and was well placed. She searched for a suitable life partner for her son with prayers and conducted the marriage in a grand manner. Her daughter-in-law, a pious girl was sincere in offering family prayer, reading the Scripture and in seeking the Lord. Gradually, she gave room for carnal acts in her heart and the qualities of the devil gripped her. Having been blessed with all that a family needs, she forgot God - the One who blessed her. Satan who roams like a lion seeking someone to devour seized this opportunity and sowed seeds of unwanted thoughts, hatred, bitterness and all sorts of evils in her heart. Confusions cropped up in her family. She started torturing her mother-in-law unnecessarily. That poor mother was shattered on account of her daughter-in-law's behaviour. She began to seek the Lord with fasting and prayer binding the carnal thoughts and evil deeds in the name of Jesus Christ, with all the more sincerity (Philippians 2:10). The Lord heard her prayers and shattered all the powers of darkness which worked in the heart of her daughter-in-law. One day, while she casually took the Bible the following verse flashed before her eyes. "…lest you even be found to fight against God" (Acts 5:39). Her evil acts flashed before her inward eye. Being convicted, immediately she knelt down and repented of her sins. God in His immense grace and mercy forgave her and prospered her life. Divine peace engulfed her family once again. Dear Friend! Will you give room for the Holy Spirit and do things that are pleasing in the sight of God? Then you will receive both life and peace (Romans 8:6). Keep away from unhealthy relationships by choosing a life of holiness and enjoy a life of peace. Prayer: Loving heavenly Father On this day, help me to wait patiently at Your feet and to have an understanding of Your will concerning me. You have promised to perfect everything concerning me. I surrender my life into Your loving hands. You make the face of those who seek You diligently to shine. You exalt the horns of the righteous and grant them Your divine peace which passes all understanding. Give me the grace to be careful in all my works. Enable me to be perfect just as You are perfect. Shower Your blessings upon the members of my family and me that we may always have our attention fixed upon Your will for us. Please help me to exercise my faith in my acts and may my life be a pleasing one before Your sight. In the wonder working name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.