Isaac Boluwatise

Living Faith through Works

November 6th, 2024

Scripture: James 2:18 – “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

Reflection:
Faith attains fullness through deeds. James emphasizes this, urging believers to reveal their faith through actions, not merely words. Faith confined to the intellect remains unfulfilled; true faith must move, touch, and serve. Faith that lacks works is hollow, but faith joined to action overflows, bearing fruit and manifesting God’s presence.

Service is at the core of this active faith. It aligns us with God’s heart, embodying His compassion. Such faith does not retreat but shines brightly, making Christ’s love and truth visible. Jesus taught that we are the light of the world. Our deeds bring His light to those around us, reflecting His love, healing, and encouragement.

Faith, therefore, cannot remain passive. It must respond to needs, reach out to the broken, and build up others. Our daily lives should display this active, vibrant faith, moving beyond silent belief. Faith must take form in our lives. It should alter how we engage with the world. It needs to impact others in ways words alone cannot.

Where does your faith lead you to serve? Consider how God has equipped you and where He may call you to serve as His hands and feet. Faith in action uplifts, restores, and touches lives. God wants His people to live faith visibly, impacting those around them. We demonstrate the authenticity of our faith through these deeds, making our lives testimonies of His grace and truth.

Such faith glorifies God. It provides for the needy, strengthens the weary, and consoles the broken. In living out our faith, we respond to God’s call to bring His presence into the lives of others. Today, allow your faith to become a shining example, a reflection of a faith that genuinely works. Let this be the testimony of your life—a faith that serves, heals, and loves.

Such faith calls us to live visibly, to act as light in the world. Pray, asking, “Lord, make my actions reveal my faith. Let my life be a light for You.” Today, choose one act of service that reflects God’s love to someone in need. Let your life, through each action, shine as a living testimony. For further reflection, meditate on Matthew 5:14–16 and embrace the call to be His light in every word and deed.
Faith Never Leads to Shame

November 5th, 2024

True Faith will not lead to shame. When rooted in God, faith does not falter or yield to doubt. In Romans 10, Paul emphasizes this truth to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles, each facing unique cultural challenges. Many questioned if trusting in Christ would bring disgrace. But Paul gives assurance: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” This promise from God is unshakeable like a stone in Zion (Isaiah 28:16). It is unaffected by societal pressures. It does not waiver due to personal fears. Shame often unsettles those who dread failure, and fear of disappointment weakens faith. But God does not fail us. His promises stay unshakeable and immovable, even when our circumstances shift. Those who place their trust in Him find honour and steadfast support. Faith in God is secure because He is steadfast and unchanging, untouched by earthly circumstances and limitations.

Daniel trusted God even in the lions’ den. He entered without fear of disgrace or defeat. He was confident that God was to save and deliver. Daniel’s faith held firm despite fierce opposition. God protected and honoured him, demonstrating that faith in God’s promises triumphs over fear and shame. Like Daniel, we can also trust God, confident that He will uphold us. Reflect on where shame or fear may have taken hold in your life. God invites you to step forward in faith, knowing His presence goes with you. Make a statement of faith in an area of challenge, and reaffirm the conviction that God’s honour covers you. Acting upon God’s promises strengthens your faith and shields you from shame. God’s word remains unwavering; His promises are true.

The ancients trusted in God, and He delivered them. They cried out and were rescued; their trust in God was never disgraced. Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces never covered in shame (Psalm 24:4–5; 34:5). These words assure us that God faithfully honours those who trust Him. He brings deliverance and lifts them up without shame. Pray today for boldness that overcomes the fear of shame. Meditate on Romans 10:8-13. Let these verses remind you of God’s steadfast support. As you move forward, embrace the courage that comes from God’s faithfulness. Step boldly into each day, knowing that He goes before you.
Bold Steps in Faith

November 4th, 2024

Scripture: Mark 9:23 – “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Reflection:

Faith trusts without wavering. In Mark 9, the father of a demon-possessed boy approached Jesus with desperate hope. However, he voiced uncertainty, saying, “If you can.” Jesus’ response, “If I can?” corrects this doubt and calls for unreserved faith. Doubt lacks the conviction of the Divine omnipotence. Genuine faith moves ahead without being swayed by doubt. Jesus invites us to a faith that believes fully, risks, trusts, and acts because, with God, all things are possible.

The father’s plea, “I believe; help my unbelief,” reveals a heart longing to trust completely. Though his faith was not yet perfected, he acted, bringing his son to Jesus. Jesus did not reject his imperfect faith. He welcomed the father’s plea, “I believe; help my unbelief,” which reveals a heart that longs to trust completely. Although his faith was not yet fully developed, he took action by bringing his son to Jesus. Jesus did not reject his imperfect faith; instead, He welcomed the father’s willingness and healed the boy. This shows that God meets us as we progress in faith. The response also reminds us that faith, to be alive, must press forward. It must not allow doubt to take hold.

Faith acts boldly. It does not linger in uncertainty but draws near, confidently reaching for God’s power. Acting in faith means moving in God’s direction and trusting Him to uphold us. Sometimes, God calls us to leap, stepping out in faith purely on His word. We act not because of what we feel but because of who He is. Faith steps ahead drawing strength from God or His word, and refusing to give place to doubt.

Where do you hesitate? The Father did, yet he came to Jesus. Christ welcomes us as we are. He challenges us to trust fully. We must stand on God’s promises without reservation. When we approach Him with undivided trust, “all things are possible.”

Faith that acts boldly opens the door to God’s intervention. Consider what challenge stands before you today. Let your faith rise above hesitation. Anchor your courage in God’s word and step forward. Trust that God will meet you at that step. It is time to fully surrender to the rule of God’s word, to be audacious, and ready to move mountains.

Prayer:

Lord, grant me the courage to trust Your promises. Help me step forward, knowing You are with me. Amen.

Action Step:

Today, take one bold step in an area where you feel hesitation.

Recommended Reading: Mark 9:14–29.
Faith That Acts

November 3rd, 2024

Scripture: James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Reflection:
Faith flourishes only when it acts. As James teaches, stagnant faith is lifeless, lacking purpose and pulse. God calls faith to increase, to thrive, to reach beyond words. He commands faith to act, for without works, it remains empty and inert. Faith must be alive, expressing itself with actions that correspond to God’s word.

Abraham’s faith models this dynamic nature. His faith was not passive; it was marked by decisive action. Trusting God’s promise, Abraham rose early, prepared the altar, and set out to sacrifice his only and beloved Isaac. Each step he took confirmed his trust in God’s faithfulness. Rahab, likewise, showed a faith that acted courageously. She risked her life by hiding the Israelite spies. Her actions testified to her faith in God, showing her faith to be dynamic and living.

True faith does not sit idle. It listens, sees, and responds to God’s word or call. Faith rooted in trust must grow, expressing itself through tangible action. God designed faith to live, move, and reflect His heart through pertinent works. A faith that refrains from action misses the mark of its purpose.

Consider where your faith may have stalled. Ask God to show where He wants you to act, reach, or even lift others. Pray for discernment, then listen attentively for His guidance. Let faith rise within you with the momentum that urges, supplied by God’s word and Spirit. Faith that acts will give body to God’s intent and heal, uplift, and strengthen others.

This Bible-based faith does not stay safe and contained; it risks, serves, and believes. As with Abraham, active faith emboldens us, blessing others and glorifying God. God calls us to live faith out loud, beyond quiet conviction. He desires a faith that builds up others and brings His love and life into the world.

Today, seek the courage to step out. Ask God to awaken your faith, making it bold and authentic. Where can faith act? Let it bring hope and light. Trust that God will use your faith as you move in obedience.

Prayer:
Lord, teach me to live my faith. Awaken me and direct my faith to act. Amen.

Action Step:
Choose one area to act on faith today. Ask God to reveal it.

Recommended Reading: James 2:14-26
Rest in God’s Promises

November 2nd, 2024

Scripture: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Reflection:

As we close this week of Trusting the Unseen, we must grasp that our anchor holds firm in God’s faithfulness. Philippians 1:6 assures us that the God who began a good work in us will complete it. This verse sparks hope, reminding us God isn’t finished with us yet.

Sometimes, we feel stuck or believe God’s plans would not work out. But this verse reveals that our circumstances or limitations do not bind God. He started the work, and He will carry it to completion.

This doesn’t mean the journey will be smooth or easy. But it does mean God’s purpose will stand. When we trust His promises, we can rest in knowing He works all things for our good. We don’t need to worry or strive; we can rest in His faithfulness. God will finish what He started.

God is at work even when we can’t see the way ahead. He is faithful in leading us through and crafting His plan behind the scenes. Trust Him for His purposes are always sure, and His timing is perfect. Whatever comes, know He will complete the good work He began in you.

As we close this week of Trusting the Unseen, we must grasp that our anchor holds firm in God’s faithfulness. Philippians 1:6 assures us that the God who began a good work in us will complete it. This verse sparks hope, reminding us God is not finished with us yet.

Prayer: Lord, I rest in Your promises today. Thank You for the assurance that You will finish the good work You started in me. Help me trust Your faithfulness and rest in Your love. Amen.

Action Step: Reflect on where you have seen God’s faithfulness. Write one way you will trust Him more as He continues His work in you.

Recommended Readings: Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 138:8