A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse March 16, 2018 Alive and Useful Scripture Reading – James 2:17 - 18 (NLT)“So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don't have any good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." 

No one likes picking up some fruit that looked fresh only to find out that it was rotten inside, pardon the pun, it actually stinks! It was in a similar way in which Jesus cursed the fig tree because it should have, but it did not produce any fruit.

As today's text relates to our faith in Jesus Christ and the production of good works, or good deeds in our lives, we need to understand that there will be no more chickens unless there are eggs, for the two always go together.

Remember before we were Christians, the Bible says that we were dead, and lost without hope in our sins and no pun, that actually stinks for eternity! But then by grace we responded in faith to the salvation Christ purchased for us with His precious blood on the cross, and we were saved and placed into Christ Jesus. We the branches became attached to the Vine, and the natural, or should I say super natural result is good fruit, showing itself in good deeds.

Now if you were to ask me the question, how many good deeds can you produce in and of yourself, I would immediately reply without hesitation....absolutely none.

Rather any good deeds that come from my life, are the result of that real faith connection that comes with a living relationship with Jesus. And any glory that comes as a result of them goes back to the One who died for me. He is the One that makes me, 'Alive and Useful'. 

Prayer Father, I rejoice in the life that belongs to us as your children. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, mercy and good deeds be abundant through us for the greater glory of Jesus I pray. 

Memory Verse:  Ephesians 4:2 NLT “Always be __________ and ________. Be _________ with each other, making ______________ for each other’s _________ because of your love.”