3012 Gray Farm Rd., Indian Trail, NC 28079, US
july 2022 devotions
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Faith in Adversity
Proverbs 24:10
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. (Amplified Bible)
If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. (NLT)
Faith is a constant theme in scripture. We need faith for everything. Our salvation is based on faith. Our relationship with the Father is based on faith. Our whole existence is based on faith! Faith starts small, but it increases as we mature. Or at least it should. How does our faith grow? I’ve learned that adversity is the key to developing and growing our faith.
Someone may ask “What is adversity?” Here are some definitions: A state of hardship or affliction; misfortune; A calamitous event. Adverse fortune or fate; a condition or state marked by misfortune, calamity, distress, or unhappiness.
Faith can be compared to a muscle. It must be used to produce good results. If a muscle is not used it becomes weak and useless. Faith works the same way. If it is not used it dies. James writes So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (James 2:17) The intent of faith is to bring forth something good. Faith is an action word. Faith is not passive. It must be worked.
So, how do we work our faith in times of adversity? We work our faith by our actions when we face difficulties, and also what we speak to our trouble. No matter who we are, afflictions will come our way. But working our faith through times of adversity, will produce the good that we desire.
Consider the story of Elijah and the woman who was a widow. Israel had fallen into great iniquity which King Ahab and his wife Jezebel led. Consequently, no rain fell for three and a half years causing a severe famine. Because there was no rain, no crops grew. Everybody suffered - even the prophet Elijah. So, God commanded him to go to where he could find food. But where? He sent him to a woman whose circumstance seemed to be just as bad as his was or even worse.
She was gathering sticks to make a fire for her last meal when they met. He asked her of all things for a bit of water. Surprisingly, she didn’t fret or find this an inconvenience. After all, there was so little water available. She simply complied. But when he asked for a little bread as well, the woman resisted. She told him she had just enough oil and cornmeal left for one last meal for her and her son. Afterward, she was expecting death.
However, the prophet gave her words of comfort. But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” (1 Kings 17:13-14)
My brothers and sisters, this is where faith goes to work. The woman accepted the prophet’s words and did what he instructed. The good that came out of this is that “…. she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. (1 Kings 17:15-16)
It is in times of adversity that we work our faith to produce good results. Faith doesn’t grow when everything is well. Faith grows through adversity. It makes us strong. Through our adversity, we create a testimony to God’s goodness towards us in the midst of storms.
Don’t give up when things get tough. Strengthen your faith muscles, and get the good that God has waiting for you.
Dr. Lightsey's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
MAKE PRAYER YOUR PRACTICE
However, he made a practice of withdrawing to remote places in order to pray. (Luke 5:16)
One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. (Luke 6:12)
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!”
Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So, don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (Luke 18:1-8)
One of the things that I love most about Luke’s account of the gospel is the attention that he gives to Jesus’ prayer life. More than any of the other gospel accounts, Luke depicts the prayer life of Christ most vividly. Throughout his narrative, we are continually reminded that Jesus had an intimate relationship with His Father. Luke writes of so many examples of Christ’s prayer life that you just can’t miss it. I believe Luke also lived his life praying. He made prayer his practice as well.
The word practice is both a noun and a verb. When used as a noun it means repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.
When used as a verb it means to perform (an activity) or exercise (skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one’s proficiency. To carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
As believers, we ought to be doing both as we pray. We need to make praying our practice so that we will acquire or maintain proficiency in our prayer life. We also need to be praying continually so that we develop and maintain a strong and effective prayer life.
Many believers throw out the word pray/prayer so lightly. Some don’t pray at all because they feel there’s a certain skill that’s involved. Thus, they feel their prayers will not be answered. Others pray every now and then. But then there are those who actually make prayer their practice. These believers want to hear from God. They desire to be in God’s presence. They long for God. David describes these believers in the book of Psalms, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? (Psalm 42:1-2). These believers are not always asking God for something, but are seeking God for who He is. They love on God when they pray. They want to hear from Hi m. They know that God hears and answers their prayers.
How would you evaluate your prayer life? Is prayer an exciting part of your relationship with your Father? Is prayer your practice? Is it your norm? If it isn’t, meditate on the above scriptures as Luke takes us on the journey of how Christ lived. Ask Him like the early disciples to teach you how to pray. I promise you there is nothing compared to loving on our God in prayer.
Making prayer our practice is deeper than asking God to do something for us. It’s time well spent in our spiritual, emotional, and physical development. It draws us closer to God. Prayer allows us to experience God’s blessings and favor throughout our daily activities. Those who make prayer their practice quickly recognize when God is at work. They see things with a spiritual eye, and quickly thank Him. They continue to strengthen their faith by making prayer the norm in their lives.
Today I challenge you that if you are not already making prayer your practice that you begin to participate more in praying, and develop an active prayer life. Once you do this, you will not be able to exist without spending time with your Father. Prayer will be your lifeline to God.
june 2022 devotions
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
SPEAK THE INVISIBLE!
As I was praying the other day, I began meditating on God (Christ) being the creator of the universe. The scriptures say that God created everything there is. There is nothing that exists that He did not make. (John 1:3) How did God make something when there was nothing visible with which to make it? What was the process that God used to not only create the world but to heal the sick, deliver people from demons, and perform numerous other miracles?
God’s first act of creation was light. The book of Genesis describes the condition of the world before the creative process. When God began creating[a] the heavens and the earth, the earth was a shapeless, chaotic mass,* with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.* (Genesis 1:1-2) (Living Bible) From these verses, we see there was nothing alive or dead. It was just a shapeless mass of water and darkness.
But, in God’s mind, He saw light. He envisioned light. He thought light. He thought it into existence. So, the next thing He did was speak “light”. Then God said, “Let there be light.” And light appeared. And God was pleased with it and divided the light from the darkness. He called the light “daytime,” and the darkness “nighttime.” Together they formed the first day. (Genesis 1:3-5)
Scripture teaches us that faith is the key ingredient to realizing and experiencing what we desire. The author of the book of Hebrews pens these words, “Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.” (Heb. 11:3)
Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree one day. The tree had leaves on it. This indicated there should have been figs. But there were none. Jesus commanded the tree not to bear fruit anymore. Jesus and His disciples walked by that same tree the next morning. To the disciples’ amazement, the tree was withered from the roots on up. But Jesus said “Let the faith of God be in you! Listen to the truth I speak to you: Whoever says to this mountain with great faith and does not doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. (Mark 11:22-23)
The truth is that our words bring forth the reality that we see in the invisible. To see our thoughts become visible, we must speak the words that express those thoughts by faith. Then we will experience what we see. That’s why Christ was never moved or even afraid by the physical condition of the thousands of people He healed. He didn’t see them weak or sick or maimed or deaf or dumb. The demons did not intimidate Him. He saw them in the complete opposite. What He imagined He spoke. What He said became visible. By faith. What’s more, there is no account anywhere that when Jesus performed a miracle, it did not happen. Faith always works.
This is the God faith that Christ was trying to teach His disciples. It is this kind of faith that we need in the Body of Christ today. Let’s start seeing something we want to experience. Speak that thing in faith. And unless the scriptures are not true, we can expect whatever it is to become visible in our lives.
Dr. Lightsey's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
A Time to Run
Genesis 39:6-12 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
I guess there will always be discussions about how difficult it can be to escape the act of yielding to sin. But I’m not focusing on sin in general. Right now, I’m addressing that particular sin that satan throws at you fast and often. Yes, the one particular sin that just won’t leave and tries your patience time after time after time.
There is no need to disown it or hide from it. Every believer has something he or she must remain in prayer and humility about. Every believer deals with something - whether we care to admit it or not. Yes, that challenge keeps us in prayer and on our knees in order to remain steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the Lord’s work.
Such was the case for Joseph in Genesis 39. He was blessed to be in charge of Poptiphar’s estate - everything Potiphar owned and acquired. Joseph had free access to the house and everything in it - except Potophar’s wife. She noticed he was well built and handsome. She kept both lustful eyes on him and then made a command. In verse 7 she exclaimed, “Come to bed with me!” She did not ask him to come to bed with her. She gave a direct command/order.
Joseph refused and verbalized how God had tremendously blessed him and given him favor to oversee and be accountable to everything under his master’s command. Notice he did not give the praise and credit to Potiphar, but the glory went to God. In verse 9 he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” Even after that declaration Potiphar’s wife continued to chase and tempt him. One day she grabbed him by his coat/jacket and once again gave the command “Come to bed with me!” But this time Joseph not only refused - he also ran!
Yes, sometimes we are faced with the avenue of escape called “running.” We must always be prepared for the time to run. We already know we cannot defeat satan using our own power, but we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Victory over sin comes by running from the person or temptation and running to the Rock. Jesus is that Rock!
MAY 2022 DEVOTIONS
Dr. Lightsey's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
A Dose of Divine Revelation
Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KKJV). When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy (Proverbs 29:18, NLT).
Vision (divine revelation from G
A Dose of Divine Revelation
Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KKJV). When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy (Proverbs 29:18, NLT).
Vision (divine revelation from God) serves to give instruction and direction to those God is speaking to. Man cannot survive without instruction and direction. There would be total chaos. Just think about not having any stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights. Every driver would literally have the right-of-way and total confusion would lead to accidents and fights.
In our scripture reading, “vision” refers to the divine revelation received by the prophet. When the prophet does not deliver the divine revelation received from God to the people, they (the people) act and live without restraint. They run wild and mass confusion is the result. The “vision” serves to put us and keep us in line with God’s intent and direction for our lives.
Let’s look at a couple of situations where divine revelation was used to direct or correct God’s people. In 1 Samuel 3:1 we read that Samuel served God by assisting Eli in the temple. In those days, the Word of God was “precious” or rare. The reason was because Israel’s sin was so great that there was a lack of God’s revealing work. However, God used Samuel by appearing to him in a vision and giving him a message to deliver to Eli. The message was that the iniquity of Eli’s house (the sins of his sons and his deaf ear and closed eyes to those sins) would not be atoned for with sacrifices or offerings. This was the beginning of Samuel’s work as one of God’s prophet.
In the New Testament (Acts 10) we read about the visions of Cornelius and Peter. God spoke to Cornelius in a vision and told him to send an entourage to Joppa to find Peter. God spoke to Peter in a vision and instructed him to receive Cornelius’ entourage. As a result of these visions and meetings, Cornelius and Peter met. Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household. They were saved and received the Holy Spirit.
Divine revelation (vision) from God is more than a dream or a plan to carry out a building fund project or begin an international prayer ministry. It is when and how God speaks to His servant to address a circumstance or situation in which God intends to move. Its intent is more spiritual than physical. The vision is meant to change the behavior of people from non-acceptance, disbelief, or rebellion to nothing less than faith and obedience.
God always has a word for His children. We must be still long enough and be attentive in order to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to His people through His servant. There is always a dose of divine revelation because God always has a word of instruction and direction for His children to keep us obedient and safe.
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Delivered and Sent
Luke 8:38-39
But the man who had been set free begged Jesus over and over not to leave, saying, “Let me be with you!” Jesus sent him away with these instructions: “Return to your home and your family, and tell them all the wonderful things God has done for you.” So the man went back and preached to everyone who would li
Delivered and Sent
Luke 8:38-39
But the man who had been set free begged Jesus over and over not to leave, saying, “Let me be with you!” Jesus sent him away with these instructions: “Return to your home and your family, and tell them all the wonderful things God has done for you.” So the man went back and preached to everyone who would listen about the amazing miracle Jesus had worked in his life.
Luke gives a very detailed account of the man who was inhabited by demons. This man was tormented by demons daily. He could not live with his family or in his community with the other citizens. The demons forced him to live in the wilderness. He was considered a madman. Many times he was put in chains, but the demons inside of him would break the chains, throw him down and send him into convulsions. When he met Jesus, he was completely insane and living naked in the cemetery.
I can only imagine how shocked and afraid the disciples were when they encountered this man. Words cannot adequately describe what their eyes saw. The demons recognized Jesus immediately and they were afraid of what He might do to them. Jesus entered into a very brief conversation with the demons. Something He did not do. That conversation consisted of one question. “What is your name?” The response was Legion. Another translation uses the word “mob.” The demons called themselves this name because there were so many. The word Legion in Greek was a military regiment of about 6,000-8,000. So, this name was very significant. The man was suffering!
That was the end of the conversation. The demons begged Jesus not to send them to the bottomless pit or the Abyss. He allowed them to enter a herd of about 2000 pigs that were driven into the lake and drowned. The man was finally delivered from his torment. He immediately became sane again. They gave him clothes to put on. He fellowshipped with Jesus and the disciples for a while that day. The word spread about this miracle and people came to see for themselves if this man was truly delivered from the demons.
When they saw he was clothed and speaking intelligently they became afraid and begged Jesus to leave their region. So, Jesus and His disciples left. But the man wanted to go with Jesus. He begged over and over again, but Jesus would not allow him to go. He told the man to go back to his home and family and tell them the wonderful things God had done for him.
The scriptures tell us that he did just that. He gave his testimony to anyone who would listen. I’ve often wondered why Jesus would not allow the man to go with him. Jesus needed a witness. The people in that region had experienced something they never thought possible - a crazed, depraved man full of demons now delivered. No telling how many people in his family, community or that entire region came to Jesus. One person delivered and sent back possibly brought thousands to Christ. It would take this man’s testimony to convince so many that Christ was indeed the Son of God.
When we are delivered God sends us. Sometimes he sends us back to our families and communities. Wherever he sends us, Christ wants us to do what he told this man to do…Go back and share the wonderful things God has done you.
APRIL 2022 devotions
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
The Blessing of the Righteous
Psalm 37:25-26 “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.”
Have you ever considered how much impact you have on your future gene
The Blessing of the Righteous
Psalm 37:25-26 “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.”
Have you ever considered how much impact you have on your future generations? The decisions we make in our lives affect more than ourselves – it affects our offspring as well. When I meditate upon this verse of scripture, I experience a “Wow” moment - that what I do will carry down through my generations.
When David wrote these words, he was a senior citizen. He says that he was young at one time, but now he’s old. As he reflects on his experiences, he recognizes an awesome truth - that we do not belong to ourselves. David says that he has personally witnessed how God takes care of those who choose to obey His commands. He calls these people “righteous”. The righteous are those who live purposefully-the ones who do not compromise and do not bring shame or reproach to God’s name.
David writes that not only are the righteous not forsaken, but his seed or offspring will not be in a position where they have to beg. They will be satisfied. The righteous preserves the future of his offspring by what they do and how they live in the present.
How? The righteous person is merciful and helps those who are in need. They deal graciously and lend. In other words, the righteous bends or stoops in kindness to those who are inferior. They take pity on those who are in difficult circumstances and lend a helping hand to them. They pray and make supplication for them. Their hearts are sensitive to their needs.
They are givers because they are moved with compassion. The righteous serve others as a way of life. They look for opportunities to be a blessing and to bless others. By doing this the righteous ensure the future stability and protection of their offspring. Others will be liberal with them.
If we want our generations to be blessed after us, we should become righteous. We should love the Lord our God with all our hearts, and we should treat others the way we would want to be treated. This is God’s way of providing generational wealth.
Dr. Lightsey's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
God’s Word
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof , for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV).
God’s Word
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof , for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV).
I don’t know who deserves credit for the response of “Word!” in agreeing with something that has been said in conversation or in print. The reply means the listener or reader totally agrees and supports what has been communicated. In some instances, the response is considered to add credibility to what was said.
However, enough can’t be said about “God’s Word.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 not only informs us that all scripture has been inspired, created, and shared by God. We are also informed that all scripture is profitable (valuable) to address each and every concern of life. In “God’s Word” all issues have solutions. These solutions, if followed, lead to mankind’s understanding, teaching, direction, and realization of successful living in his spiritual, physical, and social life. In
Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares “God’s Word” as a lamp to keep his feet traveling in the right direction and as a light to show which direction to travel. Of course, this is speaking metaphorically of using “God’s Word” as a daily spiritual map to lead and guide through life’s trials and challenges. There is so much peace and comfort in knowing we don’t face the difficulties of life alone. The Almighty God, our Creator has given provision, “His Word” to accompany us as we travel this earthly life’s journey.
The solution to any test or trial is always available to those who love and trust God. But we must access the solution by spending time in prayer and in reading the instructions for direction and deliverance. It is senseless to have the necessary tool at our disposal and not use it. God would not have provided the direction if He did not intend for us to put it to use.
May you be challenged and encouraged to spend quality time in “God’s Word” to grow to deeper depths and higher heights in Him. Remember, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
March 2022 devotions
Dr. Lightsey's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Experience the Taste
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing” (Psalm 34:8-10
In Psalm 34, David addre
Experience the Taste
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the Lord’s people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing” (Psalm 34:8-10
In Psalm 34, David addresses the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech. I find it quite interesting that during his time of adversity (acting insane) and at all times he vowed to praise the Lord.
David not only individually praised God, but he invited others to look to God in every situation. In Psalm 34:8 he also encouraged others to taste (accept the Only true and wise God as Lord) and see that God is good. I believe the point David was making was that if you want to experience God’s best of bringing you “out” you must reverence and respect Him.
Surely we all experience times when we need to be reminded of and exercise the action of remembering what God can do for us. Often we are so focused on our trials, situations and setbacks that we forget that God has promised never to leave or forsake those who believe and trust in Him. Psalm 34:10 reminds us that “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.”
Let’s take a moment and reflect on the word “never.” At no time during any circumstance will those who trust in the Lord lack any good thing. As long as believers serve, honor, and trust God, victory and deliverance belong to us. As long as we daily take time to experience Who God is, He has promised that our taste experience and everything in His will that follows will be good - we will lack nothing!
Therefore don’t underestimate the significance and power of reliving the taste experience each and every day. If we honor Him, serve Him, and worship Him we can expect nothing less than God’s goodness. I’ve heard it said that He is “better than good.” I remind and encourage each of us to experience tasting God’s goodness every day. Get your taste on and watch God do what no other power can do. Experience the taste.
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Pastor Sharen's Message
Loving Others
Often, we need to be reminded to love one another. Many of us know this in our minds, but we are often challenged to carry out this love to others by our actions. One of the most powerful statements that describe Christ is this: “And you no doubt know that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and wit
Loving Others
Often, we need to be reminded to love one another. Many of us know this in our minds, but we are often challenged to carry out this love to others by our actions. One of the most powerful statements that describe Christ is this: “And you no doubt know that Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power, and he went around doing good and healing all who were possessed by demons, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38) The part that stands out to me is “he went around doing good.”
We tend to pick and choose who we show love in action to. The scriptures say we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves; however, we don’t want to be inconvenienced, so we challenge the love commandment, by asking “Who is my neighbor?” When Christ was asked the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” His response was there wasn’t just one commandment, but two. The first is to love or worship God with every ounce of our being, and the second is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This person could be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger as Christ demonstrated in the parable about the man who was robbed and beaten and left for dead. Though respected individuals - a priest and a Levite saw the man in need, they avoided him by crossing to the other side of the road. (Luke 10:29-37) I suspect they did not want to be inconvenienced. Yet no doubt, they would not only teach about loving others but would even believe they loved others.
James challenged the early believers for not putting their faith to work. He writes: “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? (James 2:14-16).
My brothers and sisters, it’s not enough for us to say we are disciples of Christ and not follow His example. We show our love by our actions. John in his letter says it best: “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.” (1John3:18)
Love in action is the best way to demonstrate to the world that we are true followers of Christ. Where there is a need - there's an opportunity to perform a deed. One of the last instructions Christ gave His disciples was this: “And so I am giving a new commandment to you now—love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 10:34-35)