Words of Inspiration - What are you going to do about it?

[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily

[00:00:44] podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word

[00:00:50] of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address

[00:00:57] given at the end of the broadcast. And now here's Elgin.

[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ,

[00:01:08] to another edition of Words of Inspiration, where we dive into scripture and explore how

[00:01:15] to live out God's word in our everyday lives. And today's episode is titled, What are you

[00:01:23] going to do about it? Our inspiration comes from James chapter 1 verse 22 and reading from

[00:01:33] the New International Version, it reads, Don't merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself.

[00:01:41] Do what it says. James challenges us to move beyond simply hearing God's word. It's not

[00:01:49] enough to nod your heads and feel inspired or agree with the truth we read in scripture. God

[00:01:56] calls us to action. So the question today is, if you believe in God's promises, what are you

[00:02:05] going to do about it? So first, let's talk about determination. If we truly believe that God

[00:02:14] is a provider for those who diligently seek him, then we must be determined to follow his calling.

[00:02:21] Determination keeps us focused and on our purpose, even when distractions and challenges arise.

[00:02:30] Think about Philippians 3 verses 13 through 14. It reads,

[00:02:37] Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win

[00:02:45] the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Paul had a clear sense of his

[00:02:52] mission and he pressed forward with determination. So what about you? Are you letting obstacles derail

[00:03:00] your calling? Or are you keeping your eyes fixed on the goal, trusting that God will lead you? Remember,

[00:03:10] determination is not about willpower alone. It's about believing that God's purpose for your life

[00:03:17] is worth pursuing with everything you have. Next, we need to address obedience.

[00:03:25] James tells us, do not merely listen to the word, do what it says. Obedience is the evidence of our

[00:03:33] love and commitment to God. It's easy to say we trust God, but our actions reveal the truth. Jesus said in

[00:03:42] John 14 verse 15, if you love me, keep my commands. God calls us to obedience, not because he wants to

[00:03:52] restrict us, but because he wants to lead us into the fullness of his blessings. Sometimes obedience

[00:03:59] requires us to step out in faith, to make decisions that go against our own understanding or comfort.

[00:04:07] It may mean sacrificing our plans for his or choosing to live in a way that reflects his righteousness.

[00:04:15] Ask yourself, are there areas in your life where you know what God is asking of you, but you're hesitating?

[00:04:23] What are you going to do about it? Obedience shows God that we trust his ways are higher than ours,

[00:04:30] and it opens the door for his provisions and blessings. Finally, we need perseverance.

[00:04:40] Following God's call is not a sprint. It's a marathon. There will be trials and setbacks,

[00:04:48] but God uses these experiences to refine our faith and build our spiritual maturity.

[00:04:55] James chapter 1 verses 2 through 4 reads,

[00:05:00] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

[00:05:06] trials of many kinds of things.

[00:05:36] They're meant to shape us into the people who reflect God's glory.

[00:05:40] So if you're in the season of waiting or struggling, don't give up.

[00:05:46] Ask yourself, what will you do to keep your faith strong?

[00:05:53] James 1 and 22 is a challenge. Do what it says.

[00:05:59] So today, reflect on the areas in your life where you need to take action.

[00:06:04] What steps can you take to live out your faith in a tangible way?

[00:06:10] God has given you everything you need to fulfill his purpose, but it requires your participation.

[00:06:19] If this message has stirred something in your heart, I encourage you to take the next step in your faith.

[00:06:26] And remember, God is faithful to complete the good work he has started in you.

[00:06:32] I thank you for spending time with me on today.

[00:06:35] I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[00:06:38] And I look forward to our conversation on Sunday.

[00:06:42] Until then, God bless.

[00:06:44] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group

[00:06:57] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.

[00:07:01] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.

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[00:07:21] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:07:32] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com