April 19, 2016

PPIL
James 1:22 NKJV - "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves."

Commentary:

Far too often Christians have taken this verse to refer to their own personal reading of God's Word.  That's good but it should be understood to go far beyond that.  The word "hearing" should make it quite clear:  when you hear a message in church from the Word of God, do you realize God holds you responsible to act on that message?  Don't think its so great just because you "went to church and listened to the preacher."  Far too many Christians walk out of church on a Sunday having heard a message but don't make the connection from "hearing the Word" to "doing the Word."

Why not surprise your pastor when you shake his hand at the close of the service? Tell him, "I'm really going to ask the Lord to help me practice in my life what you preached in your message!"  That's the kind of encouragement your pastor needs.

Please note the rest of today's Daily Verse.  If there's no change in your life after you've "heard" God's Word, you're deceiving yourself.  You're not impressing God by saying you really were spoken to from His Word.  He's watching your actions for they truly do speak louder than your words!

God will hold preachers responsible for their preaching.  God will hold the congregation responsible for their response.