This spoke to me ❤️ and in James, the part about steadfastness speaks as well. James 1 has been reminding me that steadfastness (loyalty) produces something in us. When we continue to stand firm through trials, our faith is being built and strengthened. & when we have genuine faith, it shows up in how we live, how we treat people, and how we respond to things. I think that’s what makes faith sooo powerful… because it’s not just something we say we have, it produces fruit in us. The more we endure and remain steadfast in the Lord, all while being obedient & doing our best to stray from all sin, the more our faith is being developed, and that faith will eventually be seen in our actions. ❤️ Might I add, when James talks about “doing the Word”, it isn’t saying, “Be perfect or you won’t make it.” Cause lowkey, sometimes the word be scaring me and making me feel like I’m inadequate. But, the book of James is showing that real faith produces a changed life. We will still stumble, but we don’t make peace with sin or refuse God’s correction, continuing to turn to our Father even in the mistake of sin. Even when life looks different than what we expect. That surrender, that need to give it to the father instead of controlling. That’s that steadfastness he talks about, because eventually that steadfastness produces a heart that doesn’t even want to sin. I believe that forcing a person out of their sin or scaring them with the word makes them stray further but understanding the book of James and how devotion and loyalty matters more made it clear to me, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 But nothing matters more than steadfastness, faith, and the belief that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He died so we can repent and lead others to the gates of heaven. Far from perfection any of us are and then in James 2 when it says mercy triumphs judgment, that really stood out to me because whether you have good or bad judgment towards a person, the only judgment that truly matters is the one that isn’t yours. 😩 okay I’m done now. Have a great day whoever’s reading this 😚

Rise and shine sister ☀️, I look forward to your daily devotions and sometimes I believe I’m not worthy or as up to par to share devotionals with others. That’s absolutely not true but that’s what has been preventing me from responding confidently. I apologize for making you feel this way, I’m going to show up much more often in the group! Of course the Holy Spirit is going to encourage you to keep going because you shouldn’t take it personal at all ❤️ it’s a lot going on in our lives, I’m sure. I know I’m busy and physically exhausted on the daily now that I work 40+ hour work weeks (which won’t last because I’m over it). Getting assaulted and not having air conditioning I’m just going thru it sis, honestly 😩 which is even more of a reason why I need to be in my word cause the world tearing me up 🤣. Which is no excuse but you have brought attention to the fact I need to devote more intentional time with our Christ. I’m grateful for your devotionals sis, keep going. I won’t make you feel unsupported again but I know I can’t come with fake empty support, you know? If I can’t show up with presence I don’t show up at all. ❤️ I love you!

@Dejha Baylor I appreciate you and your prayers sis! You know I be needing em fr 😭 God does want to use me, I’m currently reading the book of James so I can add to today’s devotional. ✨

I’m glad you’re back I look forward to these! I went ahead and read chapter 10 in the book of Matthew and would like to add that upon verse 39, verse 34 talks about how Jesus didn’t come to bring peace to the actual earth but to bring peace within us. So don’t expect being on earth to be easy, it won’t be. But with Christ, you can have a strong foundation that keeps you grounded through it all, one that produces the fruits of the Spirit. “Matthew 10:34-35 Not Peace, but a Sword [34] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Once you pick up your cross with Jesus that doesn’t mean life automatically becomes easy, it means you’ll never have to do it with Him. Christ allows us to gain something much greater than the world could ever offer. Pondering on how hard it’s been letting go of my vices, but the thought of keeping them makes me feel sick.

God is so good, thank you JESUS. Brenda is tearing this sermon up right now.

In Jesus Christ name, Amen 🙏🏾💞