So why should we be faithful to God? Why choose friendship with Him over the world? Because God chose to enter into a relationship with us, fully knowing we would betray Him. Even after all the times we’ve walked away, made mistakes or said things we regret, God remains faithful.

God chose to send His Son, Jesus, to redeem what was already His. We were created in His image, but sin had taken us away. So, what did God do? He bought us back from sin and slavery with the blood of His Son. Jesus paid the price for our redemption. And, when you understand all that God has done for you through Christ, the pull of the world loses its appeal.

We have all been impacted by words. Words are powerful. James talks about the impact of words on our lives and others. We all carry hope and wounds from words said to us by a parent, coach, teacher or friend. And, at the same time, we too have the power to build up and destroy others with our words. James calls to us to live out our faith with our words. How we use our words - what we say, post, write and more - matters. As a disciple of Jesus, do our words reflect Christ? Have you declared Jesus with your mouth, and have you professed Him with your life?

Salvation only comes through faith in Jesus. It is Jesus who saves a person. It is not about what we do, it is about what He has done. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then conquered death so we can have eternity with God. However, James will say that “faith without works is dead.” While works do not save us, our good works for Jesus are the evidence of our faith. Can people look at your life and see your faith in Jesus? Behavior always follows belief. Are we living out our faith in Jesus? Let’s renew our commitment to Jesus today and live every day for Him.

Favoritism has always been a problem for God’s people. Even in the Old Testament, there was dysfunction in families because of prejudice and favoritism. Favoritism is still a problem for Christians today. However, James calls believers in Jesus not to show favoritism but to live by a higher standard - love. How can we love others this week? Let’s start at home with our spouse, children, and/or roommates, and then love the people in our church, school, and work. Let’s show mercy and not judge. Let’s love others like God loves us. Spiritual maturity is measured in love.

There are many people who have heard about Jesus. There are many people who have a Bible in their home. But, there are few people who actually live out their faith in Jesus. James tells us to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” We are called to live out our faith. Works do not save us, only Jesus saves us, “through faith,” but works are evidence of a transformed life in Jesus. If someone listens to what you say and watches how you live, will they see your faith in Jesus? Let’s not just listen to God’s Word today, but let’s live it out every day.

The Christian life is all about faith. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus. But salvation is not the end, but the beginning of an incredible faith journey. Every day we have the opportunity to place our faith in Jesus. This is where we see miracles happen and God move mountains. We are called to “live by faith and not by sight.” So, where’s your faith? Is your faith in Jesus or in the things of this world? Place your life fully in Jesus and see the difference God will make in your life, your family, your future, and your eternity. Faith works!

What made David so special was his heart for God. David was an incredible leader that God used to impact His people and history. David wasn’t perfect. He sinned and made some big mistakes in his life. But after his sins, David always repented and came back to God. Even at the end of his life, he was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” Regardless of what you have done, make a commitment today to be a “man or woman after the heart of God.” Put God first in your life and live every day for Him. Then, watch God do miracles in your life. Trust God today.

God calls and conditions us to lead with leadership rooted in spiritual influence. Henry Blackaby describes spiritual leaders as those who guide others toward where God wants them to be, starting with their own relationship with Him. Each generation is given the opportunity to raise new leaders who, like David, defeat new giants through deep faith and trust in God. David's leadership was marked by his faith in God's past faithfulness, humility, servant leadership, and willingness to own up to his mistakes. His faith was contagious, empowering those around him to become leaders and giant killers. The question is: What does this look like for us?