Vince Miller Podcast

Have you ever felt the tension of being torn between two loyalties? One path pulls you toward comfort, popularity, and worldly approval, while the other demands total devotion to God. That tug-of-war is more common than we admit, which we will discover in our text today. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 4:4-5 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? — James 4:4-5 James confronts his audience with a bold accusation: "You adulterous people!" This isn’t just harsh language; it’s a profoundly intentional analogy that draws on the imagery of a covenant relationship—much like a marriage. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as the faithful husband of His people (Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19-20) and His people as His beloved bride. Adultery, then, is a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and a heart divided between love for God and love for the world. God desires an exclusive, covenantal relationship with His people, not out of need but out of love. Yet, when we align ourselves with the world’s values, priorities, and allure—when we give our hearts to anything other than Him—we betray that sacred relationship. It’s like a spouse giving their affection to another which shatters trust and intimacy. James even adds that "friendship with the world is enmity with God" because the world’s system is fundamentally opposed to God’s truth. The world seeks self-promotion over humility, indulgence over righteousness, and independence from God rather than dependence on Him. To side with the world is not a neutral choice—it’s a declaration of hostility toward the very heart of God. Here's the truth for today: You are faithfully God's or adulterously divided. But James is not going to leave us in despair. He reveals the depth of God’s relentless love: “He yearns jealously over the spirit He has made to dwell in us.” This jealousy is not the sinful jealousy of humans but the pure and holy jealousy of a God who created us for Himself. The kind of jealousy burns with a desire to protect, restore, and reclaim. God’s jealousy is a passionate commitment to our ultimate good and His eternal glory. Even when we stray, He calls us back with an undying love, longing for our hearts to be wholly His. In this vivid analogy, James invites us to examine where our affections lie: Are we honoring our covenant with God, or are we dividing our loyalty with the world? God's jealous love reminds us that He will not settle for half-hearted devotion—He wants all of us. So are you giving all of you to him, like he was given all for you? Friend, have you felt that tug-of-war in your heart? The pull of the world promising comfort, approval, and success—but leaving you empty? God’s Word reveals that divided loyalties lead to enmity with Him. Yet, in His relentless love, God still calls us back, offering us the gift of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. The truth is, we’ve all been unfaithful. Our sin separates us from God, and no amount of effort can bridge that gap. But God, in His mercy, made a way. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, came to restore what was broken. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross in your place, and rose again to offer you new life—free from the weight of sin and the grip of the world. Today, God is inviting you to leave behind the emptiness of divided loyalties and come into a relationship with Him through Jesus. He yearns jealously for you, not to condemn but to restore, to reclaim your heart for Himself. Will you respond to His call? Will you give your whole heart to the One who gave His all for you? Pray this prayer with me if you’re ready to surrender your life to Him: Lord, I know I’ve been unfaithful. I’ve sought the approval of the world and...

Have you noticed the loudest voices aren’t always the wisest? Bold words often leave broken relationships and chaos in their wake. What if the tension around us—and within us—comes from trusting the wrong kind of wisdom? Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:17-18. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. — James 3:17-18 PART 1: OBSERVATION — What the Text Says Words & Phrases: Wisdom from abovePurePeaceableGentleOpen to reasonFull of mercy and good fruitsImpartialSincereHarvest of righteousnessSown in peaceBy those who make peace Characters: Grammar: "wisdom from above.""then""a harvest of righteousness" Structure: "wisdom from above.""peace sown by peacemakers." Genre: Mood: PART 2: INTERPRETATION — What the Text Says to the Original Audience Who: AuthorJames 1:1Audience What: James 3:14-16 Where: When: How: Why: PART 3: APPLICATION — What the Text Means to Me & You Today Bridge the Gap: Timeless TruthGod’s Character Personal Reflection: characterwisdomselfish ambition"wisdom from above,""harvest of righteousness""burned bridges""tense relationship""wins for me and losses for them.""peace""peacemaking" If you’ve ever chased after the loudest voices or leaned into selfish ambition, you know tension and division don’t take long to creep in. But we are reminded there’s a better way. Godly wisdom isn’t about being the loudest or getting ahead; it’s about living a life that reflects the character of Christ. Ask yourself: Do my words and actions leave peace or conflict in their wake? Am I open to God’s wisdom—pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy—or have I let earthly desires take over? It’s never too late to surrender. Give up the ambition that burns bridges. Let go of attitudes that stir chaos. Step into the wisdom of God that produces a harvest of righteousness. Today, I invite you to give in to God. If you’re tired of burning bridges, come to Him. Ask Him to replace selfish ambition with His peace and righteousness. Ask Him to make you a peacemaker in your home, workplace, and community. Here is a prayer, I am going to prayer over you and me today: Father, I’ve tried to lead with my own wisdom, and it’s left me weary and broken. I surrender my desires, my plans, and my pride to You. Teach me to live with Your wisdom and to sow peace wherever I go. May my life reflect Your character and bring glory to Your name. Amen. #GodlyWisdom, #Peacemakers, #HarvestOfRighteousness ASK THIS: DO THIS: Ask God to reveal one attitude or habit that hinders peace and commit to replacing it with an action that reflects His wisdom. PRAY THIS: Father, guide my heart to seek Your wisdom above all else, letting it shape my words, actions, and relationships. Help me to be a peacemaker, sowing righteousness and reflecting Your character in everything I do. Amen PLAY THIS: Christ Our Wisdom.

Did you know the average person makes over 35,000 decisions daily—many driven by impulse or fleeting emotions? Imagine if even 10% more of your decisions were guided by true wisdom. How radically different would your life look? Today, James reveals seven attributes of godly wisdom that can illuminate your thoughts and actions, leading to peace and purpose in every area of your life. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:17-18. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. — James 3:17-18 Here are his seven attributes of godly wisdom and a simple definition of each: Purity:Peace:Gentle:Willing:Full of mercy and good fruit:Impartial:Sincere: These seven attributes of wisdom are more than a checklist—they illuminate the nature of God's wisdom and Jesus’ character. Striving for godly wisdom aligns our hearts, minds, and will with His, inviting His peace and purpose to flourish in our lives and relationships. Today, take a moment to reflect: which of these seven attributes of godly wisdom stands out to you as an area for growth? Is there one where you’ve struggled to reflect God's wisdom and Jesus’ character? Maybe it’s gentleness, sincerity, or showing mercy in action. Identify the one attribute you need to work on, confess it, and take a step toward turning it up even a small percentage—it could make a profound difference in your life and relationships. Drop your response in the comments below. For example, if you’ve struggled with gentleness, share how you plan to show more kindness this week. Let me pray for you as you take this next step in growing in godly wisdom. Remember, God’s wisdom is available to all who ask. Together, let’s seek His peace and purpose in our lives. #GodlyWisdom, #BibleStudy, #James317 ASK THIS: DO THIS: Choose one attribute of godly wisdom to focus on this week, and practice it daily in your thoughts, words, and actions. PRAY THIS: Father, help me to seek and reflect Your wisdom in every decision I make today. Guide my heart to live with purity, peace, and sincerity so my life glorifies You. Amen PLAY THIS: Thank You, Jesus.

Did you know that Scripture links selfish ambition and jealousy to something much darker—earthly, unspiritual, and demonic force? That means these aren’t just minor character flaws; they’re part of a deeper battle that affects every aspect of our lives, creating chaos and leading to every kind of evil. But there’s another kind of wisdom—a wisdom from above—that’s pure, peaceful, and powerfully transformative. If you’ve ever felt trapped in cycles of conflict or disorder, our Scripture today might hold the key to breaking free and living with clarity and purpose. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:13-16. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. — James 3:13-16 James goes straight to the heart of the issue, exposing bitter jealousy and selfish ambition for what they truly are—demonic. Let that sink in. Jealousy and selfish ambition aren’t harmless flaws or personal quirks; they’re deeply rooted forces that distort our thinking, shaping attitudes and actions that lead us away from God. This duplicity isn’t just a momentary slip-up—it’s an earthly, unspiritual, and demonic way of life. It subtly prioritizes personal gain, power, and control while masquerading as truth, wisdom, and understanding. This duplicity appears in subtle yet destructive ways. It shows up in manipulation within relationships, where people exploit others for their own benefit. It infiltrates workplaces through deceit, backstabbing, and constant jockeying for position. It even divides churches when selfish ambition takes precedence over sacrificial love. At first glance, it might look like wisdom—after all, the world often rewards selfish ambition—but it actually plants seeds of chaos, conflict, and destruction. James calls us to something far greater—a wisdom from above, evidenced by understanding and marked by meekness. True wisdom isn’t only about how much we know; it’s revealed in how we live. It’s not merely intellectual; it’s profoundly moral and spiritual, rooted in humility, meekness, and reverence for God. It’s the kind of wisdom that produces actions aligned with God’s truth. Think of this process like building a house. Wisdom is the blueprint for a strong, sturdy home—you can see the design and understand what it’s supposed to look like. Understanding is the actual construction—pouring the foundation, putting up walls, and carefully following the blueprint to bring it to life. Without the blueprint, the house would be chaotic, poorly constructed, and prone to collapse. Without understanding, the blueprint would remain just a nice idea on paper, never becoming a reality. When wisdom and understanding work together, they create something lasting, strong, and purposeful—just as God intended for our lives. In the same way, knowing God’s truth (wisdom) and living it out (understanding) must be accompanied by the right attitude—meekness. When we align our actions with God’s wisdom, the results are unmistakable: clarity replaces confusion, peace overcomes turmoil, and order arises from chaos. This isn’t merely a better way to live; it’s God’s design, powerfully transforming our hearts, homes, and communities. Together, these elements build a life of enduring purpose and beauty. Take a moment to examine your heart. Where has jealousy or selfish ambition crept in? Confess it to God and ask for His wisdom, then choose one way to live it out today—with humility, peace, and truth. Wisdom from above builds up; ambition from within tears down. #GodlyWisdom, #BreakFreeFromAmbition, #James316 ASK THIS: DO THIS: Confess any jealousy or selfish ambition to God, then choose one...

A few years ago, I was wrapping up a workout at the gym, drenched in sweat and parched. You know that kind of thirst where you feel like you could drink an entire lake? I wandered over to the cooler, casually chatting with someone, my mind elsewhere. I grabbed my container, popped it under the spigot, and filled it up without a second thought. Still mid-conversation, I raised the cup to my lips, eager for a refreshing gulp of cold water. But instead of quenching my thirst, I jerked back in shock as my lip sizzled in pain. I’d filled my cup with steaming hot water. Instantly, my careless mistake turned what I thought would refresh me into something that burned me. It was a surprising and not-so-gentle reminder to pay attention to the water I was putting in my cup. In the same way, careless words that come out of our mouths can soothe or burn. That is what James is concerned about today. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:9-12. With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. — James 3:9-12 James uses some very vivid illustrations in these short verses: Unlike the natural order, James points out that humanity, specifically believers, are the only creatures in all God's creation that can act inconsistently. The propensity is almost schizophrenic. But here is James's bottom line: The tips of our tongues and the orifices of our mouths reveal our inconsistencies and the nature of our hearts. They expose us. We have all said stupid things. But James is not just concerned about the stupid things you and I say. He is concerned about the inconsistency of our hearts, which think and believe inconsistent thoughts and ideas, thus communicating inconsistent messages that burn us and others. James is leading us all toward deep consistency. Consistency starts in the heart. When Christ rules your heart, your words should follow. So, if you have been compartmentalizing your faith in Jesus, it's time to stop. Let Christ and his Spirit live in all the rooms, hallways, and corners of your heart. Open up to God where you have held onto pain, anger, regret, bitterness, and guilt with others. Start looking at all people through the lens of God, fallen but created by him for a relationship with Jesus. Then speak life, bless others, align your words with God's heart, and maybe you'll stop getting into hot water. #TamingTheTongue, #SpeakLife, #FaithInAction ASK THIS: DO THIS: Speak a blessing to someone you’ve struggled with this week, reflecting God’s love through your words. PRAY THIS: Lord, transform my heart so that my words reflect Your love and truth. Help me speak life and bring blessings to others. Amen PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.

As the wildfires rage across Los Angeles, consuming homes and devastating lives, we’re reminded of the sheer power and destructive force of a single spark. What starts as something small—a stray ember, a careless mistake—quickly becomes uncontrollable, leaving destruction in its wake. James uses this same image to describe the tongue: a small spark capable of setting the entire course of life on fire. As we grieve for those affected by these fires, let’s reflect on how the unchecked words from our own mouths can cause harm far beyond what we ever intended. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:5-8. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. — James 3:5-8 James doesn’t hold back when addressing the power of our words in Chapter 3. Now, he describes the tongue as a fire capable of immense destruction. The image is vivid and unsettling in light of what is happening in Southern California—a tiny member of the body with the power to stain the whole person and set life ablaze. Worse yet, James says the source of this destructive fire is hell itself. We’ve all experienced the devastation of careless words. A thoughtless insult, a lie, or a cutting remark can unravel relationships, damage reputations, and ignite conflicts. James doesn’t exaggerate when he calls the tongue a “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” It’s a force we cannot tame on our own, no matter how much we try to control it. But here’s the hope: the same tongue that sparks destruction can also spark repentance, restoration, and reconciliation when surrendered to God. Words spoken in humility can mend broken relationships. Words of truth can lead someone to repentance. And words of encouragement can breathe life into weary souls. James reminds us of the danger, but the Gospel reminds us of the opportunity—when the Spirit guides the tongue, it can become a powerful instrument of God’s grace. Today, take a moment to consider the fires you might have started with your words. Is there a need for repentance, restoration, or reconciliation in your life? Where might your words spark healing and hope? Surrender your tongue to the Lord and ask Him to guide your words, turning sparks of destruction into flames of grace and redemption. #TameTheTongue, #SpeakLife, #WordsOfGrace ASK THIS: DO THIS: Speak one intentional word of encouragement or apology today to spark healing or hope in someone's life. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to tame my tongue and use my words to build others up, not tear them down. Guide me to speak with humility, grace, and truth, reflecting Your love in every conversation. Amen

Picture a massive horse galloping at full speed or a colossal ship navigating through fierce winds. What’s the common factor? Both are controlled by something incredibly small—a bridle and a rudder. Likewise, your tongue, though small, can steer the course of your life. Where will your tongue lead you today? Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:3-5. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. — James 3:3-5 Our tongues are small but wield immense power, often causing destruction through careless or harmful words. Most of us remember the slap that was heard around the world at the Oscars in 2022. Will Smith walked on stage and violently slapped Chris Rock for a joke about his wife. We know today that they both said things they regret, and the fallout lasted a long time. That moment illustrates the profound truth and effect James is communicating in this text. But we all know the real issue isn’t just the muscle in our mouth, which we call a tongue—it’s what happens in the space between our thoughts and the words that come out of our mouths. Without intentional control, the tongue can act as a loose rudder, steering us into dangerous waters. But "bridling the tongue" isn’t simply about pulling back on our words—it’s about directing, leading, and controlling the will behind them. Just like a pilot sets a course for a ship or a rider guides a stallion, we must engage our minds and hearts before we speak and act. Here’s your task today: Harness your tongue, bite your tongue, direct your tongue, and then speak with intention. Do this, and your words might echo grace instead of creating the kind of ripple that turns into a slap heard around the world. #DailyDevo #PowerOfWords #FaithInAction ASK THIS: DO THIS: Harness your tongue, bite your tongue, direct your tongue, and then speak with intention. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to pause and reflect before I speak, guiding my words to bring life and encouragement. Teach me to use my tongue to glorify You and build others up today. Amen PLAY THIS: Greater Than All My Regrets.

magine gripping an Olympic barbell, its cold steel pressing into your palms. Now, with every word you speak, imagine spotters steadily adding weight—one pound at a time. Each phrase makes the bar pounds heavier until it becomes unbearable. That’s the kind of weight spiritual leadership carries. This devotional is about 1100 words long. Just imagine trying to deadlift that—not a chance, right? That would be an record, If I were able to lift it. And yet, that’s the reality of teaching God’s truth. In James 3:1-2, we’re reminded that those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. So, how do we step up to the bar without being crushed? Let’s dig into that together. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:1-2. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. — James 3:1-2 James opens this chapter with a warning: not everyone should aspire to be a teacher. And what is his reason? Teaching God’s Word comes with weightier spiritual responsibility and accountability because it carries the power to shape others’ faith and lives. Misusing this gift can cause spiritual harm, so James emphasizes the weightier judgment for teachers. And honestly, these verses have always humbled and incited a holy fear in me—which is necessary for the spiritual teacher. Just so you know, I think about this every day as I approach God's Word—if I am rightly handling the weight of the Word. I do my very best to dig deep and let God's Word speak precisely as the original author intended so that I make applications to our lives that are as surgically correct as possible. But even though James warns spiritual teachers about the weight, he also acknowledges a universal truth: we all stumble or struggle to bear the burden of the weight, which reminds teachers and every one of us with a mouth about the weight of our words. For the Disperions of believers James addressed, this was a warning about the dangers of false teaching and spiritual pride. In a time of persecution and fragile church communities, their words mattered deeply. Teachers had to rely on God’s truth, not their cleverness or ambition, to guide others rightly. Today, this truth is just as critical. God's Word reveals the way, the truth, and the life. Whether you are teaching it from a pulpit, leading from it in a small group, or mentoring someone one-on-one, the weight of your words about God's Word is real. Here’s the key I always try to remember when communicating God’s Word: it’s not about my ability or strength to carry its weight. When I teach the Word, I rely on the All-Powerful God who spoke it. I let its weight rest on me and then share it with you. In the end, my prayer is that we both entrust our lives to the One who can truly bear that weight—Jesus Christ. Here’s the good news: Jesus came to carry the burden we could never bear. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live—He never stumbled in word, action, or thought. And on the cross, He bore the crushing weight of sin for you and me, paying the price so we could be free from its burden. Today, you have the opportunity to let go of that unbearable weight. Jesus invites you with these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). You can let go of the barbell. All you need to do is surrender to Him. Confess your need for His grace. Believe in Him as your Savior. And follow Him as your Lord. If you’re ready to make that decision, pray this with me: “Jesus, I can’t carry this weight anymore. I’ve stumbled in many ways and need your forgiveness. Thank you for living the perfect life and dying for my sins. I believe you rose again, conquering sin and death. Today, I surrender my life to you. Be my Savior and my Lord. Amen.” If you just prayed this...

What does spiritual maturity look like in action? James 2 offers a powerful blueprint: impartiality and living works. Summary: James 2 challenges believers to grow in spiritual maturity by practicing impartiality and linking their faith to action. Impartiality obliterates prejudice by recognizing that all people are equal before God, while living works demonstrate the evidence of a genuine, active faith. Spiritual growth requires stopping favoritism and actively serving others, reflecting God’s standards through both belief and behavior. Reflection and Discussion Questions:

What do Abraham, a patriarch, and Rahab, a prostitute, have in common? At first glance, it seems nothing—one is a giant of the faith, the other a woman with a checkered past. Yet James places them side by side, using them as examples of how men and women of living faith should aspire to live. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 2:21-26. Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. — James 2:21-26 Abraham’s faith is legendary in the Bible. It led him to the ultimate act of trust—total obedience to God and the willingness to offer up his son Isaac on the altar. Even though God did not let him carry out the final act, Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s command revealed a faith so deep and complete that he became known as the Father of Faith. This wasn’t just about belief; it was about belief that acted. His legacy of faith became the foundation for generations to come, marking him as a friend of God and a model for all who follow. Rahab’s story, though seemingly different, echoes the same truth. As a Gentile woman with a sinful past, Rahab had no reputation to lean on—only a choice to make. Her faith moved her to risk her life by hiding Israelite spies and helping them escape. This single act of courageous trust in God not only saved her family but also grafted her into the lineage of Jesus Christ. Her legacy? Proof that faith can transform even the most unlikely life into a story of redemption. What binds these two together is a faith that moves—faith that acts, responds, and lets God write the story. Abraham’s faith shaped nations. Rahab’s faith redeemed her family and secured her place in history. Faith that moves writes stories that endure. So, what story does God want to write with your life and faith? The only way to find out is to live out your faith through action. Remember, Jesus didn’t just speak of love—He demonstrated it through the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice. Leaving the glory of heaven, He took on human form and laid down His life on the cross for our sins. His unwavering faith in the Father’s plan was lived out in perfect action, securing redemption for all who believe. Jesus went all in for us—now it’s our turn to live all in for Him. #FaithInAction, #LivingFaith, #TrustAndObey ASK THIS:

Have you ever met someone who talks a good game but doesn’t back it up? Whether it’s the friend who promises to help but never shows up or the coworker with big ideas but no follow-through, we all know the frustration of empty words. James confronts a similar issue when it comes to faith: faith without action is like words without deeds—it’s empty. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 2:18-20. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? — James 2:18-20 James makes a comparison today on a topic he has already been building on. He presents a fictional debate between two people who live in two ways: one who claims they have faith without evidence and the other with faith with evidence. This comparison cuts to the core of a decision for Jesus that demonstrates no decisive change. In James' mind, what we might think of as "easy believism" might be a belief, but it is not a living, working, and active faith in Jesus. He calls it foolish, useless (James 2:20), and dead (James 2:17). He then makes another comparison to emphasize the preposterous nature of the logic of "easy believism." He highlights that demons themselves hold an orthodox understanding of God’s existence and oneness. They acknowledge the truth of God's sovereignty. They even tremble in fear because they know God's power and authority. However, their faith is not a genuine saving faith because it fails to produce evidence of authentic faith. Their belief does not produce signs of repentance, obedience, or a transformed relationship with God. God is merely a fact they cannot deny, yet it does nothing to change their rebellion. The shocking implication is that "faith without evidence" is similar to the "faith" of demons. Both may believe God exists, believe he is one, know God is sovereign, and tremble in fear before God but demonstrate no demonstrative. Faith that is not demonstrative is demonic. James challenges his readers to examine their proclamation of faith carefully. Is it only acknowledgment, like the demonic, or is it demonstrative? The easiest way to begin is by connecting your faith to straightforward action. Here is a list of seven actions you could take to connect your faith with action. Choose one. Commit to doing it, and let's demonstrate authentic faith to those around us. 1. Serve Someone Look for an opportunity to help someone in need, whether a neighbor, coworker, or stranger. It could be as simple as lending a listening ear, sharing a meal, or helping with a task they can’t handle alone. Faith in action serves others selflessly. 2. Speak Life Be intentional with your words. Encourage someone who might be struggling or share a Scripture that has impacted you recently. Let your speech reflect the hope and truth of Christ. 3. Step into Obedience Identify one area where God has been calling you to obedience. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, confessing sin, or starting a new habit like daily prayer. Take the first step today, trusting that God’s strength will carry you through. 4. Practice Generosity Give something tangible—a financial gift, your time, or resources—to someone or an organization that could use it. Generosity demonstrates trust in God’s provision and care for others. 5. Reflect God’s Love at Home Sometimes, the most challenging place to live out our faith is with those closest to us. Show patience, kindness, or humility to your spouse, children, or roommates. Let your actions match your faith in Christ’s transforming love. 6. Commit to Growth Spend intentional time with God by studying Scripture and praying daily. Then, look for ways to share what you learn with others, making your spiritual growth an encouragement to their faith. 7. Stand for...

What good is your faith if it sits on the bench instead of stepping into the game? James warns us today that true faith doesn’t stay idle. It moves, takes action, and meets the needs of those around us. Faith that doesn’t act is dead—lifeless, useless, and disconnected from God’s purpose. So, is your faith alive and thriving? Or does your faith need a resurrection? Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 2:14-17. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. — James 2:14-17 To be clear, James isn’t suggesting that works save us. Salvation is by faith alone, through the finished work of Christ on the Cross. What James is saying is this: true, saving faith produces visible evidence. A faith that doesn’t show itself in action is not alive—it’s counterfeit. James’ message cuts straight to the heart of Christian apathy. If we claim to follow Christ, we can’t just say it; we must show it. If I believe in a God who loves, then my life must overflow with love. If I trust a God who provides, my actions should reflect generosity. And if I know a God who forgives, then I must extend forgiveness and mercy to others. Faith that works isn’t optional—it’s essential. James paints a vivid picture: if you see someone shivering in the cold and starving and all you offer are empty words, “You’ve got this!” you’re missing the point entirely. They don’t “got this.” They’re cold. They’re hungry. Real faith doesn’t drive by; it stops, steps in, and meets the need. Here’s the hard truth: selfishness and a desire for convenience lie at the root of dead faith. We avoid helping because it disrupts our plans, our comfort, or our resources. But a living faith embraces the inconvenience because it reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. Faith that works, works. This year, don’t just proclaim your faith—live it. God didn’t just say He loved us; He demonstrated it by sending Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate act of faith in action. If you’ve experienced His love, let it move you to love, serve, and act in ways that reflect Him. Take a moment to examine your heart. Is your faith alive and active, or does it need a resurrection? Confess where you’ve fallen short and ask God to breathe life into your faith so it overflows into your actions. Lord, I confess that my faith has been stagnant in too many areas of my life. Thank You for showing me mercy through Jesus. Help me to live out my faith by meeting the needs of those around me and showing Your love through my actions. Amen. If you’re ready to get off the bench and into the game, write “I’m in the game” in the comments below. Let’s live a faith that moves, reflecting the God who moved heaven and earth to save us. Join me tomorrow as we continue our study through James! ASK THIS:

What if one mistake made you guilty of everything? According to James, that’s exactly how God’s law works. But here’s the lifeline: God’s mercy steps in where we fall short. The 1% we can’t earn but desperately need is available in Christ. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is from James 2:10-13. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. — James 2:10-13 God’s standard is perfection. Breaking just one part of His law makes us guilty of it all. Think about that: one small sin in a lifetime of goodness still leaves us entirely guilty before a holy God. His law reflects His perfect character, and breaking even one command dishonors the Lawgiver Himself. That leaves no room for pride, comparison, or judgmentalism—we’re all in the same boat. As Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But here’s the good news. James points us to the “law of liberty,” the freedom we have in Christ because of God’s mercy. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the proof and provision of that mercy. The question is: will you receive it or reject it? Rejecting Jesus is rejecting mercy itself. And if we receive His mercy, we’re called to reflect it—because withholding mercy reveals we haven’t truly accepted it. Are you ready for God’s final judgment? Without Christ, none of us can stand before God’s perfect standard. But through God’s mercy in Jesus, we’re offered forgiveness and freedom. If you’ve been relying on your own goodness, it’s time to trust in God’s grace. Confess your sins, big or small, and place your faith in Jesus. His mercy sets you free from the law of sin and death. Here’s a prayer to take that first step: “Lord, I confess that I fall short of Your perfect standard. Thank You for the mercy You’ve shown me through Jesus. I surrender my life to You and ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to walk in Your grace and extend mercy to others. Amen.” If you prayed this prayer today, write "I choose Jesus" in the comments below and follow me daily as we study the bible. I would love to be your mentor as you begin the journey. Let's live all in for him, who lived all in for you. #GodsMercy, #FinalJudgment, #James2 Ask This: Do This: Choose Jesus and choose mercy. Pray This: Lord, I confess that I fall short of Your perfect standard and need Your mercy. Thank You for offering forgiveness through Jesus; help me to live in Your grace and share Your mercy with others.Amen. Play This: Mercy.

Two people walk into church. One is a polished executive, exuding confidence and commanding attention. The other is someone worn out by life, with tattered clothes and weary eyes. Who catches your attention first? The confident one, or the struggler barely holding it together? How we respond to these two reveals what we truly believe about God and His church. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is from James 2:5-9. Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. — James 2:5-9 James reminds us that God’s kingdom flips our understanding of value upside down—or perhaps, sets it right side up. What the world prizes often holds little worth in God’s eyes. In fact, worldly values can blind us to true spiritual worth. God doesn’t measure value by appearances, achievements, or accolades but by His love, His law, His promises, and the honor of His name. True value, then, isn’t something we decide—it’s defined by God. James highlights that those who lack material wealth are often more aware of their spiritual poverty than those who rely on their own resources. Why? Because the poor depend on God, not on what they can offer themselves. This means that the world’s values—money, status, power—don’t carry the same weight in God’s community. Instead, James gives us the royal law: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Favoritism fails, but love fulfills the royal law. If favoritism has taken root in your heart, now is the time to bring it before God. Just yesterday, I caught myself slipping into a judgmental spirit. My thoughts were swirling about people, situations, and moments from the day. Then, I read these verses and was convicted. While James applies this to favoritism in the church, the root issue is the same: a judgmental heart. I had to speak God’s truth to my thoughts, repent, and confess my sin to Him. Even though no one else knew, I turned my heart back to the royal law of love. Like me, I invite you to turn from favoritism and judgment. Begin by asking God to forgive you for evaluating people through the lens of worldly standards. Then, pray for His help to see others through His eyes. What step can you take this week to love someone the world has overlooked? Together, let’s value what matters to God and show others the God who values them. #RoyalLaw, #NoFavoritism, #GodsKingdom Ask This: Do This: Repent of favoritism and judgmentalism. Pray This: Lord, forgive me for judging others by worldly standards and playing favorites. Help me to love all people as You do and reflect Your grace.Amen. Play This: Holy Spirit.

Have you ever felt invisible? Maybe you walked into a room, and no one noticed you because you didn’t fit the mold. Imagine walking into a church to seek hope only to find rejection. How you treat others could be the difference between them being drawn to Jesus or driven away from him. And this is what James is concerned about in today's text in James 2:1-4. Welcome to the Daily Devo. If you are new here, it is not too late to get your James Scripture Journal. If you missed a few devotionals you can go back and listen and catch up on our study through James. There are hundreds of us studying the book of James right now, and you can join the community. Let's read the text for today: My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? — James 2:1-4 James does not pull punches here. He directly tackles a widespread issue in the church: favoritism. I think we can all imagine this situation: two people walk into the same church. One is decked out in designer threads, radiating success. The other looks like they just crawled out of bed from a hard week. What do you think? What's your judgment? Will you disregard the disheveled and favor the decked-out? Will you ignore the one to seek the benefit and approval of the other? If you do, even within your mind, James defines this as “judging with evil thoughts.” We all have been the target of favoritism and the instigator of it. However, favoritism in the church is a deadly disease to the gospel and the glory of God. When we come to a gathering of believers in "judgment mode," judging the people around us we objectify the wrong thing—ourselves. God's church was not designed to be a place to build our network or net worth. It is a place where together we focus our hearts and minds on God, glorifying and worshiping him, not ourselves. This is one of the things I appreciate about the church and the gospel. We are all sinners through and through, redeemed only by his grace, not by factors determined by the government, education, pop culture, net worth, or genetics. Why would we rely on such factors, unless we’ve become judges with evil thoughts? Favoritism reveals our faithlessness. Check your heart this week. Notice how you judge those within your Christian community. Who do you gravitate toward? Who do you ignore? Then ask yourself the hard and reflective question: why do I ignore one and gravitate to the other? Then, make it a point to intentionally greet or sit with someone you’d normally overlook at church. When you do this, you are glorifying God and sharing the gospel of God's great grace. The same grace he extended to you. If our favoritism reveals our faithlessness, then the gospel reveals God's boundless grace and perfect judgment. None of us can stand before him based on what we wear, what we’ve done, or who we know. We’re all sinners in desperate need of a Savior, and the good news is this: Jesus judges perfectly and welcomes us just as we are even though he demands a change. While we often judge by appearances or selfish motives, Jesus looks beyond the surface. He sees your heart and offers grace—not because of what you bring, but because of what he has done. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died the death we deserved, and rose again to offer us forgiveness and eternal life. So today, if you feel overlooked, unworthy, or even guilty of favoritism, know that Jesus offers a better way. His perfect judgment leads to perfect grace. You don’t have to earn his favor. You can accept his gift of forgiveness and trust him to...

Are life’s challenges breaking you or building you into the person God wants you to be? Summary This video explores James 1’s powerful insights into trials, temptations, and integrity. Discover how trials can strengthen and complete your faith, learn to recognize and resist temptations and integrate God’s Word into your actions to live with integrity. This chapter of James provides a practical and life-changing guide to spiritual maturity. Reflection and Small Group Discussion Questions 1. How have trials in your life shaped your faith journey? 2. What steps can you take to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth? 3. How do you differentiate between a trial and a temptation? 4. What practical ways can you "abort" temptation when it first arises? 5. How can you better integrate God’s Word into your daily actions? 6. In what areas of your life do you struggle with aligning your hearing and doing of God’s Word? 7. How does your understanding of trials change when you see them as opportunities to strengthen faith? 8. How can community and accountability help you overcome temptations? 9. What does it mean to you to live with integrity in a world full of trials and temptations? 10. How has God used a recent trial or temptation to grow your spiritual maturity?

It is frustrating to see people who claim to be religious act like complete jerks. And this is precisely what James will call out today in James 1:26-27. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Remember, tomorrow, you will receive a chapter study on James 1 on the Vince Miller Show. If you are new here, get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Let's read the text for today: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. — James 1:26-27 James gives three marks of an authentic believer. These marks prove our authenticity. They are easy to control, or "bridle," when life moves as expected. But how do you respond when life metaphorically speeds up, hits unexpected traffic, a sudden turn, or an object in the road? Can you then steward your words, show compassion, and stand pure? A few days ago, I embarked on a whirlwind trip to help my son travel from Minnesota to Florida. I flew out of Florida at 1:00 p.m. on Friday and landed in Minnesota. An hour later, we hit the road in his car. We drove nonstop from Friday night through Saturday, finally arriving in Florida at 11:30 p.m. We drove through six states and encountered all sorts of memorable sights. But one incident stuck out. Two drivers behaving recklessly in traffic were weaving in and out of cars. Then, one of the drivers, whose car proudly displayed a fish sticker, took things to the next level when he started yelling obscenities out his window and flipped the bird in a fit of rage. But as disappointing as this was to watch unfold, we all know we have the propensity to act this way. And the true mark of our spiritual authenticity is how, in these moments, we: James is saying that it is possible to "look" religiously perfect. You can have perfect church attendance, vast bible knowledge, pray elaborate prayers, and even give generously, but if your words are habitually unbridled, you have no compassion for the vulnerable, or you cannot stand pure in an impure world, your religion is worthless. This is because religious practices, no matter how perfectly practiced, are meaningless if your heart is not marked by authentic change. A marked heart, not a marked checklist, marks authentic religion. You see, a fish symbol on a car is just a symbol when it does not symbolize the heart of the driver. And James warns us not to let our lives resemble the same. What you display to the world—your faith—needs to be consistent with how you live. That means your words must be consistent. Your hearts must break for the vulnerable. And your life must testify to purity in a world stained by sin. Ask yourself these three questions today and make the necessary changes. If you want, write down the change you need to make in your Scripture Journal or leave a comment below as a testimony to the change you are choosing to make. #AuthenticFaith, #James12627, #TrueReligion Ask This: Do This: Write out the change you are going to make. Pray This: Father, transform my heart so that my words, actions, and life reflect true and pure faith in You. Help me to steward my words, show compassion, and remain pure in a world that often pulls me away from You. Amen. Play This: God, I Look To You.

You roll out of bed, glance in the mirror, and see yesterday’s dinner stuck in your teeth. Instead of grabbing a toothbrush or toothpick, you think, I'll leave that there for a snack later, and you head to work and wonder why everyone’s staring at you when you are talking. Ridiculous, right? This is the picture James paints today of someone who hears God’s Word and doesn’t live it out. Welcome to the Daily Devo. [Get ready for a chapter study on the Vince Miller Show] If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Our text today is James 1:23-25: For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. — James 1:23-25 James compares a forgetful hearer of God’s Word to a man who looks at his reflection but quickly forgets his own appearance. It’s not the mirror’s fault, nor the man’s inability to understand what he saw. The problem is in the follow-through—or lack of it. Hearing the Word without doing anything about it is spiritual negligence. But there’s another kind of man—the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty and acts on it. This isn’t a guy who merely glances at Scripture for a quick fix or a feel-good information. He studies it, lets it reshape his thinking, and then gets to work. His obedience is a response to the liberty Christ has already given him. Truth applied is life amplified. God's Word isn't passive. It is active. But we must let it activate us by applying it and living amplified. #FaithInAction #DoersOfTheWord #BlessedByObedience Ask This: Do This: God's Word isn't passive, so don't be passive—act. Pray This: Lord, help me to not only hear Your Word but to live it out in every part of my life. Give me the courage and discipline to act in obedience, reflecting Your truth daily. Amen. Play This: Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly.

Did you know most people forget about 90% of what they hear within just a week? Now consider this—according to the American Bible Society, only 16% of U.S. adults read the Bible most days of the week. Let’s assume they spend a generous 10 minutes a day in Scripture. That adds up to just over an hour a week! But if 90% of what you take in fades quickly, how much of God's Word is truly shaping your life? Maybe it’s time to rethink how we engage with Scripture. This is what James is concerned about today. If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Our text today is James 1:22: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22 James doesn’t beat around the bush. His advice is simple: don’t just listen to God’s Word—live it. He understands something we often forget: information without action is deception. Here’s the stark difference James points out. One group of believers goes to church, listens to teaching, feels conviction, and gathers information about God. But they stop there. They don’t act on what they’ve heard. The other group does the same—except they put what they learn into action. And that’s where transformation begins. Hearing the Word changes nothing until you start doing the Word. So, what do you need to start doing today? Here’s my suggestion. I am here every single day—literally every day! And every day, I give you an action to take. I don’t do this to encourage effort-based salvation but because I believe in the power of small, consistent steps of obedience done every single day. Why? Because small spiritual actions done daily and immediately leave a more profound and lasting mark on your life than a flood of information that you never act on. It’s daily obedient actions in combination with God's Word and Spirit promptings that sanctify change. James boldly confronts us all, declaring believers who hear but don’t act live in self-deception. Remember: A faith that listens but doesn’t live is no faith at all. #LiveTheWord, #FaithInAction, #DailyObedience Ask This: Do This: Listen to the word and act quickly. Pray This: Lord, help me not only to hear Your Word but to live it boldly every day. Show me small ways to act obediently and transform my heart through daily faithfulness. Amen. Play This: I'm Listening.