![]() A golfer’s tee shot landed on an ant hill. His next swing missed the ball completely, but sent several hundred ants flying in various directions. His next swing was the same. As the golfer took his stance for his next swing at the ball, one of the ants shouted, “Okay everybody, if we want to get out of this alive we better get on the ball!” God also tells us we must have a faith that gets on the ball. The Biblical way to say this is, Faith Works. If we are going to get out of this world alive (meaning without separation from God) our faith needs to be on the ball and active for God. The apostle wrote, “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith…” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). James said it this way, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). Jesus asked His disciples in Luke 8:25, “Where is your faith?” No doubt Jesus hoped that this question would cause them to reflect on their lack of trust and move them to a greater commitment of faith. Our faith must be active for God (on the ball kind of faith). James closes the 2nd chapter with this statement, “The body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). Where is your faith? Clark Tatum
![]() Nothing can stop the ultimate plan of God. God has a plan and we can be sure God will finish what He started for His good purpose. The Bible says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Prov. 19:21). There is comfort in knowing God has a plan and that He will work His plan for our eternal good (Romans 8:28). For example, the Apostle Paul is under Roman guard and being persecuted in prison due to his faith, but he knows God will accomplish His purpose and plan regardless of the mighty Roman Empire. James gives us a picture of what it means to live by faith under Heaven’s guidance. James says, “…I will show you my faith by what I do.” Yes, you can see faith because faith moves us into action. Believers who walk in the path of obedience to the Lord no matter what is happening in their lives can know they are living under God’s direction. You can know you are living under Heaven’s guidance when you show your appreciation to God for your salvation by the way you live, worship and interact with people. You can know you are living under Heaven’s guidance by continuing to acknowledge Jesus is Lord and pointing others to the redemption found in Him. Let your faith show others it is the greatest thing in the world to be a Christian! Clark Tatum
![]() The Book of Proverbs gives us some good advice. In fact, it is great advice because it comes from God. "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20). This makes all the sense in the world. If we wish we were kinder we should spend more time with those who treat others with gentleness. If we want to grow in our wisdom from above we should put ourselves under the influence of people who make spiritual disciplines a priority. James wrote "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). What an incredible promise! If you need wisdom, God will give it you. When you think about it, wisdom is the solution to just about all of our problems. Wisdom will not only get you out of a jam, it will prevent you from getting in a jam in the first place. God will give you wisdom by telling you what you need to know in order for you to move through life spiritually successful. There will be times when you think you need more money, or more time, or more resources, or more people, or more talent, but what you really need is wisdom from God to maximize your current situation. Clark Tatum
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February 2025
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