"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Ps. 107:1, 8)

Yes, indeed, the Lord's goodness and mercy certainly pursued us this year at the Heidelberg West Youth Camp! The transition to a new and improved campsite, located in south Central California, (sierrachristiancamps.org), proved to be very beneficial to the overall camp experience, both for our wonderful, enthusiastic campers and our faithful and hard-working counselors, pastors, and cooks!

We had a total of 82 folks up at camp, with a few visitors who came and helped out as they were needed. Our camper count was up from last year by seven!

The theme of this year's camp was "Loving God's Word." The pastors each taught a morning lesson and an evening follow-up lesson. Although we did not have our traditional camp worship services this year, all the pastors agreed that this teaching format was more profitable for all involved. I do believe that the campers also found this new format to be very helpful in understanding and retaining the lessons that were presented.

The Activities Director, Mr. Todd Crabtree (Grace Reformed, Bakersfield) provided all of us with the perfect amount of things to do! From the "Dye Wars" to the night-time frisbee games; to the "make your own tie-die T-shirts"; to the archery and foosball games; to the 60-degree swimming pool extravaganza; to the free-time, and volleyball games, and even the flubbed-up treasure hunt, I think that everyone had a great time!

Of course we feasted like kings and queens under Heidelberg's own Pamela "Adeen" Spitzer! Along with her excellent kitchen help (Cheri Spitzer, Marann Jones, Bonnie Williams, and Julie Kirschenmann), all of the tasty dishes were truly enjoyed by one and all.

The H.W.Y.C. Talent Show on Thursday night was good enough to rival any ole' "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Got Talent" television program. I prefer the talent of our young folk any day of the week! (Except for some dance moves by certain adults!)

For any who are able to make it up for an evening during our nightly hymn sing with Pastor Emeritus Vernon Pollema leading, well, let's just say you're in for an absolutely wonderful spiritual high! The words of sound wisdom from pastor Pollema and the beautiful singing by our young men and ladies is certainly a foretaste of that joy we shall know and experience in heaven!

We have a lot of things to work out and fine-tune, but overall, the Lord was surely kind and gracious to us as we made our maiden voyage into this new campsite and this new format for the camp.

Yours truly appreciates all of the hard work that all of the volunteers exercised in a loving fashion throughout the camp week. Parents, keep on teaching and leading your children in the ways of the Lord. Continue to support the work of your ministers, elders, deacons, and Sunday school teachers in their respective callings, for the labors that you are engaged in are indeed reaping a spiritual harvest of godly fruit in the lives of your children and in the very life of the Reformed Church in the United States! Thanks again to everyone who helped in any way to make this year's camp a success! May the Lord continue to ‘reform' and conform us evermore after His will, and in the image of His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Paul H. Henderson (Ye ole' Director)

In African context, opportunities to come on the air and broadcast the Gospel on FM stations arise quickly and sometimes disappear just as quickly. Our Medium Wave broadcasts aired from the powerful transmitter of TransWorldRadio in Parakou, Benin (a relatively stable West African country), offer our French speaking listeners throughout West Africa an opportunity to stay tuned without fearing a sudden interruption of our programs. We are thus very thankful for this stable medium. However, as long as opportunities arise for our programs to air on African FM stations (generally much liked and followed by local listeners), we will explore them.

How many seconds, minutes, or hours do you spend praying to God and reading, studying, or meditating upon God's Word? Or, are you like many young people who find it hard to find some quiet time to even get started in the Bible? Perhaps you have tried and tried, and still, the time spent privately and personally before your Lord does not seem so beneficial to you. Well, in this brief article I have been given the assignment to list the benefits we all should be receiving from our "private" or personal times before the Lord and His word.

I will first then, briefly talk about why we should have a private time of devotion; Second, we will look at what or whom it is we should devote ourselves privately. Finally, we will talk about the benefits that you should expect from this time spent personally, privately, and quietly with your Lord.

Why Have Private Devotions?

Because it is listed as one of those holy responsibilities or duties in our Church constitutions: "Every member shall¼ shall engage diligently in private devotions." Yes, and because, even as a "younger member," perhaps even as a confirmed young man or woman, you need to continue to grow in your being confirmed in your faith and in your Lord!

Indeed why? Because dear young men and women, to engage in "private devotions" or in the personal study of God's word, in prayer and fellowship with your God, is something that all Christians should desire to do!

Yes, should desire to do, especially after they have diligently been faithful in attending to the preaching and teaching of God's word from Sunday to Sunday. Listen up now: For from this chief means of grace, our hearts and minds should be energized or further challenged and encouraged to learn more of God, His ways, and our calling to be Christians! Yes, I mean to say, that even as a young person, if you are not first of all diligently seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness through the faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word on His day, then you will certainly not know "why" you should engage in private devotions. Get this part of your Christian life right and you will most assuredly desire to further study God's Word and to spend some quiet time with Him, alone in prayer and devotion.

Next, to What or to Whom Should You Devote Yourselves Privately?

I know that you know this, but seriously, what does "private devotions" consist of, and to whom or what are we devoting ourselves privately? Brethren, yes, that includes you younger covenant folk. You are to devote or specifically set apart some time during the day or even the week, that you might spend time praying to God, reading His word, and then meditating on or listening to His word.

Whether you spend five minutes or fifteen minutes, that personal time (yes, that allotted or specifically set-aside time) should be spent in reading through God's Holy Word. In studying and thinking about the sermon passage preached, or the Sunday school lessons taught, or the Heidelberg Questions and Answers for that week. "Devotion," or to devote one's self to something, such as time to personally commune with your Creator-Redeemer, is consecrating or dedicating a tiny or brief time-slot, in your ‘way-too-busy' schedule, or your ‘filled with me only' schedule so that you can actually converse and talk with God in prayer as you study and read His Word!

Wherefore dear younger brothers and sisters of the RCUS, if you are diligently engaged in preparing for and praying for your Sunday time of devotions with the Triune God in the corporate worship services and Bible studies, you will find the time to privately devote or consecrate and give yourself some time to be with God in prayer and study.

Again, listen up here: For you know that all of us really do what we truly want to do, when we want to do it! Therefore if you really and truly desire to know God and His Son better, to learn more of God's ways and of your calling as a Christian, for His glory and your sanctification, you will find or make the time to privately spend some quiet time with God and His word, communing with Him, listening, petitioning, and thanking Him.

Finally, What Benefits Should I Expect?

What benefits should I expect from this time spent personally, privately, prayerfully, and quietly with my Lord and His Word?

The first of many benefits is that you will certainly grow in your knowledge and understanding of God and His ways. That is, you will grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and thus, in your love for God and your neighbor. You will also see your life becoming conformed more and more unto the image of His dear Son. Likewise, you will learn more and more how you ought to defend the faith, or stand up, stand up for Jesus as soldiers of the cross! Moreover you will be fortified against the assaults and attacks of the wicked one, and your own easily deceived hearts.

Furthermore, you will be saints or members of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom others desire to be around. That is, you will attract or have the right kind of friends wanting to hang out with you! Surely, from these private times before the Lord you will become more humble and meek, and thus, a greater witness to all whom God brings before you, whether they be your believing or "unbelieving" friends!

Truly then, you will also be filled with greater joy and hope in your Christian walk or sojourning. If you spend a little private time with your Lord in prayer, and in studying His Word, you will certainly desire, more and more, to be with your Lord, or to spend even more time in His word; you will begin to desire more and more to see Him return on the clouds of glory.

Let's see, are there any other benefits that I may have forgotten? Well, if you are diligently disciplining yourself, setting aside some specific time for reflection, meditation, and prayer with God and His word, you will most assuredly receive from our gracious God help, grace, and strength for the day-to-day spiritual warfare that all of you are daily engaged in, or should be engaged in. Yes, and you will be better equipped or more thoroughly equipped for every good work. Surely this is every Christian's desire. Surely this is every true believer's hope. Surely this is every church member's prayer and holy wish, both young and old.

Wherefore once again, dear "younger" brothers and sisters in the Lord, as mentioned earlier, seeing that the benefits from engaging diligently in private devotions spring from or develop from diligently engaging in the means of grace that God has so graciously provided for us in the Sunday and/or mid-week services and studies, see to it that you first practice preparing to come before Him in humble dependence and worthy worship. Then the benefits derived or gained from seeking God's kingdom and righteousness through a private, personal, set-aside time of prayer with Him, and His word, will indeed be absolutely manifold and immeasurable!

Yes, I know, even though the benefits are manifold and immeasurable for us when we diligently have private devotions, sadly, many of us fall way short of this diligence. Let us all beg earnestly of our gracious God, that He might strengthen us in this holy practice.

To get started reaping some of these benefits listed, I encourage you to set aside some private, personal, quiet time to prayerfully read Psalms 1, 19, and 119. Then perhaps move on to the Gospel according to John or one of the other Gospel accounts. The Lord bless you all as you invest or commit some of your day or week in having private devotions.

"What kind of faith do (you say) you have?" (James 2:14-17)

The book of James is a book in sermon-like format that has set before us in many different ways-about our faith. "Our faith," as in, not only what we believe, but especially our faith, in terms of what and in whom we are to place our trust, hope, and very lives in! Faith, as in our deepest of convictions, should determine how we live in our day to day relationship with God our Father, and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as with each other.

In regard to the testing or trying of our faith, in chapter 1:2-3 James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance)."

Concerning actually trusting God to give us the wisdom we all so desperately need, he writes in verses 5-6: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting...."

Defining what true religion or ‘faith in Christ' is, in verses 26-27, he reminds us: If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion (or faith) is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

Lastly, in chapter 2:1-13, we are exhorted not to hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality, that is, we are not to say or claim that we have faith in this Lord of glory, and then do the contrary, by showing ungodly favoritism toward anyone, and especially the poor or the least of His brethren. If Christians are followers of Christ, we ought also to walk just as He walked (1 John 2:6).

Evaluation of Our Faith

And so, is it any wonder that when we come to verses 14-26, James once again calls upon us to consider our faith? We must evaluate our profession of faith and check ourselves by asking ourselves, "What kind of faith do we have?" Therefore, James in this passage, combats that slothful and slipshod practice of saying one thing and doing another thing! He challenges those who may be deceiving themselves into thinking that they have true faith, when in truth, their faith is empty or barren. Dead on arrival!

Basically, our Lord is calling us to be Christians: to be Christians in name, in word, in deed, and in all truth and sincerity. "What kind of faith do you say you have?" Is it an ‘alive in Christ' faith? A living faith? Is it a profitable faith that brings forth fruit so that others might know that you are is what you say you are?

Truly, with God Almighty, there are to be no pretenders! No shysters of religion! There is no room for a heady or intellectual kind of faith, or a secret sophisticated orthodoxy! We either have true faith or you have a dead faith! We are either in Christ, or we are not! We are either fulfilling the royal law according to Scripture-loving God and our neighbor as ourselves-or we are not. There can be no happy medium when it comes to holding to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Once again James sets the context, or the mind-set, that he saw in his day, and with which the Church of Jesus Christ, and every body of believers who ever existed, has had to face. And he does so by asking a couple of questions that he expects all true Christians to answer in the negative!

Our Profession

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" (2:14) What is he asking here?

If someone claims that he has faith, and he holds for truth all that God has revealed to him in the

Holy Scriptures, if he talks a good game, if he knows all the right words, the right scriptures and has the catechism memorized, and can give a good answer in regard to the facts of God and salvation-but, if he has nothing to show for it, that is, he or she does not live it, and has no heartfelt trust in the truths of God, of Christ and His saving work, then what does this kind of faith profit? What does this "head knowledge" faith profit him or any body else? Nothing! Again, note, James is supposing that someone is claiming that he has faith, but in reality, he has no fruit or ‘good works' and no evidence to back it up!

Then he asks, "Can this kind of ‘faith' save him?" Does this kind of a faith prove that he or she is a Christian, when this faith is known only in words or in a profession of faith? Is this saving faith? No! For lip service alone can never save an individual! This kind of ‘faith' is not true faith!

"This verse is a pronouncement of the practicality of the Christian faith. Christianity is not getting a few notions into our heads, but it is a change of the seat of all our affections and dispositions, a change of the heart." (Spiros Zodhiates) This is a change that demonstrate that Christ indeed has gotten a hold of us and we of Him!

What is true faith? "True faith is not only a sure or certain knowledge whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to me in His Word, BUT ALSO, a hearty trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the Gospel, that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits." (HC Q20) And because of this, HC Q64 teaches, it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.

How Faith Works

James shows what he means by giving an example of what this ‘professing only faith' looks like.

"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food ... (2:15) This is a brother or sister in the Lord, a fellow believer who is truly in need of the basics of life. "Naked" here means without a decent set of clothes to cover their Body."Destitute of daily food", means that he is without a daily portion of food (without enough food for even one day), "and one of you says to them,"Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," (2:16) This means, "O may the Lord bless you and keep you, or go with God in peace and be warmed and be filled"; (that is, I pray the Lord will make you warm, and somehow brings you a decent pair of pants and a coat, or I pray the Lord give you your daily bread, a bowl of rice or a sandwich.")

In other words, if this professing one only gives to them in word only, but does not give to them the things that are truly needed for the body, what does it profit?

How does this kind of a faith profit anyone-You or them, or the glory of God? It doesn't! Rather it brings shame, dishonor and reproach upon the name of the Lord! It demonstrates a basic lack of love for your brother or sister in the Lord! How can this kind of faith be considered genuine? It cannot! This person's faith has failed the truth and sincerity test! He cannot possibly claim that he has the love of God in his heart (real faith) if he does not manifest it toward his own destitute brothers and sisters.

Here are a few questions that we must ask ourselves: Is this the kind of ‘faith' we have? Is this what ‘our profession of faith' looks like to the world in which we live? Do we even want to know the ‘naked and hungry' brethren in our midst?

To say to someone in need that God will provide the needed clothes and the needed daily bread, when we can perfectly well provide for them ourselves, is making mockery of the name of God. "Sometimes instead of going to our closet of prayer, we might better go to our clothes closet and to our pantry and then visit some of our poor brethren!" (S. Zodhiates)

In verse 17, James also concludes, that "faith by itself (alone), if it does not have works, is dead." This kind of a ‘professing faith' by itself is just as useless or barren as telling someone in need to be warmed and filled!

Then James further adds to his point by using a ‘dramatization' so to speak. He pictures someone in the congregation rising up and speaking to the body supporting his claim and so he writes: "But someone will say. ‘You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (2:18)

In other words, this supposed supporter says: "You who say that you have faith, you profess Christ well and good, and I have works, that is, I live out my faith! So prove to me your ‘profession of faith' without works, without evidence.

And I will demonstrate to you that my faith, the faith that I profess is real, because you will see it in my works! You will see evidence of the saving grace of Jesus Christ at work within me! But you have no real evidence to back up your professed faith! I see none! There is no evidence of the grace of God in Christ at work within you! Where's the fruit? You say you are this and that you believe in this or that-"Where's the proof?"

Many are those who profess Christ, who may recite the Apostles' Creed, and even say it with gusto! They may sing with fervor and pray with all pretense of being sincere; but what good is it if their faith, their hope in Christ is not a hearty trust? There is not a doing of God's word? or a desire to love Him and their neighbor? (See Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 21:28-32)

James then proclaims: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!" (2:19)

Indeed, he tells the scattered saints, that even the evil angels and wicked spirits who are outside of Christ, and who are subject to the curse and condemnation of God, truly believe that there is one God! But what does their kind of ‘faith' result in? They are terrified by Him because there is no real love and trust in God their Creator! Theirs is not a living, loving kind of a faith! Their kind of faith is a fruitless ‘believing faith' that leads them and keeps them forever bound to their sins and rebelliousness and under the judgment and condemnation of the Holy One! (See Mark 1:23-24 ; 3:11; Luke 8:28, 33.)

Is this the kind of faith we desire? ... that we want? ... that we have? A faith that certainly professes, "I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker of heaven and earth", but then trembles, and runs in terror at the sound of His voice? He professes to know this "Father" until all trouble or ‘evil' breaks loose? He talks of his or her faith in this Father, but who, in reality, lives a life of utter carelessness and sinful laziness in the face of the Almighty God?

What Kind of Faith Do You Have?

Hear what God through James has to say to all who think and live so foolishly: "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" (2:20)

This is the truth of all who foolishly sport with God! Who make their profession of faith in God with nice sounding words and statements; who say the right things, and who make the biblically correct pronouncements, but who in reality are far away from Him! For their kind of ‘faith' is a dead faith-a faith that has only remained within the mind or mouth, but has never truly been set in the soul, or embraced by the heart!

What kind of faith do you have? When you and I profess together, "I believe," how far or deep does that belief go? Is it far and deep enough to be seen, felt and known by others? Is it profitable to others? What glory does it bring God, the Father, the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth?

Dear readers, if you would truly believe, if you would truly embrace Jesus Christ, and place all your trust in Him, and if you would have true faith, then you must embrace Jesus Christ with a hearty trust! If there are any of you reading this article that truly know that you have thus far only professed Christ with the lip or with the mouth; indeed, with a right and good sounding mouth or profession, but you know that God is revealing to you that your faith is only an empty or barren profession, then your heart has not been captivated by the love of God in Christ.

If so, I strongly urge you to call upon Jesus Christ to save you from this empty or dead faith and fruit-less profession! Call upon Him to so work in you by the word preached today and through the power of His Holy Spirit-that you might receive the right kind of faith! Saving faith! A faith and a trust or hope that really changes you! That makes you a new creature in Christ, and that will therefore cause you to produce fruits of righteousness for His name's sake! He will hear your plea! He will hear your prayer! For dear readers, He is in the business of saving men, women and children! It is His delight to so work in you, that you will so walk after Him!

Also, for all who have made a profession of their faith; and yet it is a faith that has withered or lost its moisture, whose fruits are languishing upon a mere dusty profession of faith, then your Lord desires to see His grace at work within you, showing forth the fruits of His mercy and love! Call out to Him this day then and confess your sins to Him, crying out to Him: "Lord I do want to be a Christian, and not only in my profession or with my lips alone, but also and especially in my heart and life!" "Lord I want to be like Jesus!" I want the kind of faith that demonstrates itself with deeds of love and mercy so that others might see Christ in me!

May the profession that I make with my lips on a Sunday morning be the same proclamation that is manifested or seen in my life throughout the week!

This is the kind of "faith" that we all should want. This is the kind of faith that is to be proclaimed and believed within our own hearts-within the Body of Christ and unto a lost and sin-cursed world. May God so grant us this living faith, this truly saving faith.

"What kind of faith do (you say) you have?" (James 2: 14-17)

The book of James is a book in sermon-like format that has set before us in many different ways-about our faith. "Our faith," as in, not only what we believe, but especially our faith, in terms of what and in whom we are to place our trust, hope, and very lives in! Faith, as in our deepest of convictions, should determine how we live in our day to day relationship with God our Father, and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as with each other.

In regard to the testing or trying of our faith, in chapter 1: 2-3 James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance)."

Concerning actually trusting God to give us the wisdom we all so desperately need, he writes in verses 5-6: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting...."

Defining what true religion or ‘faith in Christ' is, in verses 26-27, he reminds us: If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion (or faith) is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

Lastly, in chapter 2: 1-13, we are exhorted not to hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality, that is, we are not to say or claim that we have faith in this Lord of glory, and then do the contrary, by showing ungodly favoritism toward anyone, and especially the poor or the least of His brethren. If Christians are followers of Christ, we ought also to walk just as He walked (I John 2: 6).

Evaluation of Our Faith

And so, is it any wonder that when we come to verses 14-26, James once again calls upon us to consider our faith? We must evaluate our profession of faith and check ourselves by asking ourselves, "What kind of faith do we have?" Therefore, James in this passage, combats that slothful and slipshod practice of saying one thing and doing another thing! He challenges those who may be deceiving themselves into thinking that they have true faith, when in truth, their faith is empty or barren. Dead on arrival!

Basically, our Lord is calling us to be Christians: to be Christians in name, in word, in deed, and in all truth and sincerity. "What kind of faith do you say you have?" Is it an ‘alive in Christ' faith? A living faith? Is it a profitable faith that brings forth fruit so that others might know that you are is what you say you are?

Truly, with God Almighty, there are to be no pretenders! No shysters of religion! There is no room for a heady or intellectual kind of faith, or a secret sophisticated orthodoxy! We either have true faith or you have a dead faith! We are either in Christ, or we are not! We are either fulfilling the royal law according to Scripture-loving God and our neighbor as ourselves-or we are not. There can be no happy medium when it comes to holding to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Once again James sets the context, or the mind-set, that he saw in his day, and with which the Church of Jesus Christ, and every body of believers who ever existed, has had to face. And he does so by asking a couple of questions that he expects all true Christians to answer in the negative!

Our Profession

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" (2:14) What is he asking here?

If someone claims that he has faith, and he holds for truth all that God has revealed to him in the

Holy Scriptures, if he talks a good game, if he knows all the right words, the right scriptures and has the catechism memorized, and can give a good answer in regard to the facts of God and salvation-but, if he has nothing to show for it, that is, he or she does not live it, and has no heartfelt trust in the truths of God, of Christ and His saving work, then what does this kind of faith profit? What does this "head knowledge" faith profit him or any body else? Nothing! Again, note, James is supposing that someone is claiming that he has faith, but in reality, he has no fruit or ‘good works' and no evidence to back it up!

Then he asks, "Can this kind of ‘faith' save him?" Does this kind of a faith prove that he or she is a Christian, when this faith is known only in words or in a profession of faith? Is this saving faith? No! For lip service alone can never save an individual! This kind of ‘faith' is not true faith!

"This verse is a pronouncement of the practicality of the Christian faith. Christianity is not getting a few notions into our heads, but it is a change of the seat of all our affections and dispositions, a change of the heart." (Spiros Zodhiates) This is a change that demonstrate that Christ indeed has gotten a hold of us and we of Him!

What is true faith? "True faith is not only a sure or certain knowledge whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to me in His Word, BUT ALSO, a hearty trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the Gospel, that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits." (HC Q20) And because of this, HC Q64 teaches, it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.

How Faith Works

James shows what he means by giving an example of what this ‘professing only faith' looks like.

"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food ... (2:15) This is a brother or sister in the Lord, a fellow believer who is truly in need of the basics of life. "Naked" here means without a decent set of clothes to cover their Body."Destitute of daily food", means that he is without a daily portion of food (without enough food for even one day), "and one of you says to them,"Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," (2:16) This means, "O may the Lord bless you and keep you, or go with God in peace and be warmed and be filled"; (that is, I pray the Lord will make you warm, and somehow brings you a decent pair of pants and a coat, or I pray the Lord give you your daily bread, a bowl of rice or a sandwich.")

In other words, if this professing one only gives to them in word only, but does not give to them the things that are truly needed for the body, what does it profit?

How does this kind of a faith profit anyone-You or them, or the glory of God? It doesn't! Rather it brings shame, dishonor and reproach upon the name of the Lord! It demonstrates a basic lack of love for your brother or sister in the Lord! How can this kind of faith be considered genuine? It cannot! This person's faith has failed the truth and sincerity test! He cannot possibly claim that he has the love of God in his heart (real faith) if he does not manifest it toward his own destitute brothers and sisters.

Here are a few questions that we must ask ourselves: Is this the kind of ‘faith' we have? Is this what ‘our profession of faith' looks like to the world in which we live? Do we even want to know the ‘naked and hungry' brethren in our midst?

To say to someone in need that God will provide the needed clothes and the needed daily bread, when we can perfectly well provide for them ourselves, is making mockery of the name of God. "Sometimes instead of going to our closet of prayer, we might better go to our clothes closet and to our pantry and then visit some of our poor brethren!" (S. Zodhiates)

In verse 17, James also concludes, that "faith by itself (alone), if it does not have works, is dead." This kind of a ‘professing faith' by itself is just as useless or barren as telling someone in need to be warmed and filled!

Then James further adds to his point by using a ‘dramatization' so to speak. He pictures someone in the congregation rising up and speaking to the body supporting his claim and so he writes: "But someone will say. ‘You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (2:18)

In other words, this supposed supporter says: "You who say that you have faith, you profess Christ well and good, and I have works, that is, I live out my faith! So prove to me your ‘profession of faith' without works, without evidence.

And I will demonstrate to you that my faith, the faith that I profess is real, because you will see it in my works! You will see evidence of the saving grace of Jesus Christ at work within me! But you have no real evidence to back up your professed faith! I see none! There is no evidence of the grace of God in Christ at work within you! Where's the fruit? You say you are this and that you believe in this or that-"Where's the proof?"

Many are those who profess Christ, who may recite the Apostles' Creed, and even say it with gusto! They may sing with fervor and pray with all pretense of being sincere; but what good is it if their faith, their hope in Christ is not a hearty trust? There is not a doing of God's word? or a desire to love Him and their neighbor? (See Matthew 7: 21-23; Matthew 21: 28-32)

James then proclaims: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!" (2:19)

Indeed, he tells the scattered saints, that even the evil angels and wicked spirits who are outside of Christ, and who are subject to the curse and condemnation of God, truly believe that there is one God! But what does their kind of ‘faith' result in? They are terrified by Him because there is no real love and trust in God their Creator! Theirs is not a living, loving kind of a faith! Their kind of faith is a fruitless ‘believing faith' that leads them and keeps them forever bound to their sins and rebelliousness and under the judgment and condemnation of the Holy One! (See Mark 1: 23-24 ; 3: 11 & Luke 8: 28, 33.)

Is this the kind of faith we desire? ... that we want? ... that we have? A faith that certainly professes, "I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker of heaven and earth", but then trembles, and runs in terror at the sound of His voice? He professes to know this "Father" until all trouble or ‘evil' breaks loose? He talks of his or her faith in this Father, but who, in reality, lives a life of utter carelessness and sinful laziness in the face of the Almighty God?

What Kind of Faith Do You Have?

Hear what God through James has to say to all who think and live so foolishly: "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" (2:20)

This is the truth of all who foolishly sport with God! Who make their profession of faith in God with nice sounding words and statements; who say the right things, and who make the biblically correct pronouncements, but who in reality are far away from Him! For their kind of ‘faith' is a dead faith-a faith that has only remained within the mind or mouth, but has never truly been set in the soul, or embraced by the heart!

What kind of faith do you have? When you and I profess together, "I believe," how far or deep does that belief go? Is it far and deep enough to be seen, felt and known by others? Is it profitable to others? What glory does it bring God, the Father, the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth?

Dear readers, if you would truly believe, if you would truly embrace Jesus Christ, and place all your trust in Him, and if you would have true faith, then you must embrace Jesus Christ with a hearty trust! If there are any of you reading this article that truly know that you have thus far only professed Christ with the lip or with the mouth; indeed, with a right and good sounding mouth or profession, but you know that God is revealing to you that your faith is only an empty or barren profession, then your heart has not been captivated by the love of God in Christ.

If so, I strongly urge you to call upon Jesus Christ to save you from this empty or dead faith and fruit-less profession! Call upon Him to so work in you by the word preached today and through the power of His Holy Spirit-that you might receive the right kind of faith! Saving faith! A faith and a trust or hope that really changes you! That makes you a new creature in Christ, and that will therefore cause you to produce fruits of righteousness for His name's sake! He will hear your plea! He will hear your prayer! For dear readers, He is in the business of saving men, women and children! It is His delight to so work in you, that you will so walk after Him!

Also, for all who have made a profession of their faith; and yet it is a faith that has withered or lost its moisture, whose fruits are languishing upon a mere dusty profession of faith, then your Lord desires to see His grace at work within you, showing forth the fruits of His mercy and love! Call out to Him this day then and confess your sins to Him, crying out to Him: "Lord I do want to be a Christian, and not only in my profession or with my lips alone, but also and especially in my heart and life!" "Lord I want to be like Jesus!" I want the kind of faith that demonstrates itself with deeds of love and mercy so that others might see Christ in me!

May the profession that I make with my lips on a Sunday morning be the same proclamation that is manifested or seen in my life throughout the week!

This is the kind of "faith" that we all should want. This is the kind of faith that is to be proclaimed and believed within our own hearts-within the Body of Christ and unto a lost and sin-cursed world. May God so grant us this living faith, this truly saving faith.

How many seconds, minutes, or hours do you spend praying to God and reading, studying, or meditating upon God's Word? Or, are you like many young people who find it hard to find some quiet time to even get started in the Bible? Perhaps you have tried and tried, and still, the time spent privately and personally before your Lord does not seem so beneficial to you. Well, in this brief article I have been given the assignment to list the benefits we all should be receiving from our "private" or personal times before the Lord and His word.

I will first then, briefly talk about why we should have a private time of devotion; Second, we will look at what or whom it is we should devote ourselves privately. Finally, we will talk about the benefits that you should expect from this time spent personally, privately, and quietly with your Lord.

Why Have Private Devotions?

Because it is listed as one of those holy responsibilities or duties in our Church constitutions: "Every member shall¼ shall engage diligently in private devotions." Yes, and because, even as a "younger member," perhaps even as a confirmed young man or woman, you need to continue to grow in your being confirmed in your faith and in your Lord!

Indeed why? Because dear young men and women, to engage in "private devotions" or in the personal study of God's word, in prayer and fellowship with your God, is something that all Christians should desire to do!

Yes, should desire to do, especially after they have diligently been faithful in attending to the preaching and teaching of God's word from Sunday to Sunday. Listen up now: For from this chief means of grace, our hearts and minds should be energized or further challenged and encouraged to learn more of God, His ways, and our calling to be Christians! Yes, I mean to say, that even as a young person, if you are not first of all diligently seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness through the faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word on His day, then you will certainly not know "why" you should engage in private devotions. Get this part of your Christian life right and you will most assuredly desire to further study God's Word and to spend some quiet time with Him, alone in prayer and devotion.

Next, to What or to Whom Should You Devote Yourselves Privately?

I know that you know this, but seriously, what does "private devotions" consist of, and to whom or what are we devoting ourselves privately? Brethren, yes, that includes you younger covenant folk. You are to devote or specifically set apart some time during the day or even the week, that you might spend time praying to God, reading His word, and then meditating on or listening to His word.

Whether you spend five minutes or fifteen minutes, that personal time (yes, that allotted or specifically set-aside time) should be spent in reading through God's Holy Word. In studying and thinking about the sermon passage preached, or the Sunday school lessons taught, or the Heidelberg Questions and Answers for that week. "Devotion," or to devote one's self to something, such as time to personally commune with your Creator-Redeemer, is consecrating or dedicating a tiny or brief time-slot, in your ‘way-too-busy' schedule, or your ‘filled with me only' schedule so that you can actually converse and talk with God in prayer as you study and read His Word!

Wherefore dear younger brothers and sisters of the RCUS, if you are diligently engaged in preparing for and praying for your Sunday time of devotions with the Triune God in the corporate worship services and Bible studies, you will find the time to privately devote or consecrate and give yourself some time to be with God in prayer and study.

Again, listen up here: For you know that all of us really do what we truly want to do, when we want to do it! Therefore if you really and truly desire to know God and His Son better, to learn more of God's ways and of your calling as a Christian, for His glory and your sanctification, you will find or make the time to privately spend some quiet time with God and His word, communing with Him, listening, petitioning, and thanking Him.

Finally, What Benefits Should I Expect?

What benefits should I expect from this time spent personally, privately, prayerfully, and quietly with my Lord and His Word?

The first of many benefits is that you will certainly grow in your knowledge and understanding of God and His ways. That is, you will grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and thus, in your love for God and your neighbor. You will also see your life becoming conformed more and more unto the image of His dear Son. Likewise, you will learn more and more how you ought to defend the faith, or stand up, stand up for Jesus as soldiers of the cross! Moreover you will be fortified against the assaults and attacks of the wicked one, and your own easily deceived hearts.

Furthermore, you will be saints or members of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom others desire to be around. That is, you will attract or have the right kind of friends wanting to hang out with you! Surely, from these private times before the Lord you will become more humble and meek, and thus, a greater witness to all whom God brings before you, whether they be your believing or "unbelieving" friends!

Truly then, you will also be filled with greater joy and hope in your Christian walk or sojourning. If you spend a little private time with your Lord in prayer, and in studying His Word, you will certainly desire, more and more, to be with your Lord, or to spend even more time in His word; you will begin to desire more and more to see Him return on the clouds of glory.

Let's see, are there any other benefits that I may have forgotten? Well, if you are diligently disciplining yourself, setting aside some specific time for reflection, meditation, and prayer with God and His word, you will most assuredly receive from our gracious God help, grace, and strength for the day-to-day spiritual warfare that all of you are daily engaged in, or should be engaged in. Yes, and you will be better equipped or more thoroughly equipped for every good work. Surely this is every Christian's desire. Surely this is every true believer's hope. Surely this is every church member's prayer and holy wish, both young and old.

Wherefore once again, dear "younger" brothers and sisters in the Lord, as mentioned earlier, seeing that the benefits from engaging diligently in private devotions spring from or develop from diligently engaging in the means of grace that God has so graciously provided for us in the Sunday and/or mid-week services and studies, see to it that you first practice preparing to come before Him in humble dependence and worthy worship. Then the benefits derived or gained from seeking God's kingdom and righteousness through a private, personal, set-aside time of prayer with Him, and His word, will indeed be absolutely manifold and immeasurable!

Yes, I know, even though the benefits are manifold and immeasurable for us when we diligently have private devotions, sadly, many of us fall way short of this diligence. Let us all beg earnestly of our gracious God, that He might strengthen us in this holy practice.

To get started reaping some of these benefits listed, I encourage you to set aside some private, personal, quiet time to prayerfully read Psalms 1, 19, and 119. Then perhaps move on to the Gospel according to John or one of the other Gospel accounts. The Lord bless you all as you invest or commit some of your day or week in having private devotions.