06/18/2026
STP (Study, Trust, Pray) for June 18, 2026
Living the Way
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. 25 But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action. 26-27 Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”—James 1:22-27 MSG
Today, we have this week’s scripture from The Message Translation where James challenges us to move beyond simply hearing the Word and instead to act. He emphasizes that it is dangerous to fool ourselves into thinking we are truly listening to God if we aren't actively living out His teachings. Listening to God's Word without applying it is like looking in a mirror and instantly forgetting our reflection; it leads to a life of spiritual forgetfulness. James illustrates that true faith is not just about what we say or believe, but how we act. It calls us to be practical and compassionate, reaching out to those in need and ensuring our faith is evident in our actions. When we live according to this “perfect law of liberty,” we find joy and affirmation in our obedience, realizing that true religion involves caring for the marginalized and maintaining purity in our lives. As we reflect on this message, let us consider how we can become doers of the Word, living out our faith with authenticity and love.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us and challenges us…Amen.
Dover UMC Sunday School; 9:00am, Sunday; 81 Water Street, Dover, AR 72837
St. Paul UMC Worship Service; 9:00am Sunday; 495 St. Paul Cemetery Rd., Dover, AR 72837…
Dover UMC Worship Service; 11:00am Sunday; 495 St. Paul Cemetery Rd., Dover, AR 72837…
Bible Study on John 1:1-11; June 24, 5:30pm; 81 West Water Street, Dover, AR 72837…