My God and My Country

 James 1:26-27 - Geneva Bible

26 If any man among you seem religious, and refraineth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God, even the Father, is this, to visit the fatherless, and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted of the world.

Lord, my Lord, forgive me for not reading Your word over the past few days. I have no excuse, none that would warrant Your forgiveness, yet I believe in You, and trust Your ways. Help me to make Your ways, my ways, amen

Brethren:

A third and fourth admonition. The former speaks upon being able to bridle our tongues. When we speak ill of someone or gossip or use our mouths for anything other than blessings, (or corrections), then we sin, and our religion, our beliefs are naught more that vanity. This is not pleasing to our Creator. The corrections must of course be done in love, with patience and understanding, for we are mere flesh and blood. The latter admonition says to love one another, to do all things in love and if we were in the very presence of God Himself. In particular those that are truly in need, and have wants that needs be filled. This is true faith, and religion and is most pleasing to God. RP. Woitowitz

“When men take more pains to seem religious than really to be so, it is a sign their religion is in vain. The not bridling the tongue, readiness to speak of the faults of others, or to lessen their wisdom and piety, are signs of a vain religion. The man who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious heart. False religious may be known by their impurity and uncharitableness. True religion teaches us to do every thing as in the presence of God. An unspotted life must go with unfeigned love and charity. Our true religion is equal to the measure in which these things have place in our hearts and conduct. And let us remember, that nothing avails in Christ Jesus, but faith that worketh by love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands.” Matthew Henry