DCLM Daily Manna 2026: DCLM Daily Manna 15 January 2026: Faith That Works
Text: James 2:14–26 (KJV)
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
KEY VERSE: James 2:26 (KJV)
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
An incident from the life of John Wesley vividly illustrates an important spiritual truth. One of Wesley’s associates, Samuel Bradburn, was a respected preacher greatly used by God.
At a certain point, however, Bradburn found himself in serious financial distress. When Wesley learned of his situation, he sent him a five-pound note (a significant sum at the time), along with a letter that read:
“Dear Sammy: ‘Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.’ Yours affectionately, John Wesley.”
Bradburn responded promptly:
“Rev. and Dear Sir: I have often admired the beauty of the Scripture you quoted, but I must confess that I have never seen such a useful commentary on it before.”
This episode perfectly illustrates living, practical faith. In today’s text, James forcefully explains the futility of faith that produces no action. He describes a scenario where a brother or sister is in need, yet believers merely offer kind words without providing tangible help. James condemns such behaviour and declares that faith without works is dead.
True faith must be firmly rooted in the saving gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in His infallible Word. This kind of faith results in a transformed life, godly conduct, and a growing confidence in the deity of Christ, His substitutionary death, His bodily resurrection, and the assurance of personal salvation.
This is the faith that saves—yet it never exists alone. Genuine faith must be expressed through action. Beyond believing, faith must behave. Faith works. A faith that produces no works is a faith without value. The actions of Abraham and Rahab loudly testified to the faith that resided in their hearts.
Through James, the Holy Spirit challenges every believer to examine the authenticity of their faith. A living faith is an active faith, proven by obedience and good works. Be warned—faith without works is dead. Make sure your faith is alive.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Faith has works—without them, it is fake.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daily Manna 15 January 2026
