do what IT says

In my quiet time doing a Beth Moore study this morning, I came across this scripture from James 2: 22-24:  "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  DO WHAT IT SAYS.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." 
 I LOVE THIS.  I think we can all use a reminder of this.  It is not enough to just go to church.  It is not enough to just say you are a Christian.  You must get in the Word.  If you have any habitual sins that you are trying to break free from, a steady diet of the Word will help you.  This could be anything from  sins like addictions or adultery, to the less obvious but just as harmful sins as selfishness, a critical spirit, pride, gossip, worry, fear, lust, unforgiveness....  If you hope to break free from any habitual sin, you will NEVER be able to do it on your own.  Turn to the sovereign One.  He wants to help you.  He is waiting to help you.  He just wants you to cry out to Him.  He knows what you are struggling with before you even ask him.  Your father knows exactly what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8)   
     If you hope to grow in your walk with Christ, no excuse in the world is good enough to not be reading the Bible.  "I'm too busy"(cut out some tv time)...."I don't understand what I read" (get a good parallel bible with contemporary language such as The Message)...  "I read and learned a lot of scripture as a child" (how does that help you today?)  "I'm too tired" (try to set aside some reading time during the most alert, energetic part of your day).  Get in the Word.  It will not just change your life.  It will change your days.