"Taking It To The Bank" -2

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever." (Psalms 30:12) Now just in case you thought that I was getting back into some kind of a 'works' based frame of mind, it's not about works, it's about giving thanks to God for the wonderful gift of salvation that He has so lovingly given us; something that is not based upon our works, but rather, it does in us a powerful transforming of our lives, that just so happens will produce 'works' in our life; which is the general purpose for the title that I have chosen for this verse; because in order to actually have anything of substance to bring to the bank, it must be something that the bank will accept as money, or worth. Okay, let's forget about doing anything substantive for anyone else, and let's concentrate on the change that is made inside of our hearts. It is critical to be honest with ourselves when we view the 'works' that are evident within our own hearts, because ultimately, that is the real proof of the changed heart; and if our heart has not truly been changed, then our faith is in vain, and is not worthy of anything of value, and not something that we can take to the bank! Don't understand what I said? Well, it has more to do with substance than it does with works! Works are the result of a substantiate change that has happened inside of us; just as the word "glory" that David is speaking of is the substance that creates a song in his heart; it's a spontaneous reaction to that which has happened inside of his heart: his mourning has been changed to dancing, and his sackcloth has been changed into gladness; which is the Lord's doing by the eternal gift of His salvation, and which has more value than anything else; as long as it is real!!! How do you know if it is real? Well, that is between you and God, and if it does not feel real to you, then that is something you need to take up with God, because only God can change your heart. But, if you know in your heart that it is real, then that is something you can count on 'taking it to the bank'... "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the alter? Seest thou how faith wrought his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the Scripture fulfilled which said, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:17-23)