There Are Two Kinds of Works in the Bible ( Don't Confuse Them )

God just gave me some wonderful insight tonight. In the bible the word works is used in two different ways. One usage of the word is in a negative context. This a works done to gain the approval of God. Also the negative usage of works is almost always paired up with the word law. This is the usage of works in the book of Romans. Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. The other kind of works is done has a spirit motivated action. A christian puts his or her faith in Christ, that action prompts their heart to listen to God which inspire them to action, which equals a spiritually prompted action ( Christian Works). This is the works discussed in the book of James. James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. The trouble with works comes when we do not take the time to put works in right context when we read scripture about works. Getting the two uses of the word works mixed up is the root cause of legalism.

35 Ways to Get More Out of Your Bible Reading Time.

1. Read scripture because you love the inspired author of the Bible.
2. Read for guidance and strength 
3. Read about real  love, peace, and Joy
4. Draw a bible timeline  in you bible (some bibles include a timeline at the beginning of each book) 
5. Go through the bible with a small group
6. Insert your name into the scripture you are reading
7. Turn a psalm into a prayer
8. Try to draw what is described in revelations.
9. Imagine the you are one of the character in the bible put yourself into the story.
10. Memorize scripture 
11. Post scripture all over your walls
12. Share scripture on facebook
13. Do a scripture translation comparison
14. Do a word study
15. Study what the scriptures says in Hebrew and Greek
16. Go to a bible study website, biblegateway.com  mystudybible.com
17. Get a nice study bible
18. Read some bible commentary
19. Have a bible study date
20. Go to your favorite spot in the woods and read your bible
21. Get a bible handbook and read a book of the bible
22. Get a bible dictionary 
23. Listen to an audio bible
24. Listen to a bible podcast
25. Create a skit using a bible story
26. See if you can turn a Psalm into a song.
27. Use scripture has inspiration to create art 
28. Read scripture out loud for the elderly or the visually impaired 
29. Do a one year bible study
30. Do a subject study ( Get a concordance and read every scripture about a certain subject)
31. Read all the words of Jesus
32. Read all the parables of Jesus
33. Read some old testament stories and imagine you are reading a script to an epic action movie.
34. Go through your bible and highlight scriptures that talks about God's character.
35. Put tabs on your bible using post it notes