In my last letter I wrote about death and trusting in God’s word and this week I want write about faith. Our faith must be in Jesus and not ourselves. Faith is a real tangible substance-Hebrews 11:1, and without faith it is impossible to please God-Hebrews 11:6. Faith must be a daily act of believing what God said in His word is true, no matter what men may say about it.
Not in a religious sense but as a daily walk with Him like Adam and Eve had in the garden of Eden before their fall. This faith was an act of worship and love for their creator that was pure and innocent. This was the type of worship God wanted then, and He still wants it today. Not us being afraid of Him but as a living fellowship and respectful worship daily.
Trusting in His goodness and protection just as we as earthly parents protect and provide for our children. No act of faith is required of them, just innocent trust and love. Our children believe in us as they ask us for their hearts desires. When they don’t get what they ask for this hurts their trust and sets them up for not being able to trust God. This means that we have failed to train them to ask for things that are within our means as parents to provide.
God’s children must also ask for things that will be helpful to us and also within in His will for us-1 John 5:14. That is why we must become students of His word to be able to use it correctly. We need to see the plan of God for us and act accordingly. The Bible is His word to us and we must read it daily to see what He says to each of us. Not just read it as a novel but as a letter written to each of us by God. If you do not know what is in the Bible (New Testament) you will live under the world’s system and far below your privileges as a child of God.
Believing the Bible is really God’s word is simple faith. How we handle the word of God determines how much faith and what kind of faith it is. Let me close this letter by giving you a few examples of the types of faith we will find as we read the New Testament.
Dead faith-James 2:26, without works our faith is dead or useless.
Little faith-Matthew 8:26, when we doubt God’s ability.
Great faith-Matthew 8:10, when we trust God’s ability.
Growing faith-2 Thessalonians 1:3, exercising faith by action.
Victorious faith- 1 John 5:4, winning faith.
Shipwrecked faith-1 Timothy 1:19, not following the Word of God.
Romans 14:23 reminds us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin. We have to remember that faith is a real tangible substance. It is programmed by God to produce, and it will do just what He said it would do, and nothing will be impossible for us as believers. In the book of James 2:17 and 26, he reminds us that faith without works is dead, not once but twice. So look around as you go about your life and see if God provides you with something to do for someone other than yourself. The opportunities will be there and we do not want to miss them.
I will close out this letter with my usual reminder that we all need to hear. Remember you will make it, just don’t give up. See you next week if we are all still here. Keep looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
In His Service As Kilted Priest
