It takes real self-discipline to keep the ways of the Lord. We need to remain faithful, not veering off track when our eye catches a glimpse of something enticing…for that can be our downfall. Our gaze must remain straight ahead, for the way is narrow and evil lurks on either side.
Tag: unwavering faith
Psalm 111:7 ” The works of His hands are faithful and just, all His precepts are trustworthy.”
As the upheaval of this current world continues, no where will you find with certainty reliable truth and enduring principles. It’s only with the Lord that you will find a firm foundation to build your life upon and statues to live an ethically upright life in the mist of this chaos.
Hebrews 11: 39-40 ” These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”
Hebrews Chapter 11, the great “Faith” Chapter in the Bible is a dichotomy of truths to the world. On one hand, it’s a litany of Bible greats who were known for their tremendous trust in God. But on the other hand, not one of them ever received their promise. In fact, Hebrews 11:13 says, “All were still living by faith when they died.” Do you have the wherewithal to hold tightly to your faith until the very end…clinging to the promises of God, even if you never actually see them?
Romans 1:8 ” First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
Every time you share your faith with someone…every time you openly declare your trust and belief in Jesus Christ…God’s word reaches farther into the world. Little did I know when I started this Daily Devotional a little over three years ago that it would now be reaching over 100 countries around the world. As it states in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Our faith and belief in the Gospel message, when shared with others, catapults His Word to the far-flung reaches of this world.
II Thessalonians 1:11 ” …we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
In the Lord’s eyes your life has ultimate purpose…and through Him, it will be brought to fruition, for His glory. Even when you think your life lacks worth and focus…God is ever working to show the plans,goals, and objectives He has for you to accomplish for Him.
Isaiah 7:9 ” If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”
Many have a cause they stand for…endangered animals, human rights abuse, the list is endless. You will hear emotional pleas full of compassion and conviction from motivated people willing to take a stand. So do we as Believers exhibit the same passions and principles when speaking of our faith and trust in Jesus? Are we willing to bear witness to His work in our life and share our testimony with others? If we won’t stand up for Jesus…what will we then depend on?
Matthew 21:21 ” I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt…”
Doubt divides our mind into what we believe, and what suddenly we’re uncertain about. It causes us to question, which leads to wavering, which leads to apprehension, which leads to anxiety, which leads to fear. Doubt is like a cold, hard hailstone that the devil lobs our way, hoping it will freeze us up with fear. That hailstone of doubt will turn our belief into disbelief, and our trust into mistrust. Doubt comes first, and if allowed, fear will follow.
Luke 1: 26-27 ” In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
Gabriel’s mission was to deliver a message so wonderful and miraculous, no one could possibly put their head around it. And yes, Mary had questions…very practical ones, but never once did she question the power of the All Mighty and what He could accomplish. In the end, her faith showed through in her statement to the angel – ” I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Mary’s unwavering faith in her God was evident, even though she might not have understood the process to come.
Acts 19: 11-12 ” God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.”
Today I found the handmade aprons I had been bequeathed from my Grandmother. Both my Grandmothers were resourceful, strong farm women who grew Victory gardens and families in the Illinois dirt during the Great Depression. They learned to make do with what they had and never lost faith during the dark times. As I look at these aprons and ponder this verse, I do agree that Paul was truly anointed of God, but the faith of the woman wearing that apron he had just touched was even more incredible. As she ran home, this woman had unwavering faith that when she laid the apron on the sick family member they would be totally healed. As I contemplate the aprons, I am thankful for the unfaltering faith of my Grandmothers… forever tied to me by these apron strings.