What does it mean to have strong faith? How do we get strong faith? Our faith is nothing that we can boast about outside of the work of Jesus Christ. Although faith without works is dead, in other words as the NIV points out in James 2:17 , ... faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Who wants dead faith? So we work and strive and try to do more to gain God's favor and in so doing we often convince ourselves that our faith is dependent on us. In Tim Keller's book, Romans 1-7 for you , says that if saving faith equals obedience then we have something to boast about but faith is separate from our works. He says that saving faith is a trust transfer. We trust in the promises of God through Jesus Christ and HIS work! If we want to live by works of the law and not Christ's atoning work then the law of faith is nullified and the promises of God are bankrupt! Romans 4:14 For if it is the adherents of the law who ar...
Water has a powerful effect on stones. As it flows over rocks it smooths and shapes them into precious little stones. Erosion from water can carve deep grooves into the landscape of our hearts just like the word of God, but just like the beaver, we try to set up areas in our hearts to prevent the forceful effect of the word of God on our minds and hearts. Often we think our lives are open and willing to yield to the waves of the Spirit and the powerful force of conviction in our lives. We would much rather wade in the warm estuaries of our deception where silt and debris collect and the water is lifeless. But God desires that we enter into the waters of His word with total abandon. The water in Lake Michigan has been cold this week, hostile to my flesh. I find myself inching my way in instead of diving headlong. How often do we proceed gingerly through His word running back to the shore of our comfort when it does not feel good to our flesh. As we come to Him i...
My 17 year old cat died over Thanksgiving weekend and although she lived a long full life she left a vacancy in our hearts. The morning following my cat's death I had an unusual visitor on my pillow for the next two mornings. My calico cat, who is young and healthy, laid on the top of my pillow purring. I couldn't help but remember how my cats from my childhood would do the same thing and how if brought me so much comfort. I don't' know why I am always surprised when the Lord uses ordinary things to comfort us. Jesus himself said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies ...
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