Faith

“Therefore, … by faith…” (Romans 5:1 CSB)

Faith is a powerful force that produces five remarkable results: 1) a declaration of righteousness from the Lord, 2) peace with God, 3) access to God’s grace, 4) hope borne from affliction, and 5) hearts filled with God’s love.

To be declared righteous before God, known also as “justification,” is the result of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He took our sins upon Himself and crucified them. Our sins are now covered over by the blood of Jesus, so that the Father does not see them. In this way, Jesus presents us before the Father with a declaration of righteousness, meaning that there is now no condemnation against us for our sins. We are free to live rightly now.

This faith we now have is, in fact, a personal union with God who is our Creator, so that we now have peace with Him. There is no more enmity between us and God. There is only relational progress.

We have entered into God’s grace by way of this personal faith union. Grace is a relational realm in which we have direct access to God. It’s like being a king’s son or daughter.

Faith is the ride that takes us from affliction to hope. We all know that afflictions come. In one form or another. Our personal faith union with the Lord guides us from affliction to endurance, from there on to proven character, and from there on to hope. Hope is the future reality that awaits us, and in that there can be no disappointment.

God has put His Holy Spirit in us now. Because of our personal faith union with Him, His Spirit has poured out the love of God into our hearts.

Life is good. Thank You, Lord. I wish everyone knew this truth. Amen.

Real Security

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 CSB)

The day of Moses’ death was rapidly approaching, and he summoned Israel to gather and hear the word of the Lord. Among other admonitions he made was this one above. He knew that Israel was about to have a new leader – Joshua – and that they were about to cross the Jordan where they would face battle and struggle and temptation. He knew the rumors that were abundant among the Israelites about the strength of the foes they would face in Canaan. Therefore, he needed for them to understand the greater spiritual reality that would provide them with a far greater security than their bows, arrows, and swords. He reminded them that the Lord was going there with them, and that the Lord would never leave them or forsake them.

We all face numerous struggles and temptations and “battles” in life, and these can create all sorts of insecurities within. They have the potential for even paralyzing us into inaction. But what we have to remember is that the Lord our God is walking with us, as we walk with Him, and He will never ever leave us or forsake us or abandon us. He is always with us, as He promised He would be. The fact of His indwelling presence in us through the Holy Spirit creates real security in the face of any life situation we may encounter. God is trustworthy and faithful, and He will be with us to guide and strengthen us.

Father, We thank You that You never leave or forsake us, and that You go with us into each day. May we rely on You and Your strength each day. Amen.