Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (KJV)
I was thinking about these two words today. They go together, don't they? The faith that we have in Jesus comes from developing a relationship of trusting Him. It is the belief that what He says is true, whether other people believe Him or not, whether it seems to make sense to us or not, an assurance and a conviction that He is and does all the things that are written about Him and more. He is more real and true than anything we now experience as real and true in this world of shadows though we only "see" Him in what He does for us...IF we have the eyes to see. He provides for all that we need, and even those in deepest poverty have all that they truly need in Him because the suffering that they now have to suffer will be turned to joy as they are the first and most honored of His brothers and sisters in His kingdom though at this time, in this world, they are the last, the bottom of the barrel. He asks those who have more to show their trust and devotion to Him by providing food and raiment to those who don't have much here. That is how we "the bride" care for His home on earth, to care for His children in need...to pray for those who are lost, and blind, and needy.
When I think of the word trust, I think of a relationship between a husband and wife, a good relationship. The good husband trusts his good wife, to cook his meals and provide a nice loving home. The good wife trusts the good husband to care for her, protect her, and provide the things that are necessary to care and protect her. That trust is the glue of their relationship. If there is no trust, there is no relationship. It is put into action with what we do and say. Does the wife undermine the husband in how she cares for the home, or what she tells others about him? Does the husband undermine the relationship by cheating on his wife with other women? That will destroy any trust between them because they are not being faithful.
I've been reading through the New Testament, and as you may guess, I was reading Ephesians chapters 5 and 6 today. The Apostle Paul describes a good husband-wife relationship and compares it to the church's relationship with Christ. He is our provider and protector and we are to be His loyal "bride" that takes care of the little menial tasks which show our love and devotion to Him.
Those who lack trust in the God of the Bible....is it because God has broken the trust, or is it because we are lacking something?
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
"Aha! (say some) It IS God's fault if we do not have faith. It is a gift from God so if I don't have it God must not have given it to me!"
Not so fast. True that grace, salvation and faith are a gift from God...and God gives freely, but many reject His gifts offered. It comes in a humble wrapping that doesn't suit their fancy tastes. It isn't "hip" enough. It doesn't make them popular or trendy or cool. It doesn't fit their desires and plans. It doesn't fit the worldly idea of "loving". It makes them have to go through trials and tribulations in this world to strengthen their faith ... so it gets rejected. Much nicer to have all the goodies without all the pain and trouble. Why should the God of the Bible require so much from us? .....Why?...Because He loves us so much that He wants to build us into the stuff that can go through eternity with Him. The other choice is to go through eternity without Him, easy here and now, and a whole lot of pain for eternity later. Sadly, many choose the latter.
I was thinking about these two words today. They go together, don't they? The faith that we have in Jesus comes from developing a relationship of trusting Him. It is the belief that what He says is true, whether other people believe Him or not, whether it seems to make sense to us or not, an assurance and a conviction that He is and does all the things that are written about Him and more. He is more real and true than anything we now experience as real and true in this world of shadows though we only "see" Him in what He does for us...IF we have the eyes to see. He provides for all that we need, and even those in deepest poverty have all that they truly need in Him because the suffering that they now have to suffer will be turned to joy as they are the first and most honored of His brothers and sisters in His kingdom though at this time, in this world, they are the last, the bottom of the barrel. He asks those who have more to show their trust and devotion to Him by providing food and raiment to those who don't have much here. That is how we "the bride" care for His home on earth, to care for His children in need...to pray for those who are lost, and blind, and needy.
When I think of the word trust, I think of a relationship between a husband and wife, a good relationship. The good husband trusts his good wife, to cook his meals and provide a nice loving home. The good wife trusts the good husband to care for her, protect her, and provide the things that are necessary to care and protect her. That trust is the glue of their relationship. If there is no trust, there is no relationship. It is put into action with what we do and say. Does the wife undermine the husband in how she cares for the home, or what she tells others about him? Does the husband undermine the relationship by cheating on his wife with other women? That will destroy any trust between them because they are not being faithful.
I've been reading through the New Testament, and as you may guess, I was reading Ephesians chapters 5 and 6 today. The Apostle Paul describes a good husband-wife relationship and compares it to the church's relationship with Christ. He is our provider and protector and we are to be His loyal "bride" that takes care of the little menial tasks which show our love and devotion to Him.
Those who lack trust in the God of the Bible....is it because God has broken the trust, or is it because we are lacking something?
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
"Aha! (say some) It IS God's fault if we do not have faith. It is a gift from God so if I don't have it God must not have given it to me!"
Not so fast. True that grace, salvation and faith are a gift from God...and God gives freely, but many reject His gifts offered. It comes in a humble wrapping that doesn't suit their fancy tastes. It isn't "hip" enough. It doesn't make them popular or trendy or cool. It doesn't fit their desires and plans. It doesn't fit the worldly idea of "loving". It makes them have to go through trials and tribulations in this world to strengthen their faith ... so it gets rejected. Much nicer to have all the goodies without all the pain and trouble. Why should the God of the Bible require so much from us? .....Why?...Because He loves us so much that He wants to build us into the stuff that can go through eternity with Him. The other choice is to go through eternity without Him, easy here and now, and a whole lot of pain for eternity later. Sadly, many choose the latter.
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