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The just shall live by faith Rm1:17 In the life of Abraham, the father of our faith, we see three episodes of his life that express living faith. The first was that Abraham went out not knowing wither he was going. Living faith began when Abraham left the security and comfort of his home life, not trusting in horse or chariot so to speak, but left it all behind in the pursuit of God. Abraham heard the whisper, knew the meaning, and pursued the goal. Faith believes that the pursuit of God is of greater value than what the world has to offer. It believes that obedience to God will bear greater fruit than anything the world has to offer. The next episode was that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham had the ability to believe that God would give him an heir and seed greater than the stars in the sky and sand on the seashore because of God’s say so. Abraham did not put more weight in the facts, that he and Sarah were passed child bearing years, but believed what God had promised, he was able to perform. Living faith moves in the realm of Truth, not facts. It believes God’s promises are of greater importance and power than what the facts suggest. Finally Abraham did not waver when God asked him to prove his love for Him by sacrificing Isaac on an altar in obedience to the word of God. Abraham believed that even if Isaac were to die, God would raise him from the dead. Living faith believes that the power of God is greater than natural law. Living faith believes that the love for God outweighs all natural love and that God will always exonerate himself in the end. Where are you on this journey of faith? Are you living in rules, ritual, and religion or has God cast you out into a life of faith? We are made righteous not by keeping the Law, but by living by faith. Abraham is the father of our faith. Are you a child of Abraham? Without a living faith it is impossible to please God. How do you please God? Not simply by trying to keep his commandments, but by engaging in his word, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, and practicing living faith. The reward for living by faith is to receive the Blessing, the very Spirit of God and a life that puts the devil to flight. It is a life that can speak to every mountain of oppression, sickness, poverty, disease, and lack and gain the victory. If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart. Have you heard his voice? Have you responded to the call? Begin to run the race today. Set out to finish the course and come out the victor. Don’t draw back. No man having put his hand to the plow, looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Burn your bridges behind you and look unto God, your refuge and shield. Look unto God and activate your faith today. Amen |