Minute Musings...Substance and Evidence

Hebrews 11:1  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen."

What is "faith?"  You hear the expression a lot in Christian circles, but just what does
it mean.  The dictionary refers to faith as "trust or reliance,"  but in what is this trust
and reliance based?  The Bible tell us in Hebrews 11 verse 6 "But without faith it is
impossible to please Him (God) for he that cometh to God must believe that He
is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  It is fairly simple
therefore isn't it, our faith (trust or reliance) must be placed in God, for this faith is
what will please Him.

Why does it please Him?  It pleases God because a sinners first connection with Him
comes through faith!  Ephesians 2:8  "For by grace are ye saved through faith:
and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God."  Our whole relationship with God
comes through the portal of faith in Him. 

We find in Luke chapter 7, the account of the woman which came to Jesus and washed
His feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair and then anointed them with a costly
ointment.  The Pharisees were astonished when Jesus said this to the woman, (verses
48 - 50) "And He (Jesus) said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  And they that sat at
meat with Him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee;  go in peace."   The only
thing that the woman did for salvation, was to have faith in God, (Ephesians 2:9 tells
us that our faith is "Not of works, lest any man should boast.") This faith, that was
all of God and nothing she did for herself was the entrance to a new life in Christ.

Faith doesn't have just one purpose for the believer.  We are saved by faith, and then
we are to walk by faith.  2 Corinthians 5:7  "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
The "walk" or life of a child of God is contrary to the world.  The world says to show
me then I will believe.  The Christian believes without seeing.  A life in Christ, is a
life of faith, not sight.  This is another part of why faith pleases God;  faith relies on
God and not on self!  Faith is such an important part of our life that it is mentioned
as part of the armour that we are to put on so that we "May be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil."  Ephesians 6:11.  Verse 16 mentions faith, "Above all,
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked."

How is your faith today?  First of all, in whom have you placed your faith?  It tells us
in Psalms 118:8  "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Man will fail you.  Why would you want to put your faith and trust in someone who is
not Holy, Just, Infinite, All-wise, All-knowing and Righteous. Our faith "Should not
stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:5 

Check your faith today, then pick up your shield and start living a life that will please
God!  Hebrews 10:38  "Now the just shall live by faith:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMKf1SJT-lA

My Faith Looks Up To Thee

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day, be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart,
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure, warm and changeless be, a living fire!

While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow's tears away,
Nor let me ever stray, from Thee aside.

When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold sullen stream, shall o'er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove,
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

                                                     Ray Palmer