Love & Faith

(Think On These Things Journal entry)

Faith - Hebrews 11:1 (MSG) "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living"

It's fundamental, it's our firm foundation, it's a necessity. TRUST IN GOD.

Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet & a light to my path"

Trusting in God --> Trusting His Word, His promises

Psalm 119:148 (MSG) - "I stayed awake all night, prayerfully pondering your promise"

Faith in God & His Word brings light to our path. Meditate on the Word. Invest time. Ponder.

Psalm 30:11 (MSG) - "You did it, you changed wild lament into whirling dance, you ripped off my black mourning band & decked me with wildflowers"

Lament def. grief, mourn, regret.

Faith in God turns things around.

Romans 8:28 (MSG) - "That's why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good"

Proverbs 16:17 (MSG) - "When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand"

Love is a verb. It is all about action. Our faith in God moves us to love him, ourselves & others. This love can be expressed by good works, the ministry of reconciliation & worship.

Galatians 5:6 - 'The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love"

For example, check out Dorcas/Tabitha (Acts 9:36)

The resulting action is not motivated by trying to win the approval of God or to "buy" salvation. It is an expression of our faith, manifested as love.

He found me, saved me & called me. I respond with faith & that pleases Him.

FAITH PLEASES GOD.

God has shown mercy to me. I must show mercy to others.
God has shown love to me. I must show love to others.
God has forgiven me. I must forgive others.

God has given & continues to give. It has changed my life & will continue to do so.

2 Cor 4:16 (MSG) - "Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace."