2020-02-28
Good Morning Dear Ones,
As I have been writing this series on Knowing God, I have had some thoughts, which I believe have been put in my mind by the Holy Spirit. Of course, you already know I’m in the process of obeying His command to supply supporting Scripture to the book of Colossians, and I’m continuing to do that. But He is also causing us to think about what God’s desires are, concerning our relationships with Him and each other. Yet, there is more. We also need to think about what traits and behavior makes a true believer. Yes, certainly obedience to Christ’s teaching and that of the Father from the Bible. And certainly, belief in Christ which the believer is ready to proclaim is a part of that. God has made those things clear. EPH 6: 13-18, regarding “putting on God’s armor,” helps us to begin to answer this question: What makes the ideal true believer? “Put on God’s armor now, so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attack, and after fighting to the end you will still hold your ground. So, stand ready with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as a breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. At all times carry faith as a shield, for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one. And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword, which the Spirit of God gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion as the Spirit leads. For this reason, keep alert and never give up; pray also for all of God’s people.”
This message is by no means the only one in the Scriptures about what traits a true believer should have, but it is one of the easiest to understand. The words in italics in the last paragraph are all things that are important to the life of a true believer. God is telling us that the end times will come, but not when. He is working hard to equip all who will listen to the truth of Jesus Christ to be victorious in this time. He uses this metaphor of a battle ahead to encourage us to have strong and abiding faith, faith that allows us to be willing to sacrifice our physical lives, if necessary, for the sake of this victory over evil. God not only tells us it is coming, but not when, but He also doesn’t tell us exactly what form it will take. One might ask why not tell us these things? The answer lies in His efforts to not only equip us for what will be needed as soon as possible, but also to be ready for it with strong, abiding faith. There can’t be the choice to come to that kind of faith if all the facts are known ahead. Remember that faith is defined as “being sure of the things for which we hope and being certain of the things we cannot see” [HE 11: 1].
That is why our faith is tested by God in ways that will help us to strengthen it, from time to time. Mine is being tested right now. A loved one, a dear friend, is in Hospice care in what is likely to be her last illness-pancreatic cancer. It is tough to see this happen, but God is asking me, “Are you sure you believe that I will grant your friend salvation and eternal life?” My friend has been a believer for many years. When and if she passes away, I will know that she has been glorified – taken gently up to heaven and fully healed, in the company of the Lord Himself. Only the evil one and his cohorts would want her to linger and suffer a painful death, for that is what I believe they try to do. The sinful part of me will selfishly miss her company, but the faithful, obedient part of me will know she is in the best Hands possible. Will I pass God’s test of my faith? I have prayed PS 139: 23-24, “Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.” It’s time now for my “rubber to meet the road.” And we will see what happens.
PRAYER: O Lord, because I know Your word well and am a leader in Your community of believers, I have less excuse than others not to give in to this present test (or any other of Your tests of my faith) than they do. Therefore, let me express with all my heart the love, reverence, and respect I have for You. I acknowledge that You are so powerful for good, more so than any human. Anyone who professes genuine faith in Jesus Christ can look forward to eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, and justification in Your sight. I am doing what I can to hold on to my faith and allow You to strengthen it through this or any test. If we must, we will give our physical lives for this faith, because we know that You set a real believer apart for eternal life and sweet fellowship with You. It is up to me to demonstrate to others the strength of my faith. We confess that there is this sinful side of us that wants to be selfish and to resist the things that are hard for us. Yet, You have equipped us to make righteous, well-considered decisions and take right actions. We must rest on that faith and endure whatever You allow or prepare for us. Only You have wisdom deep enough to know what is best for us. We are grateful for Your presence in our lives and willingness to never give us a test which will break our resolve [1 COR 10: 13]. Please intervene in our trials as You feel necessary. We pledge our love and faith in You, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ.
NEXT WEEK: I’m commanded to examine what our prayers can mean to us and to God. Of course, the Scripture presented supports the book of Colossians. Moreover, it looks at yet another aspect of our relationships with God and each other. As I reach the end of today’s devotion, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention God’s amazing grace. Let me share what is said in EPH 2: 8 -10 about that. “For it is by God’s grace that we are saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do.” Grace is undeserved merit. Couple this with the fact that “nothing can separate us from the love of God” [RO 8: 38-39], and we are richly blessed. That is why we have the responsibility to live according to His teaching. If we do, we will never need to be afraid of the tests He puts to our faith. Yes, I’m telling myself, that I don’t have to fear my friend’s call home to Him, because she will be going to the very best place she can be forever. She certainly deserves that, and so do all her family and friends who love her. My prayers for strength, wisdom in decision-making, and a reduction in the worst parts of emotional grieving go for her husband and son. I know that God is hearing them. Our loving God has a tender heart for believers and potential believers. And what a great God He is!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn
JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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