September 14, 2021 – Reflections on “Faithfulness!”

         Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For, by it, the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3.

Faith is not just a word. Everyone uses faith in believing and trusting. When the doctor operates, we trust he didn’t cheat on his exams. When a pilot sits down in the cockpit, I trust he is capable of flying the plane to my destination. When a teacher teaches, my prayer is the teacher knows the Truth and teaches it.

This faithfulness is built on God’s Truth, and His righteousness. From the beginning, God has never wavered from being filled with faith. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3.

Verse 27 of Genesis 1 shows that God created us, and we are His. So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female, He created them.

For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

Is it any wonder that I praise Him? Each morning I rise and see the dawn, think of two verses. The first one, This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. Whether it is raining, snowing, or sunshine, or what is planned that day, I rejoice. It is what God desires for me to have that day.

The second set of verses are these: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7.

One thing I know, God will make a way as He surely made a way for the Israelites to escape the Egyptian soldiers when there seemed no way through the Sea. Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army, and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick. Isaiah 43:16-17.

Faithfulness goes both ways. God’s Faithfulness and our faithfulness to Him. Who has not made a promise that they could not keep? We may rationalize our way out of keeping our word that sounds good to us.  However, God’s faithfulness to us never wavers or changes.

One of my favorite verses is this, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24.

Peter asked Jesus, If my brother sins against me, shall I forgive seven times? The answer Jesus gave is the way we are forgiven by God. Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:22.

Our Lord God knows we will lose our temper, or tell an untruth, and will need to be forgiven. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and King of our lives, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit bearing gifts that change our characters as we grow to love and worship our Lord God and find Joy in serving Him.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24.

How would you describe faithfulness? Having something to hope for, believing, trusting, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.

Why is it that Abraham believed and made the trip? He believed. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10.

The promises in these verses have given me joy for many years. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.

In this season of time, we have a lot of unrest and unknowns. But one thing we know is that God is Faithful, and He will send His Son back to gather His own to Him.

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:12-13, 20.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You. Psalm 89:14.

Being Faithful demands love for others, a spiritual perspective of the things surrounding us, and serving others. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! Psalm 119:30-31.

Finally, the last two verses of Psalm 139 remind us of how deeply God knows each of us. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24.