Devotion for September 25, 2008

Living by Faith

“Now the just shall live by faith; But if [anyone] draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38 NKJV)

The just shall live by faith by continuing to trust in the righteousness of Christ until death; and the just shall live by faith experimentally as well. Really the two are the same. However, the distinction is made to emphasize a point.

Last night the President spoke of a huge financial problem facing this country. It could be that this is just the tip of the iceberg. A series of chain reactions may be occurring that will cause the ultimate collapse of our economy. This writer did not look at his IRA, but would guess it is worth a lot less than what it was just a few months ago.

As a believer, these are not times to fear. The future may require you to make some substantial adjustments to your lifestyle. However, “[Let your] conduct [be] without covetousness; [be] content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV)

Can you imagine how refreshing it would be to see souls turning to God in numbers? Remember it is during difficult times that God often moves a people to repentance. The stress placed on church congregations might cause a purifying effect. Many so-called believers might forsake the body to avoid sharing their wealth. Buildings may be lost because congregations simply cannot afford to pay the light bill. Laugh if you like, but my parents lived through the great depression, and shared testimony of how a can of beans was all they had to eat for some meals.

My dear friends, are you prepared spiritually to live by faith? We know that it is said, “need is the mother of invention,” but do you realize the need is greatest now. God may bring this nation to its knees, and if He does it will likely be a blessing for the church is like that of the Laodiceans. Look at how He describes them.

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. "Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ ——and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—— "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:14-20 NKJV)

This country is not blessed spiritually. It is full of corruption and lusts. This narcissistic society surely smells of death to our great God and King. True the hand of God may have been stayed to protect His true children that live here, but He can also protect them in the midst of tribulation. Should He bring about a great calamity upon this land the just will live by faith. Are you living by faith today, or are you like those Laodiceans? Think about it for the trying of your faith may be at hand.