October 18, 2022

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” heb 11:6 nkjv

Faith is a free gift from Yahweh [God], the author and finisher of our faith, heb 12:2 nkjv It is one of the distinctions that separates mankind from all other creatures. It functions in a divine and mysterious way inside the human mind… and especially within the heart of a believer… It is the way Yahweh designed things to work between Him and us [believers]. It’s product is vitality that motivates a believer. Faith and truth are twins of power that are at the very center of our being. When we have faith in truth, truth prevails… always. Truth here, being the Word that Yeshua asked the Father to sanctify His followers with. Jn 17:17 nkjv The actual events that occur are not about things being perfect or preferred (in our natural sight). Simply put, Yahweh always leads us in the way that He thinks best for us. Psalms 23 expresses this concept, I think. So, faith and truth preserve us until that day we enter into Yahweh’s New Jerusalem… the Holy Spirit is our escort.

The following two paragraphs come from my NKJV Bible’s introduction to the book of James. The Bible was published by Broadman & Holman Publishers, Nashville, TN. I thought it was quite accurate to our understanding how faith works in our walk with Yahweh. James is a short book… If you read it for a backdrop, this devotional will be even more meaningful.

“Faith without works cannot be called faith. “Faith without works is dead” (2:26), and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough, mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must inspire action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith.

“Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head on and develop endurance. Faith understands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lusts and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doers. Faith harbors no prejudice. For James, faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith displays itself in works. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overtly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it. Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisdom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God. It provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw hear to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it stifles complaining.”

So then… where does “faith” come from?:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” rom 10:17 nkjv Therefore, since if Yahweh is the author and finisher of our faith, then HIS WORD is the one and the same “author and finisher” of our faith. The Torah Word that became flesh [Yeshua/Jesus] provides for us, “everything that pertains to life and godliness.”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 pet 1:2-4 nkjv

Shalom… John