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Scripture for the day: 1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Thought for the day: For the past two days we’ve talked of the need for purpose and meaning in our lives. The Bible teaches us that love for God and involvement in the things of God brings meaning to our otherwise dull and pointless existence. But wait! There’s more!
Third, F-aith brings meaning. A few weeks ago, the pastor at our church preached a three-part series from Colossians 2:6-10. Again and again he emphasized the importance of living a life of faith. I took much from his series, but the most important point is found in verse 6: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” How did you receive Christ Jesus? Was it not by an exercise of faith? Therefore, continue walking in that same faith. Listen, we are saved by faith – Ephesians 2:8-9. “By grace are you saved through faith.”
We are sanctified by faith – Acts 15:9. “He purified their hearts by faith.”
We live by faith – Romans 1:17. “The just shall live by faith.”
A life of faith pleases God – Hebrews 11:6. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Faith moves mountains – Matt. 17:20. “If you have faith as a mustard seed ….”
Faith defeats Satan – Ephesians 6:16. “Take the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of Satan.”
With faith all things are possible. Hebrews 11 is a list of miracles wrought by faith, all dependent on the response of those involved. Who did Jesus reserve his greatest compliments for? Was it not for those who responded to His impossible commands in faith that, somehow, He would do what He promised? He often said to them, “Your faith has healed you.”
Our heroes throughout church history have always been characterized by the way they lived out their faith. They haven’t always been those who have accomplished great things. Rather, the real heroes are the ones who have taught for forty years, cleaned the church faithfully, prayed consistently and rejoiced over the accomplishments of others. The real heroes of the faith are those we can point to who have labored in obscurity and died well. Do you want to be remembered as a person of purpose? We do that through faith. We do it by stepping out in response to God’s leading.
Finally, E-ternal values bring meaning to life. How often have we been reminded that living only for today is the surest was to bring about disappointment? There’s nothing wrong with money, nothing bad about retirement. We should all plan ahead, but if the only focus is on us and what we think we need to be comfortable, we end up losing in the long run. Eternal values include time, talents and treasure. Time is God’s greatest gift and yet, it’s not really ours; He only lets us use it for His benefit, as any good steward would. The same is true for talent and treasure. Everything we have, materially or otherwise, is part of a trust account that has been provided for us to invest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” (Charles Thomas Studd, missionary to China). And the apostle John wrote to us and said, “These things I have written …. So you will know you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13)
Do you want to give life meaning? Practice these things more and more.
Without love, life lacks warmth and hope.
Without involvement, life lacks focus.
Without faith life lacks stability.
Without eternal values, life lacks a sure foundation.
But with these things we have purpose, meaning and direction. Guaranteed.
Now go take on your world. - Bill