Nancy Taylor Tate
“Now the just shall live by faith…” Hebrews 10:38.
As I’ve been looking at the book of James again, I am reminded that it is a very practical book. Its message has to do with believing God, then putting our faith into action!
The words “faith” and “works” each are mentioned sixteen times in James’ writing. We can’t be saved simply by doing good things. The only way to heaven is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But if you do believe in Jesus, and if He is Lord of your life, it will be evidenced by the things you do.
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” James 2:17.
Our faith is shown by our decisions, by the things we say, the way we live, the choices we make. Faith is evidenced by our prayers, continuance in prayer, and our seeking the Lord’s counsel.
Hard times or good times, our faces are to be turned toward the Lord in faith and expectation. God has a plan. A purpose! We can be as doors through whom the Lord can move, windows through whom He can be seen.
I am always encouraged by the life of Abraham. He faced famine, strife, and war, fearing for his life at times. He dealt with family problems and employee problems. Rather than settling in a comfortable home, he faced the difficulties of travel, walking the land as he had been instructed by God (Genesis 12:1; Genesis 13:12-17).
Through all this, Abraham considered not the circumstances, but believed that what God had promised, He was able to do, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3, 17-22).
Abraham was faithful in his everyday responsibilities, sought guidance at intersections in his walk, and trusted God with his life right through to his old age. He was a worshipper! A man of prayer. A man of faith! He was called a friend of God (James 2:23).
Noteworthy, is that often when God spoke of His promise to Abraham, it was when Abraham was simply worshipping the Lord. As he ministered to the Lord, the Lord would then talk to Abraham not only about what He was doing, but also about Abraham’s own life.
True faith results in worship and brings a rest in God. He is God! The Lord God Almighty! We are not! As we rest in Him, He is able to speak, stir, and move in whatever way He desires, when He desires! From a quietness of heart, we can better hear, receive, and respond.
When the Lord looks at the earth, may He find faith! (Luke 18:8). Our faith! Faith in every nation, tongue, tribe, and people.
A people with faith are being gathered from every nation, around the throne to worship Him. Revelation 22:2 speaks of the throne, and the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” Revelation 5:9.
May the Lord’s desire be fulfilled as, together, we become an active part of that which the Lord is doing today.
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee” Isaiah 60:1-2.
May we too walk in the ways of the Lord, as ones with whom the Lord can share His heart.
May our faith be marked by integrity, worship, and fellowship with the Lord.
Even as Christ showed forth the glory of the Father, may we too show forth His glory as an overcoming, end time people, appointed and anointed to be carriers of His presence; ordained to be faithful witnesses unto Him in the day in which we live.
May God’s purposes move forward, even as they did in Abraham’s day, through a people who believe God in spite of circumstances and are persuaded that what He has promised, He is able to perform.