21 Day Fast Day 12

Today is Week 2 day 5 of our 21 Day Fast, January 19, 2024.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV) 13  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The last two days we’ve considered Hope and Love. Today we’ll dive into Faith. The word faith is a noun translated from the Greek word pistis. The word believe is a verb translated from the Greek word pisteuo.

These two words are from the same root word and carry with them the same meaning. If you say, “I have faith” that means the same thing as if you said, “I believe.” They both emphasize the concept of trust, confidence and reliance on God. (My words and commentary are the ones italicized in the Scriptures below.)

Hebrews 11:1, 6 (ESV) 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Faith is the confident expectation that God will not fail us. He will keep his word. It is a gift we receive from God that we can’t take credit for. However, we are called to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) (When we receive that gift of faith we are put in a right standing before God and are justified in his sight; our sins are forgiven; the righteousness of Christ is credited to us and we are saved!)

Romans 5:1-2 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Grace is the gift of God where he empowers us with faith to be the people he’s called us to be. However, it’s not automatic as though we have nothing to do with any of this. We do! We cooperate with him by partaking of the divine nature and doing his will. ) See 2 Peter 1:3-11

When you heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it rang true in your heart, you believed. Then you cooperated with that belief and pursued him. His grace was upon you empowering you to be who he called you to be. You became a child of God, a person of faith, namely, a believer. Jesus did the heavy lifting and we became part of his family.  Hope is the destination. Faith is the power to get there. Love is what keeps us on course.

Continue to bathe in these verses!
 
1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

2 Corinthians 12:9  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Matthew 6:33  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.      

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