The Good Fight of Faith

Today's Devotion Monday, June 10, 2019

The Good Fight of Faith

Today's Text Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

The earnest counsel given by the apostle Paul to Timothy, that he might not fail in doing his duty, should be set before the youth of today: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12. Besetting sins must be battled with and overcome. Objectionable traits of character, whether hereditary or cultivated, should be taken up separately, and compared with the great rule of righteousness; and in the light reflected from the Word of God, they should be firmly resisted and overcome, through the strength of Christ.... Day by day, and hour by hour, there must be a vigorous process of self-denial and of sanctification going on within; and then the outward works will testify that Jesus is abiding in the heart by faith. Sanctification does not close the avenues of the soul to knowledge, but it comes to expand the mind, and to inspire it to search for truth, as for hidden treasure; and the knowledge of God's will advances the work of sanctification. There is a heaven, and O, how earnestly we should strive to reach it. I appeal to you ... to believe in Jesus as your Saviour. Believe that He is ready to help you by His grace, when you come to Him in sincerity. You must fight the good fight of faith. You must be wrestlers for the crown of life. Strive, for the grasp of Satan is upon you; and if you do not wrench yourselves from him, you will be palsied and ruined. The foe is on the right hand, and on the left, before you, and behind you; and you must trample him under your feet. Strive, for there is a crown to be won. Fundamentals of Christian Education, 136, 137. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God. Testimonies for the Church 9:287. Note: In some areas phrases have been omitted by the compilers for whatever reason. I have restored them as underlined text, that the full intent of the author may be given.

My Thoughts: My friend, the good fight of faith is for us to strive to gain the victory over sin within our lives. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16). While we were yet sinners, our characters have been molded by the sins that we committed. These traits of character need to be worked out by obedience to the word of God. This work is not a work of salvation, for we have already been justified by accepting Christ as our Savior, but it is a work of surrendering the heart to Christ, that through Him the marks that sin has made within our characters may be worked out. We are told by the word of God "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well;" Isaiah 1:16, 17. We are to wash ourselves in the life of Jesus Christ. The things that we once did as sinners we are to turn away from. The associations that once led us into sin, we are to shun. As a follower of Christ, there is nothing that we should do that we cannot have Jesus there with us. We are exhorted by the apostle John saying "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:" (1 John 2:1). In the fight of faith, we may fall to temptation and partake of the things which war against the soul, but we need not despair, for we have an Advocate; a Comforter with the Father that pleads His blood in our behalf. Lay aside those things and come to Jesus. "Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto you" (James 4:8). This drawing night unto God is the putting away of sin. My friend, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12, 13). It is imperative that we fight the good fight of faith that we may be fitted for heaven, but we are not left alone in this fight, for Jesus is there with us to give us the victory. God bless,

I encourage your comments: wtaitague@gmail.com or directly in the blog (Click Here)

Jesus Is the Spirit - Nader Mansour Jesus IS the Spirit. The Bible evidence is overwhelming. Nader Mansour examines this subject from a unique perspective, focusing on the practical ramifications of this important truth. What is the danger of denying that Jesus IS the spirit? This and much more is explored in this study. RESOURCES: Archive of Daily Devotions Melodies of Prayer Free Bible & Commentary Bible Study Resources The Truth About God The Final Protest Revelation1412.org

Tuesday: The Just Shall Life by Faith

Faith Comes Through the Promises

Today's Devotion Friday, June 7, 2019

Faith Comes Through the Promises

Today's Text So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

The truths of the Word of God meet man's great practical necessity—the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life. Christ's Object Lessons, 100, 101. How far we come from representing the character of Christ! But we must lay hold of His merits by living faith, and claim Him as our Saviour. He died on Calvary to save us. Each should make it a personal work between God and his own soul, as though there were no one in the world but himself. When we exercise personal faith, our hearts will not be as cold as an iron wedge; we shall be able to realize what is meant by the psalmist when he says, “Blessed is he ... whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1. The Review and Herald, March 12, 1889. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises. He bids us “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves. He declares, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” John 16:24. His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail. Steps to Christ, 111. Our Saviour wants you to keep in close relation to Himself, that He may make you happy. When Christ lets His blessing rest upon us, we should offer thanksgiving and praise to His dear name. But, you say, if I could only know that He is my Saviour! Well, what kind of evidence do you want? Do you want a special feeling or emotion to prove that Christ is yours? Is this more reliable than pure faith in God's promises? Would it not be better to take the blessed promises of God and apply them to yourself, bearing your whole weight upon them? This is faith. The Review and Herald, July 29, 1890. Note: In some areas phrases have been omitted by the compilers for whatever reason. I have restored them as underlined text, that the full intent of the author may be given.

My Thoughts: My friend, it is essential that we have a faith of our own. We must have our own personal relationship with Jesus. The experience of another will not suffice, for when the testing time comes, only those with a personal relationship with Jesus that has been tried and tested, will be sustained during that time. There are many today that look to the experience and faith of another to strengthen them. They read or listen to another's tale of how they exercised faith, and they are satisfied. These do not themselves have this experience, but are satisfied with another persons experience in place of their own. This will never do. My friend, it is imperative that we have our own experience that we can rely upon in times of trial. We are to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) for ourselves. In order for us to stand upon the promises of God we must first know what those promises are. Thus, we must be daily in the Word of God that we may know Him and exercise faith in the promises He has given. Promises like "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33), "... and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20). May your faith be strengthened by making them a part of your life today. God bless,

I encourage your comments: wtaitague@gmail.com or directly in the blog (Click Here)

The Wedding Garment - Imad Awde During one of His discussions with the Jews, Jesus gave three parables as a warning and an appeal to them and those who were to come after them. Join Imad as he examines Jesus's discourse to better understand the message He was relating to us today.  RESOURCES: Archive of Daily Devotions Melodies of Prayer Free Bible & Commentary Bible Study Resources The Truth About God The Final Protest Revelation1412.org

Monday: The Good Fight of Faith

What is Faith?

Today's Devotion Thursday, June 6, 2019

What is Faith?

Today's Text Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

It is not essential to the exercise of faith that the feelings should be wrought up to a high pitch of excitement; neither is it necessary, in order to gain the hearing of the Lord, that our petitions should be noisy, or attended with physical exercise. It is true that Satan frequently creates in the heart of the suppliant such a conflict with doubt and temptation that strong cries and tears are involuntarily forced from him; and it is also true that the penitent's sense of guilt is sometimes so great that a repentance commensurate with his sin causes him to experience an agony that finds vent in cries and groans, which the compassionate Saviour hears with pity. But Jesus does not fail to answer the silent prayer of faith. He who simply takes God at His word, and reaches out to connect himself with the Saviour, will receive His blessing in return. The Signs of the Times, May 31, 1877 (The Spirit of Prophecy 2:321, 322). Faith is not feeling.... True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequences of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures. Gospel Workers, 260. To abide in faith is to put aside feeling and selfish desires, to walk humbly with the Lord, to appropriate His promises, and apply them to all occasions, believing that God will work out His own plans and purposes in your heart and life. Fundamentals of Christian Education, 341, 342. Note: In some areas phrases have been omitted by the compilers for whatever reason. I have restored them as underlined text, that the full intent of the author may be given.

My Thoughts: My friend, faith is essential in our walk with Jesus. To each is given a measure of faith that we may accept Him by faith. Faith that is exercised will lead to greater faith. As we trust in the promises of God during times of relative peace and prosperity, we ready to trust in Him when the trials of life become more pointed. There are many today that have not tested the promises of God in their lives. The have accepted Christ as their savior, but this acceptance has not been tested by the trying of their faith. Today it has become fashionable to be a Christian, but the time is soon to come when our faith will be severely tested. When this time comes it will be seen if we have any real faith in the promises of God. Thus God allows various trails to come into our lives that we may exercise and strengthen our faith. So today my friend, if you are going through trials of your faith, do not despair. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:3, 4). "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:" (Matthew 5:12). God bless,

I encourage your comments: wtaitague@gmail.com or directly in the blog (Click Here)

The Wedding Garment - Imad Awde During one of His discussions with the Jews, Jesus gave three parables as a warning and an appeal to them and those who were to come after them. Join Imad as he examines Jesus's discourse to better understand the message He was relating to us today.  RESOURCES: Archive of Daily Devotions Melodies of Prayer Free Bible & Commentary Bible Study Resources The Truth About God The Final Protest Revelation1412.org

Friday: Faith Comes Through the Promises