Daily Bread – May 26, 2021 (The Fourth Day – Genesis 1:14-19) James 2:17 – And so faith without works is dead being by itself. Part 2 ~ Faith Through Fellowship We must be careful that we obey God, and do the first things first. How can a person who is not willing to find the power to obey God in their conduct ever expect they will find the power to walk on water? If we are not going to be faithful in the basic things related to our relationship with Jesus, then how do we expect to be entrusted by Him to do greater things? We must recognize Jesus Christ is in us, and He is the fountainhead of all faith. Paul says for us to test ourselves, to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). The faith that flows from the Word of God, Christ Jesus, is going to produce the works of God – that are to be found only in the life of Christ Jesus. The Word of God says we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 Peter 5:10). Yet, many shrink back, and with the confession of their mouths say the opposite because they failed at one thing or another. The question is: Were they reaching for it in God, or were they reaching for it in self-interest? If we will start by reaching for the strength to walk in obedience in conduct, then we will find the strength to lay hold of all of the blessings and promises of God. For example, if a person reaches to lay hold on the wealth God has promised His saints, but refuses to reach for the ability to walk in love – faith will not work (Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). There is a fellowship with Christ Jesus that produces the confidence and assurance we need to function in all the great things God has called us to do (1 John 3:21, 5:14; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:22). We must understand then how living and active faith functions out of a realm of fellowship with Jesus: a fellowship demonstrated by obedience (John 14:9-23). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 5/26/2021
