whom, not having known, you love. In him, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8 WEB
Our faith is not a philosophy. It is not a self-help program or system of self-improvement. It is the trust and belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Our faith is in a direct relationship with the very Word through which all of creation came into being. It is reciprocating the love of God given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus in atonement for our sins.
Using the metaphor of himself as the good shepherd, Christ said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. WEB” As Christians, we hear the word of God full of glory and recognize it as the truth. Full of glory, God brings joy to our lives as we follow our Lord Jesus.
The Spirit of God, as Jesus did when he walked the earth, called us to repentance and we answered the call. Admitting that we are sinners in need of salvation, we turned from our sin toward the will of God for our lives.
Blessed Are Those Who Believe
Peter and the other disciples knew Jesus. They experienced his life, death, and resurrection. They spent three years with Christ. Thomas, who was famous for doubting, received these words from Jesus in John 20:29, “Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. WEB”
We are truly blessed to hear the Word of God and respond to his voice. In John 6:37 Jesus says, “All those who the Father gives me will come to me. Him who comes to me I will in no way throw out. WEB”
These encouraging words reveal the truth of our salvation. We were given to Christ by God himself. Further, nothing can take us from him. Our salvation is eternal! This is our great joy, that God loves us and saved us from sin. God is full of glory!
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for giving me ears to hear the truth of your holy word. Thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Fill my heart and head with the righteousness of Jesus. Show me how to best serve your purpose here on earth as I anticipate eternal life in heaven with you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: We Live Through Him
