— From the distaff side —

Faith & Love

Faith is central to the Christian life but too often it’s puny and passive, producing no fruit; empty of the motivating power of God’s love. Though good works, giving and right living can look and feel good, they can be nothing more than self-serving religious counterfeits.  Even the most altruistic, generous and noble behavior, if so motivated, does not glorify God and will keep one from due heavenly gain.  "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" — 1Cor 13:3.  God’s love must be the root and life of our faith from start to finish.

Biblical faith can only grow and produce from a heart solidly rooted in God’s love.  "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" — Gal  5:6.  Paul joyously reveals: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" — Gal 2:20.

If accepting God’s love has been difficult, meditate these words until they take root in your heart: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" — Eph 2:4-8.

Scriptural prayer is a powerful means to help establish our heart.  You might even try praying along the lines of the apostle Paul (paraphrase one of his; make it your own):  Father, I ask that You will (according to the riches of Your glory) strengthen me with might by Your Spirit in my inner person so Christ can dwell in my heart by faith; that I, being rooted and grounded in love, can comprehend what is the breadth and length and depth and height of that love.  Help me to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that I might be filled with all Your fulness.  I am certain You are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within me.  All glory be to You in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever!  Amen. (From Eph 3:14-21).  We CAN have a true and effectual faith; born of and alive with the love of Christ.  All thanks and praise to the lover of our souls for eternity.  Glory!  — D.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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