Living By Faith

A LITTLE EXPLANATION:
Word of Explanation: This is my third Roman’s blog. I am taking a college course and will be posting a series of blogs on Romans as part of a class assignment. I would appreciate feedback on these blogs. The Roman blogs will be a different format and for a different audience than my usual blogs.

PLEASE NOTE:
Some of this week’s blog is a repeat from the previous Roman’s blog – such as the quote from the book I’m studying. I have been moving quite slow, but hope to pick up the pace a little. Besides the holidays, I have had some family things that needed my attention and I had to put other things on hold.

QUOTE:
“Like other Jews of his day, Paul – before his conversion – tried to merit God’s approval and establish his righteousness by strictly observing the Law… After his conversion, however, he looked to Jesus Christ as the source of his righteousness…” (Romans: Justification by Faith; pg. 18; Third Edition 2010)Romans 1:17 AMP

VERSE:
“For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith (disclosed in a way that awakens more faith). As it is written and forever remains written, ‘The just and upright shall live by faith.’”

MY MUSINGS:
Faith in Jesus leads us to believe and start our journey in relationship with God, a God who deeply loves us and gave Himself – His Son – for us. As we start that journey of faith and learn to walk with Jesus, more faith is given and awakened in our lives – faith for all of life. Faith and grace in the midst of our mess-ups, stress, work, family – anything and everything that we might be facing. Faith to believe that God is for us not against us. Faith to come before Him and know that He hears, faith to listen and trust and know that with God, we are never alone. We have strength for this journey called life because He walks with us. We can never attain that depth of relationship and righteousness on our own or by following the rules/the Law. That righteousness comes by faith and walking in that faith day by day.

PRAYER:
Lord,
Help us to fully grasp the truth of living by faith. It’s not what we’ve done or hope to do. It’s not by cleaning up our lives or living by a set of rules or even living by the commandments in your Word that will put us in right relationship with you. Rather, it’s faith in what you have done for us – faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. It’s trusting you wholly – trusting that you have and will make me righteous through the sacrifice that Jesus made. In the middle of all that our world is facing today, opioid addictions, health issues, political turmoil, poverty of mind, soul, spirit or pocketbook; you are there. If only we dare to trust and reach out to you, reach up to grasp your hand in faith because you are reaching down to us. You are there in the midst of all we are facing. There is life in each step of faith we take. Lord, help us to keep reaching out to you and to keep stepping forward in faith. Amen.

• WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO ME:
• I can trust God all the time.
• Remember family and friends in prayer. God hasn’t given up on them.
• Encourage others and let others encourage you to keep walking in faith.
• Live by faith – by trusting God and remembering daily what Jesus did for me on the cross.

Author: faithstepsandmore

I am a mom of three, grandmother of eight and have worked with young children for over thirty years. I currently write curriculum, speak for women's groups, do chapel for a daycare center and help with teacher/volunteer training at churches. I love what I do. There is nothing better than helping kids take those first steps of faith in a God who loves them more than they can imagine. View all posts by faithstepsandmore