C H Spurgeon – Devotional
The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)
I shall not die, I can, I do, believe in the Lord my God, and this faith will keep me alive. I would be numbered among those who in their lives are just; but even if I were perfect I would not try to live by my righteousness; I would cling to the work of the Lord Jesus and still live by faith in Him and by nothing else. If I were able to give my body to be burned for my Lord Jesus, yet I would not trust in my own courage and constancy, but still would live by faith.
Were I a martyr at the stake
I’d plead my Saviour’s name;
Intreat a pardon for His sake,
And urge no other claim.
To live by faith is a far surer and happier thing than to live by feelings or by works, The branch, by living in the vine, lives a better life than it would live by itself, even if it were possible for it to live at all apart from the stem. To live by clinging to Jesus, by deriving all from Him, is a sweet and sacred thing. If even the most just must live in this fashion, how much more must I who am a poor sinner! Lord, I believe. I must trust Thee wholly. What else can I do? Trusting Thee is my life….
Source : http://www.spurgeongems.org/fcb4.htm
For the Love of His Truth 
Elmarie,
It is always a good reminder to live by faith and not feelings. When i was in the charismatic church i really struggled with this . There is high emotionalism oftentimes in these churches, and i always felt that i was missing something because i did not ‘feel’ what many others seemed to feel. It also was a word /faith church and i really struggled to seperate faith in God from faith in faith. As if the faith itself was a work or some good thing that i could come up with to merit whatever it was that i happened to be seeking God for. The problem always was “…how do i know that i have enough faith…?” And in a distorted and perverse way faith is made a work. I was so ‘indoctrinated’ into this that to be honest , i catch myself falling into the temptation of it at times even now. But i recognize it for what it is , and seek God for His grace to rightly believe and obey the true gospel. The charismatic churches and televangelists destroy simple child-like faith in God . At least that was the effect it had on me. I cannot tell you the darkness in my heart and mind that God has brought me thru on the path to simple faith in God! He is still giving me mercy and grace and is long-suffering towards me , still helping me to stay on track in the truth.
I sometimes in my prayers will say to the Lord …’my feelings do not support me right now, but i will not go by my feelings, i know what you have said in your Word, and i believe You.”
Sounds so simple, but it has not been simple for me to get to this place. And i know , that unless the Lord had been gracious and true to His Word , i would not believe even now. Salvation is of the Lord and i know that simple faith in God is a gift of God.
As always, you post such good articles.
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Sylesa
Thank you for sharing 🙂 May God bless you and keep you strong and safe and discerning always. I is so so easy to get lost in the millions of false teachings around (i say millions cause that is how things have escalated in the last 3 years in SA). Satan is prances around as an angel of light as the Word says and many false prophets and false christs will arise. And Jesus own words says ; Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Paul said : 2Co 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2Co 11:15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Thank you !!
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Surely, the just shall live by their faith! “For, without faith, it is impossible to please God! For, he that cometh to God, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder, of them that diligently seek Him.” I too, would much rather live by faith in God, than by my feelings! Several blogs that I visit, have been dealing with faith. I’ve also been writing about faith. My most recent article is titled, “Accessible by Faith.” All I can say is, take heed, to what the Spirit saith unto the church.
God bless you! Thanks for sharing.
Paulette
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