Life Giving Faith
Are you living your faith out in actions especially in these troubling times? Talk to us.
Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.
Please read Isaiah 1:10-20
How do people know that you are a Christian? Is it because they know that you go to church on Sunday, go to Bible studies, and go on retreats? Is it because you spend most of your time with other believers and avoid tempting environments? Is it because you don’t drink, smoke, or wear immodest clothing?
As Christians, sometimes we are so concerned with pleasing God and appearing holy that we forget God loved us first, in our brokenness. God loves us deeply as we are and desires for us to love Him in gratitude. God wants us to share this love with others.
Questions about faith? Bring your doubts
Why would I need faith?: Find some answers
In Isaiah chapter 1 we see the Israelites doing all of the sacrifices that their religion requires, without a repentant and open heart. They are mindlessly following a cultural tradition. They have forgotten God loved them first and are instead completely concerned with what they thought an obedient follower of God should be doing.
God responds to the Israelite’s “sacrifices” with hate and refuses to look and listen to them. (Isaiah 1:14-16)
God does not ask us to become Christians of our own accord. He offers a flowing, ceaseless river of life that can cleanse us of our worldly habits and teach us how to live in Christ (Isaiah 1:18) This can only happen when we admit our dependence on God and his Holy Spirit.
God begs us to let Him wash us clean of our faithlessness and, “Learn to do good, seek justice, help the oppressed, defend the orphan, and fight for the rights of widows.” (Isaiah 1:17, NLT)
May the living water of our faith attract thirsty souls to the cleansing water of Jesus Christ. I pray that those with a thirst for God see our actions not as cultural tradition but as true life.
Questions: Do people see your actions as a true follower of Jesus Christ or as a cultural tradition? What are some ways that people see Christians as true followers of Christ?
About the Author Whitney Thompson
i think it’s the serenity that other people see in Christians even when their lives are in the middle of chaos. Others shake their heads and wonder how it is possible and if they could possibly know the ‘secret’ as well. funny thing, Jesus Christ is so not a secret and everyone can feel the peace and serenity in their lives. thank you whitney for this inspiring devotional
Whitney,
You are a blessing to my life. Thank you for using your gift to communicate through words to help us all reflect in areas that are needed – this made me think and I pray with the Holy Spirit’s help will translate into action!
thanks this was very good
Very nice, Whitney! Thanks for sharing from deep in your own heart and out of your own experience!
Jessica- I understand completely! It can be lonely sometimes being a Christian in the workplace and I will be praying along with you that you will be a light and have the patience to serve the people in your hospital.
Kaddee- Change is so hard! I will be praying for your perseverance during this time- it’s good to take just one day at a time because it can be overwhelming… soon enough you will look back and be amazed at the way God worked in your life!
Milly & Vivian- You’re welcome- I will try to keep writing but it’s hard to find the time! Vivian you are in our prayers- God works in ways that are unfathomable but glorify Him in the end… I will pray for your faith to grow and be a comfort to you.
All- Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for the devotion today, it really helped me to focus and not look at the changes being made in my life. Me & my husband had to suspend our church services due to the economy which has affected everyone. I was hurt because doors are closing, I ask God for strength everyday & a financial miracle to keep the church going. But apparently God has me on a path, where I can’t see anything yet, I can only move by faith. Keep me in your prayers.
Amen Jessica!
That’s what we all should be praying (if we are not) .. to be His light for others to see and for Him to shine through us!
Blessings to you
What a great article! Thank you so much.
Wow! This is a really good devotion for me today! I have had some changes in my life in the past few years and it does not look like it is going to end soon! (More change) Which @ first I was not very willing to be pruned but recently I have started noticing things that had to be changed in me, because I was becoming very comfortable with my life. Just moving in a routine, not really engaged, just moving and do, still severing and praising and living holy. I love how God knows and does the changing even when we don’t understand it. Thank God for Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit!
I am a young woman, in my 20s, and I know that I stand out. I am not like most people my age. I am happily married and have a job at a catholic hospital that I love. Everyday I pray for God to let His light shine through me and be a servant to others for Him. Sometimes it can hurt my feelings if people are reluctant to “take me seriously,” because of my age, but I know that I need to be patient and they’ll come around. ;) I am just me. I am whatever God wants me to be and that has become my mantra for everyday life.
You hit the nail on the head. ouch. It is so easy to become complacent in today’s world. We have it all. Keep reminding us of what our true duty as believers are.