Matthew 27:41-42 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”

I’ve heard various stories of people saying, “If this happens, then I’ll believe.” Such statements, and such people, are never wise, because the Biblical pattern is faith first, then the miracle. Faith is both a gift and a choice. Because it is a gift, no one can boast about it, as Paul succinctly and famously stated. (Ephesians 2:8-9) However, it is also a choice; we have to choose to receive what God offers. He gives us all various opportunities to believe, but we can be remarkably hard headed at times. Some who choose not to believe call those who do believe “gullible,” but who has the better outcome? Just yesterday I was reading an article that stated that even atheists concede that the fellowship and community in a church is better than anywhere else. I didn’t do that survey, but it sounds right to me! The peace and joy of a life of faith can be had no other way, but we have to choose to accept it. And that’s just talking about the results of faith in this life! The Bible is clear that we will spend eternity with our Lord, whether it is Jesus Christ the Son of God, or the devil, who in pride rebelled, desiring the glory for himself, and is destined for eternity in torment. Faith that God loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sins indeed brings the eternal life that the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, talks about. The men who were mocking Jesus obviously didn’t choose to accept that faith.

Growing up in a household of faith it was a very easy choice for me, but pride nearly derailed me. I learned the hard way that choosing faith isn’t an “into bliss and out of blister” proposition, as my grandfather used to put it. I have learned that faith is an ongoing choice, to be renewed at sometimes very frequent intervals. However, I have also learned that such renewals are effective, and very blessed. I am never to take my salvation for granted, “sinning so that grace may increase,” as Paul put it, (Romans 5:20- 6:2) At the same time, I am not to be anxious about “losing my salvation.” Repentance is both necessary and effective on a continual basis. The longer I walk with my Lord in this life, the more assurance and anticipation I have of walking with Him in the next. We don’t have to have “incredible faith” for faith to be incredible!

Father, thank You for this encouraging reminder. Thank You that I’m getting more and more used to the new lens in my right eye, and that I’ll be getting a new one for the left tomorrow. Thank You for all the things that are scheduled to go on today. I ask Your guidance and anointing for every detail, so that the team from Taiwan, our usual members, and especially those who don’t yet know You may be powerfully touched by Your Spirit, to be transformed more and more into the likeness of Your Son, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!