Faith & Trust in Jesus or Self!

When we think of faith we need to also consider the term trust. Both go hand in hand with one another. Without faith it is very difficult to trust and if you are trusting, then you must have a lot of faith.

What are the things in your life that you put the most trust in on a daily basis? Could it be the security of your job, your marriage, your family life, your religious beliefs, your convictions, or maybe yourself. Yes, you heard right. Do you put more trust in yourself than you do in the Lord?

Ezekiel, a prophet of God, was made a watchman for the house of Israel. He had an awesome responsibility to warn the people when they were contrary to God's will. If he warned them and they did not listen, his soul would still be delivered. But if he failed to warn the people of their wrongdoings and they died in that condition, he would be held responsible. This is where God said, When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.” (Ezek. 33:7-10, 13) We see here that one cannot trust in his/her own righteousness or works but only in God's righteousness to eradicate their sins.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. (Psa. 37:3, 5) Here's a familiar one: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... ( Prov. 3:5) From these two verses we truly realize once again that it is God that we must put our trust in and we must rely on His faithfulness, not ours.

At this point you say, “Okay, I will quit putting so much trust and faith in myself, but will depend on my friends more. This won't work either. Here's what God's word say about that, Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion. (Mic. 7:5) This leaves us one alternative and that is to pur ALL of our faith and trust in God Almighty who will see us through to the end. Amen!

Blessings,

Eddie

Allergy Sufferers Beware!

Many of you are very much aware that the allergy season is in full force and sending people to the doctor's office and emergency rooms on an hourly basis. So why do so many suffer from these different allergies? Good question.

The main reason so many people have trouble during this time of the year is due to pollens being released in the air by plants and trees. The most common allergies are nasal. The symptoms are usually congestion, sneezing, itching and running nose. Of course these are easily comforted by using an over the counter spray of some sorts. Then there are the more severe allergies that can send an individual to the emergency room fighting for their life. I remember when I was younger and had bronchial asthma. I had to have an injection several times to clear my breathing passages. I remember how scary it was trying to breathe my next breath. I finally out grew that allergy but found out later that I was very allergic to cat dander. If you were to lock me up in a room full of cats, it would be no time at all that I would be gasping for my next breath and eventually I would suffocate. Don't get any ideas!

The point is that if you suffer from allergies you will do all that you can to get relief. You don't want temporary relief; you want permanent relief. So you seek out doctor after doctor until you find one that has the cure for your specific condition. Once the solution is found you can be on your happy way and pray that no other symptoms arise.

Did you realize that just as we have physical allergies we suffer from, we can also have spiritual allergies that can cause us more harm. Do you find yourself running towards evil deeds or running away from them. Be honest here. We all suffer from doing wrong. That's why we are sinners, but we should be allergic to wrong doing and our antidote for this problem should be clean or right living. Remember the apostle Paul and his problem? For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice (Rom. 7:19). Do you have the same problem? He goes on to say, Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me (Rom. 7:20). If you have this type of sin in you today, it can be easily gotten rid of by giving it to the Lord. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

Jesus gives the invitation to come to the Father through Him. All who labor under burdens of any kind are invited to come. The greatest burden is the burden of sin. Jesus will give men the forgiveness of sins when they come to Him. Are you willing to surrender your all to Him today? He is the true antidote for your spiritual allergies. Get rid of them today, once and for all. We will be praying for you. Come!

In Christian love,