Wednesday, March 20

Jeremiah 25:30-38

Psalms 119:145-176, 128, 129, 130

Romans 10:14-21

John 10:1-18

On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is our faith that Jesus is Lord?  In Romans today, we are told that we don't "get right with God" by keeping His laws, or doing good works, or giving offerings, or being a nice person.  All of those things are wonderful, important actions and qualities.  But as Paul explains, no one can earn God's favor.  It is only by putting our faith in Jesus that we will be saved.

Without faith we are lost.  Have you ever been lost when driving?   We may keep moving but have no sense of whether we are going in the right direction.  (I know that never happens to men!)  There is a feeling of helplessness that overcomes us.  We are irritable and angry.  That is also true in life.  We need meaning and purpose to give us direction.  That is what comes with faith. 

As the parent of two college students, I realize that I am not in control.  In fact, I'm not sure at this point that I ever was!!  But faith is what helps me sleep at night.  I know that Jesus is working in my life in ways that I know nothing about.  I can serve on church committees, cook for the poor, and give to the down-trodden all I want.  But without faith, I am lost.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that faith is an 11.

Claire Martin