01.19.14

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:7-9)

As I reached out to take hold of my "familiar friend", after gazing upon it for a while, my thoughts are enriched beyond measure. The familiar friend I am referring to is my Bible. Where would you or I be without its existence? As I was pondering its contents, like lightning shooting across the midnight sky, once again I realize this is the word of God! Revealed too many an author for my personal inheritance; an unlimited source of instruction, revelation, mercy, peace and comfort, one size fits all. In fact, it brings me to heaven and heaven to me.

Take for instance this Scripture we have just read. Here God's Word reveals certain properties of our faith. First of all, our faith will be tried and the trials will feel like fire. The why is quickly answered by the fact that our faith will be the producer of that evidence to show whether or not we know Jesus Christ personally. Then as our faith is tried certain voices of unbelief will challenge the Lord's required results. Then, the icing is put on the cake by Father God himself affirming that we can love him. This in turn strengthens our faith, giving way to eternal life. See what I mean? Praise the Lord!

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