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Hebrew 11:1 “Now faith is the substance (the confidence, assurance) of things hoped for (the future, the promises), the evidence (the proof  in God’s Word) of things not seen”. During 2024 the original blog spoke about the evidence of true faith which is FAITH IN ACTION. Think about current or past life situations where your faith is/was up,  faith in action. You know those unexpected life challenges where it involves self or others. Yet God continues to the rescue and/or prevents us from utterly falling or trapped. He rises beyond the occasion showing Himself faithful causing our faith to increase.

Then 1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation (whatever going through) taken you but such as is common to man (nothing new under the sun): but God is faithful, who will not suffer you nor me to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. A loving, faithful and compassionate God.

Expectation-Yet God desires you and I to be faithful to Him. First Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren (believers), be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD. So what are our good works in the LORD? The things we do and say which represents the Light of Christ? Can our family or folks see Christ light in us? Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Galatians 5:22-23 “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self-control): against such there is no law.” The works you and I do are to be done in the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

FAITH IN ACTION, the evidence of true faith. James of the Book in the New Testament, a martyr who died for the sake of Christ. He was thrown down from the temple, then stoned to death while on his knees praying for his persecutors. The epistles (letters) written by James were for the Jewish Christians that had already scattered including those James pastored due to persecution. They were on the run for their lives. We may say, “During that time the Jewish Christians were definitely a church without walls (believers who did not abandon their faith).”

Modern day martyrs: On 2/15/2015  21 Christian Martyrs were beheaded: one from Egypt and Guana, the rest Libya. They refused to denounce their faith. On 7/26/2016, in France Father Jacques Hamel, a Catholic Priest was forced on his knees. While praying he refused to convert his faith, therefore Father Hamel’s throat was slit (saintsmartyrs.com/modern-day martyrs/. These martyrs were victims with no way of escape, except for divine intervention. A sacrifice of death to eternal life with the LORD.

How to get our faith up. In other situations we cannot take our freedoms lightly. We ought to mirror how Nehemiah managed the situation. While in captivity for Judah’s wickedness,  he was granted favor and support from the king. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem for rebuilding the temple walls. Chapters 4-8 Nehemiah and servants were in the process of rebuilding. Despised by their adversaries who called them feeble and threaten to break-down the key stone wall. More threats to physically fight against, schemes to overtake and kill Nehemiah.

4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite (the enemy) was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. Key points of Nehemiah’s prayer. Verse 4 (tell God your problem and say what you want Him to do) “Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach (blame) upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 4:5 “And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.” 4:6 God heard and allowed Nehemiah and servants to rebuild more and connect the wall together.

Just because God hears and answers prayer, it does not mean the enemy has given-up. In this case verses 7-8 they became more angry and conspired to fight against Jerusalem to hinder their work (the Temple wall rebuilding).” 4:3-9 “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set “A watch” against them day and night, because of them (their attack on the people of God). The LORD heard Nehemiah again and gave him wisdom and strategy to protect themselves.” Read the rest of chapter 4 to learn more.

Yet watches are not only for physical battles, but significance in spiritual battles too. FAITH IN ACTION is the utilization of the Sword, the Word of God. Psalms frequently mentions the practice of seeking God during the night. Such as 119:148 states, "My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your Word." The night watches were also times of heightened spiritual vigilance (observance). In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted (shown) as praying during the night, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He urged His disciples to watch and pray (Matthew 26:38-41). This points to the importance of spiritual readiness, the need to be alert to the movements of God and the schemes of the enemy (Bible Hub-Tropical Encyclopedia).

Present help to live for Christ in the letters of James  reiterates the importance of our “FAITH IN ACTION” despite the trials, despite our struggles. James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

He is teaching us “True Faith is the: Evidence by Growth through Trials (James 1:3-4). The primary points are our trials produces patience, the ability to wait, endurance, perseverance, hope, spiritual growth and blessings;

Evidence by Works of Love (James 2:8) known as Royal or Sovereign Love.” We are commanded “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well” in showing love and mercy like Christ;

Evidence by Wisdom in trials (James 1:5) says, “We are to pray to God for wisdom during trials, believe and trust His wisdom that gives us the ability to comprehend. He has a plan for you and I. A purpose in our sufferings and to realize His purposes are beyond our knowledge and understanding. Yet He will confirm our purpose, equip and guide us.

Evidence by Wisdom of the Tongue  is understanding the practical skills of the Word like be slow to anger, living life glorifying God, knowing divine wisdom leads to joy and submissiveness to God’s will in midst of our trials. Now we are able to demonstrate self-control with a pure heart (James 1:26-27; 3:1-18 );

Evidence by Separation from the World (James 4:6-17) requires we humble ourselves before God, submit to His will, resist the devil and he shall flee, draw near to God and He draws near to us, cleanse our hands LORD-let us see and confess our sins, purify our attitudes and mourn over our sin;

Evidence by Dependance upon God (James 5:1-17). The road may seems hard, but the Word says, “We can endure hardship, however not by depending on self or possessions for happiness or security. Then we’re not to commit injustice to men or women for material gain.

Father we present ourselves before You as we mirror Nehemiah’s dependency on You, the letters of life instructions from the Book of James, the Evidence of Growth, Works of Love, Wisdom in trials, Wisdom of the Tongue, Separation from the World, and Dependance upon You; all evidence of our FAITH IN ACTION.

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We humbly pray to You, LORD in Jesus’ name, Amen!!! As always your comments are welcome. Love and peace! Neatbooks4u