FAITH VS. FEELINGS

FAITH VS. FEELINGS

"Often our feelings and emotions are mistakenly substituted for faith.
Pleasurable emotions and deep, satisfying experiences are part of the
Christian life, but they are not the essence of it. Trials, conflicts,
battles, and testing's lie along the way and are to be counted not as
misfortunes but rather as part of our necessary discipline.

In all of these various experiences, we are to rely on the indwelling of
Christ in our hearts, regardless of our feelings, as we walk obediently
before Him. And this is where many Christians get into trouble. They try
to walk by feelings rather than by faith.

Trust God's Word and His power more than you trust your own FEELINGS and
experiences. Remember, your Rock is Christ, and it is the sea that ebbs
and flows with the tides, not Him. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the
infinite greatness of Christ's finished work and His righteousness. Look
to Jesus and believe-- look to Jesus and live! In fact, as you look to
Him, unfurl your sails and bravely face the raging storms on the sea of
life. Do not exhibit your distrust by staying in the security of the
calm harbor or by sleeping comfortably through your life of ease. Do not
allow your life and emotions to be tossed back and forth against each
other like ships idly moored at port. The Christian life is not one of
listless brooding over our emotions or slowly drifting our keel of faith
through shallow water. Nor is it one of dragging our anchor of hope
through the settling mud of the bay, as if we were afraid of
encountering a healthy breeze.

Sail away! Spread your sail toward the storm and trust in Him who rules
the raging sea! A brightly colored bird is safest when in flight. If its
nest is near the ground or if it flies too low it exposes itself to the
hunter's net or trap. In the same way, if we cower in the lowlands of
feelings and emotions, we will find ourselves entangled in a thousand
nets of doubt, despair, temptation, and unbelief. PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD
(Psalm 42:5). When I cannot FEEL the faith of assurance, I live by the
FACT of God's faithfulness."

Good words today from STREAMS IN THE DESERT, published by our friends at
Zondervan and available at the KESWICK ONLINE BOOKSTORE.

Tomorrow is our FREEDOM FIGHTER DAY. Men are struggling in the area of
sexual sin. If you are there, don't stay away. This day is for YOU! It
can mean the difference between death and life for you. Come find out
how you and live in freedom vs.. bondage. Mark P. Fisher, Sandy Cove's
new President, will be sharing his story and from God's Word. To may a
reservation, call 800-453-7942. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!!!