YOUR FAITH GROWETH EXCEEDINGLY,

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

APRIL 9

 

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you,

brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith

groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every

one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 
Such was the happiness of the believing Thessalonians.
 
The seed became the plant;
   the plant soon became the tree.
The blade grew into ear;
   the ear ripened into the full corn.
 
The babe became a young man;
   the young man became a father in Christ.
 
Faith roots itself in the truth.
 
It firmly grasps the rock.
 
It stands against, and defies the storm.
 
It reposes on the covenant, and immutable faithfulness of God.
 
It grows by exercise.
 
It grows in the way of upright walking.
 
It grows by the proper use of gospel ordinances.
 
It our faith grows, Christ will become more precious.
 
We shall earnestly long for more conformity to him.
 
We shall learn better to distinguish between faith and feeling.
 
We shall be able to trust a naked promise.
Our love to the saints will strengthen and become strong.
 
Our zeal for God and his glory will increase.
 
Our attention to the precepts will become close and influential.
 
Our confidence in God’s word will be steady and vigorous.
 
Our liberality and benevolence will grow in proportion to our faith.
 
 

How blest it is to live by faith,

And cast our burden on the Lord:

To credit what the Saviour saith,

And rest, confiding in his word.

 
James Smith