He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.\u00a0Psalm 115:13<\/i><\/b>
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\nWe live in a world where persons not just require, but demand proof. People want to know that there is empirical evidence to support what we say. Today\u2019s society want proof for our claims and people question everything, especially the Millennials and Generation Z. We naturally seek out tried and proven financial institutions; tried and proven insurance companies; tried and proven churches; tried and proven tradesmen etc.
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\nOn the other hand, faith does not require proof; it is about belief. The writer of Hebrews begins chapter eleven with these powerful words,\u00a0\u201c<\/i><\/b>Now faith is confidence in what we hope for\u00a0and assurance about what we do not see.\u201d<\/i><\/b>\u00a0But lest we forget, such a faith does not exist in thin air or just suddenly descend upon us. This faith is grounded in a God who has proven himself time and time again.
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\nIn today\u2019s Psalm, David outlines that:
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This Proven-God is to be glorified. We must claim no honour nor glory, but all should be directed to God. God deserves it because of his steadfast love and faithfulness. This God is consistently true to his word and has always fulfilled his promises. He is dependable, reliable, trustworthy and faithful.
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\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Other gods are useless, static, impotent and dead. In the first place, they are made by human hands. Isn\u2019t it ridiculous that humans conceive that they can make a god and then turn again and worship it? \u00a0Such gods have no power, nor can they relate to us.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Our trust should rightly be in this Proven-God. Why? Three times in this Psalm David declares that God is our help and shield. This is particularly important for the Israelites who had to face several wars against opposing armies. They required all the help they could get, and the shield was an essential defence tool. Theirs have been a history of God who not just fought with them, but fought for them. At times, all that was required was for them to stand still and watch God secure amazing victories for them.<\/p>\n
Lest we forget, the Church is the army of God. We are in an ever-raging battle against the forces of the enemy. It seems that so many Christians don\u2019t have a clue regarding the war that is taking place in the spiritual world. So many of us are comfortable and relaxed as if all is well; it\u2019s as if we are just cruising along. The battle is raging!! Soldiers arise and arm yourself!! The war is on!!! Yet, this Proven-God is with us and fights for us.
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\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0This Proven-God blesses those who fear him. Those who are in awe of God and establish God as priority in their lives are sure to receive God\u2019s blessings. He rewards those who remain true and faithful.
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\nTill next week, remember God has proven true and faithful!
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Jermaine Gibson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n