A Prayer of FaithWritten by Joyce C. Lock
When Jesus departed, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into house, blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. He put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Testifying both to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to faith among all nations, for his name: For therein is righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Even righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for remission of sins that are past, through forbearance of God. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without deeds of law. Seeing it is one God, which shall justify circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish law. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Cometh this blessedness then upon circumcision only, or upon uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. Abraham received sign of circumcision, a seal of righteousness of faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And father of circumcision to them who are not of circumcision only, but who also walk in steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For promise, that he should be heir of world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through law, but through righteousness of faith. For if they which are of law be heirs, faith is made void, and promise made of none effect. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to end promise might be sure to all seed; not to that only which is of law, but to that also which is of faith of Abraham; who is father of us all. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of glory of God. What shall we say then? That Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even righteousness which is of faith. But righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above). But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, word of faith, which we preach.
| | TrustWritten by Joyce C. Lock
They that trust in Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As mountains are round about Jerusalem, so Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. Psalm 125:1-2 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. As for God, his way is perfect; word of Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in Lord. Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. As for God, his way is perfect: word of Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember name of Lord our God. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before sons of men! The Lord redeemeth soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore children of men put their trust under shadow of thy wings. Trust in Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Commit thy way unto Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And Lord shall help them and deliver them: he shall deliver them from wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh Lord his trust, and respecteth not proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in covert of thy wings. Selah. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. The righteous shall be glad in Lord, and shall trust in him; and all upright in heart shall glory. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in Lord God, that I may declare all thy works. I will say of Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
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