July 2018

standing, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus“
(Biblica Inc., 2011).
Another understanding you
should come to is that intimacy
and faith are not the same thing.
In the Book of James, Chapter 2,
Verse 14:
“Many professing Christians believe
mentally that the Bible is
the Word of God, but this faith
does not change the way they
live. It is not a faith that can save”
(Biblica Inc., 2011).
Indeed, we should look for faith,
we should practice grace, and
we should love abundantly. Faith
is acceptance, assurance, and
confidence in God and salvation.
Daily we should practice walking
with God. Faith will often be tested
in our lives, and during those
times we should use our time
wisely. As in the Book of James,
Chapter 1, Verses 2-4:
“Count it all joy, my brothers,
when you meet trials of various
kinds, for you know that the testing
of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness
have its full effect, that you may
be perfect and complete, lacking
in nothing.” (Biblica Inc., 2011).
Being dedicated to a relationship
with God is the key to creating
intimacy. What’s stopping us
from the pursuit of eternal happiness?
Could it be fear that keeps
people astray? Do you not trust
God is who almighty?
As humans, we tend to want to
control as much as we can in
life. It’s no wonder that we have
so many fears. Some of those
fears such as being alone, fear
of death, fear of suffering, fear of
pain, fear God will leave us in a
time of need? Satan, he is your
fear. God loves you, and fear and
love cannot exist together. In 1
John, Chapter 4, Verses 7-10:
“God’s love and ours is defined ~
Dear friends, let us love one another,
for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been
born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not
know God, because God is love.
This is how God showed his
love among us: He sent his one
and only Son into the world that
we might live through him. This
is love: not that we loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his
Son as an atoning sacrifice for
our sins (Biblica Inc., 2011).
There are those who are avid
readers of the Bible, who feel
they have a loving, intimate relationship
with God. There are
times when the Bible can bring
you knowledge of the scripture
and closeness to the word. If this
is the only reach, you have for
God? If this is the only time you
show God your love for Him, is
it enough? Is it enough for you?
Scripture reading is referenced
in the Book of John, Chapter 5,
Verses 39-40:
“You search the Scriptures because
you think that in them you
have eternal life; and it is they
that bear witness about me, yet,
you refuse to come to me that
you may have life.” (Biblica Inc.,
2011).
www.faithfilledfamily.com 95