[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: Bayo Afolaranmi <spiritualdigest at gmail.com>
To: spiritualdigest at email.com
Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?
Date: 
Mon, 9 May 2011 14:19:44 +0100

Dearly Beloved,
WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR FAITH?
"When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, 'Why
did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us
bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go
with us and save us from the hand of our enemies'" (1 Samuel 4:3 NIV).
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred portable container which was the
most important sacred object of the Israelites during the wilderness
period. It was also known as the ark of the Lord (Joshua 6:11), the
ark of God (1 Samuel 3:3), and the ark of the Testimony (Exodus
25:22). It served as the presence of the LORD among the Israelites. At
times, it led them on their journey in the wilderness (Numbers 10:33)
and it was instrumental in the crossing of River Jordan as the waters
of the river ceased to continue flowing as soon as the feet of the
priests who were carrying the ark entered the water, and that it stood
still above until these priests, after the people of Israel had
crossed over (see Joshua 3:11-17; 4:7, 11, 18). No wonder, when the
Israelites were losing a battle against the Philistines, they trusted
the seemingly "magic power" of the ark rather than God, and took the
ark into battle. They thought that the ark would rescue them from
their enemies. Unfortunately, they suffered a crushing defeat and the
sacred ark was even captured by the enemies! (1 Samuel 4:1-11).
Nowadays, it is amazing to see how many Christians and even some
Christian denominations are placing so much emphasis and trust in some
seemingly sacred objects rather than the Almighty God that created
such objects for man's use. The objects may be anointing oil,
"sanctified" apron, mantle or handkerchief, "holy" water, "sanctified"
candle, soap, sponge, and the likes. Interestingly, many people have
been disappointed in spite of the use of such objects.
Where do you put your faith? Is it in created things or the Creator?
No matter how sacred or "sanctified" they may be, created objects may
aid your belief in God, but it is far better to put your faith
directly in God than relying on these sacred or "sanctified" objects
before you can get anything from God. The Psalmist said, "Some trust
in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD
our God" (20:7 NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

-- 
_________________________
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
+234 805 515 9591
+234 816 304 5450
http://www.thewordthruthenet.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spiritualdigest2003/
http://www.facebook.com/bayo.afolaranmi
Visit http://inspirationaldailyquotes.blogspot.com/ for updated daily
inspiring quotes from notable Christians. Also visit
http://bibleverseofthedaybypastorbayo.blogspot.com/ for daily edifying
Bible verses.

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will
have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted
in my body, whether by life or by death. FOR TO ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST
AND TO DIE IS GAIN" (Philippians 1:20-21, NIV).


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