Are You Sure?

Daily Reading: Hebrews 5-6

Scripture Focus: We feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. (Hebrews 6.9b)

Devotional Thought: Several years ago, when I completed Clifton's Strengthsfinders evaluation, I discovered that one of my signature strengths is 'positivity.' I tend to view things optimistically. So, I can identify with the writer of Hebrews when he writes, "We feel sure of better things..." But, certainty is not limited to those who are naturally positive. Certainty is rooted in "things that belong to salvation."

What gives us certainty?

• When our hearts are clear. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness and judgment. We can be thankful when the Spirit convicts us, because he brings us to repentance and faith. This, of course, relieves the conviction. So, the first gauge of our certainty is a clear conscience before God. But, that is not enough because our hearts can deceive us.

• When our lives have changed. Faith without deeds is dead! We know that our faith is real and life-giving when our lives have been changed by the power of God! We no longer live in the same way that we did when we were slaves to sin. Our language is softer, attitude kinder, behavior more Christ-like. Even that is not enough, though, for we can fall into self-righteousness.

• When our testimony is affirmed - when others see the change that we feel. But, in the final analysis, even that is not enough to make us sure of better things.

• Because God is faithful! Our certainty is not in ourselves, in our feelings, in our performance, in our reputations. Our certainty is in Jesus! The Son of God has saved us according to his Word. God said. I believe it. That settles it!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the certainty of better things that belong to salvation. I rest in your faithfulness. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 48.1-8

1 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. 3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.

4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. 6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. 7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah