Daily Devotionals

John Gossner's Treasury

Devotional: November 23rd

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16. Thou believest that there is one God; thou dost well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8.

How much "faith" there is in the world; but how little of the light of faith that shines and gives warmth! Faith must be a light from God and heaven to bring light into the darkness around it. Faith must prove its fire by works of righteousness. Faith must prove its power, its origin from God; otherwise it is dead, cold glitter that only deceives and avails nothing, a faith of devils, only a bare admission of the truth. The devil can not deny that God exists; yea, his faith in the existence of God is so firm that he trembles before Him, which is more than some believers do. Therefore the devil can be said to have a better faith than they have. But such a faith makes neither righteous, nor does it save. For if such a trembling faith availed anything, the devil would long ago have been righteous and saved. Here you see how little the apostle James values your faith of hypocrisy and of the mouth; and yet men do not tremble. Even Jesus Himself lamented because of the latter times and makes clearly known that at His coming He will find very little of true faith. Strive therefore, beloved, with all your might to be among the few in whom the Lord shall find faith. I wish for myself and for you the faith of the Romans at the time of Paul, which was "spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8). Examine your faith according to this; for without true, living and active faith it is impossible to please God.

O may my name, dear Lord, be found

Free from all condemnation.

For Thy death’s sake, Thy pains and wounds,

In Thy book of salvation.

I will not doubt: I trust in Thee;

From Satan Thou hast made me free,

And from all condemnation.