March 2

So, then, faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17.

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool," God says in the Book of Proverbs. It is foolish to trust in your own heart, in your feelings and inward experience, if you wish to become certain of your faith. For what guaranty of God's grace can you have if your faith has no better foundation than the delusive feelings of your own heart? Is not man's heart a deceitful and desperately wicked thing? Woe unto those who base their faith on their emotions! Even the inward testimony of God's Holy Spirit may not always be there. Nor must we rest our faith on our own repentance; for our repentance is always imperfect. Nor should we rely upon our own good works; for even the best of lives are damnable if not covered with the righteousness of Christ. All these foundations of faith which men make for themselves are like the quicksand, which gives way under one's feet.

The only sure foundation upon which Christians must rest their faith is the Word of God. For while everything else is unreliable, the Word of God is truthful and can never fail. Whosoever simply relies upon that which God has spoken in His divine Word has based his faith on the true and everlasting foundation on which alone it can securely rest. Though such a believer experience God's anger and wrath in his soul and feel no joy whatever, the Word of God will give him solid ground to stand on and therefore true comfort. Though he suffer tribulations and afflictions, though the world and Satan tempt him, even in the very face of death, nothing will be able to prevail against him. His faith rests on the firm foundation of the inspired Word, which says: "In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." These are God's words, of which He says: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." On this sure foundation true faith is built.

Prayer.

We praise and bless Thee, Lord God, for having, out of pure mercy and kindness, so bountifully provided both our body with daily bread and our soul with heavenly food, Thy saving Word. Grant, O faithful God, that this Thy Word may remain in our

hearts and work great good to Thine honor and our salvation. Graciously grant that the good resolutions we have formed may not be hindered or come to naught. Take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord! Be all Thy graces now outpoured On each believer's mind and heart; Thy fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Thy light Thou in the faith dost men unite Of every tongue and every nation; We therefore sing with exultation: Hallelujah! Hallelujah!