The Olive Branch

Hello, welcome back to the blog! It’s been a while since I last wrote, but today I’d like to continue my “Fruitful” series and talk a bit about faithfulness. To be faithful is to remain loyal and committed to someone or something. This is not only an attribute WE are called to posses, but an attribute of God. The Lord is faithful to us and his love for us is unwavering. He stays by our side in every season of life. Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (NIV) God will walk with us through it all, but will we continue to walk with him? Will we prioritize him when life gets busy, and put him first when distractions come our way? Are we devoted enough to his kingdom to lay down the desires of our flesh? Will we continue to serve him even when we are persecuted for it? The Bible says you cannot serve two masters, (Matthew 6:24) you are either devoted to God or to the world. You can’t look to both for help. When you are looking to one, your back is turned to the other. The things this world has to offer are temporary and superficial, but the things of God are eternal. God doesn’t want a casual relationship with you; he is all in. Psalm 46:1 tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble” (NIV). Jesus is our constant and he is where we find true rest. We can show our faithfulness to God and his kingdom through prayer, studying his word, tithing, keeping his commandments, operating in the fruits of the spirit, etc. God should come first in every aspect of our lives. So we know what it means to be faithful TO God, but what about to have faith IN God? While our faithfulness TO God is our commitment to him, our faith IN God is when we put our complete trust and confidence in him. Having faith means not just letting God walk with you, but letting him LEAD you and allowing him to choose your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; and in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV) The Bible refers to the road to eternal life as a “narrow road”, a path you can only get to by following Jesus. Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (NIV) When you put your life in God’s hands he will lead you unto paths of righteousness and restore your soul. (Psalm 23:3) Put your trust in God and remain faithful to his kingdom. Thanks for reading.

Your Friend, Olivia

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me” Psalm 119:30 (ESV)