From Calvary Chapel of Roswell

Pastor Jim Suttle

Msg #447                       Wednesday, February 14, 2007

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"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But whoever walks wisely will be delivered." (Prov 28:26) 

Do you live by feelings or faith?

Sadly, I believe if we were altogether honest…we would discover that most people today, especially here in America – live by feelings.

Most relationships are based on feelings.  Today is Valentines day…and for most couples their relationship is based on and aimed at feelings.  It is all about the thrill of the emotion and “feeling in love” Yet for that very reason…many of those couples will separate and even divorce…all because of a basis of feelings – instead of truth and commitment. 

Most Christians live by their feelings.  So many Christians today base their Christianity on feelings.  They pray, read, go to church, serve or witness when they “feel like it”.  Feelings become that which dictates…and that which hinders. 

Most then…live foolishly.  That is what the Proverb above tells us.  Today,  If you trust your own heart…if you live by feelings…you are a fool.  You are living in a very foolish way!  O….God has a better way! 

God calls us to live by faith!  God calls us to a whole different type of life – where we live by faith not feelings.  O feelings come – but feelings are to be enjoyed – never followed!  We are to live by and follow and trust in wisdom – God’s wisdom…not our feelings.

We are to trust in God, not our understanding (Prov 3:5)

We are to walk by faith, not sight (2 cor 5:7)

We are to ignore passing pleasures, for eternal rewards (Heb 11:25)

We are to follow the Bible – which makes us wise (2Tim 3:15)

Today, I call you to live by faith. I simply urge you not to let feelings dictate your course in life….but faith – faith in God and His Word and what He calls you to. 

In closing…consider this description and comparison of wrong wisdom (feelings) and God’s wisdom:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (Jam 3:13-18)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.(Jam1:5)

Jim

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