Today, I would like to kick off a weekly series of blogs called Weekly Manna. It is my hope and prayer that these weekly blogs spark both conversation and inspiration. For the next couple of weeks, the weekly blog will be dealing with the subject of being faithful. When you look up the definition of the word faithful, you will find that it means to be strict or thorough in the performance of duty. One who is faithful is one who is true to one's word, promises, vows, etc. Faithful is steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant. To describe one to be faithful is to be reliable, trusted, or believed; adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; given with strong assurance.

When we consider all those definitions of faithful, we can all agree that GOD is faithful to us. Deuteronomy 7:9 says “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God” What makes GOD faithful? Deuteronomy 7 verse 9 goes on to say “who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” GOD is faithful because GOD is true to HIS Word. One of my favorite verses in the Bible that I go to often to remind myself of the nature of GOD is 2 Timothy 2:13 that says “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” (NKJV) So even if we aren’t true to our word, GOD remains true to HIS Word. Even when we don’t follow through on our promises, GOD follows through on HIS promises. Remember this: GOD’s faithfulness is not contingent upon our faithfulness. The end of 2 Timothy 2 verse 13 says “HE cannot deny Himself.” GOD remains faithful to us because HE cannot go against HIS nature. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” Do you feel GOD has been faithful to you? In what ways would you say GOD has been faithful? Please reply with your comments.

So we all can agree that GOD is faithful; but this blog is not meant to highlight GOD’s faithfulness. I wanted to point out how faithful GOD is; but more importantly, let's dive into how faithful we are or should be to GOD. Proverbs 20 verse 6 asks an interesting question. It says “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” So according to this Bible verse, most people see their own goodness. Most people, if asked, might say I’m not a bad person. Most people, if asked, would probably respond, I try to treat others as I like to be treated. It’s the latter end of Proverbs 20 verse 6 that asks “But who can find a faithful man?” When looking at this verse, it suggests to us that there is a difference between goodness and being faithful. This verse suggests that a person can be a good person but not necessarily faithful. Remember now, being faithful means being firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty. Again, one who is faithful is one who is true to one's word, promises, vows, etc. Remember the question that was asked at the end of Proverbs 20:6 “But who can find a faithful man?”

2 Chronicles 16 verse 9 may help us find the answer to the question posed in Proverbs 20:6. It says “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Please know this: GOD is looking for faithful people. We asked earlier if you consider yourself to be a faithful person. Now, I want to slightly modify the question and ask, Do you consider yourself to be a faithful person to GOD? If so, why? GOD is looking for people who firmly adhere to the promises they make to HIM. Faithful people to GOD are with GOD unconditionally. Can GOD rely on you to remain true to HIM no matter the circumstances?

Remember now, being faithful means being steadfast in affection or allegiance. Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Faithful people do not waiver on GOD when things aren’t going well. Faithful people remain true to GOD even in the worst of times. Faithful people don’t turn their backs on GOD when life deals them a bad hand. The end of Hebrews 10:23 reminds us again where GOD stands “for HE who promised is faithful.” Many may know the story of Job; but his story is another demonstration of what a faithful person looks like. Job loses all his possessions, loses his children and the Bible says this is Job’s response in Job chapter 1 verse 21; “And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; (please don’t miss what he says next); blessed be the name of the Lord.” In the midst of tragedy and loss, a faithful man or woman will still bless the name of the LORD. Job 1:22 also says and we’ll remember this “In all this Job did not sin nor charge GOD with wrong.” When you are faithful to GOD, you take the good with the bad. When you are faithful to GOD, you don’t look for an excuse to give up on GOD.

Faithful people to GOD can be relied upon to do what GOD says. Can GOD rely on you to be where you say you are going to be? Faithful people to GOD are true to their word to GOD. Can GOD rely on you to do what you say you are going to do. If you say you are going to do something for GOD, just like you expect GOD to do what HE says, HE expects you to do what you say. Deuteronomy 23:21 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you.” GOD requires you to remain faithful or true to the promises or vows you make to HIM. GOD is so serious about us, HIS people, being faithful to our Word. HE is so serious about it that if you do not do what you vow or promise to do; that it is considered sin to you. Verse 22 “But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you.” GOD is saying to us; I’d rather you not promise ME you’ll do something; that way I don’t have to hold you to it. Look at Verse 23 as it again speaks to how serious GOD is about being faithful to your word. "That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.” GOD is saying to us, be faithful to your word as I am faithful to MY Word. Proverbs 20:6 again says “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?" 2 Chronicles 16:9 also says “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Do you consider yourself to be a faithful person to GOD?