In his preface to the book of Romans, Luther defines faith saying,"Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that the believer would stake his life on it a thousand times" (LW 35.370).  What is faith? It is a certain trust in God's grace toward us. Faith is the trust we have that Jesus is faithful to His word and will not break His promise to forgive us and save us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Really, at the end of the day, Luther's definition above is the best one you will ever find. Faith is confidence that God loves you and is gracious to you. 

This is a short devotion today, but sometimes that is helpful. May this confession of faith guide you through the day. This faith, this confidence in God's grace toward you, comes by hearing, hearing the Word of Christ. What is that word of Christ? Well, it is the Gospel in the forgiveness of your sins. You know you have a gracious God only in the reality of your absolution. You are forgiven your sins, acquitted all your transgressions against the Father, and Jesus remembers your sins no more. This proclamation creates faith in your heart and creates you anew as a child of God. May the faith given to you and strengthened in the proclamation of the Gospel continue top abide with you all the days of your life as you await your joyful entrance into the eternal dwellings.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew so that you hear only the peaceful voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I forgive you. I love you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull