Holding on to His Promise

Jacob Wrestles with God

Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”1 We know the story of Jacob as his life unfolds before us in the book of Genesis. He was the twin brother of Esau. Esau was the firstborn and as such was heir to the blessings of their father Isaac. But Jacob, unlike his brother Esau, saw the value of “the birthright”. In reading about them, we discover that Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for bread and lentil stew. The bible even affirms in Genesis 25 that Esau “despised his birthright”.2 Later on we learn (in Genesis 27) that Jacob and his mother successfully deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob with the rights of firstborn son. Twenty years pass by the time Jacob offers this prayer in Genesis 32, and we see that he is returning now, back to the land of his fathers (Abraham and Isaac). God speaks to him in Genesis 31: Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”3 But Jacob fears for his life and the lives of his wives and children, because his brother Esau held a grudge against him for receiving the blessing Isaac gave to him. Esau said, “I will kill my brother Jacob”.4 We all face fear at certain times, in our lives, fears which cause us to hesitate, worry and doubt; fear which can paralyze us. Fear in relationships, fear in our profession, fear walking down a certain street. Whatever it is, we’ve all come face to face with fear. Some personalize fear by saying, “my fear(s)”. Whether you personalize, internalize, or analyze it, we all have come face to face with it; fear. Paul reminds us that fear does not come from God: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”5 Jacob was afraid for his life, but unlike those paralyzed by their fear, he recognized that who he feared (Esau) was not greater than the God of his fathers (Abraham and Isaac). God told Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:3, NIV) Would this same God now allow Esau to kill Jacob? Jacob faced his greatest fear with prayer; he prayed to the God of Abraham and Isaac, reminding him of His promise. Sometimes when we pray, we still feel the matter is not settled. In our mind, we don’t know the outcome, though we pray in faith, though we remind our self and God of His promises; we say our, “Amen” but still feeling the outcome remains unsettled. As I read Genesis 32, I got the sense that despite praying about the matter, despite hearing God Himself promise to be with him, Jacob was uncertain about the outcome of seeing his brother Esau. Jacob was afraid. When Jacob entered the world, he did so holding on to the foot of his brother Esau. When he fled Esau, Jacob wrestled with his father-in-law Laban as an indentured servant for twenty years. Finally, Jacob's journey brings him to a place called Mahaniam, where he is met by the angels of God. It is here at Mahaniam that Jacob names the place, “the camp of God”.6 He is alone now, until he begins wrestling with a man; this struggle continues until daybreak (v.24). Jacob was not a skilled hunter like his brother Esau, but he was a skilled wrestler. He wrestled for what was important to him, and on this night, Jacob wrestled with God. I have to believe that God allowed Himself to appear in the form of a man to allow Jacob to successfully wrestle Him to a stalemate; but He is still God. When God touched the socket of Jacob’s hip, He permanently disabled Jacob; but Jacob continued to "hold on". Finally, God tells Jacob, “Let me go for it is daybreak” (v. 26), but Jacob refuses until he is blessed: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”7 There is a lesson in this scripture for those who faithfully trust in Christ, we must hold on to the promise of God until our daybreak comes! Your daybreak will come if you hold on to the promise of God! MTJ

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 32:9-12, NIV
2. Genesis 25:34, NIV
3. Genesis 31:3, NIV
4. Genesis 27:42, NIV
5. 2 Timothy 1:7, Amplified Bible
6. Genesis 32:1-2, NIV
7. Genesis 32:26, NIV

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

The Power of Prayer

The power of prayer

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39, NIV) So often when a person prays, they have uncertainties regarding the question: Does God hear me? Or, will God answer my prayer? This kind of prayer is laced with uncertainty. How does one pray with a measure of faith that believes? I use to fall into the trap of quoting scriptures to reinforce my belief that God would somehow be bound to the words I spoke when I appended them with scriptures. I’ve since come to accept the truth that God is sovereign and that His will, not mine is all that matters. In this passage of Matthew, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane and as He falls to the ground and begins to pray, He asks His Father that if there is any possibility to save mankind without having to die on the cross, let His life be spared. But He immediately says, “…not as I will, but as you will.” Christ understood the importance of obeying the divine promise to save all humanity; even at the cost of His life. There is no restriction to asking God to hear and answer our prayers, but we are not empowered to dictate to the Lord to do as we ask. This is the mistake which believers can make; assuming that God is bound to do as you ask. I have not found this philosophy to be true in scripture or in my life. God is sovereign, that is the truth whether I choose to believe it or not. God answers prayer, but how God answers prayer is within His will; not mine. In fact, scripture teaches that there are times when a prayer is simply not answered. Prayer is our method of communication with God, but in reality, most prayers consist of a request we make known to God. No matter whether we are praying on behalf of someone else or our self, prayer contains an expression of a perceived need from me to God. We want God to do something which we ourselves cannot do. Years ago, this would be referred to as a miracle, today we simply say, God answered my prayer. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives...” (James 4:3, NIV) What about unanswered prayers with the right motives? Why do these prayers go unanswered? I have known people filled with guilt because they were told that they lacked sufficient faith to be healed. As a result of this lack of faith, God never heard their prayer for healing. This to me is ignorance of the sovereignty of God. Many Christians have been burdened with the guilt of insufficient faith. But we must consider a fundamental question for Christians when it comes to answered prayer: Who moves mountains on my behalf? Is it me or God? If it is simply a matter of belief, why then doesn’t the power of positive thinking change the world we live in? I have seen individuals on television, heard the promotions on the radio, and received promises in email and postal mail that there is a privileged key to unlocking the flood gates to my prayers. Each of these salesmen (and women) would have you believe that you can have what you want. I do not believe that God holds some individuals in higher regard than others; that they alone can get an audience before the throne of God and achieve results which others cannot. This philosophy negates the sovereignty of God. The prophet Elijah once asked the question: “…How long are you going to waver between two opinions?” he asked the people. “If the Lord is God, follow him!” (I Kings 18:21, TLB) A believer may find themselves stuck between what I would refer to as true faith and ignorant thinking. True faith trusts in the sovereignty of God regarding the outcome of my prayers. True faith says, “not my will Father, let Your will be done.” Ignorant thinking says, "I can have whatever I want." I remember reading in Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being faced with a crisis of their faith. They were given the choice of forsaking the one true God by submitting to idolatry, or remain faithful and die by being burned alive. I don’t personally know anyone who had to choose either death (for their faith) or life (by giving up their faith in Christ), but the bible chronicles that this happened to these three men. When given this ultimatum, here is how they responded: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV) They believed the God of heaven and earth was able to preserve their life, but they also were reconciled in the belief that if He chose not to save them, they would choose to die believing in His sovereignty. This helped me to understand that my prayers are not left to a random occurrence of events, there is no secret key which unlocks God’s willingness to answer my prayers, no oil, cloth, or holy water can do what only God chooses to do on my behalf. I don't dispute that prayers have been answered using a point of contact (the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, touching a piece of fabric, or the use of water). I believe that God will do what He chooses to do and how He chooses to do it when it comes to answering prayer. But I must also believe that what He chooses to do and how he chooses to do it is the best possible outcome for me. That to me is the power of prayer! Trusting God to do what I cannot and accepting how He chooses to do it. Think about the fact that God already knows the need in my life or in the life of someone I’m praying for. If He didn’t know, it wouldn’t make much sense to ask Him. Since God is already aware of what I’ve yet to ask, why do I pray? As I said, most prayers consist of some form of a request being made known to God. But since our Heavenly Father already knows what we have a need of, prayer is my acknowledgement that I depend upon God and not myself. Prayer is the method of spiritual communication between God and me. More than that, it is the only means of communication between you and God. There is no form of communication which is one way. Every form of communication requires some type of two-way conversation. God is not a spectator in your life! He is both intimately acquainted and involved with all aspects of your life. He doesn’t just seek to hear your prayer, He also seeks to be heard by you. That is when your prayers become a weapon of spiritual power; when there is true communication between you and God. As you move from the position of always asking God for something and never hearing God, to the position of spiritually communicating with God, you initiate the power of prayer. At that point, you know God is able, but even if He chooses not to do as you ask, you know He is still God and you are content to trust His will with the outcome and not your own. That’s the power of prayer. Try it! MTJ

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

God’s Uncompromising Promise

I will never leave or forsake you

It’s been months since I last wrote a post on this blog; much has happened during that time. I was ill for a while, then I injured my back, and I recently traveled to Croatia for six weeks. It’s a beautiful country and everyone I met treated me so kind. Some of my family, friends, and those of you I call my virtual friends asked about this blog (I really appreciate those of you who wrote me). It’s encouraging to know that others read this blog; it’s definitely blessed my life to share my thoughts about living a Christ-centered life. I hope the Lord continues to inspire me to pen my thoughts; I also hope you continue to read and find something that encourages, strengthens you spiritually, and inspires you in your faith walk with Christ. "...be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV) Have you ever felt so all alone that you wondered: Does God hear my prayers? Does God even care about me? I can remember having those thoughts and I remember how much of a struggle it was to trust God when everything in my life said, Give up! What does a person do when things seem so hopeless? What does a person do when you are in a vast, endless ocean with no land in sight, and the only thing keeping you afloat is a small piece of wood? You cling to that wood with a sense of desperation, not even knowing if you can stay afloat. In those times, I felt there was only one option available to me and that was continue to pray…even though I had no idea what God would do, even when I had no discernible awareness of the Lord’s presence, I still believed he would bring about a change because He said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. That promise kept me from drowning.” After my marriage ended, I prayed that God would call me from this earth. I felt ready and willing. I said, I’ve lived my life Lord, I have no regrets, and I’m ready to go. I wanted to simply close my eyes and never have to wake up again. I thought, If I don’t wake up tomorrow, all would be well; I’d be in heaven praising God. However, the next morning I'd awake somewhat disappointed that I was still here. My conversations with the Lord went something like this: OK Lord, I'm still here so obviously You didn't hear me last night. Now I've got to face another day all by myself, so I could really use Your help to get me through this day. I realize now that I didn't really want to die, I simply wanted things in my life to have some order, I wanted peace, and an end to the chaos. I imagine the Lord got a kick out of me advising Him on what to do with me. The words were coming from my mouth, the Holy Spirit is there listening to me (rolling His eyes) and saying, “Seriously?” I'm glad the word of God says, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26, NIV) It's a good thing to have the Holy Spirit as a spiritual filter for my mouth, my mind, my life. This ritual went on every night and subsequent morning for several weeks. Finally one morning, I got out of bed and on my knees I began to confess that the Lord didn’t need my counsel regarding what He could do with my life, and when He should do it. I realized that God still had a purpose for me and it was time I stopped wanting to leave this world. Sometimes, we want to hear something truly special from the Lord, words meant just for us. We wait for the Lord to do something spectacular in our lives and we forget that:     Faith in Christ does not hang on spectacular events in     my life. Faith is my uncompromising belief that no     matter what occurs in my life; Christ is with me…     He will never leave or forsake me. Remember what King Nebuchadnezzar asked Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:14-15, NIV) Remember what they replied to King Nebuchadnezzar: “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18, NIV) What this says to me is that God doesn’t need to prove Himself to me by performing something miraculous. Even when no spectacular miracle occurs, I still need to trust Him with the end results; no matter the outcome! I can do that! How? Believing His promise to me is certain. No matter what happens, He will never leave me or forsake me. He makes that same promise to you!

A Note of Thanks: Once again, I want to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Faith in God

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we've no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Yesterday, due to the predicted snowfall, I was informed that I didn’t need to drive to work. “Let it snow…let it snow…let it snow!” I turned on the radio and heard a man was talking about different types of Christians. As I listened to him give an opinion on what a “true Christian” is, I wondered how a person’s faith morphed into one’s material possessions. A sick Christian lacks faith in God? A poor Christian has little to no faith in God? A well-dressed Christian has tremendous faith in God? The kind of car a Christian drives reveals their faith in God? Really? Christ was asked by His disciples about a blind man: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3, NIV) Somehow we Christians began to equate materialism with salvation; the more prosperous you are, the greater your faith in God. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45, NIV) “Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…” (Acts 10:34, NIV) God blesses whom He will bless. Can my faith entitle me to fashionable clothes? This kind of philosophy condemns those who are sick, poor, unemployed, homeless, or otherwise lacking prosperity. It teaches the premise that; My current status in life is directly linked to my faith (or lack of faith) in God. How is this any different than teaching that I need Christ to die again for my sins? Joe, a Born-again Christian is informed that due to a drop in the quarterly sales, his company must lay him off. He goes home and tells his wife Margaret, who immediately surmises that due to a lack of faith in God; his name was added to the Layoff List instead of the Keep Employed List. I think we Christians should be careful whom we condemn and who we exalt. Answers to my prayer are within the sovereignty of Almighty God. How God answers my prayer is solely up to Him; my faithful responsibility is to trust Him, no matter what He decides. written by MTJ

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

The Old Tree

High on a hill stood an old oak tree with branches stretching out to the length of its height. Winter was rapidly approaching and all the leaves had fallen, leaving the tree bare. This tree had see many winters and although the cold wind revealed this would be another harsh winter, the old oak tree stood ready and prepared. Not far from the tree stood a young oak sapling. It easily moved with the wind, but unlike the old oak, it retained most of its leaves. The young tree looked toward the old oak and asked. [Young Tree] Aren’t you cold with no leaves to cover you? The old oak smiled and said, [Old Tree] Soon, I will sleep, and when I awake, spring will be here. [Young Tree] I’m afraid to fall asleep. What if I don’t wake up? [Old Tree] You mustn’t be afraid. This is what all trees must do. You too will go to sleep and when the spring arrives, you will awaken. The young oak loved this old oak tree. He was one of many from the same line of oak trees that covered the hillside. The young tree knew the old tree was wise and could see that time had aged the old oak for many, many years. His thick trunk and deep roots had served him well with a long life. He wondered what the hillside would look like if this huge tree fell during a brutal winter storm. With each gust of cold air, his tiny branches shivered. Try as he could to hold them, his leaves began to slowly fall off. [Young Tree] Daddy, I’m cold! [Old Tree] Go to sleep my son. [Young Tree] What if I don’t wake up? [Old Tree] You’ll awaken to a beautiful, wonderful spring. Somehow, those simple words from the old tree gave the young tree comfort and assurance. He began to let go of each remaining leaf, as one by one, they fell to the earth around him. He began to feel sleepy and just as his eyes were about to close, he heard the old tree whisper: [Old Tree] I love you my child. [Young Tree] I love you too daddy. Short story written by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

I'm Waiting

I'm Waiting on The Lord

I’m waiting… For a word from you. Just a hint will do, because...     I'm waiting. There is no hurry, no worries, no rush, because...     I'm waiting. When you're ready, you will let me know, because..     You know I'm waiting. You said, “Wait...”, and so I do. You said, “I would run and not get weary...”     I'm not weary Lord. If I ask, will You not answer me?     I know You will! So You see, that's why...     I'm waiting. Who are they that wait? Those who need not ask the question..     “How long Lord, How long?” They who wait are patient. I may not see the road ahead...     but I know You've made a way,     when there was no way! That is why...     I'm waiting. It may be an unpaved road, but it's my road...     bulldozed by Your word. It may be a steep climb, but I have the faith...     to ascend this height! It may be the road less traveled by others...     but I know it leads to You. I may get stuck in the mud some time, but     I will trust You to guide me through. That is why...     I'm waiting. While some may flee at the first sign of terror,     I'll stand firm and wait. When the doctor says, “There is no cure”,     I'm waiting for Your prognosis. When the lawyer says, “You have no case”,     I'll wait for Your vindication. When the job says, “You've been laid off!”,     Send me to that ripe harvest field. When the bank says, “We're seizing your home!”,     I have a place prepared by You. You see Lord, I've learned that it's best...     to wait on You. Some have asked me:     “Why do you wait for someone you cannot see?”     I say,     “Eyes have not seen the goodness of the Lord”. Others may ask:     “Why wait for words that are not spoken?”     I say,     “Ears cannot hear the words, ‘Peace be still’” Still others ask:     “Why wait when the table is bare?”     I say,     “Who will taste and see that the Lord is good?” Others may mock, but I will glory in the Lord! That is why...     I'm waiting. Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Look at Me Lord

Look at me Lord as I pray
(Image courtesy of http://gr8trimpact.com)

Look at me Lord; I’m down on my knees. I’ve been here before…     Lord, hear my plea. Times are hard, but I’ll never give up Touch me Lord… please fill my cup. Teach me the words…     of the Apostle’s Creed Remind me again, it’s You that I need The light in me…     must shine so bright. Illumine me Lord…     You are The Light. I once was blind, but now I see. Are not mere words…     to those set free. Free to walk, in the newness of life. You transformed me...     from darkness to light. I’ve risen with Christ…     who rose from the dead. The church is the body…     He is the head. So look at me Lord, pour out your grace. Purge me with hyssop...     prostrate on my face. Lying before…     Your Heavenly Throne. My soul thirsts for You, cause heaven's my home. I want to go home, but I need to stay. There’s work to be done...     I’m the Potter’s clay. So look at me Lord…     it's here where I stand. I love you Lord Jesus…     my life’s in Your hands. Yes, look at me Lord…     You’ve blessed my life. I’m ready to labor…     the harvest is ripe. Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Take a Number

I’ve faced many instances in my life where I’ve failed and I’ve come to recognize one of four situations:

1. Sometimes my desire lacked commitment.
2. Sometimes my effort lacked discipline.
3. Sometimes my skill set was inadequate.
4. Sometimes God just said, “Take a number”

As you can imagine, I’ve also experienced my own share of disappointment and frustration when it comes to failure. God’s word speaks truth to me when I examine my thoughts and experiences regarding failure. When Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, he gave only two:

“But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”¹

It’s that second one that speaks to me about my attitude and failure; Love my neighbor as I love myself. What I realize is that I love me and I will go to great lengths to prove my love for me. That may mean treating myself to some chocolate cake, buying shoes or clothes, the car I want, or traveling to a place I’ve wanted to go. I do these things because I love me.

So I may fail as a result of those first three situations, but it’s OK because I still love me. I may be disappointed and even frustrated, but I’m not angry at me because, I love me. But situation number four has always resulted in me being angry at God for denying me and I see now that I failed in the first commandment to love God to the same degree that I love myself. I don’t question my love for me, and I don’t question God’s love for me; I know both are true. However, I have to question my love for God because when I’ve failed because He says, “Take a number”, I don’t love Him the way I love myself; I’m being selfish towards God.

I don’t know why God sometimes says “Take a number”, but He’s God and that’s His prerogative as The Sovereign Lord; His ways and thoughts are not mine. I no longer want to be selfish towards God (or anyone else for that matter). At a minimum, I want to love God as I love myself. I also realize that when God says, “Take a number”, it doesn’t mean never.

I believe this because of something I read in scripture:

“Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice. But after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And He was saying to her, ‘Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered and said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs.’ And He said to her, ‘Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.’ And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left."²

This scripture reminds me that just before the sun rises; it may seem to be the darkest time of my life. In Mark, the bible speaks of a woman who came to Jesus asking Him to heal her daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. Because the woman was a Syrophoenician (a Gentile), Jesus essentially told her to take a number. Now if you’ve ever had to wait in line for someone to call your number, imagine what it would feel like if the ticket you were holding had no number.

Would you wait as long as it took for an answer, or would you just become frustrated and give up?

Giving up isn’t just my not trusting God, it’s my not loving God as well.

But this woman demonstrates that she not only believes in Jesus, she loves Him to the degree that she’ll accept whatever attention He gives her because:

1. She doesn’t need an answer packaged in a beautiful wrapping paper and ribbon.
2. She doesn't demand to be given a seat at the dinner table.
3. She doesn't demand a plate to go.
4. She’s perfectly willing to accept the crumbs that fall from the table for the dogs to eat.

So often, I’ve thought that God’s blessing must be equivalent to my expectations; my expectation would always dictate my perception of the proportional size of God's blessings.

I didn’t want just a slice of cake, I wanted the whole cake!

What I see in this woman’s example is that the size of the blessing is irrelevant, because even a crumb from Jesus was enough to heal her daughter. She didn’t need Jesus to give a sixty minute sermon on how he would heal her daughter. She didn’t need to live in the lap of luxury to experience the healing of her daughter.

She understood that even the tiniest granule of blessing from Jesus was sufficient enough to accomplish all she needed.

She was at her edge of darkness, yet she knew dawn was coming.

She knew this because she was unwilling to give up loving Jesus, in exchange for living a life of disappointment and frustration. I heard a preacher once say that when you get a slice of cake, it contains the same ingredients as the whole cake. That cake has eggs, flour, sugar, flavor and everything put in the batter; so does a slice of that same cake.

My ticket has all that too!

Although it may seem like God is only saying, “Take a number”, perhaps I’ve been rejecting my ticket that reserves a slice of cake for me. As a result, I was demonstrating my lack of love for God by refusing to accept my ticket; believing instead that I would never get a slice. I believed that ticket held no value for me.

But that’s not the case anymore!

I’ll love God in my darkest hour just as much as I love myself. I’m making choices to please Him, not that I may curry His favor, but because I want to love Him. I’m not giving up on God.

What I’ve come to realize is that God hasn’t given up on me. Whether it’s a slice of cake or just a crumb, I believe God will provide it. Even if He says, “Take a number”, that’s good enough for me because that ticket has all the ingredients I need for an answer to my prayer.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger).

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:34-40, NASB
2. Mark 7:24-30, NASB

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA

The Mind of a Conqueror

I’ve been thinking about Joshua and Caleb this week. Specifically, I’ve been reminded by the Holy Spirit that although an obstacle may loom larger than life, an obstacle does not tower over God. Joshua and Caleb had the mind of a conqueror because they both believed nothing was greater than God. Moses sent twelve men to the land of promise, each was assigned to analyze, assess, and evaluate the level of effort needed to take possession of land promised to the nation of Israel by God. Twelve of those men came back and reported that the land offered the things to which God had spoken of, a land that:

“…certainly does flow with milk and honey”¹

But ten of those men also said:

“…the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.”²

This is an example of how obstacles appear larger that they really are. Our eyes will cause us to exaggerate and believe things we see, even when the truth echoes before us. Caleb (one of the twelve) responded by saying,

“We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.”³

Why after all the things God had done for these people did ten of these men reach a place of doubt, worry, anxiety and fear?

I think that these ten men looked not to God, but measured themselves against the people who inhabited the Promised Land. In Egypt, these men were slaves. They had a slave mentality. Even though God delivered them from their Egyptian oppressors, parted the Red Sea, fed them bread from heaven, provided them with meat and water, led them with pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, they still considered themselves as slaves. It’s the reason I believe they kept making references to how good they had it in Egypt; making bricks!

I believe that we embrace our past because we fear the future; even if that past was the worst possible experience we’ve ever had. Why does a person stay in a dead-end job? What keeps a co-dependent dependent? What makes a person see the worst possible thing in their life as something to hold on to? Why does a person find it so easy to say, “I’m a failure” rather than saying, “I’ll face this challenge by trusting God for my success”?

How often do the words, “I can’t”, “I’ll never”, “It’s hopeless”, and “What’s the use” come from your mouth?

Have you ever found yourself singing or (those who don’t sing) humming a tune in your head that somehow doesn’t want to go away? Sometimes, it’s just a catchy phrase such as, “You’ve got mail”, “Not going anywhere”, “What’s in your wallet?” or “Bags fly free”. We hear it and then subconsciously it begins to loop in our mind, constantly repeating; again and again.

The same thing appears to happen when I repeat messages that somehow reinforce that I’m incapable of achieving anything. Instead of saying these words repeatedly, I must choose to say something that gives me faith, joy, contentment and hope. I’m not talking about a commercial where I claim to have the knowledge of a skilled surgeon just because I slept in a certain hotel. No, just saying, “I’m a surgeon” one hundred times, doesn’t make me one. But why are the words, “I'll never...”, so believable to me? What if I began to remind myself of who I am, who I belong to, and who is on my side?

I am a follower of Christ. I confess my faith and trust in Him daily, and yet, something happens when I’m faced with A Problem. I transform it into My Problem, volunteering myself for this duty. I do this even though the words, “the battle is the Lord’s”⁴ are in my spirit, I act as if I’m all alone. Worry, doubt, anxiety and fear are all consuming. Like a wildfire, worry, doubt, anxiety and fear consume me until I’m a living example of worry, doubt, anxiety and fear. I sacrificially offer myself in an effort to appease it, but after being consumed, all that’s left is a discouraged shell of someone who feels helpless and hopeless.

I realize now why the scripture says,

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert.”⁵

I believe this means to throw worry, doubt, anxiety and fear off myself and direct them toward God. What’s the first thing you do when you enter your home? You remove a coat, jacket or sweater; tossing it to a familiar place. Perhaps it’s those shoes you’ve worn all day. Maybe it’s a hat or scarf you remove. You’ve done it so many times, that it becomes a subconscious act. Whatever it is, you don’t continue to wear it because you recognize it’s unnecessary; you’re home, a place of comfort and security. I believe God wants me to have that attitude about Him; He’s my shelter, my spiritual home of comfort and security. It is here that I must remove (cast off) all my cares (worry, doubt, anxiety and fear), and direct them to God.

Why? God cares about me, totally and completely.

So only two of the twelve men (Joshua and Caleb) recognized that the physical appearance of those who lived in the Promised Land didn’t mean defeat, they dared to say,

“…and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, 'The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us--a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.' ”⁶

They understood that the LORD was with them. The LORD would empower them to achieve victory. They understood that when you look at an obstacle with the natural eye, defeat appears imminent, but when I look through the eyes of Christ, that obstacle becomes a stepping stone to victory. Stop carrying around your cares (worry, doubt, anxiety and fear); have the mind of a conqueror, a spiritual conqueror.

Cast them, throw them off; give them to the LORD.

Remember, your obstacle has no protection from God.

Remind yourself that, the LORD is with you.

Do not be afraid of what opposition you face.

Do you want to be a spiritual conqueror?

Stop saying what you can’t do and begin reminding yourself what God can do!

Believe and trust God…Be all you can be in Christ…be a conqueror!

“...’we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”⁷

Dear LORD,

You give us Your grace in abundance. In all things we are more than conquerors through Christ. I am confident in You. I acknowledge that the obstacles I face have no protection from You, You are with me, I will not fear what is before me. The realization that You are God and there is none like You gives me both joy and peace. Bless our faith so that we may bless and encourage others, pointing them to You. We can do nothing without You LORD. I bless and exalt Your Name, which is above every name. I thank You for the joy and peace the Holy Spirit gives me. It is written that, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." Your grace abounds in us O LORD. Thank You. Amen.

Footnotes:

1. Numbers 13:27, NIV
2. Numbers 13:28-29, NIV
3. Numbers 13:30, NIV
4. 1 Samuel 17:47,NASB
5. 1 Peter 5:7-8, NIV
6. Numbers 14:7-9, NIV
7. Romans 8:36-39, NIV

References:

1. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
2. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
3. Biblegateway.com

A Faith That Intercedes

As I now begin the next six week phase of recovery I’m reflecting on the past and looking ahead to my future. The past six weeks have been a long, arduous journey for me. Physical pain gives one a perspective that empathizes with those who suffer. Due to surgery, I’ve not had the privilege of reading blogs I’d become so comfortable following. In such a short time, so many of you have touched my life; I’ve missed the fellowship each of you gives through your writing.

I’ve asked myself “What will I say to my fellow believers in Christ and to those who happen to find their way to my page, when I return to this community of bloggers?” I realize that time is something I value and so I must say I value you and the time you give me here.

I’m thankful for so many friends and family members who’ve shared an encouraging word, prayed and given me food or drink. I cried tears of thanks to God for those who’ve so touched me with the love of God demonstrated through their acts of kindness and words of affection. Through each person, God has allowed me to see a faith that intercedes.

I’ve always viewed intercession as the act of praying for another; but I now believe it encompasses so much more. There are only nine references to intercession in the bible and only one reference to the word intercessor. Although very little may have been written in scripture, I believe God would have us understand and apply the principles of intercession to our daily living.

The Hebrew word paga (paw-gah’) is used for both intercession and intercessor. It means to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity: -- come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light [upon], meet (together), pray, reach, run.

The Greek word for intercession is derived from the word huper (hoop-er’) which means placing above, beyond or across for the sake of, regarding another to be superior to. To intercede in behalf of: -- make intercession for.

To me, intercession has the mindset of helping another who may be in need, distress or trouble; The Good Samaritan¹ is a biblical example of an intercessor. It is the principle behind loving one’s neighbor above your own self. An intercessor answers the questions:

1. Who is my brother?
2. Who is a friend?

First, we have the Intercession of Christ, who as our High Priest serves as mediator between God and humanity. Christ as our High Priest sits on the right hand of God, pleading for each of us. He is therefore viewed as our Advocate. The prayers and praises of all believers are made acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This is referenced by Isaiah:

“Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”²

The intercession of Christ is threefold:

1. He intercedes for the world
2. He intercedes for the Christian community
3. He intercedes for individuals (particularly those who trust in Him)

Secondly, we have the Intercession of the Holy Spirit which Paul spoke of in Romans 8:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”³

There have been nights when I’ve been unable to sleep due to the pain from surgery and I was unable to express to God in a coherent manner my need. Oftentimes, I found myself simply uttering the word, Jesus. I believe the Holy Spirit interpreted my innermost desire and conveyed it to the Father, easing my pain and allowing me to rest.

Thirdly, there is the Intercession of Christians whom the Bible instructs to:

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”⁴

This is the privilege and duty we as Christians inherit; powerfully and effectively, demonstrating genuine, sincere and loving acts toward others. It does not supersede the intercessory work of Christ and the Holy Spirit but it does give us opportunity to demonstrate God’s love through us to those in need.

It was no accident that Christ died a violent death, a death which paid the penalty for our sin. It can be no accident when we see others in need (spiritual, emotional, or physical); we must act with purpose to feed the hungry, shepherd the orphans and widows, sheltering the homeless, ministering to the sick and praying for our country’s leaders, those who work in government, those who provide jobs for us, that we may be blessed and our nation flourish.

It is your faith in Christ that ushers in the attitude of an intercessor. Through faith, we are given opportunities to minister and touch the lives of others. We may not see the end results of our intercession but our faith assures us that God will respond. Each day, we can intercede for someone, through prayer and acts of faith; sharing God’s love. Keep in mind the privilege and duty bestowed upon you.

Here is a list of prayer requests I use as a template for others:

1. May your life glow brightly with the love and grace of God
2. May your thoughts be guided by God's wisdom and truth
3. May your words always echo sincerity and compassion
4. May your eyes see what is needed in the lives of others
5. May your ears hear and never be ashamed
6. May your kindness bring healing to soothe away many hurts
7. May your steps be guided to walk in everlasting light
8. May you always remember the goodness of God
9. May you teach those who come after you of God's grace
10. May God's love always enrich and bless others through you

Footnotes:

1. Luke 10:30-37, NASB
2. Isaiah 53:12, NIV
3. Romans 8:26, NIV
4. James 5:16, NIV

References:

1. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, By James B. Strong, S.T.D, LL.D., Riverside Book and Bible House, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
2. Unger's Bible Dictionary, By Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago
3. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
4. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA

Is it, Will God? or God Will!

As I continue to look at faith in (and towards) God, I think back to a message I heard during the early years of my life as a Christian, husband and father. The minister spoke on the topic of prayer and how he kept a two-column ledger listing the prayers he and his family submitted to God. In the left column was the heading, We Asked and in the right column was the heading, God Answered. I thought it was a good idea and so I launched a feeble attempt of my own family’s prayer ledger. I can’t remember when I stopped logging entries in that ledger but I remember even now, how often God answered our prayers. One ought to never forget the faithfulness of God.

Since last week, I’ve begun to read blogs authored by Christians and two which provided me with much to meditate on were Days Of Our Lives (by Jane) and Blessing In The Storms (by Kimberly Anne Sanderson). Jane’s recent post (Doing Right Doing Wrong) discusses “4 men who carried their friend, a paraplegic to Jesus for healing” (found in Mark 2:1-12). As I read her post, I thought about the determination it took to reject discouragement; to not see an obstacle as a viable excuse. Their friend needed healing and they believed Jesus would heal him. All that was lacking was opportunity. They seized it!

Kimberly’s post (Death, burial, and Resurrection LIFE) discusses “Every area of our life is meant for life because of what Jesus did for us.” She shares about her personal loss and how the Lord answered her prayer. It made me realize that the resurrection power of Christ seeks to penetrate every facet of my life. That is an awesome realization of what God desires for me; to raise from the dead my thoughts, words, behavior, marriage, relationships, health, finances…everything that pertains to my life.

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever…”¹

“The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever…”²

“Your right hand will do everything for me. Yahweh, your love is everlasting…”³

“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting…”⁴

God is faithful, eternally faithful.

Establishing that truth in me means that no obstacle is too great for God when it comes to my life. It also means that I surrender my will to God in every aspect of my life; allowing Him to fulfill His purpose.

Recently, one of my grandsons had (for him) a frightening asthma attack. He was worried, scared and afraid as both his grandmother and I sought to help him through this episode. I asked him to, “calm down and close your eyes”. In that moment, I began to pray, asking God to heal him of his asthma. I’m thankful that he has not experienced an episode similar to that. I fully expect that when he is examined by his doctor, there will be no residual effects of that condition.

When I told him that his uncle (my oldest son) was born with asthma and had to be hospitalized on several occasions due to asthma attacks, he asked me why he no longer has asthma. I told him that, “we prayed”, that “others prayed on his behalf” and that "God healed him. I believe this is why Moses, Joshua and others reminded the nation of Israel to remember and teach our children, who God is and what God has done for us.

There is a passage in Mark that for me addresses the question of Will God?

Peter, James and John had just witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus Christ and were returning to the other disciples. As they arrived, they could hear an argument between the disciples of Jesus and the teachers of the law. Jesus asks, “What are you arguing with them about?”⁵

“A man in the crowd answered, ‘Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech…I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.’

‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for him who believes.’

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”⁶

Many times we are like this father, we believe but we are tormented with the question, Will God? We just don’t know if God will…we doubt the character and faithfulness of God. Not always openly but certainly subconsciously. We doubt the will of God, usurping it with a mixture of mistrust and uncertainty. We either don’t know or we’ve forgotten who God is; so we seek assurance elsewhere.

Kimberly said something which rung so true in my spirit:

“What I thought was dead, God birthed life eternal into. I had to relinquish this though through the process of death, burial, and resurrection.”

For me, this is similar to what occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus said:

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”⁷

What this says to me is that I can ask anything of God because of the relationship established (by Christ) for me. I ask because I believe God is faithful to fulfill His purpose for me and in me. I trust God and this is why I can ask, believing everything is possible for him who believes. It also means that I won’t attempt to usurp God’s will. Instead, I will trust His will for my life. I can do this because I am willing to put those things on the cross to die; in order for God to raise in me a new man. I may cry, “Abba Father”, but I will not lose confidence in the faithfulness of God.

Some people live healthy lives while others are afflicted with illness or physical impairment. Despite the circumstances, God is faithful to resurrect in them, a life which resonates the faithfulness of God. For them, it is not a question of Will God? They know God is faithful, just and true. This is a lesson I’m learning.

God will!

Footnotes:

1. Psalms 138:8, NIV
2. Psalms 138:8, KJV
3. Psalms 138:8, The Jerusalem Bible
4. Psalms 138:8, NASB
5. Mark 9:16, NIV
6. Mark 9:17-27, NIV
7. Mark 14:36, NIV

References:

1. Days Of Our Lives, blog authored by Jane
2. Blessing In The Storms, blog authored by Kimberly Anne Sanderson
3. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
4. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
5. The Jerusalem Bible, Edited by Alexander Jones, Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, ISBN 0-385-01156-3
6. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6

An examination of Belief and Faith

The Old Testament introduces us to the biblical word believe when it speaks of the action of Abraham. The Hebrew word aman (aw-man’) is used as a primitive root word meaning, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse. In a figurative sense, it means to render or to agree on.

“And he believed in the Lord…”¹

Simply put, to believe is to agree something or someone is truthful.

Faith on the other hand, comes from the Hebrew word eemunah (em-oo-naw’) meaning literally, to have firmness in one’s position, figuratively it means being secure. Moreover, it implies fidelity or loyalty to another; to the degree that one is committed and will not stray away or betray.

“…but the just shall live by his faith.”²

In the New Testament, we find believe in the form of the Greek word, pisteuo (pist-yoo’-o) which means to credit something or someone as true, to recognize, acknowledge or know the truth.

“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us Son of David!' When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ 'Yes, Lord', they replied.”³

The Greek word for faith is somewhat similar to believe. It is the word pistis (pis’-tis) meaning to have a reliance on (Christ), to have an assurance that convinces one to act with conviction that something or someone is true. It implies that one lives a life of fidelity and honesty with the truth. Such as having one’s life bound to truth (Christ).

“But someone will say, You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder.”⁴

One can believe someone or something to be true and yet that belief has no power to change a person’s view of himself or the world they live in. For example a person can believe there is a God but that person sees no reason to submit to the authority of God.

On the other hand, faith compels one to act based on a truth or set of truths. Faith ventures beyond the realm of our senses and intellect, so that we touch, commune and worship at the very throne of God. Your faith touches the faithfulness of God producing a result. Faith does not merely agree that something is true, faith acts on that truth.

“…A large crowd followed and pressed around Him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I touch His clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped…At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him….and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?'...Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at His feet…told Him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you.'”⁵

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.”⁶

Faith then is a marriage that defines our position in Christ Jesus. There are three aspects of that position: saving faith, sanctifying faith and serving faith. Through marriage with Christ we are saved, we are sanctified and we serve.

On the one hand you have (1) saving faith; the result of the finished work of Jesus Christ, His miraculous birth, His death on the cross for the sins of the world and His resurrection. This is the faith which binds you to Christ.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”⁷

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast.”⁸

Like the woman with the issue of blood, we heard about Jesus and we believed. The result of that belief is faith in the finished work of Christ. Christ saved you, faith in what Christ did binds you to that truth.

(2) Sanctifying faith understands the knowledge of as well as having a trust in our position in Christ; one has the experience of being a vessel of Christ, the life and nature of Christ in you as you live each day of your life.

“Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace into which we now stand.”⁹

Sanctifying faith enables you to take possession of the power of God in order to conform your position in Christ. Sanctifying faith gives structure and meaning to what was once the vacant lot of your life. You have a position in Christ now; that is your home address.

(3) Serving faith acts upon the truth of what God has given you. It is a personal, individual matter and yet it does in no way allow one to deviate from the truth of living for Christ.

“Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.”¹⁰

Serving faith is the sustaining power to serve God and others in the name of Christ Jesus. It is the power of God unto salvation but it is also the power to live in a way that constantly seeks to please God.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”¹¹

As I look closely at my life I recognize how I believed the testimony of Jesus Christ and as a result, I made a confession to God asking for salvation.  This marked a transition point in my life. It didn't not mean I became a more patient person, it simply meant that I began the arduous journey of learning to be patient. Over the course of my life I would discover ample opportunities to learn patience. I am still learning patience. I am a tree bearing fruit which one day I hope is plentiful. This then is my faith in action; emulating the life of Jesus Christ in my life.

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 15:6, KJ
2. Habakkuk 2:4, KJ
3. Matthew 9:27-28, NIV
4. James 2:18-19, NIV
5. Mark 5:24-34, NIV
6. Hebrews 11:6, NIV
7. John 3:16, NIV
8. Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV
9. Romans 5:1-2, NIV
10. Romans 14:22, KJ
11. Colossians 3:23, NIV

References:

1. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, By James B. Strong, S.T.D, LL.D., Riverside Book and Bible House, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
2. Unger's Bible Dictionary, By Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago
3. The Abingdon Bible Commentary, Edited by Frederick Carl Eiselen, Edwin Lewis, David G. Downey, Abingdon Press, Nashville/New York
4. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
5. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
6. The Layman's Parallel New Testament, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan
7. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
8. The Jerusalem Bible, Edited by Alexander Jones, Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, ISBN 0-385-01156-3
9. Matther Henry's Commentary, McDonald Publishing Company, McLean, Virginia 22101, ISBN 0-917006-21-6