A person's identity is established by the ideals they subject themselves to. For Christians, they should be those established by Jesus. Should a professing believer embrace ideals other than this, their witness will appear no different than what the world already observes, adding to the confusion of the lost. As Christ followers, it is important to identify ourselves as those bought with a price; that by our submission alone, the kingdom of God is displayed through us to the world.
Whether husband, wife, father, mother, single, elder, or child, we are called to a particular place of submission in Christ and it is here our identity becomes fruitful. Surrender is entirely contrary to our human nature, and it is only by faith that we enter into our identities, by the evidence God Himself has given us.
Those of us who defy subjecting ourselves to our mandated roles, struggle with the Holy Spirit that is persistent in revealing God's will, while our selfishness within fights back. The evidence of such is chaos. Seeking peace and comfort from the battles, we find ourselves engaging in one uphill battle after another, searching for creative ways to overcome the Spirit's call on our lives.
The promise of Jesus is that he will never leave us or forsake us. He continually sends people and circumstances across our path to get our attention. This is the patience of our loving Father as we endure this baptism of dying to self, that we may buried and ultimately be identified with Jesus as we submit ourselves, where we will then receive the third part of our baptism; the resurrection. Not only on the last day, but here and now.
"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:20,21)
PJR
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Humility Of Faith
True faith expresses itself when we are obedient to God's word regardless of the consequences. Surrender will be our first course of action before catering to the insatiable human desire to address a situation from our own logic and resourcefulness for the sake of self preservation. This will, however, create within our mind's understanding, a great defeat as we forfeit our energies, humbling every fiber of our own strength that by default, desires to rationalize our emotions. We have now welcomed the work of the Holy Spirit within us, that He may also work through us toward others involved as well.
The burden of this responsibility is then effectively removed from us, and in time, we will discover that our humility is all that God has desired of us. Though fears and anxieties are inevitable due to the foreign body we've been clothed with, this begins the walk of faith that ultimately discovers the peace that Jesus speaks of, as we submit to Him.
Our surrender by no means discounts our participation with the truths we discern during this time. They are for the purpose of bringing us to an awareness of the work that God desires to accomplish; exposing those things which compete for our intimacy with Jesus and prepares our heart for the Holy Spirit to address them, thus affording a deeper understanding in which to pray more effectively through them.
PJR
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
The burden of this responsibility is then effectively removed from us, and in time, we will discover that our humility is all that God has desired of us. Though fears and anxieties are inevitable due to the foreign body we've been clothed with, this begins the walk of faith that ultimately discovers the peace that Jesus speaks of, as we submit to Him.
Our surrender by no means discounts our participation with the truths we discern during this time. They are for the purpose of bringing us to an awareness of the work that God desires to accomplish; exposing those things which compete for our intimacy with Jesus and prepares our heart for the Holy Spirit to address them, thus affording a deeper understanding in which to pray more effectively through them.
PJR
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thorns
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me."
(2Corinthians 12:7,8)
The enemy's effort, in this opportunity, is to draw our attention away from God, causing us to focus on ourselves instead. If interpreted wisely though, we recognize this as a tool of humility used to prevent us from 'thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought'. Our minds can very quickly forget we are nothing without the Cross and subsequent life of the Spirit. Every moment of our life finds us walking precariously close to becoming our own god. As the Spirit is willing but the flesh being weak, God's grace is sufficient and He will administer affliction so that we may know what it means to carry our own cross daily.
PJR
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
(2Corinthians 12:7,8)
The enemy's effort, in this opportunity, is to draw our attention away from God, causing us to focus on ourselves instead. If interpreted wisely though, we recognize this as a tool of humility used to prevent us from 'thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought'. Our minds can very quickly forget we are nothing without the Cross and subsequent life of the Spirit. Every moment of our life finds us walking precariously close to becoming our own god. As the Spirit is willing but the flesh being weak, God's grace is sufficient and He will administer affliction so that we may know what it means to carry our own cross daily.
PJR
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Lonely Saint
If you ever get to a place in your walk where you find yourself neglected, rejected, or avoided by others in the faith, five possibilities exist for your situation.
1. You are pompous, self absorbed and absent of love & compassion toward others.
2. You are fantastical, and live a religion of your own, disregarding the Spirit of truth.
3. You are zealous, eager to share Christ, but lacking refinement in your own identity.
4. You are boisterous, void of the life in Christ, worldly in your dealings with others.
5. You are humble, charitable, empty of yourself and available to God, full of the Holy Spirit.
In the first case, you will find it difficult to relate to others as you incessantly portray yourself as 'one over others in the Lord'. Lacking the spirit of love, you disregard the personal interests of others, and concentrate more on elevating yourself. As a narcissist, your main concern is your own image, and an empty witness will be your sign.
Rebuke from others will most likely accompany the second scenario; their recognition of your wayward walk, should they themselves be knowledgeable of the truth. If they are constantly correcting you about your theology, you are most likely to be lacking the true grace and knowledge of Jesus and have vigorously strained to be a separated and unique 'saint'. You have an insatiable desire to impress the church with your godliness. They will not be impressed, and your indignation towards them will be your sign.
As a zealot, arguments and disagreements will arise frequently as you force your experiences upon others. The blatant commands of your mouth appear no less than a demand for others to get right with God, all the while struggling with your own sanctification. You will receive much aggression and frustration will be your sign.
Fourth; you are eager to experience the pleasures of life, consumed with the wisdom of the world. Surrounded by those in the faith, they recognize the absence of your being 'born again from above', and the presence of your affections for everything the world enjoys. You do not understand why everyone has to be so spiritual, and your exclusion of service in the church will be your sign.
Silence will accompany the last; a result of the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon others through you, should they be void of a life in Christ. If you find your attempts to socialize with others difficult, due to their eschewing of your desires to fellowship, you are most likely so enlightened by the Holy Spirit that they don't find much in common with you. They sense convictions through you without you even having to speak. You will experience personal sorrow, and your continued love and desire towards them will be your sign.
In any case, you are left alone. Carefully examine the responses of the children of God around you and be humble enough to accept the truth that is being revealed to you.
PJR
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:3,4)
1. You are pompous, self absorbed and absent of love & compassion toward others.
2. You are fantastical, and live a religion of your own, disregarding the Spirit of truth.
3. You are zealous, eager to share Christ, but lacking refinement in your own identity.
4. You are boisterous, void of the life in Christ, worldly in your dealings with others.
5. You are humble, charitable, empty of yourself and available to God, full of the Holy Spirit.
In the first case, you will find it difficult to relate to others as you incessantly portray yourself as 'one over others in the Lord'. Lacking the spirit of love, you disregard the personal interests of others, and concentrate more on elevating yourself. As a narcissist, your main concern is your own image, and an empty witness will be your sign.
Rebuke from others will most likely accompany the second scenario; their recognition of your wayward walk, should they themselves be knowledgeable of the truth. If they are constantly correcting you about your theology, you are most likely to be lacking the true grace and knowledge of Jesus and have vigorously strained to be a separated and unique 'saint'. You have an insatiable desire to impress the church with your godliness. They will not be impressed, and your indignation towards them will be your sign.
As a zealot, arguments and disagreements will arise frequently as you force your experiences upon others. The blatant commands of your mouth appear no less than a demand for others to get right with God, all the while struggling with your own sanctification. You will receive much aggression and frustration will be your sign.
Fourth; you are eager to experience the pleasures of life, consumed with the wisdom of the world. Surrounded by those in the faith, they recognize the absence of your being 'born again from above', and the presence of your affections for everything the world enjoys. You do not understand why everyone has to be so spiritual, and your exclusion of service in the church will be your sign.
Silence will accompany the last; a result of the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon others through you, should they be void of a life in Christ. If you find your attempts to socialize with others difficult, due to their eschewing of your desires to fellowship, you are most likely so enlightened by the Holy Spirit that they don't find much in common with you. They sense convictions through you without you even having to speak. You will experience personal sorrow, and your continued love and desire towards them will be your sign.
In any case, you are left alone. Carefully examine the responses of the children of God around you and be humble enough to accept the truth that is being revealed to you.
PJR
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:3,4)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Holy Maturation Of Human Deprivation
Before God called me, going to church was not an option for me. I mocked God and His church. I felt religion was a crutch for losers who needed a life. This was my understanding because I was ignorant. This is why Jesus prayed for the Father to forgive them, because they don't know what they are doing.
After my calling, the only confidence I had in going to church was that I had read the entire Bible, but with open eyes and ears. I did not have the human luxury of friends and family joining with me to assist in my confidence. God had written all I had read onto the tablets of my heart. So I went to church with true (though not complete) understanding and full confidence in what I had read. What I witnessed through the years was a lot of church goers without a clue as to how they should live, according to what they claimed as their faith. Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof. I was amazed at how dead the church is. An intimate knowledge of their savior was absent.
When I would engage others in fellowship with the Lord, I would get three different responses. Indignation, from those who would not admit they were void of a relationship with Him; joy from the Spirit filled believer; and amazement, from those that recognized intimacy was possible. For the sake of enduring, God had placed me among the latter at first.
Another struggle I dealt with was how my humanity continues throughout my walk. Those who are indignant toward me are quick to point this out, though sometimes not with actual words. Those who actively pursue their higher calling understand this dilemma and are humbled by the presence of their own humanity.
Fellowship doesn't belong to people who gather on Sunday morning or other church functions and catch up on their life's latest news and accomplishments. These are merely acquaintances. True fellowship exists between the children of God who realize His Holy Spirit that resides in a wretched body. What a ludicrous combination! But children of the light can't help but to glorify God and praise the risen Lord, in spite of this imperfect vessel we trod the path in, and this to the indignation of the devil. Within or without the body of Christ, we are human. The difference is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus himself tells us that the Father will lavish us with his Spirit if we would but ask. Sounds simple enough, but if that is indeed the promise, I venture to conclude not many are asking. Like the weeds, life's cares tend to choke out His word. I find the biggest fear in praying for His Spirit is the realization of having to give ourselves up to gain Him. May I encourage you, nothing will be taken from you. Only when He has shown you the pitiful condition of the here and now compared to the eternity to come, you discover you actually give up nothing, but gain all.
Practicing simple obedience (Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands."), gives your faith a foundation for God to build on. It is important not to look too far down your path...this only leads to assumptions and unfounded fears of what's to come. As a child grows into an adult, the process is undetectable on a daily basis. Maturity appears gradually. Only looking back on the road we traveled do we understand fully, as we are fully understood. Thus, faith has its exercise as we focus on taking only the next step with unwavering commitment.
As we begin to lean, not on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways, we begin to put away our old selves, and He creates the new, by the power of the Holy Spirit He gives as we call upon Him. Accepting that it is not by our own strength, but by His Spirit, we are then able to humble ourselves to the knowledge of who we really are; fallen humanity saved not of our own devices...it is the gift of God.
PJR
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12)
After my calling, the only confidence I had in going to church was that I had read the entire Bible, but with open eyes and ears. I did not have the human luxury of friends and family joining with me to assist in my confidence. God had written all I had read onto the tablets of my heart. So I went to church with true (though not complete) understanding and full confidence in what I had read. What I witnessed through the years was a lot of church goers without a clue as to how they should live, according to what they claimed as their faith. Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof. I was amazed at how dead the church is. An intimate knowledge of their savior was absent.
When I would engage others in fellowship with the Lord, I would get three different responses. Indignation, from those who would not admit they were void of a relationship with Him; joy from the Spirit filled believer; and amazement, from those that recognized intimacy was possible. For the sake of enduring, God had placed me among the latter at first.
Another struggle I dealt with was how my humanity continues throughout my walk. Those who are indignant toward me are quick to point this out, though sometimes not with actual words. Those who actively pursue their higher calling understand this dilemma and are humbled by the presence of their own humanity.
Fellowship doesn't belong to people who gather on Sunday morning or other church functions and catch up on their life's latest news and accomplishments. These are merely acquaintances. True fellowship exists between the children of God who realize His Holy Spirit that resides in a wretched body. What a ludicrous combination! But children of the light can't help but to glorify God and praise the risen Lord, in spite of this imperfect vessel we trod the path in, and this to the indignation of the devil. Within or without the body of Christ, we are human. The difference is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus himself tells us that the Father will lavish us with his Spirit if we would but ask. Sounds simple enough, but if that is indeed the promise, I venture to conclude not many are asking. Like the weeds, life's cares tend to choke out His word. I find the biggest fear in praying for His Spirit is the realization of having to give ourselves up to gain Him. May I encourage you, nothing will be taken from you. Only when He has shown you the pitiful condition of the here and now compared to the eternity to come, you discover you actually give up nothing, but gain all.
Practicing simple obedience (Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands."), gives your faith a foundation for God to build on. It is important not to look too far down your path...this only leads to assumptions and unfounded fears of what's to come. As a child grows into an adult, the process is undetectable on a daily basis. Maturity appears gradually. Only looking back on the road we traveled do we understand fully, as we are fully understood. Thus, faith has its exercise as we focus on taking only the next step with unwavering commitment.
As we begin to lean, not on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways, we begin to put away our old selves, and He creates the new, by the power of the Holy Spirit He gives as we call upon Him. Accepting that it is not by our own strength, but by His Spirit, we are then able to humble ourselves to the knowledge of who we really are; fallen humanity saved not of our own devices...it is the gift of God.
PJR
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12)
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Basic Christianity
Basic Christianity, grounded in the purity of relationship with Jesus will confound and turn the heads of the lost world unlike any crafted religious doctrine theologians could possibly hope to design by their own intelligence based on biblical knowledge alone. The power of God works through the simplest of His children, meek and humble, while the most astute theologian may look on with indignation, mentally concluding that such simplicity could never make a dynamic and lasting impact on the lost.
Since a relationship with the Father is based on the manifestation of His Spirit embraced by those He loves, then the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of that intimacy. For it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit, through those whom He knows and is well pleased with. Through them, will be displayed the only life changing power that will pierce and expose the depths of the underlying darkness of humanity that keeps the world bound in depravity. It is the only power that makes a decisive and permanent change in a person's life.
Doctrine is crucial, but it can not be merely learned. It must be lived.
PJR
"At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'" (Matthew 11:25, 26)
Since a relationship with the Father is based on the manifestation of His Spirit embraced by those He loves, then the fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of that intimacy. For it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit, through those whom He knows and is well pleased with. Through them, will be displayed the only life changing power that will pierce and expose the depths of the underlying darkness of humanity that keeps the world bound in depravity. It is the only power that makes a decisive and permanent change in a person's life.
Doctrine is crucial, but it can not be merely learned. It must be lived.
PJR
"At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.'" (Matthew 11:25, 26)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Trusting God's Faith
Faith is a gift from God; the irrefutable evidence of the unseen and the manifestation of that which is hope alone. It is the undeniable proof in the heart of God's children that they live, move, and have His being. (Acts 17:26-28)
Faith is the activity of God by way of the Holy Spirit within His own.
In the following passage, the disciples are commanded by Jesus to obey a teaching that requires of them what they certainly do not possess.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.
"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." (Luke 17:3-6)
Jesus corrects the apostles cry for increased faith by revealing to them that their problem is not a lack faith, but an issue of being able to trust what God has revealed to them through His Word. The ability to accept God's word comes by way of His imparted sanctification upon the people, in His time, in His way. It is not a gift we can readily display at our own discretion, nor of our own affections; not until God has replaced our heart of stone with a heart of flesh.
Trust, on the other hand, depends upon the mind's ability to accept that which lacks physical and rational evidence, having heard from God (faith) while battling the incessant desire to rationalize it according to the wisdom and forms of this world. It is trust that we exercise on a daily basis. Trust is of the mind, which without the renewing of, can not accept God's word nor know true faith.
Therefore Jesus states, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38) In other words, we call upon the Father that we may hear from the Holy Spirit and learn how to discern between what is good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
It is not our faith that we struggle with, it is our trust that falters. Faith never sways; and without intimate prayer, trust always will.
PJR
"The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful-
-for he cannot deny himself."
(2 Timothy 2:11-13)
Faith is the activity of God by way of the Holy Spirit within His own.
In the following passage, the disciples are commanded by Jesus to obey a teaching that requires of them what they certainly do not possess.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.
"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." (Luke 17:3-6)
Jesus corrects the apostles cry for increased faith by revealing to them that their problem is not a lack faith, but an issue of being able to trust what God has revealed to them through His Word. The ability to accept God's word comes by way of His imparted sanctification upon the people, in His time, in His way. It is not a gift we can readily display at our own discretion, nor of our own affections; not until God has replaced our heart of stone with a heart of flesh.
Trust, on the other hand, depends upon the mind's ability to accept that which lacks physical and rational evidence, having heard from God (faith) while battling the incessant desire to rationalize it according to the wisdom and forms of this world. It is trust that we exercise on a daily basis. Trust is of the mind, which without the renewing of, can not accept God's word nor know true faith.
Therefore Jesus states, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38) In other words, we call upon the Father that we may hear from the Holy Spirit and learn how to discern between what is good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
It is not our faith that we struggle with, it is our trust that falters. Faith never sways; and without intimate prayer, trust always will.
PJR
"The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful-
-for he cannot deny himself."
(2 Timothy 2:11-13)
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Signs
A sign is the evidence of God's presence among His creation. Jesus tells us that it is an adulterous generation that seeks for a sign and that the only sign they would be given is the one that requires faith alone to see. It is the sign of Jonah.
"For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40)
God revealed His plan of redemption for mankind through the death and resurrection of His own son. In order to receive such a sign, it must be revealed to them.
"But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." (Galatians 1:15-17)
This is the faith that comes from God, reserved for God's elect; the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The children of God will ultimately walk by faith, not by sight. It is unbelief that looks for external signs as evidence of God's activities. Rather, we should wait upon the Lord, void of our own agendas, and attend to the Holy Spirit's promptings, which may very well include external signs, should He choose.
There is an abundance of God's presence that many Christians ignore on a daily basis. By not attending to the basic revelations, we are then seeking greater signs and wonders to be manifest that we may have sure evidence. God, however, will take no one further until the foundation has been first established.
Be absolutely certain of the source of any sign you embrace. Is it ours, Satan's, or God's?
Ours-"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." (Genesis 3:6)
Satan's-"And he said, 'See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them." (Luke 21:8)
God's-"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
PJR
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
(Hebrews 11:6)
"For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40)
God revealed His plan of redemption for mankind through the death and resurrection of His own son. In order to receive such a sign, it must be revealed to them.
"But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." (Galatians 1:15-17)
This is the faith that comes from God, reserved for God's elect; the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The children of God will ultimately walk by faith, not by sight. It is unbelief that looks for external signs as evidence of God's activities. Rather, we should wait upon the Lord, void of our own agendas, and attend to the Holy Spirit's promptings, which may very well include external signs, should He choose.
There is an abundance of God's presence that many Christians ignore on a daily basis. By not attending to the basic revelations, we are then seeking greater signs and wonders to be manifest that we may have sure evidence. God, however, will take no one further until the foundation has been first established.
Be absolutely certain of the source of any sign you embrace. Is it ours, Satan's, or God's?
Ours-"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it." (Genesis 3:6)
Satan's-"And he said, 'See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them." (Luke 21:8)
God's-"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
PJR
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
(Hebrews 11:6)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Faith From Above
There is a faith inherent in man that is nothing more than wishful thinking. From his own life influences, his mind believes. His confidence possesses no assurance except that which he imagines himself.
True faith, though, is something you know that you know that you know, and the Holy Spirit within confirms that its source is God. The faith described in the Bible does not apply to what Christians can imagine and then hope and pray that God will come alongside it; it originates from God and will reveal itself as naturally as we breathe. We may struggle with the details and delay of time before its manifestation but this is when we are called to walk by faith, or more accurately, to trust in the faith He has already given us. As sure as God has called us, He will call faith to work itself through us as he deals also with our covetousness and idolatry; the carnality that invents and believes selfishly in itself, but questions and challenges true faith.
PJR
"...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
True faith, though, is something you know that you know that you know, and the Holy Spirit within confirms that its source is God. The faith described in the Bible does not apply to what Christians can imagine and then hope and pray that God will come alongside it; it originates from God and will reveal itself as naturally as we breathe. We may struggle with the details and delay of time before its manifestation but this is when we are called to walk by faith, or more accurately, to trust in the faith He has already given us. As sure as God has called us, He will call faith to work itself through us as he deals also with our covetousness and idolatry; the carnality that invents and believes selfishly in itself, but questions and challenges true faith.
PJR
"...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
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