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Daily Bread – Drawing From the Divine Supply

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Let’s consider for a moment the woman with “the issue of blood” in Mark chapter 5:21-34….. if there might be something we can apply to our own life today…

This woman had been sick 12 years…. then she heard of Jesus and all the miracles that happened to people when He was near….. She heard of the healing virtue that flowed out of Him to heal those who touched Him (Matthew 14:35,36) …. So she determined to push through the crowds to draw close to Jesus…..saying within herself “If I may touch just His clothes – I shall be made whole”….

And if you read of this in Mark 5, you know that she was not disappointed…. even as you and I will not be disappointed any time we “touch Jesus”.   For He is healing; He is health… He is “Life” to all who “touch” Him.…. He IS God’s divine supply for you and I. 

And even as He said to that woman, He still says today -to all who choose to draw near to Him to receive – “Son/Daughter, your faith has made you whole… Go in peace and be whole of your infirmity.”

Could it be true – could He heal me or you?…. Would He even want to?….. Hebrews 4:15,16 tells us that He is full of compassion for our needs…. He can indeed “be touched” with the feeling of your infirmity and my infirmity.   It is our faith that touches Him and draws out of Him and into ourselves that divine supply of virtue (miraculous healing power) and grace that is enough for our every need. …

Our part is faith….. And faith is the gift of God to us… It comes as we get to know and trust Him – through His Word and taking time apart with Him…. Thus we can know that He is God – and that He gave Himself so we could touch Him and receive “Life” for our every need.  And we can all learn to draw from that divine supply as we walk close to Him through this life.

Daily Bread…. The Love That Casts Out Fear

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With a “deliberate hurl” – the original Greek of John 4:18 says – that “the love of God casts out fear.”…. And we are further informed in II Timothy 1:7 – that “God has not given us the spirit of fear!”

…. Obviously, God the Father does not want fear to have a place in our lives….. A main reason for that being that fear is an opposing force to faith .. It actually works to “neutralize” faith for a particular situation in the believer’s life.  In other words – I could have strong faith in one area, but be over into fear in another – and thus find it hard to receive from God in that particular area…..

But God has the solution for that … He wants us to come to know Him more and more – to the point that we “know and believe the love He has for us”…. because as we do, the love of God that we find in knowing Jesus – will progressively drive out the fear we are in that He can’t (or won’t) help us in some area of our life…..

Indeed, He has promised you and me that – “I will never leave you or forsake you!”…. So we need not fear that we are ever alone with our problem or in our time of need. Even if we were in the wrong – as long as we turn our face to Him asking for help – He will be there for us….. helping us to get turned around….. And the love that He has for us will drive out the fear that we can never get it right again…..Because that incredible love that casts out fear is being perfected in us as we keep turning to Him.….

Daily Bread….. Whose Love Is It?

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Recently a friend quoted Galatians 5:6 about “faith working by love”…… And they asked the question “Whose love is it?….. Is it mine or God’s?” …….

The first “thought” that came to me was from Romans 5:5 – which tells us that “the love of God is shed abroad (poured out) in our hearts/spirit by the Holy Ghost” – which we have of God as born again believers….. So, we see then that the love of God is resident within the believer’s born again spirit…. and is also listed in Galatians 5:22 as a”fruit of the spirit”  (fruit being a “product” of the spirit).  So, although the believer’s own spirit is capable of producing the fruit of love, we understand that the love that was/is poured into our heart/spirit has its origin in God….. 

And as we choose to draw aside from the affairs of this life – to spend time in fellowship with Him – we come away from those times of fellowship – instilled with the very attributes of His nature.. love, joy, peace……. Thus we begin to build a “reservoir”of His love and the other good things/fruit of the Spirit into our own spirit……The love is of God, but when you and I received Jesus as our personal Savior we were given the capacity in our born again spirit to contain the love of God……

And as we follow after to know Him, the love that He has for us more and more casts out fear in our lives  (I John 4:16-19)….. Which is very important because fear is the greatest enemy of our faith….. This is “in a nutshell” describes how faith worketh by love…. and we can trace all genuine love back to the very heart of God.

 

Daily Bread…… As Ambassadors for Christ

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Now you and I as believers are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:18-20). We are His representatives/His agents – urging all men – to be reconciled to God.

We are ambassadors for Christ – and the things which we have seen and heard of Him – we share with you that you also may have that same fellowship with Him ….. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ…. which brings great joy to our lives…

As ambassadors, we make known these things to others that their joy also may be full by knowing Jesus Christ and tasting His presence in their lives…… Thus we urge all in Christ’s stead…… Receive Jesus as Savior today – receive Him and thereby be reconciled to God!…….

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son – that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish – but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

I’ll finish this little post with the part we seldom quote – the very next verse –“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  (John 3:17)…..  This part is “the rest of the story/good news” – which all of us truly need to hear….. and as ambassadors we certainly should more often share!

“As the Eagle Stirs Her Nest”…. So God the Father Calls Us to His Plan

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The eagle stirs her nest…. She moves away the soft feathers to bring it to the bare sticks.  She does this because her chicks are needing to grow up… They are needing to leave the place of comfort (their “comfort zone”) and learn to fly

…. So.. the eagle stirs her nest – their nest – to make it a less comfortable place to be… The aim is to affect a change for the young eaglets …. a change from lazily dozing in the nest to getting up off their “duff”.. and out of the nest!  For some this will mean literally jumping off the high cliff their nest is on… and going into a free fall!…  But in the midst of that fall,  the big eagle will catch them… She will soar in underneath the little one and bare it up on her wings. This the eagle repeats until each little one learns – through that process – to fly….

They thought that they surely were going to fall – but instead, they learn to fly – to soar like an eagle was meant to do!  Even so there are times in our walk with God when He sees the need to do much the same for us as the eagle does for their offspring….. and thus He stirs the “nest” that once fit us so well – but now we are needing to move out into something a little bigger!  We’ve grown to the point that we are ready for the change – but we’re still reluctant to leave our comfort zone!…. So He starts “pulling out some of the feathers” (things that have made it so cushy for us in the past)…..Because  He wants to make our world bigger – give us more territory to cover – but we’re just not quite sure that things will be as comfy for us as they were before ….. and so we balk at the change….

But like the eagle with their offspring – God always knows what is best….. The nest is wonderful, but if you’ve been there twenty years or so – it’s time to move on!! .. So He starts working on that nest to help us decide to get out – try our wings – start moving more in the direction of the good plan He has for our lives……

Another “translation” for all of this is “COME” …. “Get out of that boat/comfort zone and walk on the water with Me!”  as Jesus bid Peter to do  (Matthew 14:25-31)….. And so.. you climb out of “the nest” into a new adventure with Him….

And He is there to keep you afloat if you start to fall… but you do have to reach out to take “His hand”- that is – whatever direction He offers you….. Do that rather than pull back into the “comfort zone” that your flesh calls you to.  We’ve all pulled back into our comfort zone – at least some of the time – but don’t keep doing that all of the time…. Because the things that our Father God offers us are too good to let them all slip by….. Indeed now is the time to let the new adventure He has for you begin…. So step out of “the boat/your nest” and give it a try…..

For He wants to teach all His children to soar with Him – as it were on eagle’s wings – going forth to fulfill all His good plan for you.   Thus as the eagle stirs her nest to help her children learn to live their divine destiny and plan (Deuteronomy 32:11-13) – so our Father God calls each of us to rise up and fly with Him.

Daily Bread…. “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”

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`”Our Father, who art in Heaven…. Whose name is both awesome and Holy… Whom we reverence, worship, and adore….. Your kingdom come, Your will be done – on earth as it is in Heaven…..

And even as Jesus told us (Matthew 6:9-13) to “Pray after this manner” – even so we proceed to pray – “Give us this day our daily bread”…

But just what is it that we are asking for?…. “This day”is the time now present .. And “our daily bread” is “what is needed for our subsistence/our overall existence at present…..

And we know that “our daily bread” is more than just the bread/needs for our physical body — for Jesus told us in Matthew 4:4  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” It is for much more than our physical sustenance then – that we pray “Give us this day, our daily bread…..

Indeed it is for His grace for all those things we do not even know we will have need of for this day – understanding that our Father God is “able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or think ” (Ephesians 3:20) – according to the power that is at work in us….. even the power of God’s Word and His Spirit –  in conjunction with our faith – believing that He hears us when we pray…..”Father give us the provision that we will need for this day – that for which our Lord Jesus has already paid.”….. And for all these things we give You thanks, and we give You praise!

 

Adding Today – A New Section to this Blog Site – “Daily Bread”….

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This new section of very brief devotional writings or “nuggets” of wisdom from God’s Word will be listed as “Daily Bread”…. with a subtitle following which serves to define the content of that particular writing. It’s purpose is to share some good things that can be read in just a couple of minutes – for those days when you just don’t have time to take in one of my longer posts. So look for the title “Daily Bread” under Recent Posts (on the right side of blog posts – OR on the Menu above the picture of the sunrise) …. The first one is posted below.

Daily Bread….. Taking the Sword of the Spirit

Take the Sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17) and cut off those things that the enemy has planted….  to bring harm to you in some way – or to separate you from the promises of God.

As a believer, you can do this…… You can do this because the Word of God effectually  (actively and powerfully) works in those who believe -(Thessalonians 2:13).  You believe – and therefore you speak according to what you believe….. That is how you “take the sword of the spirit” to bring about what God has said.

You can do this because God’s Word changes things where nothing else can!….. the reason being that it can go places and reach people or things where nothing else can!  So take heart when you find yourself in a situation that looks impossible…. for you bring God into a situation when you take His Word as the weapon you fight with!

Keeping a Proper Perspective…… As You Press Toward the Mark

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As a growing Christian, we want more of Jesus…. So we press in, and press towards that mark for the high calling of God in our lives…. and then it is like we come to the top of the hill – or mountain – and we see farther then we’ve ever seen before…. and we breathe in fresh new air…. “Oh, this is great!”…..

But life goes on – and if you think Satan (II Peter 5:8 – your adversary the devil) likes you being in a new place, a higher place – think again!…. Because he’s already working on some tactic to get you back down….. And it can get to the point that it is like “I thought I had grown into a new level – but things are not working – not even as good as they were!… And after a couple of weeks or so of this,  we feel “distant” from God….and we begin to”think it strange” (I Peter 4:12) – strange concerning the things happening to us and the place we are at….  (Can you “identify” in some way with that?)

Because I have “been there and done that”- definitely more than once or twice – I thought it good to share the following “Psalm” that God dropped into my spirit many years ago as I was coming out of one of those times.  It was at a time in my life – that I was just beginning to see – that as we pass along the way pressing in to know Jesus better – we will UNDOUBTEDLY  ENCOUNTER  some feelings and things that are strange – and uncomfortable for us….. But what I “saw” at the time He dropped this Psalm into my heart – gave me insight and understanding that I had not had before…. an understanding that helped me keep things in more of a proper perspective every time thereafter that I began to experience a time like that …..So,  I now share it with the hope that it will also give helpful insight to you – as you press in to know Jesus better……

BORNE OUT OF THE FIRE

We desire to go on with God…… But what we do not see is that we are carrying things that cannot go with us – things which would hold us back – from going to the next place of His glory…. But because we do not see all of this in proper perspective… (so much we do not understand!)…. Indeed it does seem as though we “look through a glass darkly”…. And thus we urgently plead, “Lord help me!”

And of course He is always there to lead us…. (He can’t take us unless we ask!) And ask, we do – not knowing or seeing – that between where we are now – and the place we desire to be….. is the FIRE or the RAGING WATERS!  We’ve asked and so ….  He leads us out……. but before long, we begin to think.. “this must surely be a mistake!”…..     I mean – we were wanting to go upward – to “get better!”. ….. But instead – here we are in a frightening place!

Now, water and fire can both destroy and wreak havoc…. But carefully tended and directed – they cleanse and ready the ground for new growth….. So that in the time that follows, out comes a thing for God’s use and our “beauty.”

Then through tears of joy – and with strengthened devotion – we look back – and our understanding is lightened!…. There is no other way – else He would surely bring us…… But should we come another way …. I mean – that He would just “zap”us!….  We’d “be there” alright  – and “there” would be “perfect!”….

But who would He be??… Would we even know Him??….                                               You see, there is so much “distance” between who He is and who we are – a world of difference – that it takes a lifetime just to begin to understand….  And how could we ever – have a proper view of Him – if we had not seen the things that “fill up the way” – between our mortality and Him?….

Sure,  now we see through a glass darkly…. but each new level we press to brings us closer to His light – and we grow in our personal knowledge of Jesus Christ …. Then from this new place of glory….. I see Him more clearly… and do better understand…the futility of the unregenerate man….

Holding Fast to Your Confession of Faith

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In the posts for July 11,18,.and 24 (listed in Archives) – I shared with you about the value of speaking in line with what God has said……aka holding fast to your confession of faith  (Hebrews 4:14 & 10:23) – which is your acknowledgment – THAT…

  • God’ s words are true…
  • You recognize the power and authority of those words to bring into being the things that He has promised….. (and that they can cause circumstances that are working to the contrary of what God has said – to be changed, “overturned,” or moved out of the way)!!
  • And lastly, when you and I speak in agreement with what God has said,  we are giving Him thanks for what He IS doing to bring His word to pass in our situation

You and I can acknowledge the validity of these things concerning God’s word – BECAUSE – “It is not the word of men, but it is in truth the word of God – – which very actively and powerfully works in and for those who believe!”    (I Thessalonians 2:13)……And as Psalm 107:20 tells us -“God sent His word   and healed them and delivered them“…. Even so – He sends us His word/quickens or speaks to us His word to apply to a situation ….. and then He watches for us to “return” it to Him through the words of our mouth….. as our act of faith that we believe His word is true and that it shall be even as He has told us!….

In Romans 4:11-25  scripture refers to Abraham as”the father of all them that believe”…… “even those who walk in the steps of that faith that he walked in ….

When God  promised Abraham that he would have a son by his wife Sarah – Sarah was 90 years old (and had been barren all her life) and Abraham was 99. Nevertheless, God promised to make him “a father of multitudes/many nations (Genesis 17) …… From the natural standpoint – of course this was impossible – but scripture tells us that “Abraham – seeing beyond the hopelessness of his circumstances in the natural…. believed God….. believed what God had told him……and like with us when we believe God – HOPE – is birthed in us/in Abraham according to the Word God has spoken!

The Lord God had actually appeared to Abraham at age 99 – while he was yet named Abram….. but along with the promise of a son… God gave to Abram a new name – Abraham – declaring “a father of many nations have I made you.” So it was from that day forward, that every time Abraham heard his name called – he heard himself being called “father of many nations.”…. Likewise every time Abraham spoke his name to someone – he was calling himself “father of many nations.”  Are you getting the picture?  (…. faith comes by hearing and hearing what God has said)! …….

And on the other end of the faith that is growing and developing in our heart is the promise from God – who cannot lie – and fully intends to bring that promise to pass!  But the real issue here is this –   Will you and I yield to the pressure of the doubts and fear that come to steal our promise – OR – will we choose to stand our ground and speak in line with what God has said?….. Which is the way that you hold fast to the confession of your faith.   

We can do this because the God who gave us that promise – or spoke that word of direction to us – is both faithful and able to bring our confession of faith in what He has said – to pass!

 

 

An Example…… Confessing God’s Word in Prayer and Worship

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Today I am sharing a “writing” which I call “a confession sheet” because it is full of the word of God …… It came to me early one morning as an answer  to something I had prayed the day before – when I had asked the Lord to show me how to pray for a Christian friend who was struggling with some bondages in their life.

Before I get into the post – I’m going to share a few strong reasons  for learning to spend some time worshiping God and confessing His word as you pray…..

  • Mark 16:20 – informs us that “the Lord works with and confirms His Word with signs following.“
  • II Timothy 2:9 – says that “the word of God is not bound!”….. It can go into places and reach into situations where we ourselves are not able to go or get into – to affect a situation – (including people’s hearts and minds!)  + Psalm 107:20 “God sent His Word and He healed them and delivered them”…..   And remember the centurion (in Matthew 8) telling Jesus “You don’t even have to come to my house to heal my servant – but just speak the Word – and he shall be healed.“
  • In the same way, the Spirit of God will quicken/send a word to us….. with the expectation that we will receive that word and keep it – in our heart and in our mouth!!!….. speaking the life that is in that word into our own life – or even into someone else’s life.  In this way, you can cover someone’s life with the word of God – as you spend time thanking Him that His word is true!

CONFESSING God’s WORD IN PRAYER AND WORSHIP

I worship You, Father – You are the one true God, the Great Creator, Our Healer and Deliverer…. Provider and Keeper…….. Great and mighty God You are …. I worship and adore You! ……(Personal worship touches God’s heart deeply because He wants to be close to each one of  us – So I urge you to use your own words of worship here – expressing what is in your heart to God.).

Father, I thank You that You ARE  a rewarder of those that diligently seek You. I believe that You “are” – and I am a diligent seeker!…. Father, I am seeking You now for (name of person)….. and I thank You that You ARE perfecting the things that concern them…..

I thank You that You are:……..

Pulling down strongholds of error in their thinking – so they can recognize the truth when they hear it…… And for leading and guiding them into all truth, I thank You.

For enlightening the eyes of their understanding – that they may know the hope of their calling, and the riches of their inheritance in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Thank You that He is their Savior and Lord – and any place they are lacking in that – You are perfecting that part or place in them.  Hallelujah!

I thank You for causing them to see and understand the greatness of Your power towards all who believe.  And for helping them to see that even with a child like faith they can do all things that they need to do – and do those things well!….. because in Jesus, they are overcomers and conquerors!

Thank You for helping them to understand that they can live a life of overcoming and victory – because Jesus is Lord over every need that they have!   Oh Father, for redeeming their lives from destruction – even wrong things that they’ve bowed down to – I thank You.  I give You thanks and I give You praise for this – for nothing is too hard for You!

Thank You Father for helping them to see how much You love them…..and that nothing can separate them from that love!  … And for helping them to see the good plan You have for their lives.

Thank You now for causing Your wonderful grace to flow to them – redeeming and restoring every good thing in their lives……. even the years that the enemy has stolen!  And Father, thank You for taking and weaving in Your good into all those destructive things and bringing them back on line with that good plan You have for them……. Glory be to God – our Healer and Deliverer!  Thank You Jesus – You ARE the Redeemer and Restorer of every good thing!

———————————————–

NOTE: That is just an example of a time of confessing God’s Word as you worship and thank Him for supplying what you (or some other person) needs. And I can tell you that – as you focus on God as the provider of all of our needs, the Spirit of God will likely drop some other things into your spirit to pray – making this more personally yours in the time that you spend with Him worshiping and confessing His word – acknowledging that you have asked – and He is doing these things to perfect the lives of those for whom you pray!

Turn Loose of the Past….. And Taste God’s Great Love and Mercy

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It’s about turning loose of the past …. and the hurt…. for that is the thing that imprisons you…… SO.. TURN LOOSE!! ….. and let those things that happened in the past – be “history”- history of the kind that does not bind you….. but rather builds strength – as you learn to lay things down – and leave them behind you!…..

Giving many thanks to God for His love and mercy…… remembering that He is – and has always been – so kind….  And He is no respecter of persons …. for it matters not if you made the mistake or someone else has wronged you – the invitation is the same…..  “Come to Me with your cares and I will help you – I will give you rest.”  I will give you strength  and instruction – to make things right again.….

For hurts and offenses and unforgiveness – make up the three layers of the chains that bind you…..

Those things bind – and hold our heart at a distance – from the blessings of sweet fellowship with Jesus and God the Father …..Such rich blessings that cannot be bought or bartered….. (Check out Psalm 103 ….. and you will see! … You will understand! .. that to live life without these benefits and blessings – would be like living life unchartered – just going wherever the waves and billows take you!)

But God offers too much – both to the offender and the offended – to let life slip by – whilst you and I hold on to hurts and offenses……

SO…. TURN LOOSE….. Let those things go… And let God help you;  let His mercy and grace flow – for those are some of the things He sends to heal you!

My God – how good You are! ….. You have shown me such love and mercy !  I can now lay down all the burdens and pain of these offenses – and let Your love and fellowship be the balm that brings healing …..

And heal it will ….. for anything that man can do to hurt you ……. God can do something better! …. He gives grace  … And He’ll show you  HOW to overcome those things…….while you get to taste His great love and mercy!

 

_________________________________

That was “just a poem” –  while hurts and offences can grow into  something very serious…… But the reality is that those things are “too expensive” to let them grow unchecked in our lives while God wants to displace them with something greater ……. Because when we focus too much attention on things like hurt and offenses – it tends to swallow up our time and energy (and clear thinking) so that other things – even much more important things – are often pushed into the background…and even forgotten.

I’m writing now as someone who has tasted – at least my share of all these things – and so I tell you –  It really doesn’t matter who was right and who was wrong – these things affect our lives just the same! ….. UNTIL… we decide that the cost and pain – of holding on to them – is robbing us of too many good things ……

And we turn to God… Who is able to do for us exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think……. SO,  ASK!…. and taste of His great love and  mercy!

 

 

The Revelation From God…. Against Which the Enemy Cannot Prevail!

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I believe God that it shall be …. even as He has told me….                                               Thus it shall be – according to His Word – just as He has said……  For by the Holy Spirit (aka the Spirit of God) – God quickens His word to me….

And even though at times, things certainly appear to be going a different way..     I’ll not let those things turn my head and my thinking away – from what the Lord did say!….  For I know the word that He quickened to me is full of life and ability… the ability to bring those things to pass which He did say!

Therefore I choose…… I’ll “set my face”- to hold fast to the words that He did say…  I will hold God’s words – over things to the contrary that I might hear or see……    For God – in His sovereignty – did set “this law of life in the spirit” into place……        And that law (of faith) rules above what men – or circumstances – might say!

So as long as I know I heard Him say…. that is the thing that will guide my way! For I know that God “who cannot lie” is watching for His Word to perform it ….. And He performs it – as it is spoken by you or me in faith….

So when you are in a battle where it looks like you can’t possibly win –                 Remember this very important little thing ….. Which is simply this …….           “Don’t doubt in the dark what you heard from God in the light” ……                          But take that into your heart and mind – and put it into your mouth! …..        And let it “Rule” over what you think and say!……

For when God speaks a word to you – or reveals to you His way…..                         That is “THE WORD” you are to stand on when doubts or fears assail…..                   For that is the revelation from God – against which the enemy cannot prevail!

Part 3 – Where Were You God?……Giving God Another Avenue to Work Through

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That God uses the avenue of believing prayer to touch our lives – is a fact….And that “He watches for His word to perform it”(Jeremiah 1:20) is another fact…  But what does that mean for you and me?……. and how can we apply that fact to our lives to make it an avenue for God to work through?

In a nutshell – “God watches for His word to perform it” – which makes it extremely important (and profitable) for us that we speak in agreement with what God has said…… because what God has said (or says) about anything is the way that He has set it up to operate – and intends for it to be…..

When God watches for His word – so He can perform it – He is not asking you and I to speak word for word in perfect King James English ….. but He IS asking that we  SPEAK IN AGREEMENT WITH WHAT HE HAS SAID ….. This is important because God needs to be able to use the authority He gave man on the earth – in order for Him to “legally” operate and do things here…….. And when we do choose to speak in agreement with what God has said about something – we are giving Him an avenue for Him to work through.

This authority was bought back for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – who did not bow the knee to Satan when Satan came to tempt Him (as he had tempted Adam)……. thus giving to all who will choose to receive Jesus – man’s original, God given authority again…… Because in Jesus’ mastery over Satan, Jesus stripped Satan of that authority which came to him through Adam (Colossians 2:6-15)………So that now – any “authority” that Satan exercises over those who have received Jesus – is authority we give to him through our wrong choices or agreement with his deceptions…..  But we are to follow the example that Jesus gave us when He was tempted by the devil (Luke 1:1-13)……..

We are to follow His example – in that Jesus answered every temptation with the words of God… And that brings us back to the subject of “avenues that God uses to work in our lives”….. One such avenue being when you and I choose to speak in agreement with what God has said about something. Our agreement gives Him the go ahead to start performing His word that we are agreeing with…… And be sure to understand here – that this does not mean that we will see the full manifestation of that word within 24 hours…… For some things it could happen in that length of time or less – but all “seeds” – which God’s word is (Luke 8:11) – have a certain growing season before you are able to see the fruit produced by that seed…….And likewise, the fruit (which is the manifestation of God’s promise) from the seed – of God’s word – will be “fulfilled in it’s season” (Luke 1:20)….

……So… it is important that we learn to “hold forth His word” – speak the promised word in the face of every temptation to turn loose of what God has said – and instead – start speaking carelessly about what we see or hear with our physical senses…. No, we need to continue to speak in agreement with what God has said …. BECAUSE.. God’s word “shall be fulfilled in it’s season.. (Luke 1:20)…..  We may not yet see any evidence that it is growing – but you and I can abort that seed before it comes to full growth and manifestation if we continue to speak contrary to what God has said…  WHY?  because without faith it is impossible to please and receive from God (Hebrews 11:6)….  and when we speak contrary to the words of God, we are in effect saying that we do not “believe God that it shall be as He has told us.”

All that being true, you might still say “I believe God – BUT – I just can’t see how speaking what He has said will cause anything to happen…..?”… Well – you might consider this – “what happened in Genesis when God spoke?…. Things were created, right?  WHY?….. His word is truth…. it is living and it is with the power to impart and produce life – and orchestrate change – according to what He has said…..

And when we speak the word(s) God has given us, they are still His words – and we are acknowledging the truth and the power in those words as we give voice to them.  We are  in fact “returning those words to Him” – which words, as He said in Isaiah 55:11 – “will not return to Him void – but those words will accomplish/perform what He has sent them to do” – and that,  because of the life and creative power in the words God has spoken. WHY?  because GOD IN HIS SOVEREIGNTY SET THINGS UP THAT WAY!   Okay?……. He loved us – and He desired to make available to us some avenues for Him to work through in our lives…….. He needed to do this because He had assigned authority and dominion over the earth to man – thus God needs us to ask Him into a situation before He can legally do things on the earth….. So, God gave us some avenues to connect with Him and give Him an opening to work in our lives.

One of those avenues is prayer….. Another avenue is our confession of faith by speaking in agreement with the things God has said to us….. This confession is creating reality – because  of the life and creative power of God’s word.  God’s word is true – all the time!….. but it is our voice acknowledging that it is true in our situation(s) that activates the power in God’s word for us.  That’s the thing that makes our words powerful and an avenue for God to work in our lives.

 

 

Part 2 – Where Were You God?……Giving God Avenues He Can Work Through

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I am continuing on the post “Where were You God – when things didn’t go so well”?…..  because a lot of Christians get hung up on what they should believe about the sovereignty of God….. And as I told you in that 6-30-15 post -” what you believe about the sovereignty of God is very important because it very much affects your faith”……. For instance, if you believe that God being sovereign over all means that He controls every single thing that happens – then why make any decisions at all? – why not just let it happen?! (Seeing that you have no say in the matter)….. . But is that really so? I mean, what is the sovereignty of God?

God’s sovereignty lies in the fact that He alone……  not you, not me, not anyone else – but He alone – determined the way that things on the earth would operate..…  (Psalm 93:1 & Psalm 119:89-91  paraphrased)  “With the words of His mouth He established the world that it cannot be moved”…. it cannot be moved because….. “His word is forever settled in Heaven – He is – and it is – faithful to all generations!…. He established the earth and it abideth ….. It continues this day according to His ordinances” ( a law or formal decree – which – in this case refers to ALL functions.)…. and Hebrews 1:3 says that God is “upholding all things He created by the power of His word” – ie. by the commands that He spoke – all things were set to operate – and thus they continue to operate)…… That is one facet of the sovereignty of God – in that He alone made those decisions and set those things in place – without consulting you or me about how it should be done!

THEN ….. in His sovereignty, God assigned dominion and stewardship over the earth to man!…… AND …. some time later – after man chose to live apart from God – God set before man “life and death, blessing and cursing” (Deuteronomy 30:15-19). God did this – BECAUSE – man had chosen this! Before Adam chose to live apart from God, man’s life was filled only with good – all of the”very good things” that God had provided for us (Genesis 1:31)…..  But when Adam chose  (and when we choose) to live apart from God and His laws, God will honor that choice – because He gave us the freedom to choose!.….. thus He said “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing – but choose life, that you and your seed may live.”

God’s heart for each of us to know life and blessing is clearly seen in that He urges us to choose “LIFE.”….  He can’t do it for us – because He gave each of us the freedom to choose….. BUT – He gave us His word – and in it clear directives how to choose life.  He gave us what I like to call “avenues” for Him to work  in our lives.  I’ll take that a step farther and tell you that He gave us “avenues” (pathways) not only to let Him work in our lives – but to work in the lives of others for good.  One such powerful avenue is called “prayer.”

When we are born again, you and I can pray a simple prayer in the name of Jesus – asking God to help someone…… and except it be asking for help to do some evil thing – God will hear that prayer – and indeed help that someone for whom you pray.  (A couple of notes here:  1. God does not help anyone do evil…. and  2. In His wisdom and sovereignty, God set ONE mediator  – (go between/ reconciler) – between  Himself and man….. I Timothy 2:5 tells us THAT ONE MEDIATOR is Jesus Christ.)……Thus we pray to the Father in the name of the one that He, in His sovereignty, appointed as the “go between” for God and man……. And praying to the Father in that name – as some of you may have already discovered – is a very effective avenue for giving God a way to work in your life.

There are other avenues (pathways) God uses to work through to touch people’s lives – which I will bring to you in some detail in the next post on this subject.

_________________________

I write and share about the things that have helped me – as one that well remembers longing for  more insight than what I had – and God being good enough to send me the help I needed to keep moving forward with Him……which He is still doing! ….. So, I write and share hoping to help and encourage you the way that I have been helped and encouraged.  God is faithful.  He is true…. and I thank Him for every one of these avenues He uses to touch me and you…..

Where Were You God?….. When Things Didn’t Go So Well….

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Many things happen – and seem to go wrong in this world.  That’s a fact….. And in our sometimes rather bewildered state – we ask “Why”?  and “Where were You God – when all “these things” happened”?….. ..

I can confess to having many such thoughts in those first years after being born again – and certainly I did not understand before (being born again)…… but as I have stated in a number of previous posts that “I have learned”- and then I would go on to share about some thing that had been a source of real frustration in my life – even after receiving Jesus as Savior (aka being born again)…..  but the good part always was  – that God did not give up on me (even while I was still blaming Him) – but He continued to help me to more and more understand….. until the frustrations began to melt away as I did begin to see the truth of the matter.

Even thus it has been concerning “this question of things going wrong – and where were You, God”?…… I do not have all the answers, but there are some things that I have learned and am very sure of – from which I will try to share with you today.  I will start by telling you that this “question” we are looking at today – will fit into the category of “the sovereignty of God.”…… but probably not in the way many of you may think – so please “read on.”.

God the Father gave us “a voice”…… It is when we make choices – and when we look to Him and pray.   You see – from the beginning, God gave man the freedom to choose…… And if God were going to violate that freedom He put into the hands of man – don’t you think that it would likely have been to stop man/Adam from eating of the “tree” that He had forbidden him to partake of??

But God had placed man on the earth and given him both authority and stewardship over it……..Genesis 1:28; Psalm 115:16.   (And note that it was “stewardship” – not “ownership” of the earth that God put into the hands of man).  But before God even did this, He set some things in place  –  some things that would insure that order not chaos – would keep these things operating according to the “laws” that He had set in place.  The movement of – and the interaction between the heavenly bodies (the sun, moon and stars) and the earth – is one of those things (Genesis 3:14-18)……. Another would be the law of seed time and harvest/sowing and reaping – which is both a natural law and a spiritual law – (Genesis 8:22 ; Galatians 6:7-9).   In other scripture – Hebrews 1:1-3 & John 1:1-18,  we see that God not only made the world by the “Living Word of God” – but He also upholds it  by the same.   These things – and others – that even man’s best technology cannot match – God set in place and did for us because He loves us……. THEN – God gave man authority and stewardship over the earth……..and a little later, after man had chosen to move out ahead without God in his life – God gave us a way to connect back with Him (through Jesus Christ His Son).

My intent in giving this very basic explanation is not to bog you down in reading this post, but to set forth a foundation from the Word of God to help in the job of sorting out what part God now plays in our lives……. sharing some things that He does and does not do apart from our asking Him…… Because He set man in charge of the earth – there are things that God cannot do without violating His own charge.   That we understand a little more about these things is very important……. It is important because it very much affects our faith….. Why??

Why? …. because if you see God as the “author” of – or even that He “allows” the hurtful and some times devastating things we see happen – then it will indeed be difficult for you to trust Him.  Indeed many Christians endure a lot of painful destructive things thinking that it came to them because God is sovereign and He wants to teach them something……. when many times these things are the result of someone’s carelessness or ignorance/unawareness, or bad choices (ours or someone else’s) – and are things that God is NOT responsible for at all.  Also…….

We have an adversary – which God warns us about – who comes to steal, kill and destroy…. those 3 things being “categories” of things for which he –“your adversary the devil (I Peter 5:8 and John 10:10) continually seeks to find an opening and a way to bring hurtful or destructive things into our lives”…… All the while God is looking for us to give Him an avenue to work in our lives to help and bless us –  (Recall that He gave us authority over things on the earth – and also the choice – to invite Him into our daily lives – or not…… and James 4 tells us that “you have not, because you ask not”).  God does not “invade” our lives unasked and unwelcome…… Unwelcome? are you kidding? No, I kid you not – there are people who have had devastating things happen in their lives and because they do not understand that other factors (besides God and His sovereignty) are at work – they blame Him and stay hurt and angry at Him – not realizing that the One they blame is not at all responsible for their loss and pain…… And that is the place where our potential to have faith that God is good and will answer our prayers is damaged!…… Our misunderstanding of His sovereignty is thus behind many failures to live a victorious Christian life….. because in our belief that God caused “the fire” or “allowed” the accident, we find ourselves feeling that we are helpless victims and powerless to do anything to prevent such things.  We need to “think again” if that is what we believe.

Another example (and rather a silly one, but I give it to make a point) would be to jump off the top of a barn, then attribute that “accident” to God – when the fact is that there is a law of gravity that God did set in motion – but since it is rather inherent in us to “know” for our safety – not to jump off a cliff or the barn – then how can we lay the blame for doing so on someone else??

God gave us His Word in scripture…… to invite us to come to Him…… and to give us knowledge about things that are good – and things that will hurt us or bring eventual harm to us……. And that is where our individual (and corporate) choices make us accountable for things that happen on the earth and in our lives.

Indeed, God the Father gave us “a voice” in these matters…….. It lies in the choices that we make – and when we look to Him and pray – to secure from Him the help that we all need.  True, I can’t always have much say over the choices you make, but God did give me a voice to have a say in the overall outcome of things that affect my life.

So…… where were You God when all these bad things happened??….  There’s a good chance that He was just one believing prayer away………

 

 

 

 

 

Running Your Race to Win! …..

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If you have been a Christian very long, you have probably heard Hebrews chapter 11 referred to as being “the roll call of the heroes of faith”- of whom it was said (v 34,35) that these…….”through faith subdued kingdoms, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions (that was Daniel!) ….. ie. Out of their own weakness – and dependence upon God,  these were all made strong.” Each one of them was running a race – and running it to win!

What race?….  the one that is set before you and me! The race being a course to run,  a fight to be fought – more explicitly – the “good fight of faith.” God set this race before us – to again give man a choice – ie. the first man Adam chose life apart from God….. but God so loved all of us that He called man back to Him. The only requirement being that we believe His word/His plan…..: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son -Jesus – that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16,17).   It would be (and it is) OUR CHOICE – the choice of each individual man and woman – our choice whether we would choose Jesus/Life or choose to live as we please – apart from God and His reconciliation plan.

But for those who do choose Jesus ….. there is a race set before you – a course that each of us are given to run……And the Word of God tells us HOW to run it – to win!…… (Heb 12:1,2 – Paraphrased)  “Seeing then that we have the testimonies of so many men and women of faith – that lived – and ran the race that was set before them……each one bearing witness – that what they did – you and I can do!… Okay, just please tell me how….. ie.  I remember wanting so very much to know how to run and how to grow in getting to know God…..

Well –  this is how the Word of God instructs us to successfully  run that race

1.”lay aside every weight”-a weight being something that holds you down…. and like the runner described in I Corinthians 9:24-27,  we understand that a runner who wins – is one that is first determined to move forward, and is willing to apply disciplines to their life that make their run more certain – restraining the flesh  where its excesses hinder their run – thus they/we comply with the instruction to “lay aside every weight”

2. … and the sin which does so easily beset us”   (notice that it says “sin”- in the singular case)….. So what then is the “sin” that easily besets us?….. Could it be the sin of “unbelief”….. ie. “Did God say?  (That is the very thing that the enemy – aka Satan –  used on Eve to get her to begin to question what God had said – Genesis 3:1)……

“Did God say”?…..  Not very often, but occasionally in my first years after being born again, I would KNOW that I had heard something from God – but it was very easy for doubt to set in in just a day or two….. and it would be like “I did hear from Him – but now I’m not sure somehow” – that type of uncertainty and doubt……

But I have learned that as we get to know God and to recognize His voice, we can set a “standard” for holding on to what we know we heard from God.  That “standard” I refer to is something a Godly woman told me years ago – which is simply this:  “Don’t doubt in the dark what God gave you in the light.” ….. When I heard her say that – I KNEW –  I had just heard something that I could use as an “anchor” to help me  hold on to the things that I would hear from God……

From that time forward, I began to hold that standard/principle forth whenever I would hear something from God and then begin to have doubts about what I had heard.   I would….. ask myself the question – “DID I hear this and know that I heard it?”  Immediately the admonition “Don’t doubt in the dark what you heard in the light” would rise up in my spirit – and with it would come the peace and the assurance that “Yes” – I did hear that from God.” …..And that would settle the matter for me right then and there.  It was also clear to me that the enemy was at work seeking to get me to doubt what I had heard from God…..For you see, if we give over to doubt and turn loose of the word that God has given to us – we have nothing to base our faith on – because “faith comes by hearing (and understanding that we heard) the word(s) of God.  It is by faith that you and I receive anything from God……So learn to mind this rule that you “don’t doubt in the dark what you heard in the light!                    

3. …. And let us run with patience the race that is set before us”……. for it is through faith and patience that we receive the promise(s)!      (Hebrews 6:12)

4. “looking unto Jesus – the author and finisher of our faith”….. keep your eye on Jesus – not on the difficulties that may come to cause you to doubt….. but if you do sense doubt or feelings of discouragement trying to come in – remember that giving thanks and entering into personal worship or speaking God’s Word – will get you back on track and on the right course again!

And those my friends, are the instructions that God gave us in His word to help us to stay on course and run our race to win! 

Starting Our Day with Him

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To me, there is nothing “softer” and “sweeter” than the first gentle moments of the morning…… before all systems are “GO” – with thoughts running to and fro  searching for the best way to do this thing or that thing I’m expected to do…….

All of that is well – and for things like that – indeed we are  accountable……         But oftentimes in the quiet stillness of the early morning – before all these things start moving….. When we take the time to draw aside with God, we take those precious moments of our time to look at the eternal –  and as we look,  our thoughts rise to worship and adore Him….. It’s not an “idea” – it’s not a    “let’s pretend this is real” (or what I’ve heard scornfully referred to as  “having a Jesus moment”) – but He is there …and very glad that you came to meet Him this day.

You were made for fellowship with God – and it delights Him that you took the time to be there ….. He knows your time constraints – and as much as you can get still from all the thoughts that would try to push into that space – He will visit you with the things that He knows are most needed this day for you – And oftentimes He’ll bring fresh ideas and answers before this time with Him is through……

I sometimes say  after such times as those – that the Lord is my helper in every good endeavor – and indeed that is true……Of course, He is not my servant – far from that – but for you and me,  He honestly wants to be a close and dear friend.  Still, He is God alone – and supreme over all – the God of all creation….. And if you choose to come  to Him, you will soon understand – that His heart is full of love for you.

God will meet you anytime, any place – that you care to seek His face….. and I am so glad for that.   I am glad that I can come to Him in the middle of a busy day – and He doesn’t chide me if early that morning He waited for me and I failed to be there.   Nevertheless there is nothing quite as sweet as the gentle call of the early morning to start our day in the stillness with Him.

 

Getting to that Place of Rest – a Place Called “Trust”

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There is a place in God – where storms will calm and winds be still …..                    That place is in Jesus ….. It is the place called “Trust”- where we can rest from the problems that assail us.  We are not denying that the “problem(s)” exist – rather we are looking beyond all our reason – looking for His help….. asking for His answers.  I’ve been “there” – any number of times – and it’s quite likely that you who read this have been there too…… So, even though this that I am now writing may be a little “poetic” in wording, I hope to share here with you what I have learned over the years to do.

In everything we see or face we will find our Answer in that place – where storms are calmed and winds are stilled – because that’s where He IS – and we do not want to be found where He is not!….. He is not in strife, in turmoil, in reasonings.  Still,  He is available to us, but He does not walk in those things – they are not a part of who He is – (Recall that He was not in the earthquake, wind, or fire – but His voice was heard…..when Elijah got still!!  –  I Kings 19).

So to walk closely with Him in the midst of our need or the problems that we face – we must learn to “separate” ourselves from the turmoil, the strife, and the unrest that comes with the problem – even though those things may be waging a war in us and all around us….. and find our rest in Him….. For He IS our resting place….

But yet again – the winds (of adversity) and the turmoil, strife and unbelief come  against me, to take me out of that resting place….. Do they succeed?  In all honesty – Yes! – but their success is only temporary – because I see quickly that I do not like that place they take me to!!  So, like Jonah – remember? – I will tell you…..

So like Jonah – he was in the belly of that whale……. a circumstance more desperate and seeming impossible than anything I’ve seen in a long long while (and then some!)   But it says (Jonah 2:5-10 paraphrased)  “when my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord….”  and my prayer went up to Him – even with the voice of thanksgiving – (to Him who hears and answers prayers).  Salvation is of the Lord I said…..  And the Lord heard me and spoke to the fish” –  and thus He delivered me – out of the midst of a deep sea and on to the dry land – where I could breathe again – out of the belly of that whale!

It is God’s heart that we remember Him when trouble shows up in some form in our life – even if we had a part in bringing it…… He cares for us -. and wants us to learn to cast our care on Him – and ask/seek  to know His solution.  We can turn to Him in all kinds of trouble….. It’s a choice – our choice – to turn to Him  – best of course to do before we stir up and muddy the waters….. But even so, He can “fix our messes” – but the time can be made a lot shorter – and for us much easier – to ask Him into the situation in the first place.

There is a place of rest in Him – some call it “the secret place”…..  another name could just be “Trust”.….   “trust in the Lord with all your heart – and lean not to your own understanding….. call on Him and He will direct your paths” – (aka He will give you the answers and direction that you need)!

There is a place in God where storms will calm and the winds be still – a place of safety and rest….. That place is in Jesus.   Turn to Him, call on Him – and He will be there – there as your place of safety and rest.

 

The Heavens Declare the Existence and the Glory – of a Mighty God

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As we look up into the heavens – taking in the order and the grandeur of the morning and evening skies – we are given to understand that there is indeed “a mighty God”…… a God big enough to put together all of this that we see above us in the sky….. Indeed He IS talking to us – and making Himself known to all who will observe and truly consider – that the constellations we see in the evening sky –  and the faithful rising of the sun each morning – are far too complex and well ordered –  to be simply the product of a “Big Bang” or some other “cosmic accident.”

And I do not scorn that line of thinking – for it is not a bad thing to seek to find a reason – but apart from understanding that God’s ways and thinking are higher than yours and mine – you and I can never comprehend His power and operations…..Thus He set “a vision” for us to see in the morning and evening sky…

So I watched the sun rise this morning – with the splendor of its warm colors spreading across the sky…… It is glorious to be sure –  the soft fresh colors of the morning – and the darker hues we see in the evening – magnificent colors that melt away as the stars and their constellations begin to fill the night time sky.   What we see is a picture painted by the Great Creator – the grandeur of which  even the best of artists cannot quite capture….

But it is more than just a thing of beauty – because there is also the wonder-        For you can see the majesty and the love of its Creator…….                                 Indeed, He put it together perfectly – the hallmark of a new day and the setting to rest at evening of the same….. Then the multitude of stars – and the moon as they appear – beckoning to us to ponder how anyone could put such a masterpiece of incredible design and purpose there…..

No one could help but worship God and feel His presence –                                     Should they take the time to ponder……                                                                              Indeed – they would begin  to understand His way! …….                                               For the heavens declare the glory of God  –                                                                        There is no speech or language  where their “voice” is not heard!

* “The heavens – where the celestial bodies revolve –                                                          do declare the existence – and the glory of a mighty God!                                       Indeed the sky that is visible to our eyes – day unto day and night unto night –       if one will observe…do show forth His handiwork – even the operations of a mighty God!  There is no speech nor language where their “voice” is not heard…..They make their proclamation  –  that there is  a living God!!                                                  The heavens indeed ….. declare the glory of God.”

* Paraphrase Psalm 19:1-3

I Believe God that it shall be as He has said… Receiving the things God has Promised

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The post that I share with you today is about another one of those “I have learned” things….. All of these “I have learned things” fit into a category of things that I have longed to see “work” in my life – as they are laid out in the Word of God – one of those things being about receiving things God has promised….. which is the thing that I will share about with you today.

I still have plenty of room to grow in this,  but I have gained a lot of ground… The credit for that  would have to go to the Spirit of God (aka the Holy Spirit )  because He has never given up on me, but faithfully led me to the next step – even when that next step meant going back to pick up some things I should have already worked into my life.

Sometimes He has talked to me “in plain English” – as another person would – but what He would say has never been contrary to the principles in His Word.  I shared that because – there is no where in the bible that God tells any one to “move to Minnesota” (for example) – but He might tell you to do just that – and you would need to know that you have indeed heard His voice and not something that is out of your own thinking – (or “off the wall” from someone else’s thinking).  Hearing and recognizing His voice comes as you spend alone time with Him….. time in the Word, in prayer, in worship.  Those are some  things that bring you into His presence – and into a confidence of knowing Him…. which things are paramount for you and me in learning to “walk by faith” and receive the things that God has promised.

You see, when the Apostle Paul – on that ship being exceedingly tossed for days in a storm they referred to as “no small tempest”- told his shipmates   “Be of good cheer – for I believe God that it shall be even as He has told me”….. Paul could say that to them because he had come to know…… and learned to have full confidence in God – from whom he had just received word that very night – “not to be afraid because there would be no loss of any man’s life among them.  (Acts 27:13-44 ) So regardless of how that storm (or your storm) rages, he had learned – as we can learn – to take what God has said about it and “fight the good fight of faith”….. by holding fast to acknowledge what God has said – and so receive the promise.

In holding fast to what God has said – regardless of “how things look” – we will “through faith and patience” obtain the promise…….whether it be a certain scripture that He has quickened to us – or a word we hear from Him – as Paul heard the word from God about the storm and the lives of the men on the ship.  We can count on it because “all the promises of God in His son Jesus Christ are yes, and amen (aka “so be it”) – That means they are sure and trustworthy.  (II Corinthians 1:19,20).

His words are trustworthy because  He has said “I will not alter the words that have gone out of my lips.” Our part is to hold fast to the words He has spoken to us ….. And we can learn to do that – with patience – because He is faithful that promised.

I’m in there with you – having received a lot of promises….  And I’m still fighting the good fight of faith – ie. endeavoring to “hold fast to what He has said” – in order to receive other promises.  That’s how it works!…..Through faith and patience you and I WILL receive the things that God has promised!