Faith: Part V

Trust.

The word above is comprised of just five characters strung together, but placed in the exact order as above, trust is a word that is extremely powerful. For things great and small, there is a measure of trust placed in many things that happen seamlessly, and even unnoticeably at times, except when thought about with care, concern and purpose.

We trust when we put the trash out a night that it will be picked up in the morning. We trust the teller at the bank to credit our deposit to the correct account. We also trust that if we leave the door unlocked at home as we make a quick trip to the grocery store for milk, our things and belongings will be there when we return. All of these examples require varying measures of trust.

A greater measure of trust is required in relationships. When thinking about the principle of faith, we need to remember that trust is a necessary ingredient.

Let's revisit a verse from Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Placing an all-encompassing, undivided and unwavering measure of trust in the Lord can only be accomplished by having faith.

We started the chapter by identifying that to have faith is to believe in something without the burden of proof. Seeing, is not believing, with respect to faith. However, it is the human element within us that causes the greatest struggle in our quest for defining and developing faith. In turn, we must trust.

Paul writes in Galatians 2:16, "Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."

Here, Paul is making reference to the Mosaic Law. Who could possibly adhere to 613 rules that they might be righteous in the eyes of others? It is hard enough to stay within the guiderails of the Ten Commandments. Stepping out in faith does require action, but it is more about how we approach daily living. Can we take one step, and then another in our actions, on faith?

The men and women at the time of Jesus's birth had proof. The could physically see a baby lying in a manger. In His ministry, Jesus spent 33 years on earth preparing people for His death, so that all who would enter into a relationship with Him would find life everlasting.

Faith and Trust are like two fisherman in the same boat navigating the sea of life. It takes both of them together to reach the desired destination.

Can you find an area in your life today that requires both faith and trust?

Faith: Part IV

Now that we have covered the difference between hope and faith, conviction and confidence, let's work on belief.

How do we develop true belief in the face of the inevitable feelings of doubt we face as humans? The answer lies in the steps we have already taken; having conviction, having confidence and believing that our "faith muscle" can be strengthened.

To develop an increasing faith, we must turn to God. John 14:12-17 says, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth."

In John chapter 14, Jesus is explaining to the disciples that He will soon be fulfilling His mission. He will carry a cross to the top of the hill at Golgotha, and die for our sins. Peter will deny Him three times, Thomas has doubt for he asks where Jesus is going and Philip wants Jesus to "show" him the Father.

Jesus comforts the disciples with His explanation that He is in the Father, the Father in Him and that the "Spirit of Truth," or the Holy Spirit will be theirs as well. The Holy Trinity is available to them to call upon.

Paul says in Romans 4:3, "What does scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Revisit Romans 4:18-21. Chapter 4 in its entirety is about Abraham's faith in God, which was "strengthened" (v. 20,) and by his faith he "gave glory to God" (v.20.) His belief in the seemingly impossible is what allowed Abraham to become the "father of many nations" (v.18.)

Here's the good news:  God provides us with examples that will allow us to develop a belief system.

Look in Genesis where He promises Noah that He will never again bring a flood that will destroy the earth. A sign of this covenant between God and Noah is the rainbow. Genesis 9:13 says, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

How about the parable of God's care for the "birds of the air" and our own well-being? Matthew 6:26 reads, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Here I am making a case for developing and having a true belief system. It begins with relying on God and not ourselves. An excellent passage to study is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Developing a belief system is not easy. It does take confidence, it does take conviction. If you then believe that you can fully rely on God to meet your needs, you can strengthen and increase your faith; like Abraham, like Paul and others in the Bible who were rewarded for their faith.

Faith: Part III

Mark 11:24 tells us that if we believe what we have asked for in prayer, it will be ours. Without proof, this implies that we must have confidence. If we believe the words for what we ask for in prayer, we can be confident that our prayers will be answered; on God's time, of course.

Paul was a man that exuded confidence without proof, an therefore can be a model for us with respect to faith. The following are three verses in the first chapter of his writings. All mention faith.

In Romans 1:8 he writes, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."

1 Corinthians 1:9, "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

And in 2 Corinthians 1:18, 21-22, "But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

His confidence can be felt because he places his faith in Christ. Above in Romans, he mentions God and Jesus Christ; in 1 Corinthians, God's faithfulness to His people by a relationship with Jesus and in 2 Corinthians, the Holy Trinity and a guarantee that God's mission, through Jesus Christ, will be fulfilled.

He finishes his first chapter in 2 Corinthians 23:24 saying, "I call God as my witness -- and I stake my life on it -- that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm."

Again, his confidence is palpable as we see and hear in his writings where the power in his message comes from:  Faith in God. Faith in Jesus. Faith in the Holy Spirit. There is no error and no wavering in his mind or from his quill, he is confident in his faith.

The words confident and confidence are found many times in the Bible. There are many more if you look for the meaning within verses that are directly related to having confidence in God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. Again, let's look at just three.

In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

In Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Finally, undoubtedly one of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Paul was confident that God would finish His mission. By default, he was confident that God would allow him to finish the divine mission that God had placed in him.

Faith: Part II

Yesterday we covered the difference between hope and faith. Hope is a desire in a future outcome, something we want to happen. Faith is about conviction!

One key difference with respect to faith is the element of proof. There is no hard evidence. No breadcrumbs to be followed. It requires a belief, and that belief, without proof, must be placed in God. One might ask, "How can I have faith without proof?" This is a question that Christians and Non-Christians can equally share.

Go back to the verse about the mustard seed parable about faith. Jesus makes a reference to this parable again as recorded in Matthew 17:20, "He replied, "Because you have so little faith." Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Just before in Matthew 17:14-19, he explains to several of the disciples in verse 20 why a demon could not be withdrawn from a possessed boy. A small measure of faith, as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains.

Let's look back a few paragraphs where I presented the question concerning faith and proof. James 1:6 reads, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." In this verse James is encouraging us, with conviction, that those who seek wisdom should ask for it.

The references in the parables surrounding faith are far and wide, but beautiful. Faith as small as a mustard seed. Moving mountains with mere words. Speaking without doubt, as doubt is like the forward motion and retracting motion in the waves of the sea.

As we can ask for wisdom, understanding and favor; we can ask for our faith to be increased.

A verse that shows a measure of proof in a certain outcome is found in Mark 11:24. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." To have a greater measure of faith, we must ask for an increase in our faith.

Above we have reviewed three verses from the Gospels; two from Matthew and one from Mark.

Let's look at one from Paul. In Romans 1:17 he writes, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed -- a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:  "The righteous will live by faith."

To have an increase in faith, we can ask for it. We need to ask for faith in prayer; just as we would understanding and wisdom. Do not doubt; believe that you will receive what you ask for.

There is power in what you ask for. Ask for an increase in your faith.

What concerns today would be less of a concern, or even an alleviated concern, if you were given a larger measure of faith by God?

Faith: Part I

It's hard to have faith.

I say this knowing that each of us has been given a certain measure of faith. What I can tell you, is that from the foundation of faith with which you have been given, it is a skill you can continue to build on. New measures of faith can be acquired. Think of faith like the cornerstone of a church building. There is but a single block, but the builders will continue from the foundation to the final piece of the bell tower to finish building the church. With great faith, comes increasing faith, and with increasing faith are great rewards.

Look at Mark 4:30-32. Jesus is talking and it reads as recorded by Mark, "Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade."

A small seed, when nurtured, can become the largest plant in the garden. A redwood tree in the Pacific Northwest was also once a seed. A waterfall was once a single drop of water. Faith can be acquired, and become the rock from which you stand on; peering over the vast and beautiful landscape from above.

The foundation of our faith is hard to measure. Paul mentions the faith of Abraham from the book of Genesis in Romans 4:18-21. "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead -- since he was about a hundred years old -- and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."

So I ask, "What is the difference between faith and hope?"

Merriam-Webster defines "hope" as "to want something to happen or to be true."

"Faith" is defined as "a firm belief in something for which there is no proof."

Hope is filled with desire and anticipation. Faith is about conviction!

Within faith, there can and should also be anticipation. We can have a desire in the forthcoming outcome based on faith. The difference is in where and to whom we align our loyalty against.

Hope is a word that is used nonchalantly at times. It is a word used to fill a void, for lack of a better word. "I hope you feel better soon." "I hope you get the promotion you are seeking." While both of these statements can be genuine, there is a definite lack of conviction.

Alongside of faith are the words trust and loyalty. It's good to remember these words as you develop that conviction within your faith. Loyal to our God. Trusting in His Word. Strengthening your faith.

Over the next 5 segments, we will define a path and I will offer different ways in which you can strengthen your faith.

Stay tuned...

Accountability: Wrap-Up

This chapter on accountability has caused me to pause. I need to examine the errors I have made, both big and small, and reflect and reframe my own perspective of the word.

In Part I, I wrote about how having an attitude of accountability has faded with time and in cultures around the world. The United States seems to me a relevant example of the monumental shift that has taken place. The phrases of "what's in it for me?" and the idea of entitlement run rampant. Television sensationalizes these ideas as things that now "just happen" as opposed to taking personal responsibility for our actions. It will take time, effort and a dramatic shift in perspective to return to the days of generations before us where the meaning of the word is understood.

Part II began with Paul's change in perspective. He certainly experienced a drastic change in the loss of his eyesight. God restored his ability to see and his eyes became wide open to the reality of an awesome God. From that point on Paul was never the same. The shift became permanent, his mission clear and he held himself accountable to God and God's people. Building the church was the exact reason for which he was designed, perfected by God's image. He had passion, he embraced personal responsibility, and he "ran the good race" for God. Becoming aware of what Jesus did for His people was the key element in Paul's change in perspective.

Of particular note in 2 Corinthians 5:7, as he begins by saying, "For we live by faith, not by sight." It is not irony that Paul mentions sight. Having lost his, he would have had only one choice to live by faith had it not been restored. As I dissected verses 7-10 in 2 Corinthians 5, I made a few points to note. Having faith is a process of continual growth. Seeing God's work shape and take form by your faith in Him, increases your personal faith. It is one step after another, and at times can be exponential. In verse 8 I mention Paul's "heavenly mindset" and in verse 9 pleasing God on earth in our daily walk and actions by following the idea presented in verse 8 and asking the Holy Trinity to intervene and provide divine power. Verse 10 is easy to read and hard to comprehend. We will all face judgment. Having a "running conversation" with God will help keep you focused and straighten your path.

Leaders are to be accountable to those in their care. That is the defining message in Part III. I termed this idea "reverse accountability." Jesus became a servant that He might be served. The disciples were to emulate His actions. In John 13:16-17, he writes how Jesus says "servants and messengers are no greater than their masters." Jesus was not placed on earth to be served, but rather to serve God's people. Serving others can propel you to higher places, just as it did Jesus after His death on the cross and His ascension into heaven. Moving "higher" is in direct relationship to "getting" lower.

In Part IV, I outlined 7 steps to aid us in remaining in accountable directly from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. 12:  Acknowledge hard work. 13:  Hold others in high regard. 14:  Be patient with those not yet in God's will. 15:  Do not repay wrong actions with wrong actions. 16:  Always rejoice. 17:  Pray continually. 18:  Keep your efforts in line with God's will.

Not all of these will necessarily be followed in perfect order with respect to each different situation. They are guideposts. Just before these verses in 1 Thessalonians 5 :11, I note two key elements which will help verses 12-18 make sense. When you edify and affirm the good works of others, it provides fuel and motivation to continue in good works and to reach higher. The second is praise. Praise people for their efforts. Praise is closely related to edification and affirmation, but at a heavenly level.
Talk with God about how to foster and grow their relationship so they will be effective in their efforts.

Part V continues to build on the idea presented in Part IV to build a team of advisors. Surrounding yourself with mentors will keep you moving forward on your personal mission. Like Paul, we must one day give an account for what we have done on earth at the day of judgment. Review the passage in Matthew 12:36 and Romans 14:12.

I then talked about those you lead. 1Corinthians 4:2 reads, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Words are important. They are critical when spoken because we want others we lead to have faith and trust in our counsel. It is equally important to listen. Our peers which we are accountable to, above and below, must be able to see a consistency in the message. Good advice to follow is found in Luke 12:2-3 and 12:48.

As I like to do in Part VI of each chapter, I look to bring some of the elements from Parts I-V and put them in perspective. Even in the harsh face of accountability, there is both failure and victory. The difference is in how we view what is gained and what is lost. Edison and Einstein failed more often than not, but in the process, their continual effort proved victorious.

Three steps will help you remain in a place of accountability. Repent, ask for forgiveness and forgive others. Each come with their different and distinct challenges. These steps in order, provide freedom. When we repent, God no longer keeps a record of our sins. Look in Acts 3:19. 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us the key to unlock the door to freedom. Humble yourself, pray, seek the face of God, right your wrongs and God will hear you immediately, forgive your sin and heal your land. Forgiving others may be the hardest part. However, their is divine power in forgiving, and it can even provide a "pay it forward" process to the one you have forgiven. I believe the words uttered to God in humility and forgiveness toward another in prayer could cause them to have feelings and pray for the forgiveness of others they harbor sin against.

The principle of accountability takes many forms. Redefine the word for yourself. Hold yourself personally responsible. Embrace an attitude of serving others as Jesus did; the idea of reverse accountability. Follow the 7 steps with your team outlines in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. Be careful with your words so there is value, faith, trust and belief by your peers. Change your perspective using the equation of repentance + asking for forgiveness + forgiving others.

Within the principle of accountability, as measured to be in line with God's will, there is freedom.

Accountability: Part VI

Accountability is most heart-wrenching when we feel that we have failed. We have all seen that look of judgment from another, and even more so from the few inches between our face and the mirror. Looking at oneself, and seeing failure can make all sights and sounds fade away except the own screaming from our inner voice.

However, there is victory in failure. How many times did Thomas Edison try to get the exact mechanics right for the light bulb before he saw light? Did every equation that Einstein attempted to write prove to be correct when tested against a problem to solve? No. But we have light, and we have E=mc2, the theory of relativity.

Having a relationship with Jesus allows us the option to be victorious. On earth, even the strongest Christians will judge others, try as they may to put it aside. The real release from feelings of failure is in forgiveness. The equation here is repentance + asking for forgiveness + forgiving others. These three steps in combination will free us from feelings of failure and allow us to find and remain in favor with God.

Repent:  Luke, the physician writes in Acts 3:19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Can you identify the words "wiped out" in this verse? Looking ourselves in that mirror, and seeing our own face in judgment may be overwhelming, but there is monumental power in forgiveness. If we can focus on the outcome and not the crime in ourselves, asking for forgiveness will set us free. Our sin will be wiped out. A clean slate is what we will start with in an instant. And believe me, God hears our voice. God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus desire one thing:  a relationship. God does nor keep a record of our wrongs after the very instant that we ask for forgiveness.

Even though we cannot hit the "rewind button" in life, a change in perspective can free us from our wrongs. God will forgive and forget. Therefore, failure is only as temporary as we allow it to be.

Ask yourself today, "What do I need to erase from my conscience? Who or what inside me do I need to forgive?"

Ask:  2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." I mentioned earlier how God hears our voice immediately. Right at the very moment that we speak our words to Him. It goes on to say that it should be in prayer, to seek His face, and turn against our wrongdoings. And what does He promise. He will hear. He will forgive. He will hear our land.

Think of your land as your sphere of influence. Everyone has a group of people that they feel accountable to. It will be your spouse, your children, perhaps someone that you are a sounding board for or even the neighbor; adult or child. God asks us to come to Him in prayer. It can be short; it only needs to be sincere. And that sincerity must carry through to correcting our actions.

I have personally had the experience of "seeing God's face." Admittedly, most times it has been in church as a prayer is being offered from the pastor to the congregation and mine personally in the service. It usually appears as I look up. Not coincidentally, it puts My Father in perspective. He may be above me vertically, but He is there and readily available when I call on Him or listen to other's words. It is not as frequent as I would like, but the feeling is unimaginable in a way that could be explained to others. Seeking His face is an experience I desire to have at home, or sitting in traffic, or on a park bench when I have time alone. I see this as a skill that can be acquired. Keep trying and be patient. Remember, God is omnipresent. He will always hear and will respond on His time for your good. Keep praying. Seek His face. Turn from behavior that is not permissible in your relationship with Almighty God.

Forgive others:  Paul writes in Colossians 3:14, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Again, a simple verse, but the outcome is life-changing when put into perspective. The act of forgiving others can be harder than forgiving yourself. There are certain things that eat away and gnaw at us deep inside. To the middle of our very core, things that have happen to us when we feel strongly that we have been wronged tend to remain longer than they should. Forgiving others will also free you from pain. Even more so than forgiving yourself.

Luke 6:37 says, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Think about the universal scope of these three sentences. If we do not judge others, there will be no one that will judge us. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. I say universal to indicate that even halfway across the world, others will see you differently if you follow these steps. No one can judge you, and therefore harm you. No one will condemn, or judge, if you are able to forgive.

Since it is harder to forgive others, in your heart find one person that you can forgive. Done in private, hey will not know that you have done so. Put in perspective, this act may free them from something by your prayer and cause them to forgive another. God may, in that very instant, seek their heart to forgive another. I believe that freeing yourself can free others. Seek God's face first in prayer, and let Him work, and see what happens.

This may be a lot to digest, but keep it simple. Try this simple exercise today. Make the equation at my suggestion as derived from the Word of God.

Repent + ask for forgiveness + forgive others.