The "Model for Prayer" was given to the disciples (and to us) during Jesus' teachings in Galilee. It can be found in two Gospels, written by Matthew and Luke. The first, recorded by Matthew is thought to have been shared with the disciples in Judea, and in Luke at the "Sermon on the Mount."
Examine both, as this has been more often identified as "The Lord's Prayer," and could just as appropriately be called, "The Model Prayer." The outline of thoughts both shifts and defines how Jesus taught the disciples to pray; and by example, how we ought to pray. Carefully study the format, cadence, parts and how the "sum of the parts" make the "whole" extremely instrumental; leading to a more successful prayer life with daily and fervent practice; with purpose.
The following are the two Gospel versions:
In Matthew 6: 9-13 (NIV)
"Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one."
Amen. (capitalization emphasis mine, "Amen." added)
and in Luke 11: 2-4 (NIV)
"Father,
Hallowed be thy name,
Your Kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread. this day,
Forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation."
Amen. (capitalization emphasis mine, "Amen." added)
I purposely picked to write on the topic of Prayer this week. Two weeks ago Sunday, my Pastor called our congregation to pray, with purpose, for 21 days, consecutively; without fail.. Topics were sent via text message at 6:30 AM each morning. As of this writing, today is day thirteen. The question behind this "call to action," was the following:
"How many of you can honestly raise your hand, by personal acknowledgment, saying that you have prayed--with purpose--for 21 days straight?"
with the next question being:
"How do you think your life would change, if you prayed for the individual struggles within your life would change, if you made a commitment and completed successfully, 21 consecutive days in prayer; with purpose?"
My personal experience-- and I would make the claim in faith--that the results of, and blessings following, will flow like raging waters for each and every person individually, and for those who we lift up in prayer.
While I will know only the results that I experience personally--which I should purposely share as a testament to others--the masses undoubtedly experience extraordinary blessings, that have the chance to flow exponentially in perpetuity, for generations to come.
That is the singular idea for this chapter. To give you arrows within your spiritual quiver, that you can use repeatedly and daily, to improve your prayer life, the prayer life of others you teach and to become a stronger person while allowing your prayer to also strengthen and provide extraordinary, exponential and perpetual blessings to those you love.
In Luke, it does not mention which of the disciples asked for Jesus to "teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples" Luke 11:1.
How do you think your life would change; by examining your prayer life, asking God to teach YOU how to pray and fervently making it a habit in your daily life?
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Faith: Chapter Summary
In Chapter I, I started with the premise that we have all been given a certain measure of Faith.
The great thing about faith, is that God calls us to stretch and grow our faith. It is like a muscle. It can grow. It is our responsibility, individually to allow God to help us grow that muscle through submission. If you have never asked for God's help to intervene in your life, start with something small. Think of it as rolling a snowball toward heaven. At the outset, it is small. As it grows larger, both the size and the incline make it harder to keep moving, keep going; making it larger. That increasingly larger snowball can represent your faith.
Luke 16:10 says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Focus on the positive in the first part of Luke 16:10. Be honest with little, and watch the rewards and the responsibility begin to grow.
I also shared in Chapter I about the difference between faith and hope. While hope is a much more common word in our society, there is a very distinct difference between the two. Both have a natural component of expectancy. Instead of hoping for something, learn to trust in Almighty God, and be committed to trusting him with loyalty. God should be the first, and the last, person we go to. Both in times of great favor, and in time of great trouble.
Therefore, faith is about conviction. I caution you, and urge you, to learn to grow your faith.
In Chapter II, I proposed a question for examining if you are truly leaning on faith:
"How can you have faith without proof?
That question identifies an element necessary for a correct definition of faith. The absence of any burden of proof. How we can crossover to faith without proof? With belief. I have heard some Christians talk about faith by claiming the righteousness of God. God always has our best interests on His heart. There will be outcomes in life for which we don't understand. Our immediate question to God will be "Why?"
Think of the absence of truth as the bridge in front of you (which is not there,) necessary to cross from one place to another place. Imagine that gap as invisible; the absence of that bridge being belief. Go back and reference Mark 11:24.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it and it will be yours."
Not might be, not may be, but will be!
Prayer combined with belief becomes the invisible bridge that allows us to cross. No proof necessary.
In Part III, everything relates to having confidence in the God we serve, and then by default, having confidence in the mission that God has for us. God finished His mission when Jesus died on the cross. Remember the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross at the very last breath on the day of His crucifixion. John records it in his Gospel this way. John 19:30 says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Go back and review the verses that I referenced. Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:18 and 21-22, 2 Corinthians 23:24, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 4:16, and finally Romans 8:28.
Paul writes 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."
Because Jesus fulfilled His mission, Paul understood, by default, that God a) had a purpose for his life, and b) that his mission too would be fulfilled.
Be certain. Have that unwavering compass of confidence with respect that God is leading you and will fulfill the mission He has, according to His purpose.
In Part IV, I shared how we can believe in our purpose. That our "faith muscle" can be strengthened.
John 14:12-17 tells us about some eternal promises, but we must believe. When we do, we receive immediate help. See these promises:
John 14:12 - Very truly I tell you
John 14:12 - whoever believes in me
John 14:12 - will do the work that I am doing
John 14:12 - they will do even greater things than these
John 14:12 - because I am going to the Father
An entire book could be written on John 14:12. Look at the first and last points. Let's call them the bookends. "Very truly I tell you," and, "because I am going to the Father." We are being told. We are being promised. Jesus is saying, without doubt: that if you believe in Him, you will do the work He is doing, and they [collectively] will do even greater things that these.
Not many of you would even begin to think, that you personally, can do things [even collectively?] that are greater than what He did. Jesus, under God's plan, gave everyone who would speak His name in faith as his/her Savior, repent, and ask Jesus in his/her heart the option for eternal life. At that point, we are a child of God.
So once more review the promise and the "why?" They will do even greater things than these (call to action,) and "why, and how," because I am going to the Father.
In Part V, I weaved trust into the conversation of this principle on faith.
There can be no trust in your relationship with the Lord--and others for that matter--without faith. Therefore, we must trust in ourselves, place trust in others that we have a relationship, and most importantly; that trust has to be rooted in faith.
Remember Proverbs 3:5 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Trust has to be given and it must be earned. It is the idea of allowing yourself to believe in another person, with a certain measure of faith.
Trust is quite different when we place our trust in God. We are the ones who are called to act. We place our tithes in the offering, with the faith and understanding that our bills will be paid. We pray despite the answer (we always have one we are looking for.) Our trust must be rooted in belief, and then we trust, so that we may have increasing measures of faith. Some things require little faith, while others a lot. It's not always going to be easy, and it shouldn't be.
Here is an equation: Belief + Trust + Submission = Faith.
We first have to have a relationship with God - Belief
We must believe that God's will for us is better than our own could ever produce - Trust
To trust in Him, we must give up control - Submission
The following three steps will result in faith, and with time greater levels of belief, trust and submission: greater Faith.
Remember in doing this that 1) God wants us to believe, 2)God wants us to trust Him (in all things), and 3) God wants us to submit to His will for us. Why? Because God knows b-e-s-t!
Jeremiah 17:10 says, I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
And Psalm 37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
I Part VI, I made a statement which also happened to be the title of an article that I wrote for the local newspaper.
"It's hard to have faith!"
Simply put, ladies and gentleman, the above is an understatement!
Despite those who are revered in biblical stories such as Abraham, Elijah, David, Job and Paul (just to name a few,) as having great faith, I am here to tell you that it was not easy for them, and it will not be easy for you. Faith calls for mental patience, emotional stability, mental fortitude, perseverance with respect to time (waiting,) and of course, the proper foundation of:
Belief + Trust + Submission
You have to give your all, by giving up your all. You can't have faith in God solving a part of your problem, or some of your problems. Almost all of you have heard it, "Let Go, and Let God!"
Easier said than done, my friends.
Here is what I do propose. Start with the small things, and work bigger. You can't wake up in the morning when you have yet to develop your "faith muscle" and believe that you can embody Proverbs 3:5-6, which says:
"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."
Granted, we would all like to have a faith such as this, but the reality remains, "It's hard to have faith."
Start by finding some verses in the Bible that will motivate you toward building faith. One that immediately comes to mind for me is Matthew 6: 25-34. It can also be affectionately called the "Do Not Worry" passage. Let's look at just the first few verses.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life; what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in 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?
If you continue to the end of Matthew 6, you will see that verses 25-34 have many applications. But from this verse, I can have faith that God will feed and clothe me. Why? Because I am more valuable than the birds of the air. And why is that? Because even before I was conceived, the Heavenly Father set out a mission, just for me, that I will complete on His behalf. Just like Abraham. Just like Paul.
Here are a few others to start with:
Luke 17: 5-6
2 Corinthians 10: 15-17
2 Thessalonians 1:3
2 Thessalonians 2:8
and there are countless others.
Start small and build on your faith. We are not only called to have faith, but you can also grow your faith. "It's hard to have faith," but the rewards for having, building and remaining in faith are as immeasurable as the stars in the sky...which--by the way--God put in place.
The great thing about faith, is that God calls us to stretch and grow our faith. It is like a muscle. It can grow. It is our responsibility, individually to allow God to help us grow that muscle through submission. If you have never asked for God's help to intervene in your life, start with something small. Think of it as rolling a snowball toward heaven. At the outset, it is small. As it grows larger, both the size and the incline make it harder to keep moving, keep going; making it larger. That increasingly larger snowball can represent your faith.
Luke 16:10 says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
Focus on the positive in the first part of Luke 16:10. Be honest with little, and watch the rewards and the responsibility begin to grow.
I also shared in Chapter I about the difference between faith and hope. While hope is a much more common word in our society, there is a very distinct difference between the two. Both have a natural component of expectancy. Instead of hoping for something, learn to trust in Almighty God, and be committed to trusting him with loyalty. God should be the first, and the last, person we go to. Both in times of great favor, and in time of great trouble.
Therefore, faith is about conviction. I caution you, and urge you, to learn to grow your faith.
In Chapter II, I proposed a question for examining if you are truly leaning on faith:
"How can you have faith without proof?
That question identifies an element necessary for a correct definition of faith. The absence of any burden of proof. How we can crossover to faith without proof? With belief. I have heard some Christians talk about faith by claiming the righteousness of God. God always has our best interests on His heart. There will be outcomes in life for which we don't understand. Our immediate question to God will be "Why?"
Think of the absence of truth as the bridge in front of you (which is not there,) necessary to cross from one place to another place. Imagine that gap as invisible; the absence of that bridge being belief. Go back and reference Mark 11:24.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it and it will be yours."
Not might be, not may be, but will be!
Prayer combined with belief becomes the invisible bridge that allows us to cross. No proof necessary.
In Part III, everything relates to having confidence in the God we serve, and then by default, having confidence in the mission that God has for us. God finished His mission when Jesus died on the cross. Remember the last words of Jesus as he hung on the cross at the very last breath on the day of His crucifixion. John records it in his Gospel this way. John 19:30 says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Go back and review the verses that I referenced. Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:18 and 21-22, 2 Corinthians 23:24, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 4:16, and finally Romans 8:28.
Paul writes 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."
Because Jesus fulfilled His mission, Paul understood, by default, that God a) had a purpose for his life, and b) that his mission too would be fulfilled.
Be certain. Have that unwavering compass of confidence with respect that God is leading you and will fulfill the mission He has, according to His purpose.
In Part IV, I shared how we can believe in our purpose. That our "faith muscle" can be strengthened.
John 14:12-17 tells us about some eternal promises, but we must believe. When we do, we receive immediate help. See these promises:
John 14:12 - Very truly I tell you
John 14:12 - whoever believes in me
John 14:12 - will do the work that I am doing
John 14:12 - they will do even greater things than these
John 14:12 - because I am going to the Father
An entire book could be written on John 14:12. Look at the first and last points. Let's call them the bookends. "Very truly I tell you," and, "because I am going to the Father." We are being told. We are being promised. Jesus is saying, without doubt: that if you believe in Him, you will do the work He is doing, and they [collectively] will do even greater things that these.
Not many of you would even begin to think, that you personally, can do things [even collectively?] that are greater than what He did. Jesus, under God's plan, gave everyone who would speak His name in faith as his/her Savior, repent, and ask Jesus in his/her heart the option for eternal life. At that point, we are a child of God.
So once more review the promise and the "why?" They will do even greater things than these (call to action,) and "why, and how," because I am going to the Father.
In Part V, I weaved trust into the conversation of this principle on faith.
There can be no trust in your relationship with the Lord--and others for that matter--without faith. Therefore, we must trust in ourselves, place trust in others that we have a relationship, and most importantly; that trust has to be rooted in faith.
Remember Proverbs 3:5 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Trust has to be given and it must be earned. It is the idea of allowing yourself to believe in another person, with a certain measure of faith.
Trust is quite different when we place our trust in God. We are the ones who are called to act. We place our tithes in the offering, with the faith and understanding that our bills will be paid. We pray despite the answer (we always have one we are looking for.) Our trust must be rooted in belief, and then we trust, so that we may have increasing measures of faith. Some things require little faith, while others a lot. It's not always going to be easy, and it shouldn't be.
Here is an equation: Belief + Trust + Submission = Faith.
We first have to have a relationship with God - Belief
We must believe that God's will for us is better than our own could ever produce - Trust
To trust in Him, we must give up control - Submission
The following three steps will result in faith, and with time greater levels of belief, trust and submission: greater Faith.
Remember in doing this that 1) God wants us to believe, 2)God wants us to trust Him (in all things), and 3) God wants us to submit to His will for us. Why? Because God knows b-e-s-t!
Jeremiah 17:10 says, I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
Matthew 6:21 says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
And Psalm 37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
I Part VI, I made a statement which also happened to be the title of an article that I wrote for the local newspaper.
"It's hard to have faith!"
Simply put, ladies and gentleman, the above is an understatement!
Despite those who are revered in biblical stories such as Abraham, Elijah, David, Job and Paul (just to name a few,) as having great faith, I am here to tell you that it was not easy for them, and it will not be easy for you. Faith calls for mental patience, emotional stability, mental fortitude, perseverance with respect to time (waiting,) and of course, the proper foundation of:
Belief + Trust + Submission
You have to give your all, by giving up your all. You can't have faith in God solving a part of your problem, or some of your problems. Almost all of you have heard it, "Let Go, and Let God!"
Easier said than done, my friends.
Here is what I do propose. Start with the small things, and work bigger. You can't wake up in the morning when you have yet to develop your "faith muscle" and believe that you can embody Proverbs 3:5-6, which says:
"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."
Granted, we would all like to have a faith such as this, but the reality remains, "It's hard to have faith."
Start by finding some verses in the Bible that will motivate you toward building faith. One that immediately comes to mind for me is Matthew 6: 25-34. It can also be affectionately called the "Do Not Worry" passage. Let's look at just the first few verses.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life; what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in 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?
If you continue to the end of Matthew 6, you will see that verses 25-34 have many applications. But from this verse, I can have faith that God will feed and clothe me. Why? Because I am more valuable than the birds of the air. And why is that? Because even before I was conceived, the Heavenly Father set out a mission, just for me, that I will complete on His behalf. Just like Abraham. Just like Paul.
Here are a few others to start with:
Luke 17: 5-6
2 Corinthians 10: 15-17
2 Thessalonians 1:3
2 Thessalonians 2:8
and there are countless others.
Start small and build on your faith. We are not only called to have faith, but you can also grow your faith. "It's hard to have faith," but the rewards for having, building and remaining in faith are as immeasurable as the stars in the sky...which--by the way--God put in place.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Faith: Part VI
I recently wrote an article that was published in the local newspaper.
My first sentence was this, "It's hard to have faith."
I'm learning that those five words are an understatement. Even in the Christian community, the idea of having faith is no different. What is promising, however, is that greater amounts of faith is something that can be obtained. It's the same as setting goals. It's also along the same idea as tithing. We all start out with varying measures of faith. What we need to understand is that with God as our ally, there is hope in obtaining a strong faith.
Let's relate the idea with my analogy of tithing. God calls us to give the first fruits of our labor to the church. He promises to keep our barns full through the harvest. If we are faithful with little, there will be more. Faith also starts out small. While there is no magic trick to gain faith, we must begin by asking for faith in the little things in life. "Lord, please stretch the budget so I can pay the electric bill and keep my family warm through the winter." Maybe there is a larger expense pending. Maybe even one that you are not even aware of yet. If we start small, not only will we see how much God cares for us, but we will begin to see how He does for ourselves. That expense we did not know about may come just after we get a promotion at work. God has seen that we were faithful with little, and He met our larger need, just in time. It is also critically important to remember that God is an "on time God."
If we are to grow in faith, we must allow God to grant it. No matter how big or how small, go to Him first. Luke 17: 5-6 records Jesus saying to His disciples, "The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."
Let's look at two verses from Paul.
In 2 Corinthians 10: 15-17 it says, "Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory. But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
Paul speaks here of the Corinthian church expanding their faith, and also the faith of other nations. When he says, "greatly," his desire is to see faith increase far and wide; not just in Corinth. He also gives credit to others for their work, not just his own, and cautions that the work of others and their success therein, be given to the Lord.
In 2 Thessalonians 1: 3, Paul writes, "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul again speaks to the strengthening of others--the Thessalonians--by way of the people in Thessalonica expanding their knowledge of the gospel to Macedonia and Achaia. It says in 2 Thessalonians 2: 8, "The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere"
What if our faith became ever increasing because we went to Him--little-by-little--in all things great and small. What if the outcome of our increasing faith became "known everywhere?"
Oh, how the world would change.
My first sentence was this, "It's hard to have faith."
I'm learning that those five words are an understatement. Even in the Christian community, the idea of having faith is no different. What is promising, however, is that greater amounts of faith is something that can be obtained. It's the same as setting goals. It's also along the same idea as tithing. We all start out with varying measures of faith. What we need to understand is that with God as our ally, there is hope in obtaining a strong faith.
Let's relate the idea with my analogy of tithing. God calls us to give the first fruits of our labor to the church. He promises to keep our barns full through the harvest. If we are faithful with little, there will be more. Faith also starts out small. While there is no magic trick to gain faith, we must begin by asking for faith in the little things in life. "Lord, please stretch the budget so I can pay the electric bill and keep my family warm through the winter." Maybe there is a larger expense pending. Maybe even one that you are not even aware of yet. If we start small, not only will we see how much God cares for us, but we will begin to see how He does for ourselves. That expense we did not know about may come just after we get a promotion at work. God has seen that we were faithful with little, and He met our larger need, just in time. It is also critically important to remember that God is an "on time God."
If we are to grow in faith, we must allow God to grant it. No matter how big or how small, go to Him first. Luke 17: 5-6 records Jesus saying to His disciples, "The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."
Let's look at two verses from Paul.
In 2 Corinthians 10: 15-17 it says, "Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory. But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
Paul speaks here of the Corinthian church expanding their faith, and also the faith of other nations. When he says, "greatly," his desire is to see faith increase far and wide; not just in Corinth. He also gives credit to others for their work, not just his own, and cautions that the work of others and their success therein, be given to the Lord.
In 2 Thessalonians 1: 3, Paul writes, "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul again speaks to the strengthening of others--the Thessalonians--by way of the people in Thessalonica expanding their knowledge of the gospel to Macedonia and Achaia. It says in 2 Thessalonians 2: 8, "The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere"
What if our faith became ever increasing because we went to Him--little-by-little--in all things great and small. What if the outcome of our increasing faith became "known everywhere?"
Oh, how the world would change.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
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?
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?
Monday, August 14, 2017
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.
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.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
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.
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.
Friday, August 11, 2017
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?
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?
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