NOW FAITH!

Atmosphere 7 by Earnest Graham

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 17:19-20

As I enjoyed The Potter’s Touch : Put Your Faith Into Action by TD Jakes and then stumbled upon this website The High Calling of Our Daily Work, my spiritual toes were being mashed and I knew it! As I reflected and listened I truly understood that although I am a believer in Christ Jesus, on many occasions my “right now” faith is challenged and under construction especially when it comes to my attitude and work. Why is that so hard to swallow for many of us? We’re not totally there- believing God for everything! Our words and actions aren’t always working congruently. Doubt spills over into our “walk” and prayers when we’re truthful. It’s a relief to know that the more biblical truths we read , learn and apply; the clearer it becomes that God desires that we keep it moving in an upbeat fashion, never mind the intellect-it’s about faith! Are you demonstrating your faith!

God has once again gotten my full attention through this sermon and internet sites. He desires our full dedication, trust and heart. We must remain committed –no matter the predicament.

In my spirit, I’m moved to acknowledge that my faith is often compartmentalized into neat baskets with an assortment of attractive labels depending on the “seasons” that I find myself in. I have to confess this really shouldn’t be the case, but on a deeper level it’s a reality. I must earnestly examine what I am thinking-why and how it spills over in my behavior. Are you there also?

Today it’s clear that this methodology is self serving and will have us stuck, often repeating many life lessons we’ve should have learned. It’s God’s intention to move us higher, higher for his benefit of service, so that we effectively are teaching and reaching others! No it doesn’t have to be from the pulpit, synagogue or Sunday School Class. It can occur in the gym, lockers, board room, work cubicle, washroom, assembly lines, school corridors and while we’re waiting for public transportation. Yes, wherever we frequent and interact with other folks.

I feel it in my bones; yes in my spirit that I need to move further along on my spiritual journey and it’s not going to just happen. My momentum can be spurred with NOW FAITH!





Friends, I’m sure you’re getting what the Holy Spirit is conveying? We can’t withhold our faith, and stingily dole out a smattering here and there. We give our faith muscle when we absorb and apply the scripture and communicate with God frequently in prayer. Answers and visions are birthed and thus begins our faith walk. Let’s also remember to seek out spiritually enriching works that cause us to examine ourselves. God is speaking, do you hear him? We’ve got a greater work ahead of us! Trust and “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Encyclopedia

faith
inner attitude, conviction, or trust relating man to a supreme God or ultimate salvation. In religious traditions stressing divine grace, it is the inner certainty or attitude of love granted by God himself. In Christian theology, faith is the divinely inspired human response to God's historical revelation through Jesus Christ, consequently, is of crucial significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.

Shared With Great JOY!

Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist
and Inspirational author of:
The Blessedness of BelievingA Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
(Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007)
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/