It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

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Love God by Loving Others

Respect- to esteem or regard favorably, to give a sense of worth or value to a person- to hold in honor- to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with…

We are to respect God, to think highly and favorably of Him. We honor God because He is worthy as the Creator of the universe. We value God and honor God when we honor and respect those who are created in His image. Respect by definition comes from a place of love and value for a person. This is why we cannot be disrespectful to a person and then say we love them.

We are to respect people because they were formed by God for the express purpose of carrying Him image. To disrespect people who are created in the image of God is to disrespect God! People may say they respect or love a person but hate their children or family, this cannot be. Either they will love them and their children or hate them, but they cannot do both in truth. They may need that person or want them, but they love themselves more. Some may speak words of love and respect, but in their heart there is animosity. Some may even deceive themselves into believing they can love God while hating and disrespecting their brothers, but God’s word says this cannot be so.

How can we say we love God whom we have not seen and hate our brother whom we have seen? The answer is we cannot. Someone who has hatred in their heart for anyone, no matter the reason, the love for God is not in them.

1 john 4:20-21    If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

This is not to say we have not been wronged. It is these painful and cruel things that Satan would use to tempt us with the thought that we have every right to hate. People are blinded by Satan to the truth of God’s word and many even live in self-deception. Sometimes we deceive ourselves into believing we are either justified in our hate or God understands what we have been through and He would not require us to forgive these people. This too is a tactic of the enemy, to get the people of God to deny God’s truth and live a lie that is rooted in Satan’s hatred of God.

2 Corinthians 4: 3-4   But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Those who decide to go their own way and refuse to love they refuse the truth of God’s word and are perishing. They may not realize their minds are being blinded by Satan, the prince of this world system, and their life is headed for destruction. Self-deception is one of the hardest lies to overcome, because we have trained our minds to believe we are right and therefore close our minds to the truth. The only way to come out of this darkness is to let the light of God’s word shine into our hearts and minds.

 1 John 3: 10-11                     In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,

We must practice the righteousness of God which is faith in Jesus’ completed work for our salvation. This is not our works of attending church, visiting the sick or just reading our Bibles. It is a relationship with God through the life of Jesus. It is accepting God’s love for us through faith in Jesus and the understanding of His Word. True faith gives us the love we need for others by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not a thing that can be done by the natural man. This love for others is how the children of God will be known. Because they show love they are distinguished from the children of the devil and people of this world.   The love we show to the undeserving displays the God in us.

1 John 3: 14-17          We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

It is when we show love to all those who are created in the image of God we give witness to the love of God that is in us. If we hate others, Jesus says we have committed murder. This is a hard but powerful statement and it is the truth of God’s word. Jesus came and saved us out of our sinful state, while we were looking and acting like Satan. Jesus died the death on the cross to redeem us back as children of God. As children of God we are to lay down the hurt, pain and injustices we have received from others just as Jesus did for us.

Jesus did not want to die. He even asked the Father to take that cup away from Him and yet He submitted Himself to God’s will. We too, in our flesh do not want go through the process of forgiving others who misuse and abuse us.   We also, must submit our will to God just as Jesus did and ask Him to give us the love we need for those who have wronged us. In this God will be glorified in that situation.

1 John 3: 18    My little children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth

We are told to show the love of God in our actions not just in words. Many can talk a good game, saying all manner of lovely things, but God tells us to demonstrate this love by our actions. Love gives of itself. God so loved the world He gave His only Son. When we see someone with a need we are to take from our abundance and help those who are without.

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Resting in God – Waiting on God

In a society that is filled with seeking better and faster ways of getting things done, it is difficult to quiet our hearts, minds and spirit to rest in God’s perfect wisdom, plan and timing for our lives. Especially in a country that expects everything to be done in an instant. We have been taught and cultivated to react and to respond to every situation immediately. Waiting is perceived by many as doing nothing, a waste of time, being weak because nothing ever happens when you wait, but this is not so.

Psalm 27: 13-14         I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! NKJV

God’s kingdom way tells us to not lose heart but believe we will see the goodness of the Lord while we are still on this earth. God’s blessing is not just for when we get to heaven in the sweet by and by. God tells us to decide to be in good spirits, to be determined and steadfast in our trust in God to strengthen our hearts. We are to be persistent with resolve because God will settle the matter. He will give power and strength to those who are looked on as weak, because they trust and wait on God to direct their steps.

Isaiah 40:28-31          Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 but those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.   NKJV

Habakkuk 2:2 I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint NLT

 

The world will tell us to take action to do something or we will look pathetic. This is where we display the principles and power of the kingdom of God in the earth. When we respond according to God’s word we reflect God’s kingdom principles and not this world’s system. It is difficult for most people to understand or commit to God’s ways because they have been taught the lie of the enemy and have lived this lie all their lives. It takes a change in heart and mind to stand on the word of God. This only comes through renewing our minds to think as God thinks by reading His word, and then our hearts will follow.

Meekness is strength under control. Most people when they see meekness they think the person is feeble in not reacting in the way the world expects them to react. True meekness is to make a deliberate decision to take a different action or no action at all because of our faith in the word of God. We can only display the kingdom of God if we know how it operates. Most people who call themselves Christians or believers of Christ do not know Jesus or what He has said about the kingdom they now live in on this earth. They think they must wait until they go to heaven before they will have the peace and favour of God in their lives.

Psalm 37:7- 11           Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. NKJV

To be an overcomer is not necessarily getting what we have been praying for, asking and seeking God for. Neither is it seeing vengeance on those who have wronged us. It is having the peace in knowing God is faithful and He is directing our steps for His glory in the earth. It is a mindset that is at peace in whatever situation it may find itself in. Christ on the cross brought glory to God in the earth. His glory and how we reflect His love may not always look like what we want or expect. It is knowing the love God has for us and that He chose us to show His mercy and grace to this world. This love gives us the tenacity to rest and patiently wait for God to do His perfect work in us. It is the love of God in us that keeps us at peace with ourselves and others. This is when we rest in God and wait on His direction.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. NKJV

It is when we reflect the character and attributes of God in the earth that we reflect God’s glory. It is a sad testimony when those who call themselves children of God act like the children of the world. Those who know their God will do exploits and great things that the ordinary person may not understand or comprehend because it displays the power of God in us. The peace God gives to us surpasses natural understanding, as we wait with full assurance that God will settle the matter.

Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. NKJV

Psalm 39:7  “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. NKJV

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THE LOVE OF GOD

Many people today have had their sense of love shaped by the Disney princess. Who fall in love at first sight and live happily ever after. But that is not reality. We as parents, family and friends must be deliberate in training our children, young men and young women, yes, and even ourselves, the importance of words and especially the word love. Love is an action word. To say we love someone with our words and not the action is an oxymoron; that is a self-contradicting situation. We cannot love and not act because love gives of itself.

God says when a person speaks, though they speak as angels, but do not show love, it is like someone clanging a cymbal without any rhyme or reason. Many have been fooled by these sweet talkers who were only making loud clanging sounds with no intention of being truthful. God is truth and He has sent His word of truth to set us free from the deceitfulness of people.

God says there are some who are prophets, gifted with the talent of giving insight and may understand mysteries. They may even have a high level of knowledge or have the gift of faith to heal and move mountains. But if they do not demonstrate God’s love, they are nothing. Some may even have a deep concern for the poor and give much and possibly their lives for the poor. But if it is not from a position of love, it will profit them nothing.

I Corinthians 13: 1- 3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love endures for a long time. It enables us to remain kind to those who may be responsible for the hurt. God is patient with us though we are sinners. He is kind to us and did not credit our sins to us. Jesus paid our debt and took our punishment. We who love must endure long with those around us even when they are not kind.

Love does not envy, crave for those things that belong to another, hold grudges, become bitter or harbor resentment. Love is quick to forgive, quick to show goodwill, and to be reconciled. God does not hold grudges. He reconciled us back to Himself at a great cost of His Son Jesus. While we were still sinning against God, He forgave us. Those who love God are given a ministry of reconciliation to bring those who are lost to God, even though they may still be in a problematic or distressing life. We are to forgive others as God, for Christ’s, sake forgave us.

Love does not behave rudely, offensively or disrespectfully. Love does not oppress others so to make one’s self look better and does not look for ways to take advantage of others. Love does not try to provoke others, or pick a fight, to have an advantage or to have things go their way. Love does not think evil of others; it does not accuse or believe the worst of people. God’s love for us caused Him to humble Himself and send Jesus for us. Jesus became a man and experienced our pain, hurt and death. God remembered we were made from the dust and could not save ourselves. The Mighty and the Strong gave Himself for the weak and the lost. He came that we might have His abundant life; to heal our sickness and disease. We, who are Christ followers, will have the love of God in us to enable us to show compassion, forgiveness and mercy to those who are undeserving.

Love does not delight, celebrate or cheer evil or injustices. God is merciful, kind and full of grace He forgives sin. But God will judge the guilty, those who refuse His pardon through faith in Jesus. Love rejoices and celebrates when truth prevails over lies. Love empowers us to believe and trust people and have hope in them. This love is willing to endure long and to help others. God has shown His love as He waits patiently for all those who will one day believe in Jesus. We too must be committed to truth and not turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to injustices. We too, must be patient and pray for those who do not believe hoping to see a repentant heart.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8             Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Love never fails.

Love never fails because God is love. God is faithful and true. It is God Who defines love by Who He is.

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Faith Hope and Love – The Greatest of These Is Love

We are told to abide in faith, hope and love. Abide is from a Greek word that means; to stay in a given place; expectancy, to continue, to endure, to remain. It is a verb which means action must take place for us to abide. Most people think they are abiding when they are just waiting on God to move but there is no movement in that. To abide in faith is to continue to hear the word of God. To abide in hope is to continue to expect a favorable outcome no matter the visible circumstances. To abide in love is to continue in the presence and communion with God and to reflect His love! To know God is to know love. To fellowship with God is to be in the presence of the very essence of love.

1 Corinthians 13:13     And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Many people believe their love for God is shown in their emotional attachment to Him and/or the service they do and this will cause God to love them more and move in their lives. When they fall short and do not see what they expected from God, then they lose hope. It was not God who failed; it was their understanding of His word and His love. People begin to doubt God’s love when challenges come. They do not understand with every profession of faith, there will be tests to prove our faith in our action and to see if we really believe what we said. But God’s love never changes.

Love was created by God and it was one of the greatest gifts to mankind. This life would be void and dull without the love of people – family or friends. Love is the greatest gift we have both to give and to receive. Knowing we are loved is one of the most important things to all mankind. We may go seeking love and showing love in many different ways, but the expressing of love is universal; it crosses all cultures and people. Love is one of the deepest parts of God’s attributes that He has planted into mankind. We know only in part, the love God has for us. To be loved and to express love to others is so important that we have seen some who have risked all for love. This is the love God has shown to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Greatest expression of God’s love towards us was to give His Son Jesus to die for us. This expressed a love so deep that it is mind boggling to think how much God must love us. Yet so many are deceived by the lie of the enemy that says God does not care and He does not love us because we are sinful. This world system is part of the fallen state of mankind which Satan has used to keep us blind and in darkness, regarding the deep love God has for us. The whole system is set up to keep the minds of the people so entrenched in the lies, in hate and in disunity, so they would not be able to recognize the truth of God’s love. Whether it is a culture of pride and entitlement or a culture of inferiority and inadequacy, both are based on lies to breed hate.

John 13:34-35             A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” NKJV

We are now accepted as the beloved of God because of our faith in Jesus Christ alone. Not our works of righteousness or service but total trust in the completed work of Christ Who died for our sin. It is out of this love that God has shown to us, that makes us want to serve Him and to change our lives. It is not out of duty to perform to obtain God’s love.

Jesus, after fulfilling all the requirements of the Old Testament, gave us a new commandment – to love one another as Jesus Himself has loved us. Jesus came to show mankind God’s love. God loves us so much that He was willing to give His Son to pay for our sin. We are now given the power of God by The Holy Spirit to live in us, so we may show the love of God to others. This is not a natural thing; to love others who are different. It takes the power of the Risen Christ and the Holy Spirit living in us, to change our hearts and minds that we may show the love of God to those who are unlovely.

Many religions, including the religious Christianity, will have us do many deeds and works to be right with God which is impossible. Jesus fulfilled the old law and gave us a new commandment, to love one another as Christ loves us. Unconditional love will show the world we are Christ’s disciples. When we love one another as He has loved us.

2 Corinthians 5:17- 19          Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. NKJV

We who are Christ’s are given this ministry to reconcile sinners to God by showing the love of Christ. Not crediting sins to people, but rather bringing them into reconciliation through the love of God. The Disciples of Christ will be known by the love they have for one another, and not for the hate they have for the sinner.

1 john 4: 7-8, 11          Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. …Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

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Our Hope Is In The Love God Has For Us And This Is Our Joy!

Our hope is in the love of Jesus Christ for us, the promises of God to us and the power the Holy Spirit gives us. Hope, according to the definition is; a person or thing in which expectations are centered, to believe, trust or to look forward to with confidence. We now understand that faith is the assurance and belief in the fidelity of God and His strict observance of His promises and loyalty to us. When we have the faith of God, understand the Love Jesus has for us, and the power we are given through the Holy Spirit, then our hope is joyous. Because of Jesus, we look forward with great expectation, of having every confidence that He will perform all that He has promised.

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV

Hope is a godly imagination that sees the promises of God in our mind though they have not yet appeared. Hope stands firm on the belief in who has made the promise and then rejoice in His love for us.

Hope without the promises of God, is just vain imagination or fantasy. Imagination is a powerful device because the word tells us as a man thinks in his heart so is he. We have often heard it said if we can imagine it we can eventually do it. Just as mankind for years imagined that he could fly and though it took years for him to develop the technology, we now have planes and jets that can fly us anywhere. Things that were thought impossible only a few years ago are being manifested in this natural world today.

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. KJV

Romans 1:21-22 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. KJV

Wicked and vain imagination is a perverted type of hope in that it allows mankind to think and create evil thoughts in their hearts by rejecting God. They refuse to glorify Him or thankful for all He has done. This is done when a person becomes wise in their own eyes refusing to give honor to God. Then they are free to imagine evil in their hearts when they are left to their own vain imagination. It will lead only to evil because their souls are corrupted by this fallen world. This is why our hope is in the person of Jesus and the promises of God. Anything else is futile and vain.

Romans 8:24-25         For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. NKJV

It is our Hope in Jesus’ love, the promises of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that gives us patience to wait for the promises. We stand believing in the promises that they will come to pass and be displayed in this natural world, though we may not see it at present. There are many who say they believe in Jesus and yet their hopes are in the things of this world. Though many may have knowledge and a belief of Jesus’ existence, their trust and confidence are in the systems of men and this world. It is our hope in the completed work of Jesus that should gives us joy. Then we will have confidence and hope in our future and be able to wait patiently for it.

We live in a society that expects everything to be done in an instant. Fast food, advancement at work, we are trained to want and get everything right now. This is a trap and many believers in Christ have fallen into it with the thought of everything we need and want should be given to us immediately. This is why so many people lose their joy. They want things right now and are not willing to wait on God and his time.

Impatience is a tool of the enemy that is used against God’s people to have them lose their joy and hope in God. When we are impatient, we are more likely to succumb to doubt and unbelief. This is the weapon the enemy uses to instill fear in God’s people and negate their faith. Just as light and darkness cannot occupy the same space, fear and faith will battle and one will prevail. One will cancel the other. We will either walk in faith in the promises of God or we will fall into the trap of fear and dread losing our hope and the joy we receive in the word of God. We are told fight the good fight of faith. We are to stand in the face of doubt.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. NKJV

We are rejoicing in the hope we have in the promises of God. The love of Christ and the strength of the Holy Spirit is what gives us the patience we need while waiting to see and receive God’s promises. Our hope is seen by others through the joy we express while waiting for the display of the promises of God in the natural world. People can see our anticipation though they may not see the promise. They see our joy that comes from knowing God will do what He has promised. We have already received it in our mind and see it with our godly imagination. Our hope rests in knowing the power of God’s love and in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

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The Substance of Faith is the Word of God!

We may think we have an understanding of words and their meaning, but sometimes it is necessary to see the words in the original text of Greek and Hebrew. Looking at this text in the Greek we find faith comes from a word that means assurance, belief or fidelity, which is a strict observance of promises and loyalty. Substance is from a Greek word meaning confidence and the dictionary defines it as the actual matter of a thing. The word hope comes from a Greek word that means expect, confide or trust. Evidence in the Greek means proof or conviction.

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

When we state it, as written in the Greek, we may have a better understanding. Now (faith) the assurance and belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, is the (substance) actual matter and confidence of the things we (hoped for) expect and trust, and this assurance, belief and confidence in the fidelity of God’s word, is the (evidence) proof of our conviction of those things that are not yet seen in the natural but are coming and will be manifested in the seen world.

It is our assurance in God’s love for us, His loyalty and fidelity of His word and promises to us that is the material, which is the substance that is seen by others. People can see our confidence, our joy and marvel at our hope and trust in what God said because we know He will deliver. That hope, faith and belief is proof both in the spirit realm -the things that cannot be seen, and the natural world that we are waiting with great expectation, for the promises to be manifested in the natural and seen world.

The spirit realm cannot be seen with the natural eye or perceived with the natural senses. The only thing this world can see is our excitement, hope and trust in God’s promises and we have the assurance and great expectation to receive it. This is how we too may obtain a good report, that we believed God regardless of what life or experience and others may say.

Hebrews 11:2- 3         For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. NKJV

So by faith (the belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word) we understand the worlds were formed by the spoken word of God. Spoken words are not seen and yet they made the things that are visible. When we understand how the word of God works in the spirit realm we can trust God’s word in the seen world. There are principles and processes that govern in the spoken word of God and faith. They are spirit and not visible and it is important to get knowledge and understanding of these principles, which take the unseen and see them manifested in the seen and earthly realm.

This is why the Bible says without faith we cannot please God, because faith believes in the truth, loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, regardless to what is seen or said in the natural realm. We too, would be offended if someone, who says they love us, but does not trust us or have confidence in our loyalty. We would be insulted and upset even though we may not have been perfect and may have missed the mark on occasion. We want the people who say they love us to trust us. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God who is perfect in all things and has never missed His promise to us. Still, many do think God has failed them but what they lack is true knowledge and wisdom of God’s word.

Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. NKJV

Faith believes God is who He says He is. Faith believes God’s promises and trusts His love and loyalty to reward those who search and seek after Him, His word, principles and truth. It is not going after the things God can do, or provide or the blessing we may get if we do some acts of service for Him. Seeking God is an ongoing process to know Him better and Who He is.

The world and the traditions of men have taught us so many things that are contrary to the word of God until so many are living in unbelief and do not realize it. They will say things like, “I call it like I see it,” but faith is saying what God says about the matter and is not moved by what is seen. Some people will even say God did not fulfill His promise and these are those who lack a true knowledge of God and His promises. God is not a man that He should lie, so if there is a problem then we should look at ourselves. God is not the problem.

If there is a problem, the problem is with us and our knowledge and understanding but not with God’s word. So many people rely on what they have been told, things they have heard or experienced, to determine their trust in God’s word. God says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The word says wisdom is the principal thing, so we should strive for wisdom and in our striving we should get an understanding.

Romans 10:17            So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Proverbs 4:7   Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. NKJV

Remember, faith is the belief in the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word. Our assurance in God’s word is the substance, the actual matter, which we are hoping for, expect and trust with confidence, that we will receive what is in the word of God. Our hope, confidence and joy is the very evidence and proof of our conviction that those things that are not yet seen, that are the spoken word of God, will be manifested in the natural and seen world.

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Faith Works Through Love

Faith is displayed in three parts, just as God is revealed in three parts; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Faith is revealed as a gift of God in the power of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge of the Word of God, and in the trust and confidence of the love God has for us. We have been confused on how to operate in faith because we have taken only a portion of what faith really is and tried to make it work.

We are given the full measure of faith. The Holy Spirit of God is living in us. Some people think they can operate in this life with the Spirit alone but they lack the knowledge of God’s word and His promises. These are those who have a saving belief in Jesus and have the Spirit of God living in them and will go to heaven when they die, but they are living defeated in the world because they are not operating in faith.

Others have faith in God and have knowledge of God’s word. They know God is able to heal, provide and protect us in these present times as He has done in times past as seen in the Bible but they believe they have not done enough, or fallen short in prayer, or in service, or in fleshly ways. These are those who have knowledge of God’s word and believe God is able but they are not sure God will do it for them. Some think if they pray a lot, plead with God, fast or even have others to pray; perhaps this will move the hand of God to answer their prayers.

It is when we trust in the love God has for us we are able to rest in the promises that are in the word of God, which gives us hope and joy to wait on the manifestation of God’s promises in our lives. Faith works by love.

Galatians 5:6           For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love

Faith in Christ does not come through the work of circumcision that came in the Old Testament, which is the law of sacrifice to be right with God. Nor does it come through uncircumcision, with no responsibility to do anything. Faith works through love. When we know and understand the love God has for us, then our Hope is in Him which gives us peace. Our joy is the evidence that the world sees while we are waiting for the appearance and display of these promises in our natural state.

Faith works through the trust we have in God’s love for us. We will never understand just how much God loves us until we see it displayed in His word. It is the lack of knowledge of God, His love for us and His promises that destroy many people who believe in Christ. The world’s religious traditions of men have made the word of God to no effect. Too often people believe in what they have heard from others and see on social media because they lack the true knowledge of God’s word.

We obtain hope through the knowledge of God’s word and we trust His word because we understand how much He loves us. You may have seen the joy and hope on a child’s face when a parent or grandparent promises them a gift. Though the promise is for a time in the future that child will display evidence of joy and expectation because they trust the one who promised. This is the faith of those who know the love God has for them. They know the promises of His word and they have hope and great expectation that the world cannot understand.

1 John 4:18      There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Perfect love casts out fear. God’s love is perfect love. He has given us this perfect love in the person of the Holy Spirit living in us. God has displayed love in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. No greater love can no one have than to give his life for that person. When we understand God’s love is not based on any act of service or good deeds, it is only because of Who He is, we can rest in God’s love for us. There is no fear of God becoming mad or the anger of God coming against us because Jesus took all of God’s wrath and judgement. Now there is only the love God has for us.

Romans 5:8     But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The Father gave His Son to die in our place which displayed a boundless love for us. Jesus left His position in heaven to come, live and die in our place as a mighty act of love. Jesus came and bore our sorrows, received our judgement and the wrath of God for our sins. This exhibited God’s unlimited love for us. God did not wait until we got ourselves together, stopped sinning, or to become holy to love us, to save us, or to send Jesus to redeem us. While we were still in our mess and totally enemies of God in our own minds, He showed His love and forgiveness toward us.

It is when we trust, believe and have faith in God’s love for us that we have confidence to look with hope at our circumstances. No matter how hopeless it may appear to the world, we may display a peace and a joy with expectancy and anticipation of the word of God to be manifested in our lives.

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Faith Is A Gift From God- Faith Is Trust In The Word Of God!

We have been blind and in darkness as to what faith really is! We lack the knowledge of the truth of Who is Faith. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. An author is one who originates, creates a design, and makes something. Therefore if Jesus is the Creator and Maker of our faith, our faith is perfect in Him. Jesus is also the Finisher of our faith. A finisher completes and makes perfect every detail.

 Romans 12:2               Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV

Lack of faith is not our problem. We lack the knowledge of the truth of the Word of God which helps us to trust in the completed work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the gift from God to all mankind and for those who accept Jesus as Lord. He comes and lives in them. It is Jesus Who originates designs and creates this gift of faith in us. He not only began this work but He completed it and made it perfect in every detail. Jesus is the Author of our Faith and we are to trust in the Living Word of God as an act of our will. We have been blind and not seen the light of God’s truth because we are ignorant of His Word. We have allowed situations and circumstances to speak to what we call faith and truth, to the point that God’s Word and Truth has no effect

Ephesians 2: 8-10       For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We are saved by the Grace of God through Faith. Grace is a divine gift and favor from God. We are saved by the divine gift and favor of God through faith that trusts in the completed and finished work of Jesus. We are saved by the gift of God

It is not because of any work we have done that saves us, it is only our trust in the completed work of Jesus. No one should boast of anything they have done to receive salvation.   We may move mountains, it is not because of our great work of faith, but it is our simple trust in the completed works of Christ. God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in faith and truth through belief in His word. It is because of our lack of knowledge of His word we have been walking in darkness. And not in the light and the power of faith in Jesus’ finished work.

Romans 12:3   For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Everyone is given the measure of faith- that measure is the Holy Spirit, the Word of God. Everyone who receives Christ receives the same measure of faith from God. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh and dwelt among God’s people. Now the Holy Spirit is given to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Spirit of God, the Word of God, Who is the Son of God comes into our heart to give us a new life as children of God. Implanted in our spirit is the Living God to empower us to do great and mighty works.

We may get ensnared by the schemes and wiles of the enemy who tries to trip us up with pride in who we are, what we have done and accomplished in life. Some even believe they have a right to do whatever they need in order to be happy and satisfied. The voice of this world has spoken so loudly and so long into the minds of God’s people, that many do not know how to recognize the truth of God’s word.

Romans 10:8b-11     The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

When we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths Jesus is Lord and God sent Him to die for us, we are saved. Faith is the trust we have in the word. Now we have the Living God , the Holy Spirit in us. We will more likely speak the truth of God because of the knowledge of His word and the faith filled words of Jesus, with the authority He has given us.

Remember as believers we have the word of God in the scriptures form near us. When we speak these words of truth and plant them in our hearts as seeds, we can trust Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, to complete His work. When we believe on Him and His completed work we will not be put to shame.

Faith is knowing the word of God. Faith is activated by our trust in His word.

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Christmas demonstrates humility – God became flesh and dwelt among us.

Christmas demonstrates humility. God humbled Himself and He left His throne in heaven and became flesh to live among sinful man. Jesus was born in humble circumstances, a child of an unwed mother, born in a barn, a storehouse where the animals were kept and His bed was a feeding trough, a manger. Jesus was wrapped in pieces or strips of cloth and not in fine linen or silk that royalty wears. The Creator became flesh as one He created that He may save His creation.

It may sound lofty in the Christmas stories we hear but the Creator of the entire world and the universe was reduced to being born in a shed because there was no room for him in the inn. It appeared as though the whole known world was busy taking care of their own concerns of work, their homes and government situation of being counted for the census and no one recognized the God of all creation had come to be counted among men. People are still too busy with the cares of the world, the gifts and the lack thereof to receive Jesus as the greatest gift of all.

Luke 2: 6         So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

God is still sending His messengers to people who are too busy to recognize the King of kings and Lord of lords has arrived to be their Savior. There were many noble kings and wealthy merchants in that day but God chose to send His message to country shepherds, people living out in the fields. The Angel with the very glory of God shinning around him told the shepherds of the good report that the Savior who is Christ the Lord was born in the city of David.

God’s ways are not like man’s. God sent His son to be born in poverty that we may receive His riches. God announced Jesus’ birth to people of humble means, shepherds living in the fields and not to those living in palaces and mansions. In this world the birth of royalty is announced in the most esteemed places to exalt the arrival to the child’s birth. But God chose the way of humility, to send Jesus as a servant, that He may save many.

Luke 2: 8, 10-12         Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

God sent Jesus to earth at the appointed time to save humanity. God is still sending His children, at this appointed time, to be witnesses to humanity that God is still on the throne and He is seeking to save those who are lost. Jesus came born of a woman under the law and government of His day to redeem or purchase back those who were born in sin so they may be adopted into the family of God. In the fullness of God’s time we too are being sent out by our Father to release, emancipate and set free the minds of people who are chained and enslaved to the thoughts and practices of this world.

As a believer in Christ we are God’s Christmas gift to humanity. We have the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Living God in us to help us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that we may no longer live as slaves to sin, pride and un-forgiveness. We can call out to our Abba Father so that when we demonstrate a life that displays the power of God with humility others may want to receive the gift of everlasting life.

 

Galatians 4:4-7           But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth th Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Though Jesus was a King, He humbled Himself to be born of flesh to become involved with mankind that He may provide a solution for us. It would be impossible to find a king who would give up their high position of living in a palace to live in a stall or to give up their riches for his people and servants. Our God, Our Father gave His best, Jesus our Lord and King so that we may become children of God, heirs to His kingdom. The Christmas story is a story of humility. Jesus is the One who gave His all so that many may be saved. This is still the Christmas story that we too may humble ourselves, to die to self, that others may see in us a reflection of our Father in heaven and want to receive eternal life

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The Gift of Grace is the Gift of Christmas – Jesus is our Gift of Grace

The spirit of Christmas is Grace! Grace is showing favor, kindness, goodwill and love to someone who is undeserving and it is unmerited and unearned. Love is expressed through kindness, goodwill and favor we show to someone who may not deserve it but we give it anyway. Love gives its best and expresses and shows the love it has for those they love. God so loved this world He gave His Best, Jesus, to save us even when we were not being our best. He loved us while we were lost and did not care or love Him and He expressed that love in the Gift of Christ our Savior. Love is a sacrifice; love gives even though it may not receive.

Jesus emptied Himself of all He had a right to, positional as the Son of God, and humbled Himself to be born as a child. Jesus was born of flesh and blood and restricted to a life set in time for the service of others to show the Grace and Love God has for us.

Luke 2: 10-11  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

When God gave His Best, Jesus Christ our Lord, men responded in worship and wise men sought Him and gave gifts to honor the King of kings. Wise men are still seeking Jesus and giving gifts to honor our Lord and King. When these wise men went looking for the Christ there was much cost and much preparation. They came from a far country to search out where the King was born and they had prepared great costly gifts to give a King who was worthy of all they had and more. These gifts to show honor to the God in heaven and were given to a carpenter and his wife. We honor our God when we honor His children. We give to God when we give to the least of these, our brothers and sisters, who are in need on the earth.

We should decide to give the gift of Grace, the Spirit of Christmas to those who may be undeserving and who have not earned this gift. We give this gift of Grace and Love to honor our Lord and King. We express the love He has shown to us to those around us.

Romans 5:6, 8 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus walked in the Grace of God as a man, to fulfill His purpose drawing on the same power of the Holy Spirit that we have access to today. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation and the command to love others as He has loved us. We should determine we will give this gift of grace and predetermine how we will express this Spirit of Christmas to those around us. This time of the year the world softens its heart and expresses kindness to one another. How much more should we, who are in the household and family of God, express His Grace to others?

Jesus is our example and He was led by the Spirit of God to give the good news of the gospel, that God’s kingdom has returned to the earth and we can now be set free. He showed the love of God to the brokenhearted; they did not have to be alone, fore they can receive God as their Father and the Holy Spirit as their companion and guide. To those who are enslaved to addictions and the appetites of the flesh, they too can be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit. We also can help those who are blind to the truth of God’s word by showing the love of God in our actions. Those who are oppressed through injustices of this world system or live under the tyranny of social and cultural hatred can be set free by the Blood of Jesus and the love of God. Now is the acceptable time to receive from God this precious gift of Grace.

Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

The Gift of Grace is the Gift of Christmas. Jesus is our Gift of Grace – our reason for Christmas. Jesus came and provided what we could not provide for ourselves. Let us be the provision someone may need during this Christmas season. Let us, as the wise men before, prepare our gifts for our Sovereign King and predetermine how we will show honor and worship to Him, through the people we serve. Let us give the Gift of Christ in a word of encouragement, in an expression of concern, in the displaying of love to those who may be unlovable and may be in desperate need of His love.

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