Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Unlocking the Power of Faith: A Guide to Transforming Your Life and Achieving Abundance on Earth

Many people may think that it sounds too good to be true when they hear statements like "you don't have to wait until you get to heaven to prosper and have your needs met." However, the truth is that you can enjoy a world of good here and now. God has already done everything it takes for us to live the highest kind of life right here on earth. He created man to live in His limitless provision and care, and Jesus came so we could have life in abundance—to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10).

Faith is the key to receiving all the good that God has in store for us. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Whether we need physical healing, a loved one's salvation, more finances, or anything else, we receive it by faith. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. In order to bring the unseen (what you are believing for) into the seen realm, we must receive what God says in His Word, believe it, and apply it to ourselves personally.

The Spirit of Faith Creates The Scripture tells us that God created the universe in the same way, by using words of faith and power. Hebrews 11:3 states, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” God said what He desired, believed it, and then saw it manifest. God Himself calls things “which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17). When He speaks, His words are alive and energized and effective. Hebrews 4:12 tells us there is power in His words to cause whatever He says to come to pass.

You and I create a victorious life here on earth in the same way that God created and framed the worlds. We have the same spirit of faith that He does and it is imparted to us when we are born again. To bring His promises from the unseen realm into the seen realm, we must not only believe, but we also must speak His Word—just as He does (II Corinthians 4:13).

First, faith must be stored up in our hearts by consistently taking in the Word through our eyes and ears. Then, as we meditate on those promises and they become more and more real to us, the spirit of faith within us becomes bold enough to speak that Word in power! When that happens, the words “By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed!” create healing.

No matter what your situation is, or how serious it looks, it can change if you'll hear what God says about it, and put His promise in your heart and in your mouth until all doubt is crowded out. Believe! Say! And see it by faith! That’s what it takes to live a life of victory on earth.

Just being born again doesn't guarantee you a victorious life. You are instantly transformed on the inside when you receive Jesus as your Savior, and you will go to heaven eventually. But for your outer life to be transformed, your mind, and your words must be in agreement with the Word of God, so that you can enjoy life to the fullest here on earth.


Saturday, October 8, 2011

Unleash Your Potential: Harness the Power of a Renewed Mind

Your mind holds tremendous creative ability. That’s why God gave you an imagination—so that you could create mental pictures, add faith to them, and see those pictures manifest in your life. Your imagination holds the key to unlocking your potential and creating the life you desire. However, too often, Christians suffer from "stinking thinking," allowing negative thoughts and beliefs to take control of their minds and ultimately their lives. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Through the power of the Word of God, you can renew your mind and transform your thinking. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” When you renew your mind with the Word of God, you can prove what is good and perfect in the eyes of God.

It's important to understand that renewing your mind is not an overnight, one-time event. It's a daily process that requires dedication and commitment. By reading and meditating on the Scriptures, your thinking will be transformed to line up with the mind of Christ. And when you have the mind of Christ, you can accomplish anything.

The Bible also teaches that the issues of life flow out of the heart, or in other words, your mind, will, and emotions. If you can control your mind, you can control your destiny. It's up to you to make the decision to dedicate your life to changing the way you think. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

By keeping your thoughts and imaginations in line with God and His Word, you will position yourself for success. You’ll have wisdom, discernment, insight and the ability to accomplish anything. A renewed, Word-controlled mind guarantees abundance and prosperity in every area of your life. So, don't wait any longer. Start today by setting your mind on the Word of God and let it become the focal point of your life and purpose!

Scripture References: Galatians 5:19-21 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 5:17 3 John 2 Proverbs 4:23 1 Thessalonians 5:23 2 Timothy 1:7 Isaiah 26:3




Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Mastering the Art of Abundant Living: The Power of Confidence and Patience in Your Faith

When it comes to living the faith life, the issue of confidence cannot be ignored. Many times, people try to walk by faith, but they just don’t have the confidence to back up what they say they believe. Confidence is the missing substance of faith, meaning that without it, faith won’t be able to operate properly. In addition, patience must be employed while waiting for the manifestation of God’s promises. With both of these forces working together, faith will always get results.

Faith is the law of God’s kingdom, so as Christians, we cannot get anything to work if we don’t have faith. But confidence is like the match that ignites the faith fuse. It is something that is developed as we spend more time with God, just like we develop confidence in certain people because we spend so much time with them that we know their character. By constantly fellowshipping with the Lord, meditating on His Word, and putting ourselves in remembrance of what He has already done, we develop ultimate trust and confidence in Him. The more confident we become, the more our faith will be activated.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, confidence is defined as, “reliance or trust; a trusting relationship; a feeling of self-assurance.” When we have confidence in God, we firmly rely on Him and trust that His Word will indeed come to pass. Confidence leaves no room for doubt. Hebrews 10:35 says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” In other words, we must not allow our confidence to dwindle, because there is a great reward attached to remaining steadfast in our trust in God. Faith is a practical expression of our confidence in God. When we are confident that what God has said will come to pass, we will be bolder when it comes to stepping out on faith. When God tells us to do something, we won’t hesitate.

In addition to confidence, we must employ patience as part of the process to receiving the end of our faith. Biblical patience does not mean “putting up with” something. Patience is the act of maintaining confidence in God’s Word during trials and affliction. When patience completes the job, we have the result we desire, and we end up being complete, wanting nothing (James 1:4).

Everyone has experienced times when their circumstances seemed to worsen and it was as if the hard times dragged on and on with no end in sight. It is during times like these that the temptation to quit and give up on God is most prominent. However, we should never allow pressure to cause us to give up or doubt God’s Word. If we are willing to stand forever, we won’t be standing very long.

Being a faithful churchgoer is not enough to see the promises of the Bible come alive in your life, and neither is simply reciting the Scriptures all the time. We must not only repeat what the Word says, but we must believe that what it says is coming to pass in our lives as we speak it. Belief in God’s Word demonstrates our confidence, and it is confidence that ignites our faith. Hebrews 3:6 also tells us to hold on to our confidence as members of the household of faith.

We will have plenty of opportunities to exercise our confidence in God’s Word, particularly during these times in which we live. There may be financial challenges, issues with our health, employment issues, or things going on in our relationships. Whatever the situation may be, the key is to find the solution in the Bible and to begin releasing our faith in what God has said, knowing that if we have confidence in Him, everything we believe will surely come to pass. He will never fail us, and He honors the confidence of the Christian who trusts in Him completely.

In conclusion, confidence is an essential part of living the faith life. Without it, faith won’t be able to operate properly. But by developing our trust and confidence in God through constant fellowship, meditation, and remembrance of his promises, we can ignite our faith and achieve abundant living. Remember to also employ patience as part of the process and never give up on God and His Word, for he honors the confidence of the believer who trusts in him completely.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Removing the Barriers to Spiritual Growth: A Look at 1 Peter 2:1

The words of 1 Peter 2:1 hold a great significance for me in my spiritual journey. The verse calls on believers to put away certain attitudes and behaviors that hinder our spiritual growth. These attitudes, as listed in the verse, are malice, guile, insincerity, envy, and slander.

Let's take a closer look at each one of these attitudes:

  • Malice refers to feelings of ill will towards others. It is important to recognize that if we hold malice in our hearts, it can be difficult for us to love people and share the gospel with them.
  • Guile is deceitfulness, and insincerity is hypocrisy or pretending to be something we are not. Both of these attitudes can prevent us from being authentic and transparent with others.
  • Envy is disapproving of God's blessings on others and acting like a spoiled brat. It is important to remember that God's blessings are not limited and that we should be grateful for what we have.
  • Slander is harmful to the body of Christ, gossiping about others instead of lifting each other up.

All five of these attitudes involve the heart, and it is important for us as believers to recognize that if we want to grow spiritually, we must put away these destructive attitudes from our hearts and allow God to replace them with love, compassion, and honesty.

This verse serves as a reminder for me to constantly evaluate my attitudes and behaviors, and to make a conscious effort to put away anything that hinders my spiritual growth. By doing so, I can better follow God's will and grow in my faith.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Removing Obstacles in Your Spiritual Journey: A Study on Procrastination, False Esteem, Past Experiences, Lack of Knowledge, and Divided Attention

There are several barriers that can hinder our spiritual growth and progress in our walk with God. Some of these barriers include:

Procrastination: We can often be guilty of putting off what we can do now for the future. But as Isaiah 55:8 reminds us, God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and we should trust in His plan for our lives.

False Esteem: Overestimating ourselves and having a false sense of self-importance can be a barrier to spiritual growth. Pride is something we must guard against and it is important to base our self-worth on the word of God and not on our own perceptions or external validation.

Weights of past glory or defeats: Our past experiences, whether they be victories or defeats, can have a big impact on our mindset and can hold us back from achieving our goals. We should not let past failures discourage us and focus on moving forward.

Lack of Knowledge: A lack of knowledge can be a barrier to understanding and embracing God's plan for our lives. As Hosea 4:8 states, my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, it is important to study the word of God and seek knowledge in order to grow in our faith.

Lack of Exercise: Just as our physical bodies need exercise to stay strong and healthy, our minds also need exercise to stay sharp and discerning. Hebrews 5:14 reminds us that solid food is for the mature, and that we need to constantly practice discernment to distinguish good from evil. Ecclesiastes 10:18 also states that through laziness, the roof sinks in, and through indolence, the house leaks.

Divided Attention: When we are constantly multitasking and dividing our attention, it can be difficult to focus on the things that are truly important. This can be a barrier to our spiritual growth as well as to achieving our goals. It is important to prioritize and focus on what's truly important.

It is important to be aware of these barriers and to make a conscious effort to overcome them in order to grow in our faith and to follow God's will for our lives


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Understanding Satan's Deception: The Importance of Knowing the True Nature of God

As Christians, it's important to understand that Satan's tactic to deceive us is not to make us believe that there is no God, but to change the truth about who God is. Satan wants us to see God in the image of man, rather than recognizing that we are made in the image of God.

You might have heard some people say that God is weak, powerless and unable to help us improve our lives. Others may say that God is cruel and vengeful, seeking to ruin us. Some people might believe that God is only gentle and never punishes anyone, while others might think that God is dishonest and does not keep His promises.

These are dangerous perceptions of God, as it opens the way for false worship and idolatry. The God we claim to worship may become very different from the God who has revealed Himself in the Bible. Deuteronomy 10:17 reminds us that "The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." Numbers 23:19 reminds us that "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind." Psalm 50:21 reminds us that "You thought that I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face."

As Christians, it's important for us to seek the truth about who God is by reading and studying the Bible and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help us to avoid the deception of false worship and to truly worship the one true God.

In this post, we have discussed the importance of understanding Satan's tactic to deceive people regarding the true nature of God. Satan wants us to perceive God in the image of man, rather than recognizing that we are made in the image of God. We have also talked about the dangerous perceptions of God that can lead to false worship and idolatry. It's our responsibility as Christians to seek the truth about who God is by reading and studying the Bible and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help us to avoid the deception of false worship and to truly worship the one true God

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Leading by Example: The Importance of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Sensitivity in Spiritual Leadership

As a spiritual leader, it is important to possess certain qualities that will help guide and lead others in their spiritual journey.

  1. Vision: A spiritual leader must have a clear vision for the direction they are leading their followers towards. Without a vision, a leader can easily lose sight of their purpose and the needs of their followers. Hosea 4:6 reminds us that "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you, as my priests because you have ignored the law of your GOD, I also will ignore your children.”

  2. Foresight: A spiritual leader must have the ability to see ahead and anticipate the needs of their followers. They must be able to guide their followers towards the future, even when their followers cannot see it yet.

  3. Discipline: A spiritual leader must possess self-discipline in order to effectively lead and guide others. 1 Timothy 3:7 reminds us that "He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." Discipline means obedience, and it is through discipline that a leader can lead by example and help others to be disciplined as well.

  4. Wisdom and knowledge: A spiritual leader must possess a deep understanding of spiritual matters and the ability to use that knowledge effectively. Luke 2:52 reminds us that "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man." Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge effectively and a call to spiritual leadership requires deeper knowledge and wisdom.

  5. Sensitivity: A spiritual leader must be sensitive to the needs of people and the happenings around them. They must be able to understand the needs oftheir followers and respond accordingly. 1 Samuel 23:12 reminds us that "Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” and the LORD said, they will.” A leader who is sensitive to the needs of others will be able to respond quickly and effectively in difficult situations.

    1. Faith and Holy Ghost: A spiritual leader must have a strong faith and be filled with the Holy Ghost in order to lead effectively. Acts 3:5-6 reminds us that "So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 then Peter said, “silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” A walk with GOD especially in the level of leadership requires faith and Holy Ghost for heaven signal and approval.

    By possessing these qualities, a spiritual leader will be able to guide and lead their followers towards a deeper understanding of God and their spiritual journey

Leadership that Matters: The Power of Vision, Purpose and Example

Leadership is a vital aspect of any organization, community or group. It involves the ability to guide, direct and inspire others towards a common goal and purpose. According to Lord Montgomery, leadership is the capability and will to rally people to a common purpose and character with a divine confidence.

Leadership incorporates a clear purpose and vision, which is the fuel for inspiration and mobilization. Without a vision, leadership is impossible. Proverbs 29:19 reminds us that "A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." Therefore, a leader must have a clear vision of where they are leading their followers in order to generate passion for accomplishment.

Leadership is by example. The rise and fall of anything begins with the leader. Therefore, a leader must lead by example and set the standard for their followers to follow. Psalms 55:11-14 reminds us that "11 Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. 12 If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, 14 with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of GOD."

Leadership is not just about the leader, but also about the people they are leading. Leaders don’t fail on their own, people make them fail. A leader must be able to influence, inspire, rally, direct, encourage, motivate, induce, mobilize, and activate others to pursue a common goal and purpose while maintaining mentor, confidence and courage.

Mindful and Healthy: How to Keep Your Mind in Tune with God

Keeping our mind healthy is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. There are several ways we can do this, including:

  1. Meditating on the word of God: This involves reading, studying and reflecting on the Bible and its teachings. When we fill our minds with the word of God, we are able to align our thoughts and actions with His will and purpose.

  2. Confessing God's word loudly: This involves speaking the word of God out loud, rather than just reading or thinking about it. When we confess God's word, we are declaring it over ourselves and our circumstances, which helps to renew our minds and align them with God's truth.

  3. Walking in the conscious of God's presence: This involves being mindful of God's presence in our lives and allowing it to guide and direct us. When we are aware of God's presence, we are able to trust in His guidance and protection.

  4. Being conscious of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is always with us, and by being aware of His presence, we are able to receive His guidance and direction.

  5. Walking in the fear of God through saying no to sin: The fear of God is a healthy fear that helps us to stay away from sin and align our lives with God's will. When we say no to sin, we are able to maintain a clear conscience and a healthy mind.

All these tips aligns with Philippians 4:8 which says "Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things."

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Seeking God's Will in Decision Making: A Bible-Based Guide

Making decisions can be difficult, but when we trust in God and seek His guidance, the process becomes much easier. Here are some steps to help you make decisions that align with God's will:

  1. Begin with prayer - Start by committing the decision to prayer and framing your attitude in trust and obedience. Remember that God has your best interest in mind, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

  2. Define the decision - Determine if the decision involves a moral or non-moral area. If it's a moral area, you will likely find clear direction in God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

  3. Be ready to accept and obey God's answer - Make sure your will is fully submitted to God's, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

  4. Exercise faith - Remember that decision making is a process that takes time and requires faith, as stated in Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

  5. Seek concrete direction - Gather information by researching what the Bible says about the situation and gaining practical and personal knowledge.

  6. Obtain counsel - In difficult decisions it's wise to get spiritual and practical counsel from the godly leaders in your life. A pastor, elder, parent, or simply a mature believer can often contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV)

  7. Make a list - First write down the priorities you believe God would have in your situation. These are not the things that are important to you, but rather the things that are most important to God in this decision. Will the outcome of your decision draw you closer to God? Will it glorify him in your life? How will it impact those around you?

  8. Weigh the decision - Make a list of the pros and cons connected with the decision. You may find that something on your list clearly violates the revealed will of God in his Word. If so, you have your answer. This is not his will. If not, then you now have a realistic picture of your options to help you make a responsible decision.

  9. Choose your spiritual priorities - By this time you should have enough information to establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Ask yourself which decision best satisfies those priorities? If more than one option will fulfill your established priorities, then choose the one which is your strongest desire! Sometimes God gives you a choice. In this case there is no right and wrong decision, but rather a freedom from God to choose, based on your preferences. Both options are within God's perfect will for your life and both will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for your life.

  10. Act on your decision - If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision. 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

Mastering the Art of Trusting God: Navigating Life's Challenges with Patience and Grace

Are you tired of waiting for things to happen in your life? Do you find yourself constantly asking, "When, God, when?" Trusting in...