The Word of God tells us, "...God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3) Although not in the same measure, every believer has been given a measure of faith. God will take those who have believed for greater things to a higher level of faith. When we take the measure of faith that God has provided to the limit, He will take us to a higher level of releasing the supernatural. However, let us keep in mind that it is possible for us to lose our measure of faith, instead of obtaining a new leve1. This happens when believers choose to remain comfortable at a place where their faith is not challenged. Yet, if we are being good stewards of the measure of faith we have been given, then God will give us more. (Matthew 24:14-30)
What do we do with our measure of faith? We operate in and apply it to the sphere of influence we have been given by God, so that we can produce fruit for His glory. The Amplified Version of the Bible says, "For if because of one man's trespass (lapse,
offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who
receive overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of
righteousness reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ
(the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Romans 5:17) Notice that we reign as kings in life through Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a king has authority to rule, God has also given us a measure of rule that is equivalent to our particular spiritual authority and spiritual gifts.
In the spirit realm, everything operates according to measures of rule. Each person's faith is to be used effectively in relation to his own measure of rule. God has entrusted us with faith and spiritual
endowments. Jesus tells us, "For
assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will
say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and
nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20) Therefore, if our measure of faith is sufficient to move mountains or destroy strongholds, then it stands to reason that our measure of rule will be proportionate to it. This is also why we must take our faith to its limit. To take our faith to the limit we must understand that faith not only believes the impossible, but it feeds on the impossible.
When God gave each one of us a measure of faith, an appetite for the impossible should have been ignited in our spirits. However, if our faith is not exercised, then the desire and hunger for the impossible will eventually fizzle out or worse yet, it will be stolen by the enemy. Satan certainly does not want believers to operate in the kind of faith that moves mountains and he will do his best to discourage and deceive believers so their faith erodes. But, a believer who is full of God's supernatural faith is passionate about what does not seem possible within the natural realm, and his faith is fed when he confronts impossible situations, circumstances and or difficult trials. His faith grows because the revelation given by the Apostle James resonates in his heart, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
In a sense, impossible situations, circumstances and or difficult trials to ones faith is like resistance exercises to ones muscles. Resistance exercise is a form of exercise that forces your skeletal muscles to contract which leads to increases in muscular mass, strength, endurance and tone. So, it is important for believers to grow their faith, which grows their ability in and through Christ to make the impossible, possible. The Apostle Paul was certainly a man whose faith grew through the numerous impossible situations, circumstances and or difficult trials that he faced. (2 Corinthians 11:22-28) so, when he said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), he was actually saying, "I am powerfully equipped to do whatever God calls me to do through Christ who empowers me." We, like Paul can say the same, but is our faith growing? Do we realize the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us and are we willing to step out and stand on God's Word regardless of what the situations, circumstances and or trials may be? May, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you...
Monday, January 4, 2016
Monday, December 28, 2015
A New Beginning
New Year's Day is observed on January 1st, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar. New Year's Day is probably the most celebrated public holiday throughout the world. It is often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts in each time zone. Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on the evening of December 31st, New Year’s Eve, and continue into the early hours of January 1st, New Year’s Day. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, and watching fireworks displays. In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds.
Another tradition that has emerged from the celebration of New Years is making what is called "New Year Resolution(s)." A New Year resolution is a tradition described as a person making a promise to do an act of self-improvement in ones life. Although New Year resolutions are numerous, the ones on the top of most lists are, improve physical well-being; lose weight; exercise more; eat better; quit smoking; get out of debt, save money; volunteer to help others; spend quality time with family members; be closer to God; be more spiritual. Basically, people are looking at making a new start, establishing a new beginning. Although the thought behind a New Year resolution is somewhat commendable, according to statistics, only eight percent of New Year resolutions made and accomplished.
In the list above the last two resolutions mentioned are what all believers should not only consider as a New year resolution, but make them a daily lifestyle. The Apostle James tells us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8) The believers greatest desire should no doubt be to to have a close intimate relationship with God, daily. The Apostle Paul exhorts us a number of times to "Know or have the knowledge of God." "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9) "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him." (Ephesians 1:17) In the John 17 prayer, Jesus says, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
Not only should believers have a desire to "know" the Lord, but they should act upon it. The prophet Hosea tells us, "My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me." (Hosea 4:6 NLT) Many believers today are dealing with issues that are not from God, but from Satan such as poverty, sickness, inability to break free of ungodly habits and sin, simply because they do not know the Lord. The word "know" and "knowledge" are defined as having intimate, complete, full, precise, correct knowledge. God has given us His Word, the Bible, for that purpose. He has made Himself known to humanity through His Word. It is unfortunate though, that most believers are limited in their knowledge of God. Notice, that the Apostle Paul tells us, "that you may be filled with the knowledge (precise and correct knowledge) of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
We are to have intimate knowledge of God not by-way-of intellectual or theoretical knowledge, but in all spiritual knowledge. It is the knowledge of God that is revealed to the recreated spirit, not the mind. Spiritual knowledge is what sets to flight all the erroneous doctrines created by the intellect that contradict God's Word. Spiritual knowledge builds ones faith (Romans 10:17) and connects us to God in the spirit. The Jesus tells us, "For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) which means, we can only connect with God through the recreated spirit. All the intellectual knowledge that one can gather, will not connect us in an intimate way with God. Jesus also tells us, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
So, this New Years, let us not make a resolution to be closer to God or be more spiritual and then let it fall away in a short period of time, but let us permit the grace of God to work in our lives daily giving us the strength and ability to know Him. The Apostle Paul reveals his desire to know Jesus in an intimate way when he said, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)
May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all throughout this new year. May 2016 be a year of knowing God in such an intimate way that our lives "are being transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Have a wonderful, fruitful New Year for His glory....
Another tradition that has emerged from the celebration of New Years is making what is called "New Year Resolution(s)." A New Year resolution is a tradition described as a person making a promise to do an act of self-improvement in ones life. Although New Year resolutions are numerous, the ones on the top of most lists are, improve physical well-being; lose weight; exercise more; eat better; quit smoking; get out of debt, save money; volunteer to help others; spend quality time with family members; be closer to God; be more spiritual. Basically, people are looking at making a new start, establishing a new beginning. Although the thought behind a New Year resolution is somewhat commendable, according to statistics, only eight percent of New Year resolutions made and accomplished.
In the list above the last two resolutions mentioned are what all believers should not only consider as a New year resolution, but make them a daily lifestyle. The Apostle James tells us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (James 4:8) The believers greatest desire should no doubt be to to have a close intimate relationship with God, daily. The Apostle Paul exhorts us a number of times to "Know or have the knowledge of God." "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9) "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him." (Ephesians 1:17) In the John 17 prayer, Jesus says, "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
Not only should believers have a desire to "know" the Lord, but they should act upon it. The prophet Hosea tells us, "My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me." (Hosea 4:6 NLT) Many believers today are dealing with issues that are not from God, but from Satan such as poverty, sickness, inability to break free of ungodly habits and sin, simply because they do not know the Lord. The word "know" and "knowledge" are defined as having intimate, complete, full, precise, correct knowledge. God has given us His Word, the Bible, for that purpose. He has made Himself known to humanity through His Word. It is unfortunate though, that most believers are limited in their knowledge of God. Notice, that the Apostle Paul tells us, "that you may be filled with the knowledge (precise and correct knowledge) of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
We are to have intimate knowledge of God not by-way-of intellectual or theoretical knowledge, but in all spiritual knowledge. It is the knowledge of God that is revealed to the recreated spirit, not the mind. Spiritual knowledge is what sets to flight all the erroneous doctrines created by the intellect that contradict God's Word. Spiritual knowledge builds ones faith (Romans 10:17) and connects us to God in the spirit. The Jesus tells us, "For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) which means, we can only connect with God through the recreated spirit. All the intellectual knowledge that one can gather, will not connect us in an intimate way with God. Jesus also tells us, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
So, this New Years, let us not make a resolution to be closer to God or be more spiritual and then let it fall away in a short period of time, but let us permit the grace of God to work in our lives daily giving us the strength and ability to know Him. The Apostle Paul reveals his desire to know Jesus in an intimate way when he said, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7-11)
May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all throughout this new year. May 2016 be a year of knowing God in such an intimate way that our lives "are being transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Have a wonderful, fruitful New Year for His glory....
Monday, December 21, 2015
Christmas; A Time of Sharing Christ
Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ; the Son of God; the Savior of the world. The original meaning of Christmas came by-way-of a special church service, or mass, to celebrate the birth of Christ, "Christ Mass." The story of the Nativity, that is, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, are the central focal point of the church's celebration of Christmas. The Bible does not give a precise date for the birth of Jesus. Historically, it is
also unclear when December 25th became associated with the birth of Jesus. However, the idea of turning this day into a celebration was accepted by the church in the early Middle Ages in Europe.
During Reformation and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and making merry was seen as unchristian. However, from about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. Finally, on June 26, 1870, December 25th was declared a federal holiday in the United States. Since then Christmas Day has become a steadily more important holiday. In the United States, Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, where old customs were unearthed as they looked to the church to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving. Although most American families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas the way it had been done for centuries, they had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.
Today in America, there are many who reject the true meaning and purpose of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and yet the holiday season itself tends to be filled with a kindness that most people exhibit which is not expressed in any other time throughout the year. This includes the holiday's of other world religions as well as all other sectors of public life throughout the world. I believe the reason behind this, is directly tied to why Christmas itself is celebrated, "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14)
There is a peace, that for most is unexplainable, but for believers it is due to the first advent, the incarnation of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Even the events that led up to the birth of Christ had a major impact upon the civilization of that time. For instance, Luke's gospel records, "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 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." (Luke 2:1-7)
During Reformation and up until the middle of the 1800s, Christmas was often not celebrated because partying and making merry was seen as unchristian. However, from about 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread. Finally, on June 26, 1870, December 25th was declared a federal holiday in the United States. Since then Christmas Day has become a steadily more important holiday. In the United States, Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, where old customs were unearthed as they looked to the church to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving. Although most American families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas the way it had been done for centuries, they had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.
Today in America, there are many who reject the true meaning and purpose of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and yet the holiday season itself tends to be filled with a kindness that most people exhibit which is not expressed in any other time throughout the year. This includes the holiday's of other world religions as well as all other sectors of public life throughout the world. I believe the reason behind this, is directly tied to why Christmas itself is celebrated, "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:8-14)
There is a peace, that for most is unexplainable, but for believers it is due to the first advent, the incarnation of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Even the events that led up to the birth of Christ had a major impact upon the civilization of that time. For instance, Luke's gospel records, "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 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." (Luke 2:1-7)
To fulfill the Word of the Lord spoken by the Prophet Micah, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) the heathen Emperor Caesar Augustus ordered that all should be registered to his own city, which caused Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem where Christ was born. We also notice, "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12) The announcement of the birth of Christ was proclaimed to shepherds keeping watch over their flock by an angel of the Lord.
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) the heathen Emperor Caesar Augustus ordered that all should be registered to his own city, which caused Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem where Christ was born. We also notice, "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12) The announcement of the birth of Christ was proclaimed to shepherds keeping watch over their flock by an angel of the Lord.
After this announcement was made, we see, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2 13-14) Scripture does not mention the number of angels present, but a word search reveals much. The Greek word for host refers to “the heavenly bodies, stars of heaven.” Heavenly host in the Hebrew means "armies." The heavenly host present at Jesus’ birth were so numerous they were compared to the stars and armies. We see that both the heavens and the earth were greatly moved by the birth of Christ.
During the Christmas season, let us be mindful that hearts are prepared to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ like no other time of the year. So, in the midst of the hustle and bustle that we may find ourselves in, let us be mindful of these very important facts, For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." "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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) "God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4) "God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) So, let us start a new tradition. Let us share the gospel with at least one person during the Christmas season. Let us introduce people to "Christ the Lord." Have a very Merry Christmas...
Monday, December 14, 2015
Turn on Your Radar
Radar is a device for determining the presence and location of an object by measuring the time for the echo of a radio wave to return from said object and the direction from which it returns. It can also be described as a means or sense of awareness or perception. From a spiritual perspective, we can say that faith is God's radar in the believer that gives them the ability to determine the natural from the spiritual or the visible from the invisible. "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." (Hebrews 11:3)
Jesus tells us, "...“Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22) A more literal translation of this verse is, "Have God's faith" or "Have the God kind of faith." In Greek, the verb is in the passive voice, which means that the action comes from the outside. Jesus does not ask us to have faith in God; He is saying that God gives us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that in essence, is a part of Him. In other words, our human nature is incapable of generating the kind of faith that pleases God. We must take hold of God's faith. In a sense, Jesus was telling His disciples to receive God's faith to operate in the supernatural to bless others.
Another aspect of faith is, it sees as real and complete that which has yet to be revealed to the natural senses, "the evidence of things not seen." Think about it, there are times when God commands that we do something, that might not seem to make sense, because the carnal mind cannot understand spiritual matters. (1 Corinthians 2:14) However, if we understand that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), we will begin to see things as God sees them. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) God has already determined the end from the beginning as well as everything in between. So, how do we appropriate what He has declared in the now? This is where our faith comes in. It touches things in the spiritual realm that are already complete but cannot yet be seen in the natural realm or visible world. When our faith reaches into the spiritual realm, it gives us a conviction of its reality and persuades us to wait for the fulfillment of things not seen.In other words, faith converts things that cannot be seen, into a tangible reality in the physical world which manifests in the now, not in the future.
If we continue reading the definition of faith as revealed in Hebrews 11:1, we will notice that there is still something pending, something that has yet to manifest, something that waits for the future, "things hoped for." But let us remember that in terms of eternity, where God resides, He has already completed everything. For example, He has already accomplished every miracle, sign, wonder, healing, provision or any other need that man could ever think or ask Him for. (Ephesians 1:3, 3:20) He has also completed and given every promise found in His Word. So, what is our part in all of this? We appropriate these eternal things into the now by activating our faith to believe for the impossible. Jesus tells us, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Also, keep in mind that with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
We may sometimes find ourselves in a place where these truths do not seem to be real. Maybe that is where you find yourself right now. You have asked in the Name of Jesus but what you have asked God for has not yet manifested in the physical realm. Well, in Mark's gospel a man came out of a crowd and asked Jesus to deliver his demon possessed son. He stated that he had some faith, but admitted to Jesus that it may not be enough, "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) Maybe our faith has not risen enough to bring the eternal into the physical in a certain area, but the Lord certainly understands exactly where we are in our faith. As with the man in the above circumstance, let us also cry out to the Lord and ask Him to help our unbelief. With the mans honesty declaring his lack of faith, "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him." (Mark 9:25-26)
Remember, God loves us and gave His only begotten Son to restore us to what Adam was and had before he disobeyed God. Not only that, in Christ, the believer has been given eternal life. Although Adam was not mortal nor immortal, but a perfect human being, He did not have eternal life. He ate of the fruit from the tree that brought death, not the tree of life. So, do not become discouraged, but continue to confess and stand on God's Word. Do not focus on the problem, but believe God for the solution, be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and release your faith now.
Jesus tells us, "...“Have faith in God." (Mark 11:22) A more literal translation of this verse is, "Have God's faith" or "Have the God kind of faith." In Greek, the verb is in the passive voice, which means that the action comes from the outside. Jesus does not ask us to have faith in God; He is saying that God gives us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that in essence, is a part of Him. In other words, our human nature is incapable of generating the kind of faith that pleases God. We must take hold of God's faith. In a sense, Jesus was telling His disciples to receive God's faith to operate in the supernatural to bless others.
Another aspect of faith is, it sees as real and complete that which has yet to be revealed to the natural senses, "the evidence of things not seen." Think about it, there are times when God commands that we do something, that might not seem to make sense, because the carnal mind cannot understand spiritual matters. (1 Corinthians 2:14) However, if we understand that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), we will begin to see things as God sees them. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) God has already determined the end from the beginning as well as everything in between. So, how do we appropriate what He has declared in the now? This is where our faith comes in. It touches things in the spiritual realm that are already complete but cannot yet be seen in the natural realm or visible world. When our faith reaches into the spiritual realm, it gives us a conviction of its reality and persuades us to wait for the fulfillment of things not seen.In other words, faith converts things that cannot be seen, into a tangible reality in the physical world which manifests in the now, not in the future.
If we continue reading the definition of faith as revealed in Hebrews 11:1, we will notice that there is still something pending, something that has yet to manifest, something that waits for the future, "things hoped for." But let us remember that in terms of eternity, where God resides, He has already completed everything. For example, He has already accomplished every miracle, sign, wonder, healing, provision or any other need that man could ever think or ask Him for. (Ephesians 1:3, 3:20) He has also completed and given every promise found in His Word. So, what is our part in all of this? We appropriate these eternal things into the now by activating our faith to believe for the impossible. Jesus tells us, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Also, keep in mind that with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
We may sometimes find ourselves in a place where these truths do not seem to be real. Maybe that is where you find yourself right now. You have asked in the Name of Jesus but what you have asked God for has not yet manifested in the physical realm. Well, in Mark's gospel a man came out of a crowd and asked Jesus to deliver his demon possessed son. He stated that he had some faith, but admitted to Jesus that it may not be enough, "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) Maybe our faith has not risen enough to bring the eternal into the physical in a certain area, but the Lord certainly understands exactly where we are in our faith. As with the man in the above circumstance, let us also cry out to the Lord and ask Him to help our unbelief. With the mans honesty declaring his lack of faith, "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him." (Mark 9:25-26)
Remember, God loves us and gave His only begotten Son to restore us to what Adam was and had before he disobeyed God. Not only that, in Christ, the believer has been given eternal life. Although Adam was not mortal nor immortal, but a perfect human being, He did not have eternal life. He ate of the fruit from the tree that brought death, not the tree of life. So, do not become discouraged, but continue to confess and stand on God's Word. Do not focus on the problem, but believe God for the solution, be thankful in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and release your faith now.
Monday, December 7, 2015
We Walk By Faith Not By Sight
The Bible reveals many principle concerning the faith that moves mountains. (Mark 11:23) In the King James Version of the Bible the word faith appears 243 times; 241 times in the New Testament. This is why believers should be well versed in all the aspects of faith as revealed in the Bible. One of the important thing that we must understand, although God is not bound by time and space, but is eternal, He also dwells in the "now." (Exodus 3:14.) He does not need time nor does He depend on either the day or the night to do His works. The Bible clearly reveals that God is in the past and future at the same time, but can also invade the present. (Revelation 1:8) Therefore, in the spiritual realm, the past and the future come together in the present constituting the now.
One reason why most do not see supernatural manifestations of miracles, signs, and wonders in the church is that these things take place in the now. Unfortunately, many believers speak in terms of the future. They say that God will bring a revival; He will heal; He will perform miracles. They use a language for the future, not the now. But faith is now! (Hebrews 11:1.) We need to believe that God is bringing revival now; He is healing now; He is performing miracles now; the harvest of souls is ready for gathering now! "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Most believers know where they came from and some know where they are going, but few know where they are now. They are unaware of what God is doing and saying at this very moment.
The Apostle Paul tells us, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3) When we live according to sight only, we essentially have no comprehension of the reality of faith. Walking by sight causes believers to focus on the problems and difficulties that arise in this life. We forget that these things are temporary. This is one reason why the Apostle James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
By faith, we must believe that God is intervening now. Now is the time to activate our faith. Job tells us, "You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28) Right now, 1et's declare and establish the time to receive healing for any sickness, disease, financial struggles or any other need that we may have. We must determine the time, refuse to let doubt or unbelief have place and God will do it. It is His promise. "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:22-24)
I'm not suggesting that we are to order God around like a servant. I'm saying that these things are already done in the spiritual realm. Jesus has opened the door to all believers to receive all the promises God. (2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 8:6) The promises of God, are just waiting for us to decide when we will claim them. But we must remember, releasing the promises of God requires faith in the same way that Abraham believed God; "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness...He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:3, 20-21)
Let us also keep in mind what the Apostle James tells us, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) So, let us believe God above the circumstances, problems and or trials that we may face, look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, release our faith and receive the promise that God has for us.
One reason why most do not see supernatural manifestations of miracles, signs, and wonders in the church is that these things take place in the now. Unfortunately, many believers speak in terms of the future. They say that God will bring a revival; He will heal; He will perform miracles. They use a language for the future, not the now. But faith is now! (Hebrews 11:1.) We need to believe that God is bringing revival now; He is healing now; He is performing miracles now; the harvest of souls is ready for gathering now! "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Most believers know where they came from and some know where they are going, but few know where they are now. They are unaware of what God is doing and saying at this very moment.
The Apostle Paul tells us, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3) When we live according to sight only, we essentially have no comprehension of the reality of faith. Walking by sight causes believers to focus on the problems and difficulties that arise in this life. We forget that these things are temporary. This is one reason why the Apostle James tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)
By faith, we must believe that God is intervening now. Now is the time to activate our faith. Job tells us, "You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28) Right now, 1et's declare and establish the time to receive healing for any sickness, disease, financial struggles or any other need that we may have. We must determine the time, refuse to let doubt or unbelief have place and God will do it. It is His promise. "So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:22-24)
I'm not suggesting that we are to order God around like a servant. I'm saying that these things are already done in the spiritual realm. Jesus has opened the door to all believers to receive all the promises God. (2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 8:6) The promises of God, are just waiting for us to decide when we will claim them. But we must remember, releasing the promises of God requires faith in the same way that Abraham believed God; "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness...He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:3, 20-21)
Let us also keep in mind what the Apostle James tells us, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8) So, let us believe God above the circumstances, problems and or trials that we may face, look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, release our faith and receive the promise that God has for us.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Breaking Through
When believers think that the natural realm consists of our whole reality as if there is nothing else besides it, they become vulnerable, because the natural realm is subject to the curse that came with the fall of man. Nature has been devastated by the curse that fell upon it after the fall (Genesis 3:17-18), and it cries out for God's children to manifest the glory of God. (Romans 8:19-22). Most tend to see their lives, circumstances, and problems relating only to the natural realm, but our breakthroughs will come when we begin to operate by faith. We cannot get comfortable in the natural realm, especially since it is always changing. Our faith needs absolute, unchanging truths, such as the reality of Jesus, His Kingdom, Power and Glory as revealed through His Word. There is no other place than the Word of God that reveals these three things in detail as well as God's will, nature, character, purpose and plan and at the same time build ones faith to do the impossible (Mark 9:23).
Everyday, we must decide which realm will have power over our lives, the natural realm of time and space or the spiritual realm of eternity. If we walk in the spiritual rea1m by faith, we will, in the natural, receive all the benefits Jesus has provided through His death, resurrection and glorification, such as, regeneration, health, deliverance, prosperity, strength, peace, joy and all other material, emotional, and spiritual provision we might need on this earth. (Romans 8:32; 2 Peter 1:1-4) Living according to the natural realm limits us from doing and being all that God has anointed us to do and be. Since the natural realm is all around us, we need a breakthrough to cross over the barriers of time, space, and matter into the spiritual realm which is the real realm. I say this because the spiritual realm is eternal, it always was and will ever be, whereas the natural realm is temporal. It was created by and from the spiritual realm. (Hebrews 11:3) We must be free of the bondage that keeps us subject to our senses so that we do not rely on what we smell, touch, taste, hear, or see in order to believe.
When we understand faith, the impossible becomes possib1e because faith has dominion and control over the laws of time, space and matter. Faith changes our perception of what is truly real. For example, suppose you were to incur a large debt. The old heating system in your house breaks down, is in disrepair and needs to be completely replaced. The total cost to replace it is twenty thousand dollars. You do not have that amount of money on hand, so you are offered a five your loan at five percent interest. This means that you will pay over twenty-six hundred dollars in interest, above the amount of the original loan. But what if you were to determine the amount of time to pay off the loan was in two years not five? By faith, we can allow God to supernaturally bring into the natural realm the resources needed to keep us from being enslaved by a debt for a longer period of time. It takes the kind of faith that pleases God which releases His provision. However, if one does not have faith for God to pay the monthly electric bill, they will find it difficult to believe God for something greater. Do not be discouraged, faith takes time to grow. Learn to operate in the faith that you now have.
In this example, not only did God pay off the loan three years earlier, but in doing so, also saved you over fifteen hundred dollars in interest payments. By exercising faith and believing God over the things of the natural realm, we actually break the laws of time. What we are doing is being fully convinced that God is able to provide. Instead of submitting to the debt, we submit to God's Word, His promise of provision. (Philippians 4:19) Now in saying this, it does not give believers carte blanche to frivolously spend and create debt simply because God provides. The above is only an example of stretching our faith and believing God according to His Word, to supernaturally provide a need, above and beyond what the natural realm my dictate.
The thing is, most people live only according to time. When the bank says it is going to take five years to pay off the loan for the replacement of the heating system, they believe it and make plans that correspond with that time frame. However, if you will plan according to the spiritual realm and not according to the natura1 realm, you will be able to break the laws of time. Again, faith does not rely on the five senses or reason. It simply believes God, period! The great trap is that we have made the natural realm our reality rather than the spiritual realm, so when most read the above statement of believing God to supernaturally pay off the debt, they often are quick to reject such a truth as this. The Bible calls this doubt or unbelief.
The only way to overcome doubt or unbelief is through God's Word. God's Word has the power within it to build faith, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) We must see and believe that what God says carries the same power and results now, as it did when He first spoke it. We must not just read His Word, but we must speak it, meditate on it and act on it, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) If Joshua kept God's Word, God would keep him. If he would observe to do according to God's Word, then God would cause all his way to be prosperous and he was promised good success. This does not apply to Joshua only, but to all those who are obedient to God. (Hebrews 8:6) They shall not lack in any good things, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) PTL.
With that said, let's look again at the Amplified Bible concerning faith, "Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]." (Hebrews 11:1) Takes some time and meditate on this verse to get it into your heart so that it can transform your mind and rid you of any doubt, fear or unbelief so you can receive the breakthrough that God has promised you in His Word. Again, keep in mind, faith takes time to grow. Do not become discouraged if the promise does not manifest immediately. Operating above your level of faith is presumption, not faith. So, stand fast, "fight the good fight of faith", (1 Timothy 6:12) and "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21)
Everyday, we must decide which realm will have power over our lives, the natural realm of time and space or the spiritual realm of eternity. If we walk in the spiritual rea1m by faith, we will, in the natural, receive all the benefits Jesus has provided through His death, resurrection and glorification, such as, regeneration, health, deliverance, prosperity, strength, peace, joy and all other material, emotional, and spiritual provision we might need on this earth. (Romans 8:32; 2 Peter 1:1-4) Living according to the natural realm limits us from doing and being all that God has anointed us to do and be. Since the natural realm is all around us, we need a breakthrough to cross over the barriers of time, space, and matter into the spiritual realm which is the real realm. I say this because the spiritual realm is eternal, it always was and will ever be, whereas the natural realm is temporal. It was created by and from the spiritual realm. (Hebrews 11:3) We must be free of the bondage that keeps us subject to our senses so that we do not rely on what we smell, touch, taste, hear, or see in order to believe.
When we understand faith, the impossible becomes possib1e because faith has dominion and control over the laws of time, space and matter. Faith changes our perception of what is truly real. For example, suppose you were to incur a large debt. The old heating system in your house breaks down, is in disrepair and needs to be completely replaced. The total cost to replace it is twenty thousand dollars. You do not have that amount of money on hand, so you are offered a five your loan at five percent interest. This means that you will pay over twenty-six hundred dollars in interest, above the amount of the original loan. But what if you were to determine the amount of time to pay off the loan was in two years not five? By faith, we can allow God to supernaturally bring into the natural realm the resources needed to keep us from being enslaved by a debt for a longer period of time. It takes the kind of faith that pleases God which releases His provision. However, if one does not have faith for God to pay the monthly electric bill, they will find it difficult to believe God for something greater. Do not be discouraged, faith takes time to grow. Learn to operate in the faith that you now have.
In this example, not only did God pay off the loan three years earlier, but in doing so, also saved you over fifteen hundred dollars in interest payments. By exercising faith and believing God over the things of the natural realm, we actually break the laws of time. What we are doing is being fully convinced that God is able to provide. Instead of submitting to the debt, we submit to God's Word, His promise of provision. (Philippians 4:19) Now in saying this, it does not give believers carte blanche to frivolously spend and create debt simply because God provides. The above is only an example of stretching our faith and believing God according to His Word, to supernaturally provide a need, above and beyond what the natural realm my dictate.
The thing is, most people live only according to time. When the bank says it is going to take five years to pay off the loan for the replacement of the heating system, they believe it and make plans that correspond with that time frame. However, if you will plan according to the spiritual realm and not according to the natura1 realm, you will be able to break the laws of time. Again, faith does not rely on the five senses or reason. It simply believes God, period! The great trap is that we have made the natural realm our reality rather than the spiritual realm, so when most read the above statement of believing God to supernaturally pay off the debt, they often are quick to reject such a truth as this. The Bible calls this doubt or unbelief.
The only way to overcome doubt or unbelief is through God's Word. God's Word has the power within it to build faith, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) We must see and believe that what God says carries the same power and results now, as it did when He first spoke it. We must not just read His Word, but we must speak it, meditate on it and act on it, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) If Joshua kept God's Word, God would keep him. If he would observe to do according to God's Word, then God would cause all his way to be prosperous and he was promised good success. This does not apply to Joshua only, but to all those who are obedient to God. (Hebrews 8:6) They shall not lack in any good things, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) PTL.
With that said, let's look again at the Amplified Bible concerning faith, "Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]." (Hebrews 11:1) Takes some time and meditate on this verse to get it into your heart so that it can transform your mind and rid you of any doubt, fear or unbelief so you can receive the breakthrough that God has promised you in His Word. Again, keep in mind, faith takes time to grow. Do not become discouraged if the promise does not manifest immediately. Operating above your level of faith is presumption, not faith. So, stand fast, "fight the good fight of faith", (1 Timothy 6:12) and "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21)
Monday, November 23, 2015
Give Thanks
Thanksgiving Day, in the United States, is a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving was celebrated nationally in 1789, after a proclamation by George Washington. It has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." As a federal and public holiday in the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year. The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World at the Plymouth Plantation in 1621. According to historic accounts, this feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans. It was first and foremost celebrated as a religious observance of the blessings of God upon the early settlers.
Although the colonist did not call the celebration Thanksgiving, it was the first corn harvest proved successful by the new colonists. After being plagued with sickness and death, there was definitely something to be thankful to God for. So, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. The meal, most likely, did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations. Today, in the United States, Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday of the year.
In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance. Instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Although turkey has become all but synonymous with the holiday, it may or may not have been on the menu of this inaugural feast in 1621. According to the National Turkey Federation, today, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat some type of foul, whether roasted, baked or deep-fried, on Thanksgiving Day. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a variety of vegetables and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is also a common Thanksgiving Day activity. Communities, especially churches, often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate. Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. Although these things may have some redeeming qualities, there is one thing that has certainly corrupted Thanksgiving Day which began Thanksgiving Day 2014. Unfortunately, most department stores and retailers have permitted greed to erode this day of giving thanks to become a day of making a profit.
Although there has been a departure in the United States of the true meaning and reason for celebrating Thanksgiving, and although there may be some who disagree that Thanksgiving was a religious event, believers should never let any sector of society deprive us of celebrating Thanksgiving from its original roots, celebrating the wonderful works of God. The Apostle Paul tells us, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Believers are to maintain an attitude of gratitude. We should always remember what the Lord Jesus Christ did for humanity. The fact that He left the glory of heaven to take on the form of a man (Philippians 2:5-8), becoming sin with our sin and sick with our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10), should cause every believe to be extremely thankful and to greatly rejoice. To rejoice is a spontaneous, unsustainable feeling of jubilance; a feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act, clapping, dancing, shouting. It means to be exceedingly joyful.
Even in our prayer time believers are to be thankful, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." (1 Timothy 2:1) So, during this festive holiday, let us truly offer the Lord the fruit of our lips from hearts of thanksgiving, how great and wonderful He is. Let us give Him thanks for the incredible blessings that He has given and continues to give. May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you with thanksgiving everyday...
Although the colonist did not call the celebration Thanksgiving, it was the first corn harvest proved successful by the new colonists. After being plagued with sickness and death, there was definitely something to be thankful to God for. So, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. The meal, most likely, did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations. Today, in the United States, Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday of the year.
In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance. Instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Although turkey has become all but synonymous with the holiday, it may or may not have been on the menu of this inaugural feast in 1621. According to the National Turkey Federation, today, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat some type of foul, whether roasted, baked or deep-fried, on Thanksgiving Day. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, a variety of vegetables and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is also a common Thanksgiving Day activity. Communities, especially churches, often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate. Parades have also become an integral part of the holiday in cities and towns across the United States. Although these things may have some redeeming qualities, there is one thing that has certainly corrupted Thanksgiving Day which began Thanksgiving Day 2014. Unfortunately, most department stores and retailers have permitted greed to erode this day of giving thanks to become a day of making a profit.
Although there has been a departure in the United States of the true meaning and reason for celebrating Thanksgiving, and although there may be some who disagree that Thanksgiving was a religious event, believers should never let any sector of society deprive us of celebrating Thanksgiving from its original roots, celebrating the wonderful works of God. The Apostle Paul tells us, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Believers are to maintain an attitude of gratitude. We should always remember what the Lord Jesus Christ did for humanity. The fact that He left the glory of heaven to take on the form of a man (Philippians 2:5-8), becoming sin with our sin and sick with our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10), should cause every believe to be extremely thankful and to greatly rejoice. To rejoice is a spontaneous, unsustainable feeling of jubilance; a feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act, clapping, dancing, shouting. It means to be exceedingly joyful.
Even in our prayer time believers are to be thankful, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." (1 Timothy 2:1) So, during this festive holiday, let us truly offer the Lord the fruit of our lips from hearts of thanksgiving, how great and wonderful He is. Let us give Him thanks for the incredible blessings that He has given and continues to give. May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ fill you with thanksgiving everyday...
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