Monday, August 14, 2017

HOPE; WOW, THE THINGS YOU CAN DO "BY FAITH."



FOOD FOR THOUGHT

                                                                              
              WHAT CAN YOU DO “BY FAITH”?

“…I will show you MY FAITH by my deeds (conduct, actions, mannerisms, etc;)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV).
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 “… BY FAITH we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
It was BY FAITH that Abel brought A MORE ACCEPTABLE OFFERING than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by HIS EXAMPLE OF FAITH.
It was BY FAITH that Enoch was TAKEN UP TO HEAVEN WITHOUT DYING—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
 It was BY FAITH that Noah BUILT A LARGE BOAT to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. BY HIS FAITH Noah CONDEMNED THE REST OF THE WORLD, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
It was BY FAITH that Abraham obeyed when God called him to LEAVE HOME AND GO TO ANOTHER LAND that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there BY FAITH—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. 
It was BY FAITH that even SARAH WAS ABLE TO HAVE A CHILD, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.  And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.
It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”  Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.  
It was BY FAITH that Isaac PROMISED BLESSINGS FOR THE FUTURE TO HIS SONS, Jacob and Esau. 
It was BY FAITH that Jacob, when he was old and dying, BLESSED EACH OF JOSEPH’S SONS AND BOWED IN WORSHIP AS HE LEANED ON HIS STAFF.
It was BY FAITH that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WOULD LEAVE EGYPT. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.
It was BY FAITH that Moses’ parents HID HIM FOR THREE MONTHS when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command.  
It was BY FAITH that Moses, when he grew up, REFUSED TO BE CALLED THE SON OF PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.  
It was BY FAITH that Moses LEFT THE LAND OF EGYPT, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.
It was BY FAITH that Moses COMMANDED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TO KEEP THE PASSOVER and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.  
It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE RED SEA as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.
It was BY FAITH that the people of Israel MARCHED AROUND JERICHO FOR SEVEN DAYS, and the walls came crashing down.
It was BY FAITH that Rahab the prostitute WAS NOT DESTROYED with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
BY FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
Do you have this kind of faith? YES. Where did you get that faith? “…God hath dealt to every man THE MEASURE OF FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” OF GOD…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
God gave you ONE particular instruction on how to exercise that “measure of faith.” What was it?  “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARINGTHE WORD OF GOD” (Roman 10:17 KJV).
God demonstrates FAITH in the POWER of his OWN word. “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). “…Then God SAID (God commanded with faith in his OWN word), “Let there be light” (Jesus, the Word spoke his command); AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The Holy Spirit did what was spoken and commanded)…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). So shall MY WORD be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).
“…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…Now FAITH IS the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).  …the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …is CLEARLY SEEN, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
“…AND GOD SAID, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters…” (Genesis 1:6 KJV).
“…AND GOD SAID, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so…” (Genesis 1:9 KJV).
“…AND GOD SAID, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so…” (Genesis 1:11 KJV).
“…AND GOD SAID, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years…” (Genesis 1:14 KJV).
 “… BY FAITH we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ….And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:1, 31 KJV).
Divine faith works in you (empowering), through you (witnessing), and for you (results). Divine faith, therefore works IN, THROUGH, and FOR you.
“…It was BY FAITH that Abel BROUGHT(empowering actions) A MORE ACCEPTABLE OFFERING than Cain did (empowering witness). Abel’s offering gave EVIDENCE that he was a righteous man (empowering witness), and God SHOWED his approval of his gifts (empowering results). Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by HIS EXAMPLE OF FAITH…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).
Divine faith empowers you to do something that you CANNOT do on your own. And what you do is EVIDENCE that empowering, divine faith is working through you. Manifested PROOF is “always” the RESULT of empowering, divine faith.
 …The measure of faith…” is a gift (Romans 12:3). For by grace are ye SAVED THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD...” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).
Let’s look at how divine faith works “IN”, “THROUGH, and “FOR” salvation.
Divine faith empowers salvation. “….the gospel of Christ (the WORD) …. is THE [invisible[… POWER of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).
Divine faith is witnessed through salvation. Spiritual fruit is the witness of that salvation. “…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…But the fruit of the [invisible]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "…My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).
Divine faith works for salvation. It ALWAYS produces results. Untold BLESSINGS are the manifestation (result) of salvation. “…To the saints …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly …In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, …” (Ephesians 1 NLT).
Eternal life will be the culmination of the divine faith that worked IN, THROUGH, and FOR the saved. “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). "… the righteous to eternal life…" (Matthew 25:46 NIV).  “….And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life…” (Daniel 12:2 KJV).
Is the “measure of faith” predicated on how you FEEL or God’s truth? “…God hath dealt to every man THE MEASURE OF FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…thy WORD is truth... (JOHN 17:17 KJV).
Whether you feel it or not; use it or not; you ALWAYS have your God-given, divine “measure of faith?”   “…God hath dealt to every man THE MEASURE OF FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
Faith is amanah in Hebrew and can mean a secure, dependable, GIFTED provision I will supply ALL your NEED” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  FAITH is the substance (reality, assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (Proof) of things not seen…” (Hebrew 11:1 KJV). “…FAITH COMETH by hearing …the word of God” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE; the flesh profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).  “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD…(Romans 10:17 KJV).
The Christian journey is a walk of faith. “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
What can you do “by divine faith”? “…Jesus said unto him, If THOU CANST BELIEVE, ALL THINGS are possible to him that believeth…” (Mark 9:23 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
…The measure of faith” is gifted by God to empower believers to do the impossible, to be living witnesses, and to ensure they partake in ALL the spiritual blessings that ONLY divine faith can bring. “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). Therefore, “… BELIEVE (with divine faith) ON HIM  whom he (God) hath sent. (John 6:29 KJV).
God gives you the “measure of faith” and works IN, THROUGH, and FOR you in order to fulfill his good purposes (Romans 12:3). “…For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… [God]… equip[s] … you with everything good (measure of faith) for doing his will, and …he work[s] … in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
God gives and equips you with the “measure of faith” to fulfill his purposes (Romans 12:3). One purpose is to express his love for you. “…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “…What is important is faith expressing itself IN LOVE…” (Galatians 5:6 NLT).
God gives and equips you with the “measure of faith” in order to direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “…May the Lord (by divine faith) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).
God sustains the “measure of faith” through Jesus (Romans 12:3). “…The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining ALL THINGS by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…in him (Jesus) ALL THINGS hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “…Being confident of this very thing, that HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).
 Jesus is the author of your “measure of faith” and lovingly works in, through, and for you from the beginning of your divine faith walk to end (Romans 12:3). “…Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR (originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF [Y[OUR…[divine]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…The LORD WILL PERFECT that which concerneth me…” (Psalms 138:8 KJV). “…HE “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).
Jesus is the originator of your faith. Jesus is the one who works in, through, and for you to empower faith. “… Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF OUR FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).
You can depend on Christ to be both the originator and sustainer of your “measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “… Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF OUR FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).
Jesus “originates” your “measure of faith” and becomes the “finisher” of it (Romans 12:3 & Hebrews 12:2a). In other words, as author and finisher of your “measure of faith” Jesus creates it, empowers it, and sustains it. “…It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV).
The “measure of faith” can NEVER be lost, taken away, reduced, become powerless, weaken, or given away (Romans 12:3). “…No one can undo what I have done..." (Isaiah 43:13 NLT). “…When I act, who can reverse it?" (Isaiah 43:13 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
Christ originates your faith, empowers faith, showcases faith, and brings about the results of faith. “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “…For it is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).
Dependence on Jesus involves USE of divine faith. …Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord:” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus]… you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… [You] can do all things through Christ (the originator of your faith) which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
“…God hath dealt to every man THE MEASURE OF FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). AND “…Jesus [is]… the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF [THAT]… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). …God …works in you TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV). “….apart from Me (JESUS), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
Every day you can “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…It is God who works IN YOU TO WILL and TO ACT in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Faith which worketh by love…” (Galatians 5:6 KJV).
Divine faith is a spiritual gift and spiritual fruit. God “…dealt to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).
 “…But [one of]..the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
Faith is a FRUIT of the empowering HOLY SPIRIT. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…the Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). JESUS SAID, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). THEREFORE, “…the Lord is that Spirit [too]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ be “IN” YOU… (Romans 8:10 KJV).
Therefore, “…I CAN DO (walk in divine faith) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). I CAN “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…It shall be done to you ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB).
“…ALL THINGS for which you pray and ask, BELIEVE (walk in divine faith) THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THEM, and they will be granted you” (Mark 11:24 NASB).
Your capacity for living by divine faith is unlimited and the more you exercise “the measure of faith” the more you will experience supernatural happenings (Romans 12:3). “…Jesus said unto him, If THOU CANST BELIEVE (walk in divine faith), all things are possible to him that believeth…” (Mark 9:23 KJV).
Do you have divine faith? YES. “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of FAITH…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  One of “…the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…the Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…the Lord is that Spirit [too]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
“…[You]… CAN DO (walk in divine faith) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Godspeed,
Dr. Pensacola

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