THIS MAY BE THE REASON YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH YOUR FAITH

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HUMAN FAITH VERSES DIVINE FAITH OR (THE MEASURE OF FAITH)

“… [God has] dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).

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 Human faith and divine faith are two different types of faith. Human faith was destroyed along with the image and likeness of God, and falls short of its original created USE. “…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). ALL“… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as FILTHY RAGS….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “….Jesus said unto him ….there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

Human faith FAILS to live up to its original created ability or USE. Apostle Paul expresses the disability or dis-use of his human faith here: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Who will free YOU from a life dominated (or disabled) by sin, which also AFFECTS your human faith? “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN (including your human FAITH)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Human faith, therefore, is useless for or disabled from believing for the things of GOD, without the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “God … worketh in [the believer], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).     “ I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (self-effort, human faith) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN (including your human FAITH)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Mankind’s perpetual disability of human faith is because it is dead and devoid of LIFE. “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).

Man’s sin resulted in the removal and replacement of God as the object of human faith. “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

The fall destroyed and corrupted human faith. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).  “…All have sinned and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God…” (Romans 3:23). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY ….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). God’s “…radiance is like the sunlight…”(Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is…clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

God had to give man NEW “HOLY” faith. He “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). One of “…the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…It is God who worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do ….” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…To will and to do of his good pleasure…” implies that the HOLY Spirit DOES the WORK in and through the believer. “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“….Without [the Spirit of] faith it is impossible to please God…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 & Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to will and to do miraculously things that PLEASE God.  “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“… The God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Human faith is limited to the finite, but DIVINE FAITH has unlimited, infinite possibilities. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

God does two things to remedy the faith problem. “…I will put a NEW SPIRIT in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… [One of]…the fruit of the [new] Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  God “…[GAVE] to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to [every aspect of] SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…It is God who worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…Christ liveth in [you]: and the life which [you] now live in the flesh [you] live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). Therefore, “…Walk in NEWNESS of life…” (Romans 6:4 KJV).

Human faith is empowered by the flesh and the flesh won’t profit you spiritually. “…The flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….Don't put your confidence in … people [human faith, effort, etc.]… there is NO HELP for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “…Human effort (human faith) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…It is impossible to please God without (divine) FAITH…” (Hebrews 11:6 NLT). "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV).

Human faith CAN “NOT” do right, because it is dominated by sin UNTIL Jesus Christ sets it free. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN (including your human FAITH)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…if the Son…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

Human faith can NOT and will NOT sustain God as the object of faith. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, BUT I DON'T…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Historically human faith has forgotten about God as an object of faith and abandoned him. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). “….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Human faith is the SAME as human effort and human effort excludes God. “… if righteousness [could] come by the law (self-effort, human faith, etc.), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). “… [Thus] apart from … [the Holy Spirit] you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Divine faith is UNIQUE to Christianity and it is GIVEN to all believers, by God, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. God “…dealt (GAVE) to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). One of “…the fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… [You are saved by FAITH] …. IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God ... sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by (via, through, by the use of, etc.) the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).  

Therefore, “…Looking unto Jesus (the indwelling Spirit) the AUTHOR (creator, originator) and FINISHER (sustainer, caretaker, watchguard, etc.) OF [Y]OUR… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN YOU. [the INDWELLING Holy Spirit] WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Divine faith also distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. “… [You are saved by FAITH] …. IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God [sends] forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). One of “…the fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…And there is SALVATION in no one else …” (Acts 4:12 NASB).

You were destitute of DIVINE indwelling FAITH. “…God …sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…The fruit of the (indwelling) Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God is the PROVIDER of DIVINE FAITH. “…Your … [provision] … be upon “Your people!” Selah…” (Psalm 3:8 NASB). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

He supplies “ALL” the DIVINE FAITH you need. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God provides or “GIVES” you DIVINE FAITH. He GIVES “…the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).  

God “IS” your DIVINE FAITH. “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  So “…[You]… live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

God works DIVINE FAITH “IN” you. “… [God] work[s] IN [you]… what is pleasing to him…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  

God works DIVINE FAITH through you. “…[God] work[s] … THROUGH Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).  “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “… [He doeth the work] according to the POWER that worketh in [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God works DIVINE FAITH for you. “…It shall be done to you according to your [DIVINE] faith…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB). “…I will show you MY [divine] FAITH by my deeds (RESULTS)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). “..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).

What other evidence is there to prove DIVINE FAITH is working in the life of a believer? “…Ye shall know [those with DIVINE FAITH]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. ...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his…It is the same and only Holy Spirit who GIVES all these gifts and powers… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“… [You]… live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ IS IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are what you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

As you can SEE, human faith is NOT divine faith. Human faith operates independently from God because of sin. “…The flesh (human faith, human effort, etc.) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is God which worketh [divine faith] in you…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV).  “…the righteous will live by his faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “… [You] live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit of FAITH], you can do nothing (have DIVINE FAITH)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Sin separated man from God. Sin killed the spiritual connection with God and mankind had NOTHING, within themselves, to enable them to be restored to him. “…It’s YOUR SINS that … cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

Sin also killed the ability to have ANY kind of lasting faith in God that could atone for sins and restore the covenant relationship. “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN [and has me headed straight to death? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…and SIN, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

Sin separates ALL or EVERY aspect of mankind from God, including their human faith. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  

Thus, spiritual DEATH ALSO separated human faith from accessing or participating in spiritual life. They were “…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

Mankind “WAS” spiritually “DEAD” and cut-off from God. “…Evildoers shall be CUT OFF …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV). “…YOUR SINS … have cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

Before you are SAVED “…YOU… [were] DEAD in your transgressions and sins (which includes human faith)…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV).

You were DESTITUTE of ANY “DIVINE” abilities at all; including having Divine Faith. “…YOU were dead in your sins and ... [NOW]…God made you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [you]… ALIVE with Christ … …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV).

Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU (AND your human faith) …[were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… LOST and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

If you were made “ALIVE AGAIN” then you were DEAD, which means your human faith was DEAD too. “…YOU were dead in your sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).

Your human faith was as DEAD and unresponsive as the bones in Ezekiel’s valley. “…I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry (DEAD)…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).

Your DEAD human faith was dominated by SIN. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). You were dominated by SIN when you LIVED like pagans and unbelievers or those WITHOUT “DIVINE” FAITH. “….YOU USED TO LIVE in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).  “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Your DEAD human faith became dependent on “…all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” (1 John 2:16 KJV).

ONLY God “GIVES” “…the measure of faith...” or imparts the “…The fruit of the Spirit … [of] FAITH …” (Romans 12:3 & Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT [ONLY] who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).

It is DIVINE FAITH that actively and POWERFULLY responds to the inspired Word of God. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

When the indwelling Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND - each and every time, IMMEDIATELY – without hesitation; it is the certainty of what is HOPED for within the believer. “…Now FAITH IS the substance (certainty) of things hoped for…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

When the indwelling Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND - each and every time, IMMEDIATELY – without hesitation; it is the evidence of the things NOT yet seen. “…Now FAITH IS, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).

When the indwelling Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND - each and every time, IMMEDIATELY – without hesitation; it also empowers the believer to TRUST God. “… [I am]…strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…It is God which worketh in [me]… both to will and to do..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…[I]..can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [me]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day...” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

When the indwelling Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND - each and every time, IMMEDIATELY – without hesitation; however human faith causes a STRUGGLE because it is STILL HEARING the voice of the FLESH or SINFUL nature.  “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit [of divine faith] guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Christianity is NOT really a religion, but a relationship with the covenant God. The covenant relationship is founded upon and sustained BY DIVINE FAITH.

In order to ACCEPT the INVITATION into the covenant relationship with God you willfully and voluntarily enter THROUGH the OPEN DOOR of the DIVINE gift of FAITH. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

The gift of DIVINE FAITH comes by HEARING the GOSPEL. “…faith cometh by hearing …the word of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “….The gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (acceptS as true)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

When you ACCEPT by GRACE that you are SAVED through DIVINE FAITH it is a GIFT of GOD. “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

HEARING the GOSPEL has the POWER to SAVE everyone who is ACCEPTS God's invitation to salvation and enters through FAITH. “…Every one that hath heard …of the Father, cometh to me…” (John 6:45 KJV).  “….The gospel of Christ …. is the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (or accepts the gospel message as truth)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “… ye been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

When the Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND - each and every time, IMMEDIATELY – without hesitation and DRAWS PEOPLE TO GOD. “…I … will draw all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).  “… ye been saved THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

When the Spirit of DIVINE FAITH “HEARS” the Word of God it will RESPOND immediately- each and every time – without hesitation and begin the WORK of DIVINE FAITH within those who receive and accept the gospel message. ^"Jesus answered, and said…This is the WORK of God: that ye believe (ACCEPT) on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe on his name…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…For it is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God SENDS the GOSPEL message along with DIVINE FAITH as an expression of his LOVE, faithfulness, and eternal commitment to the covenant relationship with his people through Christ. “…What is important is faith expressing itself in love…” (Galatians 5:6 NLT).

DIVINE FAITH is the WORK of God within the believer “…The WORK of God: [is] that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29 KJV). “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, …may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

RELIANCE (trust in) on the WORK of DIVINE FAITH is the CHOICE of the believer. “…[Choose to rely on] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Choose to aknowledge him in all thy ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

The FAITH struggle is a reality with MOST believers. DIVINE FAITH responds to the WORD OF GOD. Human faith responds to what can be seen in the natural world, or one’s perception of reality, or the LACK of true intimacy with God, or the predominance of science and long established facts, or the things in the world, or the pull of the surrounding culture, or the carnal desires of the flesh, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

There are MANY distractions, interferences, and influences that STILL afflict, the believer, through human faith and cause them to struggle with reliance on DIVINE FAITH. “…These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions….” (Galatians 5 NLT).

DIVINE FAITH must be exercised and built up by HEARING the WORD of GOD. “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV). "…This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success…” (Joshua 1:9 NASB). “…They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night…” (Psalms 1:2 NLT). “…The law of the LORD is perfect …by them Your servant is WARNED…” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “…and they are written for our admonition (warning)…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

“…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. … In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

Apart from the Spirit of DIVINE FAITH mankind could NOT rely on God. “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

History teaches that human faith “IS” weak. “…Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:38 NLT).

God’s people forget about him and abandon to this very day; just like the Israelites did. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). “….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The Spirit of DIVINIE FAITH works within each believer through Jesus Christ. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).   “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Quench NOT the Spirit…” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 KJV). “walk by faith…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

God HAS imparted to the believer a NEW “HOLY” spirit of divine faith. “[God gave] to every man the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). In fact, one of “…the fruit of the Spirit is… FAITH…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to [the] SPIRITUAL LIFE [of DIVINE FAITH]…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…God … worketh IN YOU, both to will and to do ….” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…To will and to do of his good pleasure…” implies that the HOLY Spirit DOES the WORK in and through believers. “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“….Without [the Spirit of] faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  The indwelling Spirit of Faith empowers believers to will and to do what PLEASES God.  “It is God (the indwelling holy spirit of faith) which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

Therefore, “…[You] will show [the proof of] … [your indwelling Spirit of] FAITH by [your] deeds (results)...” (JAMES 2:18 NIV). “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …” (Romans 1:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…What we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN…” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

Human faith and DIVINE FAITH are “NOT” the same. . “…What fellowship hath righteousness (divine faith) with unrighteousness (human faith?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV). “…These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

“…[Choose to rely on] the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [choose “not” to lean] unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … [Choose to acknowledge him in all your ways], and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What faith are you CHOOSING to RELY on; your human faith or the indwelling Spirit of DIVINE FAITH within you?

HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD!