Faith And Deeds

The proof of faith is deeds. It is vital that there be a connection of faith and deeds. Deeds are also stated as works or actions in other versions. Consider James 2:26 (NIV) - "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." When you separate faith and deeds - there is death. You cannot just say, "I believe" and then remain idle. True faith always leads to action. Your faith is validated by your deeds, not your words. Anyone can say they have faith, but the person that really has faith will demonstrate, manifest, and prove that faith with corresponding actions. This passage of Scripture in James 2 mentions two personalities from the Old Testament, Abraham and Rahab. Both of them combined their faith and their deeds to complete their declarations of belief. Abraham believed and showed it by offering his son Isaac. Rahab's faith deeds were expressed in hiding and sheltering the spies that were sent to Jericho. We, too, are to complete our faith, not just by saying but also by doing. Faith + Deeds = Life!

Walking By Faith

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) - "For we walk by faith, not by sight." The word walk refers to the way we live our lives. This verse in the AMP Bible reads: "For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance." Faith allows us to have spiritual vision and perspective so that we don't have to base our life decisions on what our natural eyes see. There is so much more than what meets the eye. Faith gives us insight into God's ways. We don't see to believe, but rather, believe to see. Paul prays that the eyes of our understanding would be opened so that we could see from God's vantage point. Faith is what enables us to 'see' what is before us and therefore live according to God's will. Walk by faith.

Faith And God's Word

You cannot separate God's Word and Faith. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Our ears are instrumental in the development of faith in our lives. We must hear the Word of God. Faith comes as you listen to God's words. John 8:30 (NIV) - "Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him." When our spiritual ears hear God's Word, faith comes into our hearts. That is why Jesus used to say that everyone that has ears will hear what the Spirit of God is saying. The more you listen to the Holy Spirit speak, the more your heart will be filled with faith. Listen to God as He daily speaks into your life and you will see your faith flourish.

Faith And Fear

Faith versus Fear. Faith wins! Fear is the opposite of faith. We must use faith to combat fear. Fears take hold of us and paralyze us from taking action. We fear so many things: the unknown, the future, death, the dark, destruction, evil, failure, etc. The list is endless. Faith in God will calm our fears. When the disciples of Jesus were caught in a violent storm and feared for their lives, The Bible says the following. Mark 4:39,40 - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" When fears try to grip our hearts and we are terrified, must call on God with faith knowing He is present and powerful to take control of any and every situation we may face. There are many fears we presently face, but we must remember that God is with us and for us. We will be OK. Do not give in to fear, Have faith.

Have Faith In God...

Mark 11:22 (NIV) - "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. The object of your faith is of vital importance. It's not the amount of your faith, but who you place your faith in that matters most. There are those that have much faith but that faith is misplaced. Some believe in ideas, institutions, religion, personalities, etc. What you believe is not as important as who you believe in. It is best to place your faith, little or much, in God, who is faithful. Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:12 - "Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." God is able, He will come through. Make sure that your faith is entrusted to God, in whom you can depend and count on to keep His Word. He will do what He has promised. Have faith in God.

Faith Pleases God...

Faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Faith is the basic element in relating to God. God is pleased when we put our trust in Him. This first requires that you believe that He Is - the creator, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present and eternal. The second aspect of faith is that you understand the principles of relationship with God. God always hears our prayers and will reward everyone who sincerely seeks Him. Every man, woman, boy and girl that simply embraces these truths and acts on them will experience a true and living relationship with God. This is what pleases God most - that we believe in Him and in His Word. Faith pleases God.

Let's Talk About FAITH!

Let's talk about faith. As we now are facing difficult, challenging, and uncertain times; I think it would be helpful for all of us to nurture and build up our faith. Throughout this month of March we will explore some of the many facets of faith. Let's start with the most fundamental Biblical definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1 in a few different versions. NKJV - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." NIV - "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." MSG - "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see." How important faith is! Notice that faith is substance, evidence, certainty, assurance, and foundational. More than ever, we need to have faith, build, faith, share faith, and keep and hold on to faith. We'll be talking about faith. Be blessed. Be faithful.