Hebrews 11:1

New International Version (NIV)

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

The writer of Hebrews calls it “Now” Faith. He could have easily started the sentence with the word Faith, but God inspired the writer to say, “Now Faith”.

What is Now Faith? It is the kind of faith that calls forth power, authority and an assuredness. It is the kind of faith that when God speaks a Word, it is received and acted upon. Now faith means when the Word is spoken we move into action and take our new position, title or blessing.

In Luke 1:46-49, Mary demonstrated, Now Faith. She received a Word from God that stirred up so much praise in her spirit that she sang this song of joy, faith, and promise:

Luke 1:45-49

New International Version (NIV)

⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

⁴⁶ And Mary said:

 

Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As believers, it may not always feel like God is working things out, for the good, in our favor. The bible mentions that our thoughts are not like God’s thoughts and our ways are not like His ways and that He knows the end from the very beginning.  Since God is omnipresent, omnipotent and the same yesterday, today and forever we have to trust the process.

It took me a long time to understand and comprehend when the older and more mature saints of God would tell me to pray using the Word of God. The more I studied, I understood that the Word is my spiritual weapon. It is my sword.

I invite you to practice praying using the Word of God. If it worked for Jesus, when he was being tempted, surely it will work for us.

Meditate on the following passages today and this week, then put them in prayer form. Write me back and let me know how you felt and what results took place. Your testimony may bless someone else so please dont be afraid to share with us.

Scripture passages: Romans 8, Isaiah 55:8-9, and Ephesians 6:10-20

https://youtu.be/vT52r4ucRdc

Study to show yourself approved.
As a Christian, one of the wonderful things God has blessed me with is the ability to talk to almost anyone.

As a minister and a counselor, it is imperative that I present myself with an open heart to all.
Please know the difference between having a open heart and being luke warm. Luke warm, as a Christian, means a person’s decisions, thoughts and actions can be easily swayed by any new doctrine, idea or behavior, like a child being tossed by the water or wind of the air (Ephesians 4:14). However, having an open and loving heart means that you can love anyone without judgement. Dont worry, I will explain further.

We are called Christians because we are followers of Christ. We follow the examples that he left for us in the bible. In the bible, when a person demonstrated a behavior that went against the Law, Jesus’s response was always Love First and then correction or forgiveness second. That is also our instruction and the divine order cannot be changed. Love FIRST, THEN correction and forgiveness second.

As Christians we can sometimes be the most judgemental and hard-hearted people. I emplore us all to stand in the nature and character of Christ. Remember who you are and remember whose you are. We have all, at one point, eaten at the table of Grace and Mercy. The fact is that God loved ALL OF US so much that he came in the flesh to Love us first and to forgive us second. The Cross First, the empty tomb second.

Please meditate on Isaiah 53 in your quite time. Listen with your heart.

During the happy and joyful times, it’s always easy to praise the Lord. The test comes when the waters get rough and the trials get hard.

As Christians, when we go through hurt and pain, our natural instinct is to sometimes curl up in a ball and cry, “why me?” It is in those times that we need to call on the Lord even more. When circumstances in life shake your marriage, your job, your children, your family, or your health, the first thing many people do is panic.

Jesus promises to be our help and strength in times of trouble and our peace in the mist of the storm. The next time a trial comes and believe me it will come, dont panic, call on your Strength and stand in the shadow of His wings.

Meditate today on the following scripture passages: Psalm 28:7 & Psalm 121:2 & Psalm 91.

Psalm 28:7

New King James Version (NKJV)