We live according to the way we've been trained in the mind, captive of the beliefs of our upbringing and in some cases traditions of the churches we've attended. But if we allow the Word of God to change our belief (faith) in who we are in Christ, we can overcome much of the grief we experience within our circumstances.
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| © 2010 Donna L. Watkins - Orchid - English Acres, Lithia FL Photo taken just before it popped open (see below) |
John Bevere says in his book, Extraordinary, The Life You're Meant to Live, "It's all about believing the truth about ourselves, for if we do not believe, we do not have access to the amazing provisions of the grace of our God. Let's look closer at faith's role in our new nature's inherent power, as well as at how faith brings the kingdom's provisions to earth. Paul boldly states, 'By the grace of God I am what I am' (1 Cor. 15:10). To say, 'I am,' means you know firmly who you are. That's the language of faith - no doubting, no floundering, no wondering. "
In other words, my position of faith is not based on who I was in the past or the things that I've done, but on what Christ did for me on the Cross. The grace of God was given to us not only for salvation but to live a victorious life through His power, not our own.
Paul walked in this power and prayed in Ephesians 1:18-20 that we might also:
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms ..."
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| © 2010 Donna L. Watkins Wild Orchid - English Acres, Lithia, FL |
We are to live by what we believe, not by what the circumstances present to our senses. The Word of God is to be our standard of Truth to renew our minds. John Bevere uses an illustration of a king's son being born and then being kidnapped to be held as a slave in a remote area of the country. He was heir to the throne and of royal blood (the same as we are), but he didn't know it and all that was around him told him he was a slave and nothing more (just as the devil convinces us that we are a slave to sin). Then one day in his adulthood the King's rescue parties finally find him and bring him back to the palace. What a process it is to renew his mind from that of a slave to that of a royal heir to the throne and to instill a belief in the power and privileges that come with that position.
I John 5:3-4 - "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." We have already been given the grace/ability to overcome sin and live in obedience to our Father."
If you've been in church for many many years, and especially if you've been raised in church, Scripture can become just words. The same words you've heard over and over and your brain already knows them, but your heart has not "believed" them.
"For it is with your heart that you believe (not your head) and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:10). We are only saved by faith, not by being in church, not because your family was saved, not because of good works you've done. Only by faith are we saved, and only by faith can we know who we are.
So .... "how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" (Romans 5:17)
For years and years and years many of us have heard all these words and not heard the Word in them. Only the Word has the power to change us. God sustains the entire world through His Word (Hebrews 1:3). Consider Hebrews 4:12:
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Are we willing to be judged and divided of soul and spirit?
John Bevere says, "The same power that raised Jesus from the dead abides in us. This is why demons fear your discovery of what grace has imparted to you. This is why the Enemy has passionately strived to reduce grace down to "fire insurance" or "the big cover-up." If you find out who you are, you will rise up and be a great threat to his work. You'll live extraordinarily and bring great pleasure to your heavenly Father."
You can easily see why Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12. He didn't say the disciples would do greater things ... He said ANYONE who has faith in Him.
We, the church (the people of God, not a building) have become tied to the traditions of men (denominations) and left behind the actual words of Christ to us. Our churches have become so "contemporary" that they're like social clubs. If obedience and grace (the power and ability to obey His Word) are not being taught, we are left to do everything within our own strength. Why are there so many self-help books, workbooks, support groups and seminars? We have left God's power behind and now have only our own strength to rely on ... and as we see daily, it doesn't get the job done.
What do you believe? I believed any things based on how they were interpreted by churches that I had been in or books I had read. Let God speak to you as you read His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring revelation and to guide you in all that He wants you to know. This is a job of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus left for us for comfort.
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything that I have told you." (John 14:26)
May I encourage you to look at the Bible afresh. Read it! Meditate on it. Write out Scriptures that speak to you and renew your mind with them. No action or belief begins without a thought coming first. We have to control what we think and only the Word has the power to renew our thoughts. Determine to make each week a bit more faith-filled than the one before. You may have to consider how much time you spend on television, the computer or other activities that maybe shouldn't have the priority they do in your life. Most people's priorities are all about getting the things they want. God wants to be first and above all, and as any good and loving father, He will joyfully give to an obedient child.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).
ResourceExtraordinary, The Life You're Meant to Live
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