Word for the day “A faith that pleases God”
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
A FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD IS DEVELOPED THROUGH LIFE EXPERIENCES.
To have the kind of faith that pleases God, we often must be taken through frustrating, irritating, tough life experiences. Maybe you have been at the point where you cried, “Lord, you gave me a promise, but now you have taken away everything that could make that promise possible!” Have you ever said something like this? Why does God do this? Why does the Lord remove all-natural means through which the Lord’s divine promise could be fulfilled?
Often, it is our relationship with the Lord that will be sustainable rather than giving us what we want, after we have been performance-based good boys and girls. You see, if God’s promises could be fulfilled through our abilities, we would be in performance mode 24/7. That is not God’s way. Instead, our God asks us into an ongoing relationship, one that requires the trust of our whole hearts. Yes, our whole heart!
WE SEE IN THE BIBLE THOSE WHO HAD A FAITH IN PLEASING TO THE LORD.
That’s how the great cloud of witnesses before us made it into God’s Hall of Faith in (Hebrews chapter 11). In addition, scripture says that when God promised to make Abraham the father of all nations, Abraham “figured his body was as good as dead” (Romans 4:19, NLT). The word “figured” is a mathematical term. Abraham realized that nothing in his life “added up” to see this promise fulfilled. Nothing in his power could make it work. And yet we read, “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger” (Romans 4:20). Do you feel your faith growing stronger?
Here is a picture of Jesus initiating and perfecting a godly man’s faith. The more Abraham figured, “I can’t do this,” the stronger His faith in God’s ability grew. And through the death of his flesh came a power that was not of himself—it was the power of the Holy Spirit. In my Heart today: I want to see thousands of lost people in our city come to Jesus. Yet I know that will never happen by strategizing, planning or putting programs into place. Those things may be useful, but only Jesus can initiate anything for His kingdom. Only God can perfect in us the trusting faith required to see multitudes of souls brought into eternal life.
POINT TO PONDER
Yes, we are called to do the things we can do for Christ’s kingdom. But we are also called to do more family of God. Do you want to see God’s purposes accomplished in your community; His promises fulfilled in your life? The Lord asks only that you trust no matter what, by living a life of faith!
Have you ever read the New Testament book of Hebrews chapter 11?
Where are you in your faith in God?
Do you take time to read the Bible?
Are you growing stronger or weaker in your faith walk?
What’s your understanding of faith in God?
Have a great week to you and your family!
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of August 2022, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. William Jones, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Crystal Grant, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Mr. William Wilson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,