Daily Faith and the Christian: Three Reasons to Stand in Faith

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Everything created has a beginning and an end. We expect things at some point in time to stop. However, as Christians, there is something that we cannot ever stop doing; that is, we cannot stop believing in our God. Foundational to the Christian life is the ability to have faith; that is, believe. Without a belief in the work of God through Jesus Christ, one cannot enter into salvation. Moreover, the obtained salvation cannot be maintained without an ever growing faith, hope, and belief in God.

Our belief in God has to go beyond a general belief in His existence. It has to expand to a solid belief in His power and ability to move on our behalf. Why do Christians stop believing that God is willing to move on their behalf? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many are double-minded: they swing between believing and not believing. Yet, it is time now to strengthen our faith in Christ again. We have to have a daily, active faith in our Christian walk.

Christians may not wrestle with belief in His existence, but they do wrestle with belief in His willingness to intervene in their life affairs. In this state, spiritual development is frustrated. This type of erroneous thinking frustrates many. Causes for this thinking vary from individual to individual. Some do not believe because they do not think they deserve anything from God. Others feel that they have done so much wrong that God could not possibly hear their requests. Yet, others feel that if they are not a “called” person then God is not concerned about them. All of these thoughts are inconsistent with sound biblical doctrine. Here are 3 reasons why a Christian must not stop believing in God (through prayers) who will walk with them daily:

1. We are instructed to pray. Jesus taught on numerous occasions concerning prayer. He said that we are to always pray and not faint. The parable He used demonstrated that even though we may have to pray about a situation more than once, it does not mean we will not get our request. We should come to Him in prayer, again, because He said so. He gives an open invitation. Why not receive it?

2. We are instructed to pray in expectation. He told us to ask in faith, believing we will receive from Him. Though there are times when our requests are rejected (for our benefit nonetheless), we can never stop believing that He will give us what we have asked for. He said that everyone that asks will receive. Jesus said that if our earthly fathers knew how to give good things, how much more our heavenly Father. If you are bold enough to make the supplication, He is God enough to perform it.

3. We are instructed to pray so that God would receive glory. When we pray and God answers accordingly, He receives glory. How? We bring glory to His name personally and as tell others of His good works towards us. God receives no glory in unanswered prayers. Trust that He will do it for you. Develop your times of prayer before Christ. Do not doubt His presence and power to perform your requests. If it is not in His will, He will give you peace in the midst of it. Remember, never accept defeat in faith: Don’t Stop Believing.

Well there you have it. Until next time, continue in Him who is faithful.

Maintaining Integrity in Christian Ministry: Three Motives to Avoid

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Ministry and service is a part of the Christian life. Because of this, we must have the right motives as we serve in the Church. In this post, we want to look at three motives to avoid.

Though numerous motives exist in ministry, we will examine the wrong motives of price, people, and personal gain. These wrong motives are seen readily in many believers. We will explore a few scriptural examples of men operating in wrong motives, and the consequences.

1) Price. Men have been seduced for centuries by money. Many ministers today are using scriptures to justify their greed, lust, and love of money. The scriptures say that the love of money is the root of all evil.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10)

Never use your gift or ministry for financial gain. If you are called to preach, it has to be done without price. We receive gifts freely from God and God expects us to minister to one another freely. He offered salvation to us without price.

2) People.The praise of men can be intoxicating to the ego. It is easy to be seduced by the admiration and adulation of men. However, performing to receive the praises of men is detrimental to any ministry. Recognizing this motive in ministry can be difficult at times. It is common for people to speak of how we have blessed them, especially if our ministry to them came at a crucial moment.

And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash. Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. (I Samuel 13:11-12)

Individuals who have ministries that are on display (singing, preaching, prophesying, playing instruments, etc.) are vulnerable in particular. The praises and thanks of people can be addictive. Saul, Israel’s first king, ruined his ministry as king because of people.

3) Personal Gain. This final wrong motive is hard to detect. Personal gain is usually interpreted as money. However, personal gain is subjective to the individual. Some people use ministry as therapy for their own physical and emotional needs. There are individuals who have low self-esteem, never had many friends, never received love, and the like. Ministry to them becomes a form of establishing self-worth and identity for them. The Pharisees are examples of this type of motive in ministry.

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Matthew 23:7)

The Pharisees are examples of this type of motive in ministry. They loved to make themselves seem spiritual and important so that men would look up to them and respect them. They used religious service to establish their identities and self-worth. You have to be honest and recognize if you are vulnerable in this area. It can prove to be deadly to your ministry. Self-examination is the key to maintaining pure motives in ministry. If you learn to judge your own motives through the Word of God and by the Spirit, the flesh will not overtake you in this area.

Well, there you have it. Continue in the Faith, for Christ is faithful.

To Dream or Not to Dream: 6 Reasons Why God Gives Dreams

dreamDreams are historical vehicles for the revelation of God. God would impart knowledge of future events and impending dangers to His people through them. In this week’s post, we will discuss why God gives dreams to His people. We know from the scriptures that dreams are a common occurrence among the people of the Lord. We can also benefit from them today. In the Old Testament God used dreams for various reasons. To understand their roles in the lives of Christians, we will consider 6 reasons God gives them.

1. Reveal God and His purpose. Dreams were given to bring men into a greater understanding of God and His activities in the earth. His primary modes of communication to His people were dreams and visions.

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)

2. Warn His servants of impending danger. Dreams and visions provided warning and protection to the servants of the Lord. When they faced dangers or even God’s judgment, God would warn them through these modes of revelation. This is what the Lord did for Abimelech.

3. Establish Covenant and Relationship with His Servants. God established His covenant with Abraham and his descendants through dreams and visions. He revealed to them what He would do for them if they walk before Him in righteousness. Consider Abraham:

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Genesis 15:1).

4. Foretell Future World and Natural Events. God used dreams to reveal future famines and kingdoms. These were done to establish His sovereignty over all the earth. He revealed to Nebuchadnezzar the future of his kingdom.

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass (Daniel 2:28-29).

5. Reveal Future Ministries of His Servants. God revealed to Joseph his future ministry and leadership through dreams. He had these dreams approximately thirteen years before their fulfillment.

And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. He dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. (Genesis 37:6, 7, 9)

6. Encourage His Servants in Difficult Times. God used dreams and visions to encourage His servants. He gave Jacob a dream to comfort him during his stay with Laban.

And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee (Genesis 31:10-12).

Dreams and visions were a common occurrence since the beginning. They served many purposes. Trust that God still uses them today in the lives of Christians. Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Christ who is able to do all things.

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