Faith in the Word!

Dear Friend,

Have you ever been in a place where you prayed for one thing, but then said or did something different? In the book of James is writing to the twelve tribes of Israel who are scattered about, his theme or message to them, the faith of all faith. The faith that works and the faith that will help us accomplish all things, an active faith. And he is clear to remind them in James 1: 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

He gives them instructions on how to live a life pleasing to almighty God. But the only way that we will accomplish is if they/we become firm in our faith. Hebrews 11: 6, “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.” We can’t be in a submitted relationship with Christ and not be in faith. We cannot believe one minute and then change what we believe the next.

We deactivate our faith by using words contrary to what we need to see happen, it’s like deactivating a subscription to something. We no longer receive the benefits that come with subscription.

Faith provides benefits. If used correctly it actively opens up the opportunity for God to do something in our life, that we CAN'T do ourselves. However if we are unstable in it, then we keep God doing something we CAN'T do for ourselves. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not into your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path”. To trust God is to be in Faith.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God promises to liberally supply it. My faith is active, when I get wisdom from Him, instead of trusting my "own" wisdom or unsound counsel.

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”. Meaning, I let God supply my needs, instead of me. My faith is active, when I trust Him instead of trusting myself.

James 2: 14-16 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” You have to put a corresponding action to this. Meaning, what God asks of me, I do because I trust Him, with my very life.

Active faith means we constantly respond to what the Word says, instead of trusting our own instincts. When I trust the Word, and act on the Word in response to my situation, then I activate Kingdom principles. When I demonstrate to God that I trust Him with my life, more than I trust myself, I am actively walking by Faith (see 2 Cor 5:7).

Activating My Faith in the Word,

LMJ