Blogging for Christ
Struggling with your faith because of illness?
To Struggle with one’s faith is not a trivial matter. No resolution in that struggle will come through mind over matter. It will come only from the Spirit of God to the spirit of man.
I have struggled with this Faith in God or doctor Issue many times in my life thinking it was a conflict in my Faith. And it was. Reconciling the need for doctors with my Faith has been a real challenge. At first I did not realize it would be resolved spiritually. It was during those challenging times that I was studying the bible when I found where James wrote “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Ref. James 1:5 KJV. So, I began to ask God for wisdom in this area, and just as promised He began providing me with answers. Over time I came to realize that God can heal illness while doctors treat the symptoms. And I began thinking perhaps we should include the doctor in our prayer for healing.
God has been helping me learn that I can “get the most from Him and from my caretakers” when I keep my eyes on Him. He has revealed to me several major areas in my life that were affecting my health either positively or negatively in dramatic ways. He showed me that my life’s successes, including my health are resulting from my knowledge [or lack thereof], my choices, my faith, and my actions. Working together these areas can activate “powerful God provided spiritual forces” that will work for you and me when we apply them in line with God’s word.
Here I share what I have learned from my experiences, and from God’s word, and from leadings of the Holy Spirit. And I have included two, of many, incidents concerning my health where God answered prayers.
Knowledge: Is primary in getting the most from our caretakers and from God.
People are quick to admit knowledge is power, but few are using it to their best advantage. When used properly knowledge will enhance your relationship with the Lord, and yes, even help you to improve your health and your life. Knowing what happens to faith when our words are contradicting our prayers will put us on the road to improving our health. It can be difficult to line up our faith in our doctor with faith in God. Lack of knowledge of the word could be the reason for unanswered prayers. Besides the spiritual power of increasing our faith, knowledge also helps us to understand the relationship of our faith in God to our belief in our doctor and the healthcare system. Sufficient knowledge of your health care system, government controls, insurance requirements, and your doctor and caretakers, can improve your health care results. For example: Do you know the Government, the insurance industry, and the pharmaceutical industry influences your doctor’s decision concerning your health? And, of course, there is the political and profit driven motives driving these influences.
We DO NOT have to choose doctors over God. Though the Bible says by His stripes we were healed, I found nothing in God’s’ word that says “how” we are healed, other than by our “Faith in God.” Why not receive God’s healing thru our health care? Why not? You can have faith in God and believe in your healthcare providers both at the same time. I have not found any place in the bible where Jesus criticized a person for having used a physician. In fact I found where he had healed “..a certain woman” with a blood issue who had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.” Ref: Mark 5:25-34. Jesus said to her “…Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague”. The doctors had not helped, but through her faith in Jesus she was healed.
Knowledge of God’s word [holding unswervingly doubting not] and rightly acting on it, will release the Spiritual Power of God on your behalf. Ref. Hebrews 10:23 & 2 Peter 1:2-3.
When one prays for healing today, then tomorrow tells his best friend,” It didn’t work, I am still sick.” That is not holding on, it is swerving in doubt and will void your faith. Our confessions must line up with our prayers. Remember, don’t deny it exists, but don’t declare it is not working. One could say something like this. “I still feel bad, but thank God, I am getting better.” This will not claim ownership of the sickness. Ask once, in faith believing. Thereafter give thanks until you receive. The words we speak about our health are seeds we plant and will grow to harvest time.
Choices: Can be good or bad.
It has been said choices have consequences. There was a time in my life when I did not know what I believed which affected my choices. So in doubt, I chose through procrastination, to be undecided, and so I would procrastinate [a bad choice]. God showed me my faith was in man, and myself [bad choice]. I came to realize my faith was misplaced; then there came a day when I made a good choice and began to talk to God. And just as he promised; one who seeks will find. Now, when I speak to God I know he hears me. Ref: 1 John 5:14 . Now I pray and then “then tune in” and “listen” for his words and sure enough, He speaks to me. For some time now I have been asking God to help me make the right choices and He does. I learned I DO NOT have to choose doctors over God.
Faith: Encompasses our entire life.
Faith in God may well be “the deciding factor in your health!” Do you believe in prayer? You should because prayer is absolutely necessary. Pray for healing, pray for the doctor and your caretakers, and pray that your faith and actions will line up with God’s Word. Be proactive in your healthcare and listen to your doctor. Pray for your doctor to properly treat the symptoms while you pray and trust God to heal the cause. James 5:16. You can believe in God for your healing, even while seeing a doctor.
Faith without Works is dead. Our works [actions] must be in line with God’s word. I have learned God can work for me through my caretakers; therefore I must hearken to my caretaker’s advice as well as God’s Word, and God’s advice from the Holy Spirit. We can get guidance from the Holy Spirit on things like changing our lifestyle [like what we eat and how to be physically active] to help in our health care. We must strive to have faith by our works [our actions and our words]. Our actions along with our words must be in line our Faith and with the Word of God. Proverbs 18:21. Could it be that the doctor treats our symptoms while God heals our illness?
The Testing of our Faith works Patience. I was slow to get this. There have been times past when I thought the answer to my prayers would be likened to a bolt of lightning. This spiritual law of patience involves our faith “not doubting and God’s perfect timing.” James said in his letter to the twelve tribes “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Ref: James 1:4. I have learned that patience is really a part of our “faith filled works while we are waiting on the Lord.”
Actions [our works]: Will bring it all together to get results.
Faith without proper works is dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26. Our confessions [words] are also our works. Our actions [things we do], and confessions [what we speak], must be in line with our faith which also must be according to God’s word. I must strive to have faith by my works [my actions and my words]. God can work for us through our caretakers when we rightly include them in our prayers. God will not act for us, but we can get guidance from the Holy Spirit on our actions on things such as changing our lifestyle [like what we eat and how to be physically active] to help in our health care. Ref. Proverbs 18:21.
God lead me to better health.
There was the time I was told by my doctor that my blood tests indicated high glucose levels in diabetic range. I was diagnosed “diabetic” with AIC readings well above anything desirable. My doctor instructed me on medications to take and that I should watch my diet to control sugar intake. When I recovered from the shock of the diagnosis I began to ask God for help. We prayed, then listened, then acted on guidance received from the Holy Spirit. My wife gets leadings in what to cook, and me on what, and how much to eat. We became proactive with managing our health and therefore our food intake. We have learned to “eat to live” rather than “live to eat.” In short we changed our life style. Following God’s guidance and becoming proactive resulted in answered prayer. I was told by my doctor that my blood tests are now showing me to be “PRE-DIABETIC.”
Then there was the time my heart doctor prescribed cholesterol medication. Praying about this I received guidance concerning my border line and potential high cholesterol. I was lead to improve my eating habits and to NOT take the recommended cholesterol medication. Over a short period of time after acting on God’s leading, my cholesterol showed in my blood test to be NORMAL. This was another answer to prayer.
Be proactive by taking action on what you learn from God’s word in managing your life and your healthcare. You have choices. Doctors and caretakers, are not your mom and pop; they are not “in charge” of your life. Assert your faith in this area by asking God for wisdom concerning your treatments for your health. A good time to say silent prayers is while waiting to see your doctor. Include a prayer for your doctor and your caretakers. Ask God to give you wisdom in how to get best results from your caretakers. Then, listen for God’s leading. Then be proactive.
Our bodies are complex creations of God. Our health is not just of the body, but involves soul and spirit as well. Therefore we need God involved to help us. Ref: John 6:63. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
God wishes for all of us in 3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Join me here next time for more of God’s Design for Man.
Jim Comley
We can have Full, Great, and Strong Faith
In writing this article I found it came to me, as answer to my prayers for help. I wrote this for all people in need of stronger faith, especially me.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.
I know you have heard or read what faith is hundreds of times. But have you ever thought of this: Can you imagine “now faith” as “the substance” of what is “hoped for”? Substance sounds like a solid; the real thing. Can you see the evidence of things not seen that you hoped for, prayed for, believed for? Yes, see. After we have believed in prayer we should be able to see, through faith, with our spiritual eye what it is we are praying for, hoping for, and believing for. Now hold on to this spiritual vision until you receive it.
Patience must have her perfect work. Many times when people don’t see an answer to prayer right away they give up and say negative doubting things. This is where we must let patience have her perfect work. If thoughts of doubt come up, don’t accept those thoughts. Instead speak something positive like God’s word. Thank God for answered prayer. Thank God for hearing your prayer. Ask the Lord to “help your unbelief.” Re: Mark 9:17-24.
Doubt cancels your faith. While doubt is a negative belief; faith and doubt cannot coexist. You have one or the other, NOT both. It might be said this way, you either believe it or you don’t. But, this belief is not from the intellect but must come from the heart.
Sounds great! Right? Well it is great, and it becomes very possible when we develop our love and belief in the Lord and His words. When His words abide in us and we abide in Him, He will abide in us. Then we shall possess “now faith” as described in John 15:7 and Hebrews 11:1.
However, I believe for many Christians, this is the point where their faith often fails them.
Tips for Increasing Your Faith
The Lord describes faith as Full, Great, or Strong several times in the New Testament. Full, great, and strong faith comes from the heart. A good place to begin increasing our faith is recognizing the ease with which we can better believe what we understand. Then following what God said to Joshua, we can achieve understanding and increase our faith: Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
I found in the book of the law the kind of “now faith” one should strive for described as Full, Great, and Strong. And, hopefully, we can avoid the less desirable faith such as little [small], weak, or to no affect. As we hear God’s word faith will come. Full, great, and strong faith likely will require believing with no doubt and nothing wavering as we act on what we believing God for. Put God’s word into your heart and then act on it.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Sounds like full, strong, and great faith. John 15:7
Why did Jesus say “…if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed..”
When the apostles asked the Lord to” increase our faith,” he replied, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” Luke 17:5-6 KJV
I believe that the faith of a grain of mustard seed is far, far more than just being very small, as many people tend to believe. I believe Jesus was actually referring to the full, great, and strong faith God built into the DNA of the seed; NOT to little or small faith. God created the mustard seed to yield fruit after his kind. Re: Genesis 1:11. I believe, there is no “doubt and nothing wavering” in the mustard seed. I suggest that the DNA of the mustard seed represents, in Jesus words to the apostles, full, great, and strong faith. When it grows it will grow a mustard plant.
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12
There are NO DOUBTS! Faith and doubt cannot coexist. You have one or the other, NOT both. It might be said this way; you either believe it or you don’t.
So, when you speak to the sycamine tree [or the mountain] with the same faith as the mustard seed the sycamine tree [or the mountain] will obey your words.
When Jesus spoke “O ye of little faith” he was referring to a failed faith. Re: Mathew 6:30, Mathew 8:26, Mathew 16:8, and Luke 12:28. I believe “little faith” to be synonymous with “small faith.”
Perhaps I, and others could benefit from a prayer similar to the words of this father. Re: Mark 9:17-24.
The father came to Jesus seeking help for his possessed son. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
One More Tip for Full, Great, and Strong Faith
The quality of our faith is in direct proportion to God’s word in our heart [NOT in the mind]. God’s word will replace doubts when spoken instead of words of doubt. First put God’s word into our soul [the mind]: This is done best [but not exclusively] by your own spoken words which the mind will accept as true when they are spoken enough times by us; then the soul connects to your spirit man placing them into your heart. I believe the soul of man hears what he speaks thru the inner ear and further that in the soul of man there is a link to the spirit man.
There are many more supporting scriptures, but here are a few: KJV
Romans 4:20, Matthew 8:10, Acts 6:8, Acts 11:24
Note: Jesus says over and over to say or speak and not doubt in your heart. Remember how to get faith: Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Blessings to you and yours,
Follow me next time as I bring you more of God’s Design for Man
The New Covenant and Gift of Salvation
To write about God's Word is an awesome task. But as I began to prepare to write this article I launched a massive research effort to find the truth. When I prayed asking for guidance in this endeavor, I received a "knowing" of God's promise that those who seek will find the truth. Even after all the years of reading the Bible, I was "awestruck" as I began to realize the massiveness of this subject. I set out to learn what God’s design was for man concerning the New Covenant contract and the gift of salvation.
Covenant
There was God's covenant with man as described in the Old Testament. Of course, most Bible readers will know this and will know that there is a "New" covenant described in the New Testament.
What I did not understand until recently is:
the New Testament is "The New Covenant."
During my younger years as an entrepreneur, I often used what was then known as an "Offer and Acceptance" contract form in transacting real estate deals. It was a legal offer, and when accepted, was a legal binding contract. As I write, I see the resemblance of "The New Covenant Contract," and the New Testament terms of the offer and acceptance.
Therefore I believe the New Covenant includes an "offer and acceptance." In the terms and conditions, there is the "Gift of Salvation." When we accept God's gift of salvation we are signing the contract in "acceptance" of its terms and conditions (God's terms and conditions) for living a successful life prospering body, soul, and spirit. Jesus signed and sealed the "New Covenant” contract with His own blood.
New Covenant
διαθήκη, diathēkē, dee-ath-ay'-kay
From G1303; properly a disposition, that is, (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): - covenant, testament.
1 Corinthians 11:25
In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
Where to find New Covenant in the New Testament
"The New Covenant" is God's Rule Book for Living.
Salvation
yeshû‛âh, yesh-oo'-aw
Feminine passive participle of H3467; something saved, that is, (abstractly) deliverance; hence aid, victory, prosperity: - deliverance, health, help (-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare.
There are those who teach Salvation as being saved, born again, without mentioning that Jesus also bore our sicknesses and diseases on the cross. Salvation for our soul and the healing of our bodies was paid for at the very same moment there on the cross, as well as providing a “New Covenant.” The New Covenant provides for our prosperity, body, soul, and spirit.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Where to find Salvation in the New Testament
- New Testament (44)
- Luke (6)
- John (1)
- Acts (5)
- Romans (4)
- 2 Corinthians (3)
- Ephesians (2)
- Philippians (2)
- 1 Thessalonians (2)
- 2 Thessalonians (1)
- 2 Timothy (2)
- Titus (1)
- Hebrews (7)
- 1 Peter (3)
- 2 Peter (1)
- Jude (1)
- Revelation (3)
It should be noted that we cannot have one without the other; that is, God's Gift of Salvation cannot be separated from the "New Covenant."
Life is a challenge as our enemy, Satan, is present nearly every minute trying "like hell" to get us to violate our part of the contract. It takes focus, dedication, determination, and faith to stay the course. The New Covenant is actually "God's Will and Testament."
I have included here definitions from Strong’s plus several scriptures from NKJV, not conclusive, but certainly will serve as reminders for those of use wanting more of the Truth so we can stay the course.
I found in NKJV of bible there to be 166 occurrences of “Salvation” [44 in New Testament] and 12 occurrences [11 in New Testament] for “New Covenant.” The lists included show the books of the bible where you will find the subjects.
Again let us remember: Jesus Prayed that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May God's will be done in your life. I should note: Today we are under a NEW COVENANT which is God's will established for us all and sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our prayers should be "in Jesus' name."
Blessings to you and yours,
Follow me next time as I bring you more of God's Design for Man.
Understanding “God’s will”
I believe there are many Christians who struggle with understanding “God’s will” for them. This struggle going on in the Christian world does not appear to be well known. I notice it more, perhaps, than others because I have had a keen interest in God’s will for my life. I have spent time in God’s word seeking to understand “God’s will.” I noticed and was attracted to Jeremiah 29:11: [KJV] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. And the NIV version: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
As I studied, looking for “God’s will, it became apparent to me that God has a plan for me, and for everyone. I remember, many, many years ago hearing people say, “You must find God’s will for your life. Find out what He wants you to do.” I heard similar conversations in church and out. My mother said to me one time, “God has a plan for you, a calling. He may want you to become a preacher.” I never heard any voices telling me to become a preacher. In my early years as a Christian I came to think of “God’s” will for my life was some kind of mystery and I must pray and pray until He reveals His will to me.
I find it to be a subject that is little known and scarcely understood.
Over the years I have learned the truth about God’s will. I believe “God’s will,” and “being called of God, “ are two different matters.
I spent years confused about God’s will; particularly pertaining to praying. I heard many, including preachers, and ministers end their prayers with the words “if it be thy will.” I overheard discussions where it was said “Maybe it is not God’s will. Maybe he is testing you. Maybe God is trying to teach you something?” I wonder when I hear those words, “What kind of faith is that?”
As I studied God’s word, and prayed about this, it was revealed to me that God’s will for my life was NOT some kind of mystery. It was not, for me or for anyone, a secret. It is there in God’s word. One could say, “It is just waiting to be read, learned, and acted on.” It was revealed to me that God’s will for my life is His word. Just because I choice an entrepreneurial life DOES NOT MEAN I WAS LIVING OUTSIDE HIS WILL. It did not mean I felt a calling to be an entrepreneur. God can and often does direct people into His calling which may be “God’s Will” for me. Some people are called out of worldly endeavors to serve His calling.
I found, not just one or two scriptures, but a mammoth amount of information in the bible concerning “God’s will.” Following are some of the many scriptures that came to my attention as I studied God’s will. I wanted to know God’s will for me. I have also learned one must know God’s will before praying.
I have used underlined and bold words to help clarify God’s will that will surely dispute the erroneous thinking in the words “if it be thy will.” Hopefully these scriptures will help to clarify God’s will including what is God’s will for you and God’s will for asking when you pray. I do not pretend to have the last word, nor have I presented all scriptures pertaining to God’s will. All of Gods words are His will.
Faith in God’s word in paramount in learning His will. The next scriptures will reveal why faith is necessary in finding God’s will as it pertains to you.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things no seen.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. What we do and say and pray comes from our heart, and must line up with God’s word.
John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. We should learn what is God’s will for asking?
John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Mathew 18:19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Mark 11: 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. This scripture is a good Faith lesson from Jesus.
Mark 11:24 then Jesus continues on saying: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Note: It does not say “what God Desires.” This scripture is a good lesson in prayer.
James 4:2-3 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Amiss here means perverse, wicked, and evil. Of course these things are NOT God’s will.
When we know God’s word, we know God’s will. God’s will is His word; His word is His will. For me, and I hope for you, the real proof can be seen in the Lord’s Prayer when Jesus prayed “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Mathew 6:9-13. I sometimes end a prayer with the words “Thank you Father, let it be thy will in Jesus Name, amen.” In Faith with No doubt, just a request.
Jesus Prayed that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May God’s will be done in your life. I should note: Today we are under a NEW COVENANT which is God’s will established for us all and sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our prayers should be “in Jesus name.”
Your life can be your or His; the choice is yours. You can have a career outside Christianity and still be in His will on your life’s journey.
His will allows you to make that choice.
Blessings,
Follow me next time as I bring you more of God’s Design for Man.
Changing Your Todays To Shape Your Unseen Future
Faith, actions, and prayers will change your “today” and shape your future! Sounds simple enough, right? Like so many other things in life….”more to it than meets the eye” may be an appropriate cliché. I am not suggesting change for the sake of change. Don’t misunderstand me; for those of you who are happy with your “today” and happy with your prayer life; I don’t suggest changing a thing. But, should you want and need changes to shape a prosperous future for your entire being, body, soul, and spirit then follow along. You can shape your unseen future. The decision is yours!
Every day is your day. What will you do with your today as it arrives daily? Changing your future begins now today. Anything in your life today that you would not want in your future, you need to act on, now. Any thoughts, words, or actions that will NOT bring what you desire for your future you need to change to thoughts, words, and actions you would desire. Any negatives will cancel a positive.
The following spiritual principles apply to all aspects of our lives whether it is physical [sickness & disease, prosperity or poverty] mental [happiness or depression], or spiritual [all right in your spirit]. Do you have the peace that comes with your gift of salvation?
Profound Spiritual Principles
Here is another powerful spiritual principle that will help to understand how to change your today and shape the future you desire. Paul said: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Ref. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Regarding shaping my future, I think of this in this way; I have goals for my personal life, and my career. Any challenges I must meet to reach those goals, any challenge, whether in sickness or health, physical, mental or spiritual, is my “..light affliction”.
Then, the line “…which is but for a moment” is the time I take to remove any road blocks or my challenges; just a blink on the calendar of time.
And the line “…exceeding weight of glory” that I will experience, as I successfully meet those challenges, is to reach my goals. Ah, but; I will reach my goals only while I am NOT looking at the things as they are, but while looking at things I desire [my goals] which are not seen. When I follow God’s words, I can change my “seen challenges” into my “goals accomplished.”
Following God’s Word
And I believe this is just one more reason God told Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Another profoundly powerful spiritual principle that can easily be overlooked in this scripture is “…but you shall meditate in it …”. Note the definition of meditate: A primitive root; to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication to ponder: - imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter. Source eSword Bible Dictionary.
Faith comes by hearing, so when we study, utter, mutter, speak, and talk God’s word, our faith is coming [growing] as we so act.
Trusting God is the solution, Faith is the Answer
Words like if and try, portray a lack of confidence which can invite fear, the opposite of the faith we need to accomplish our goals. Words create images, so mistakes can be brought on as result of fear by creating wrong images in our minds. Being anxious and worried of your challenges and speaking negatively of them will produce wrong images which will shape your unseen world. Create the right images by using the right words and you will create success. Faith is the answer; faith in the truth, faith in God’s word.
Trusting God allows you to see your future through your faith. Faith works through love and trust—in God. Faith is not blind, faith sees. See your goals accomplished through the eye of faith. Perfect love will cast out your fears. Do your words, concerning your challenges, line up with God’s word? If not, don’t speak them. If you should be challenged so adversely that you don’t know what to say, then say nothing. Wait on the Lord, ask the Lord for advice [wisdom] and go to the Word of God for help. Ref: Philippians 4:13
These principles apply to all aspects of our lives whether it is physical [sickness & disease, prosperity or poverty] mental [happiness or depression], or spiritual [being right in your spirit].
Do you have the peace that comes with your gift of salvation?
Of course as humans we can err, but faith, prayer, and right action will be your key to Changing Your Today and Shaping Your Future. One message from the New Testament says, “As you believed, so let it be done for you.”
Blessings,
Follow me next time as I bring you more of God’s Design for Man.
Whatever We Ask
We Can Call Our Prayers Answered
I don't pretend to be an expert on the subject of prayer. In fact I am just a student, learning and writing about God's word. I have learned that God wants you and me to prosper on earth while preparing for eternity just as provided for us through His gift of Salvation. If we lack, let us ask in prayer encouraged by God's Word. We should remember God wants our prayers to include thanksgiving and praise. Ref: Matthew 6:5-6, John 16:23-24, & 1 John 5:15.
Jesus had much to say to us about prayer and faith. His ministry included healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the poor as well as the good news of the Gospel; and, included teaching us how to pray, and how to have our prayers answered. Jesus taught the Spiritual Laws of God, and His ministry was loaded with examples of God's grace and power. God's Spiritual laws are apparent in his specific lesson in the Lord's Prayer. "In this manner, therefore, pray." Ref: Matthew 6:5-13.
I believe prayer is a heartfelt means of releasing the power of God's Spiritual Laws and God's Grace on our behalf; and prayer must come from the heart, not just the mind. Prayer is very personal, between God and you. In Mathew 6:6 Jesus tell us ".... when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
God's word says he will reward us. That sounds like answered prayer to me.
Genuine prayer is very personal because it comes from the heart and it is very difficult to speak of prayer universally. Nevertheless, faith being the answer, there are universal spiritual truths ( e.g. God's Word) concerning prayer that can actually empower your faith. As I learn of them I want to share them with you.
God is gracious and merciful, and answers prayers simply because he loves us. He demonstrates his love through, kindness, favor, tender mercy, and with answered prayers for those who believe. Sometimes God will customize our prayer to "better fit" our need. I believe we can have whatever we ask in faith, though the answer may not come to us in the same detail as we think. God often customizes His answer to our prayer for our benefit.
I have learned God is the way, and faith, without a doubt, is the answer. Ask according to God's will for asking, and He will hear you.
Ref: John 5:14-15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
Follow me next time when "Prayer and Faith" will be the subject, with a title to be announced, as I bring you more of God’s Design for Man.
“Spiritual Principles of Belief and Expectation” part two
"Spiritual Principles of Belief and Expectation" Part two
NOTE: This is NOT part of the false teaching in the world today called manifestation.
Before I retired, I was in the business world in what I called the fast-lane. Well, today, the fast-lane is nearer to the speed of light. Many people in today's fast-lane have no idea where they are going, or how they will get there. They are just following the social trend of the moment. These same people are likely unaware they have a "Belief and Expectation" system much less that God gives them control over where it takes them in life. RE: 2 Corinthians 10:5
Yes, we all have a "Belief and Expectation" system functioning within our soul and in connection with our heart. Our lives literally become the outer expressions of our "real life expectation" from our inner [from our heart] belief. Following are some powerful insights and spiritual truths of Belief and Expectation that can help you gain control of where you are going in life.
Your Thoughts are "Seeds" only when taken
The "thoughts we take" are words we speak daily, ongoing throughout our lives. Thoughts we take and speak are seeds we are planting; seeds we plant by speaking our thoughts are then empowered to grow, to into fruition of our reality, through our belief and expectations. These seed are growing in our hearts. So from our heart we believe and expect what is right for us; and we confess then, bringing forth our daily life. RE: Romans 10:10
Calling things that are not as though they are
As our belief and expectation grows we take actions accordingly. We go about our lives daily speaking and acting on our thoughts. Jesus tells us we can have what we say. Here it is: Jesus said, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." Some would say I take this out of context. Let's put it in context then. In the next verse he continues "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Notice to have what we say and/or what we pray, we must believe it and doubt not in our heart. I believe verse 23 is the faith scripture and verse 24 is the prayer scripture.
Every day people, without knowing it, or knowing of it, are using the universal truth in verse 23 just as God created it to "call things that are not as though they were." There are other scriptures that apply, but this is my favorite for calling things as though they are.
We speak aloud confessing our thoughts, and some of us, have learned from God's word that we can call things that are not as though they are. This is profound, it is spiritual, and is possible because God created us with this ability. Jesus died for our every need which is included in the gift of Salvation. The word says it is ours when we believe in Jesus. So we have deliverance, preservation, soundness, and healing. He gave it to us, it is ours, so why not call for it in our prayers, our talk, and our actions?
God gave us power in thoughts, words, and actions
There are many thoughts, words, and actions in our lives that determine our future. Here are some that I have experienced.
- Faith is from your heart, not your mind. A willing soul [the mind] will control and then cultivate seeds we plant. We plant in the heart [our soil].
- Your decision to "Take a thought" comes from the soul. Your decision to speak that thought comes first from the soul. RE: Mathew 12:34 & Luke 6:45
- Speaking, we are taking a thought which sets forth the issues of life as we plant them in our heart. RE: Proverbs 4:23
- We can use the Word of God to improve our lives and reach our personal goals.
- I have been learning to "Pray the Solution" not the problem; and to pray without ceasing.
- Thanks to God, we do have control over what we allow into our heart. We can and MUST keep our heart with all diligence. RE: Proverbs 4:23
This reminds me of what God Told Joshua, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth...." words come from the mouth. Keep God's words in your mouth. Not just in your mind. RE: Joshua 1:8. And "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". RE: Romans 10:17
I believe this verse putting emphasis on "hearing by the word of God" is telling us to guard our lives to control what we are hearing as well as what we say. Over and over again God's word reminds us, we are in control. We can choose what we are to keep of what we hear, and we can then choose what thoughts we take. It is just like Jesus said, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" RE: Deuteronomy 30:19. Choices you make determine the life you live. You are living your life now by choice.
Prayer is Key to keeping our sails trimmed
We must learn to set our sails toward success by aligning our lives with God's word. Using the power of prayer can give us control over our thoughts, words, and actions. Prayer helps us to set our goals accordingly.
Maxwell Maltz, an American cosmetic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybernetics (1960) said, "It is the job of conscious rational thought to decide what you want, select the goals you wish to achieve-and concentrate upon these rather than upon what you do not want. To spend time and effort concentrating upon what you do not want is not rational."
If God answered prayer according to need, there would be no need anywhere. God knows our need before we can ask. When praying, remember God answers prayer based on His Word, not on your need. Pray the solution [according to God's will] and for the end result, don't pray the problem: When you pray according to His will, he hears you. Then, believe that you receive by acting as though and acting on your faith with spoken words and actions that line up with your prayer. RE: 1 John 5:14, 15
In control, but not alone
Even though God word tells us we are in control, he also tells us we are not alone. I paraphrase here. Speaking to his disciples Jesus answered and said, if a man love me, he will keep my words, and father will love him, and we will come unto him, and live with him. RE: John 14:23
Previously I wrote of a question we should all ask ourselves concerning speaking our thoughts. "Am I planting seeds of prosperity or poverty, wellness or sickness, fear or faith?"
I would ask, "Do I REALLY want God to manifest His Grace in my current belief and expectation?"
Your Fail Safe should become: "Do MY WORDS line up with God's Word"? And remember: God's will for you and me is "...thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven". There is NO sickness, poverty, or fear in Heaven.
You can learn how to apply the full power of "the balance of faith, confession, and God's Grace" to your daily life; so that you can experience SUCCESS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS.
Learning to accept and to use the power of the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit in your daily life will help you learn to apply the full power of "the balance of faith, confession, and God's Grace" to your belief and expectation system; so that you can experience GOOD SUCCESS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS.
Over and over again God's word reminds us, we are in control. We can choose what we are to keep of what we hear, and we can then choose what thoughts we take. It is Just like Jesus said, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" RE: Deuteronomy 30:19.
Choices you are making today determine the life you are living.
Watch Next month for more of God's Design for Man: "Calling Your Prayers Answered"
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit never did anything they did not say first. While Creating Heaven and Earth, the Holy Spirit was dealing with the "unseen" and He called things that were Not as though they Were. Thus the Universe and the Earth was born, and man was created in His Image.
Spiritual Principles of Belief and Expectation part one
How are you viewing your future?
How you view your future will make the difference in where your life journey takes you; and when it comes to reaching your life goals, your belief and expectation are charting your course and setting your sails. You can learn how to set your sails for success and prosperity by refocusing your expectations using principals from the “law of faith.” Ref: Roman 3:27
The words you and I are speaking daily, hourly, minute by minute, [our confessions] are seeds we are planting; seeds powered by our belief and expectations. Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Ref: Galatians 6:7.
Here is a question we should all ask ourselves. “Am I planting seeds of prosperity or poverty, wellness or sickness, fear or faith?”
I would ask, “Do I REALLY want God to manifest His Grace in my current belief and expectation?”
“Your Fail Safe” should become: Do MY WORDS line up with God’s Word? And remember: God’s will for you and me is “…thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. There is NO sickness, poverty, or fear in Heaven. You can learn how to apply the full power of “the balance of faith, confession, and God’s Grace” to your daily life; so that you can experience SUCCESS BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS.
Now Faith
Faith is a law God gave us for daily living. Faith is a Spiritual Law. Here are some ways to put action to your Faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [Hebrews 11:1] Faith and hope work together. You can’t have one, without the other. I have learned that our faith must have something to create substance from; that something is, “our hope.” Faith is in the now and hope is in the future: So, I can rightly say, “thru my belief and expectation that I am calling things that are not as though they are.”
- Do – take actions: “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:20 This is NOT just a saying, or cliché, it is SPIRITUAL LAW.
- Speaking aloud: NOT just thoughts but speaking confessions daily; faith filled words.
- Pray for the end results; don’t pray the problem. All things are possible to him that believeth.
- Actions—acting as though; act on your faith by calling things as though.
Maxwell Malts said “It is the job of conscious rational thought to decide what you want, select the goals you wish to achieve-and concentrate upon these rather than upon what you do not want. To spend time and effort concentrating upon what you do not want is not rational.”
- Strengthen your Faith and your belief and expectations by following the instructions God gave to Joshua. Ref: Joshua 11:8 .
- Then: Practice, practice, practice.
Recently someone reminded me that “Faith works: Faith works with or without prayer.
Prayer don’t work without faith.
Faith comes from God’s word NOT from prayer.”
I am dumbfounded by the power in God’s Word that we humans fail to use to our benefit: God’s words are Spirit spoken by Him to put us over in life.
Follow me next month as I continue with these Little known and scarcely understood spiritual principles of Belief and expectation" PART TWO.
More truth in God’s Design for Man
Jim Comley
Starting Your Day
Jim Comley God's Design January 16, 2023 | 1
How you choose to start your day profoundly impacts your life.
Yes, starting your day with something POSITIVE will be a “Life Changer.” I know because it was for me. I now believe this with all my heart though I did not always. You probably remember the truth as simple as “you can if you think you can?” This truth was once well known, even taught, can be overcome by the many negatives that we are bombarded with daily? There was a time when teachings like “The Little Engine that Could” positively impacted children.
The Little Engine That Could is an American folktale that became widely known in the United States after publication in 1930 by Platt & Munk. The story is used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed the book as one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children”. Sourced thru online Wikipedia
Over the years I learned to improve my “life attitude” from negative to positive and in doing so I began to observe other people’s many different approaches to starting a new day. I remember a time in my past when I had employed and personally supervised up to 50 or 60 people at a time for large construction projects; and how these people come to work each morning, I remember some real grouches that crossed my path. I can only imagine how they started their day before they left for work. Likely it was something like, “OH GOD! IT’S MORNING!” Then he would growl all the way to work and all thru the day.
There were many days I had my coffee and was off into another day [in the fast lane]. And thru the years there were times when I was not so thrilled to greet the morning. Then, there were times before I learned to say “Good Morning God”, as I was experiencing positive growth, that I might go into my day singing “Oh, what a beautiful morning, what a beautiful day.” As I learned to overcome those negative feelings with positive words, and at some rare times even singing, and positive actions became easier, and my days became more enjoyable.
I was blessed to be able to attend many Dale Carnegie training sessions and seminars of other motivational speakers like Zig Ziglar. I was hungry for self improvement so I never missed an opportunity to attend.
One day, in a Dale Carnegie session “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” I was introduced to the concept of “Good Morning” enthusiastically expressed, whether we felt that way or not, and how it would change our day and even our lives. So, I began and followed the instructor’s advice to give it 30 days? And I soon learned it worked, so I began doing that more enthusiastically than usual.
My secretary said one day, “Hey listen to him, he is having a good day.” “Yes,” I said to myself, “I really am, thanks to the Carnegie training.” It was some time later that I changed that morning concept to include “Good Morning God.” You see, I had learned the powerful affect that positive thoughts and words were having for me. I grew to like and use this one to start my days: I would say in private “Good Morning God! Thank you for another day.”
In another of Dale Carnegie Sales Training session I was introduced to this scripture: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21. The instructor made the point that for us success or failure in sales was in the power of the tongue; and that we must learn what to say, what not to say, when to not say anything, and most assuredly, how we say it; as in speaking through a frown or smile.
Little did I know at that time just how vastly important our words are for all areas of our lives. The power of the tongue in our daily confessions will improve our lives that day and ultimately our entire life. Know it or not, our daily confessing of words evolve from our thoughts, which are as seeds, and will grow to become part of our future. We must learn to control our confessions and combine them with the power of faith to attain the life we desire.
Having a desire to succeed in life is a good reason to choose confessing daily, an enthusiastic “Good Morning God” or some positive greeting to the day and to those around you. It will certainly improve your life today and to eternity and beyond.
A small part of God’s Design for Man. Follow my Blog.
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