Faith              

  – for without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6)

  – faith cometh by hearing, hearing by the Word (rhema) of God (Romans 10:17)

– centurion understanding the chain of command “ I have not seen greater faith, no not in all Israel” (Luke 7:1-10)

– if you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed you will say to this mountain be thou removed (Matthew 17:20)

– when He returns will He find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8)

– your faith has made you whole (Matthew 9:22)

– according to your faith be it done to you (Matthew 9:29)

– whatever you ask in prayer you will receive if you have faith (Matthew 21:22)

– He did not do many might works there (Nazareth) because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58)

Repentance    

– if My people which are called by My Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn form their wicked way, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin and heal their land (II Chronicles 7:14)

– you shall find me when you seek for me with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13)

– God would that none should perish but that all would come to repentance (II Peter 3:9)

Thanksgiving 

– enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4)

– first of all I would that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people (I Timothy 2:1)

– in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

– offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 50:14)

– let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4)

– continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2)

– saying “amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)

Does everything in life happen for a purpose? Are there accidents or coincidences? What about living for God or not? Does the God-fearing Christian live a life of purpose? Is the unbeliever’s life just a serious of coincidences? What about fate? Or karma? Does life have a destiny?

Purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists

Reason: a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event

Accident: (1) an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury. (2) an event that happens by chance or that is without apparent or deliberate cause

Coincidence: a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

Fate:  the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power

Karma: destiny or fate, following as effect from cause (Hindu in origin)

What does the Bible have to say about each of these?

“For everything there is a season (an appointed occasion) and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is plated; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.”  II Chronicles 16:9

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.” Psalm 34:15

“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD and he ponders all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21

“The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge…” Proverbs 22:12

“Behold the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom…” Amos 9:8

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139: 7-12, 16

The Bible tell su often that God’s eyes are in every place seeing everything at all times. There’s nothing that can happen in our life that catches Him by surprise.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8”

“And He said to me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of water of life freely.” Revelation 21:6

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 22:13

The Bible also teaches us that God is timeless; He is not limited by time as we are. Humans are linear which means progressing from one stage to another in a single series of steps; sequential. God is not linear. He fills all time and space at the same time. He exists outside of time. Time exists in Him. We are bound by time.

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” I Peter 1:19-20

“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8

So, if God is everywhere all the time and sees everything, nothing is hidden from Him. And, He’s just as present with us now as He was a the beginning of creation; can we honestly believe in accidents? Personally, I believe everything has purpose, even when I don’t like what is happening and it would be easier to think it’s just an accident or coincidence. Over the past few years of growing deeper in the Spirit, I’ve come to see everything as the hand of God in my life. Paul’s life, I believe, is a great example of purpose with no accidents.

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Acts 9:15-16

“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of water, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” II Corinthians 11:23-27, 30

“it is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.  II Corinthians 12:1

This portion of scripture began to stand out to me a few years ago when I was considering all this “deep” stuff of purpose, coincidence, free will choice, etc. At any given point those hardships Paul endured could have killed him. In fact, many times that was the intent of the beating or stoning. They wanted him dead. But, God didn’t. Paul had a job to fulfill, and no attempt of man or devil was going to thwart God’s plan. Not only that, we see by the continuation in chapter 12 that Paul says that in sufferings he received visions and revelations of the Lord and that there were still more to come. I believe that’s key: they way we view our circumstances. Paul recognized and knew when his true time was up.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (could also be read career), I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6-7

How do we view our circumstances? Did some accident happen and now we have no job? Really? Why not look at it as God no longer wants you at that job? Or was it some cool coincidence that we met someone in the airport and chatted with them? Why not look at it as God connecting you with a stranger on purpose? As quickly as possible, ask Jesus to help you understand the purpose of the meeting.

At this juncture, I must address the topic of abuse, violence, and other horrific things that happen to us. I will not pretend to know the answer to these difficult questions. However, I do know there is always something we can learn from any experience, even devasting ones. Even suffering wrong by the hands of evil intent can build and develop positive things in the victim. It still comes down to how we view the circumstance. We can run to the arms of a heavenly Father for love, comfort, peace and answers. Or we can point fingers, yell, scream, and accuse Him. The first choice will bring about healing and wholeness. The second choice will lead to even more hurt.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when I comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” I Peter 4:12-13

This is such a great reminder that when living for God, there’s no accidents. He holds us in His hands. He is teaching us here NOT to be surprised by the fiery trial. Honestly, it was sent BY Him. Instead of being caught off guard and perhaps reacting unfavorably to the situation, we should begin to immediately acknowledge God at work in our lives and ask Him about it. Honestly, I don’t believe the first reaction should be “God deliver me from this!” I’m beginning to learn and practice quickly saying, “what is it you’d have me learn here Jesus?”

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” Psalm 119:71 (emphasis mine)

Can you believe that? Good for me to be afflicted? Absolutely! To what end? THAT I MIGHT LEARN HIS WAYS!

“See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39

This may be harsh for some, but honestly brings me such peace and assurance. God is no fickle like man. If He said it, He absolutely will do it. The Word of the Lord proves true. Not only that, God is love. He is good. He is always good. If He wounds, it’s for good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

I trust that God is good. I trust that God loves me. I trust He sees my ending as clearly as my beginning. I trust my days are numbered according to His Purpose. There really is so much safety and security in that. Honestly, what can man or devil do to me without God’s permission. And if He grants permission, it’s for a purpose. SEEK OUT HIS PURPOSE!

(For further reading and consideration: The book of Esther. For such a time is this.)

Faith is confidence in God. Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. CEV) Google dictionary says faith is ‘complete faith or trust in someone or something.’

Fear is faith in the enemy. Google dictionary says fear is ‘an unpleasant emotion caused by belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.’

Google dictionary says belief is ‘the acceptance that something is true.’ Both fear and faith contain belief. It just differs on what we accept to be true.

Let’s start at the beginning. Genesis 3:10 “And he [Adam] said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

Adam feared his loss of innocence, he believed the lie that God’s punishment would be unbearable.  Hmm…. I John 4:18 “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment.” [“The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.” CEV]

Mark 5:36 – “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, ‘be not afraid, only believe.’ [loss of child]

Jesus draws a clear parallel between faith and fear. It’s one or the other.

Luke 8:50 – “But when Jesus heard it, he answered him saying, ‘fear not, believe only, and she shall be made whole.’ [the result of faith: wholeness]

Galatians 2:12 – “For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when theywere come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.” [loss of reputation] [the result of fear: sin]

Matthew 10:26 “have no fear of them” [loss of reputation/career/life]

Matthew 10:28 “do not fear those who can kill the body” [loss of physical life]

Luke 1:47 “might serve him without fear” [God’s desire]

John 7:13 “yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly about Him” [loss of reputation/career/life]

Romans 8:15 “fall back in to fear, but the Spirit of adoption” [loss of fleshly lusts]

2 Timothy 1:7 “God gave us not the spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control”

Luke 18:8b “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

Matthew 9:29b “according to your faith be it done to you”

We fear what we foresee as a loss… do we view the loss as a punishment?                                                                     

Some of the things I believe God has shown me that we as humans fear. It is my opinion that each one of us individually fears one of them above all the rest. Sometimes (oftentimes) we don’t even realize we fear it until we’re face to face with it.

            Loss of spouse [infidelity or death]

            Loss of children [disease or death]

            Loss of health [disease, sickness, handicap]

            Loss of career [status, stability]

            Loss of reputation [status, name]

Our fear leads to controlling behaviors. The need to control is actually fear at the root. “Because the allure of control is actually an illusion, to strive for control is to set yourself up for endless frustration and disappointment. Fear results in controlling behavior, and when this behavior doesn’t give us the results we’re seeking (which is usually the case), it further intensifies our fears because the results are proof of the uncertain world that we’re so desperately trying to control. This in turn, leads us to even more controlling behavior.” – Kirsten O’Donovan. It is spiritually beneficial to be very honest with yourself. When you find yourself trying to control everything, ask yourself, what am I fearful about in this situation. Take it to Jesus. Have a transparent heart to heart, acknowledge the fear, don’t try to hide or mask it. Allow Him access to the fear and work it out of you through prayer and study of the word (and fasting). It may be a process.

I had a boy in my 5^th grade classroom whose home world was out of control. It was abusive and neglectful. At 10 years old there wasn’t much in his life that he could control. He figured out that what food what into his body was something he could control. So that’s what he did. At school he would refuse to eat because it was something he could control.

Perhaps we feel like there’s some things in our life we can’t control, so we look for the things we can, and becoming this control-driven individual. God has brought me to a place, more than once, of feeling like everything in my life was out of control. Every time, He reminds me of the one thing I can truly control and that is my submission to Him. I can control whether or not I say yes to Him. I cannot control others, and to try to do so is both harmful to them and to me.

However, this is Paul’s opinion about loss:

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

So why and how does God use fear? Because to fear is to human. The phrase “fear not” is found 62 times in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Faith is found 247 times in the Bible from Deuteronomy to Revelation. “Live by his faith” – Habakkuk 2:4 “Live by faith” Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38. ‘The just = the innocent’. 

Going back to I John 4:18 in the CEV “The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.” That is a huge statement, because…

Our greatest commandment is “to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

It is impossible to love God the way He desires us to so long as we are fearful. Therefore, it is my biblical-study/Holy Ghost-experience opinion that God brings us face to face with what we fear the most in order to grow our faith to the dimension He desires.

In order for my faith to grow, I had to have personal powerful encounters with God. Rhemas (Word) of God.

Rhema – living, illuminating life speaking Word of God, personal and direct.

Romans 10:14-17 – How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word (rhema) of Christ. 

What I have learned in my personal experience is the need to be willing to set aside all my preconceived ideas about God, faith, and what it means to be Christian… even everything that was taught from a biblical perspective. Be willing to set it all aside so that God can teach me His Truth. My faith grew exponentially when I began to recognize Him speaking rhema into my life.

Job said it like this: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6

Paul said it like this: “Indeed, I count everything [all his knowledge of holy scripture and righteousness according to the law] as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith”   Philippians 3:8-9 (read verses above 8 to understand all that Paul counted as loss.)

Paul also said it like this: “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ… who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me” Galatians 1:11, 12, 15, 16

It’s good to hear preaching/teaching. It’s good to read godly literature. It’s good to hear other’s testimonies. But, we CANNOT survive on any of those alone. We MUST have personal, powerful encounters with God, where He speaks life directly into our lives and our personal situations.

Stop blaming or giving credit to the devil!!!

James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Job 1:8 – And the Lord said to Satan, “have you considered my servant Job?”

I Peter 4:12 – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though some strange thing were happening to you. But REJOICE!

I Peter 4:19 – Therefore let those who suffer [to experience a sensation, usually painful] according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good.

Isaiah 54:2 – enlarge the place of your tent [stretch]…

James 1:2-6 – Count it all JOY, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ASK God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…

God sends or allows the trial or the suffering. It ALWAYS has PURPOSE! We are to count it joy and to rejoice in these situations. Not pout, blame the devil, resist change, resist instruction. ASK God for wisdom in the situation. ASK GOD!!! Stop blaming or giving credit to the devil. It came from God. Accept it. Seek Him. Submit to Him. Learn. Change. Grow. Be stretched. Enlarge your tent!!

Things will be shaken. We cannot grow in our comfort zone.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for day is its own trouble. “

Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways, ACKNOWLEDGE Him! (H3045 used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)

Matthew 4:1 – Then Jesus was led up BY THE SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Deu 6:4  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 

Isa 45:21  Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 

Isa 43:10, 11 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. 

Hos 13:4  Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me. 

Isa 44:6, 8  Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. 

Isa 44:24  Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 

Exo 20:2a, 3 I am the LORD thy God,… Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exo 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM

Psa 23:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

Joh_10:11 (Jesus said,) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

Mal_2:10a  Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? 

Mar_12:32  And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 

Rom_3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 

1Co_8:6  But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 

Eph_4:6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

    the Spirit of God dwell in you  

    And if Christ be in you

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you  (Rom. 8:9-11)

Joh 14:17-18 (Jesus said)… even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 

Jas_2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 

Zec_14:9  And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

Mar_12:29  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 

Eph_4:5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 

Gal_3:20  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 

1Co_6:17  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 

Joh_4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Joh_14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

Mat 16:17  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you. 

Luk 24:44-45  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  Then HE (Jesus) opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Gal 1:10-12  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Col 2:8-9  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in HIM (Christ)  the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.

Isa 9:6  For to us a child is born, to us a SON is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His NAME shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting FATHER, Prince of Peace. 

Mat 1:21  She will bear a SON, and you shall call his NAME Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 

John 5:(19) & 43a Jesus said to them…” I have come in my Father’s NAME, and you do not receive me.”

Joh 14:9  Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

Act 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the NAME of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

1Timothy 3:16 (KJV)  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

(MSG) This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough: He appeared in a human body, was proved right by the invisible Spirit, was seen by angels. He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples, believed in all over the world, taken up into heavenly glory.

Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD?”  Exodus 5:2

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

Then Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”    Matthew 16:13, 15

Paul said, “Who are you Lord?”   Acts 9:5

It’s a classic, timeless question…”God, who are You?” I might even ask you that same question. And don’t answer “my everything”, that’s much to general/vague.  

Will you allow me to daresay, God is who YOU say He is. Now this is not entirely true. The very truth of the matter is, God IS who He says He is. But, in His amazingness, He has allowed our own perceptions (to a degree) determine what/who He is. Before you jump all over me, let’s look into the scriptures a bit! 

Psalm 18:25-26

The merciful = merciful; the pure = pure; the blameless = blameless; crooked man = *seem* tortuous

Matthew 25:14-30

Parable of the Talents – Only the last servant said the master was a hard man. The other two servants did not share his opinion of the master, they were able to partake of the master’s joy!  The master ended up treating the wicked servant harsh, just like what the servant thought of him. His thoughts of the master became his reality. 

Psalm 91 – *I will say of the LORD* MY refuge, fortress, God, in whom I trust. Exactly what David needed and expected of the Lord is what God made Himself to David. 

When I first began my walk with God, I didn’t consciously realize that what I desperately wanted was a true friend. I know I was only 14, but I had already been burned in the friendship department and it really hurt. God very quickly became my best friend! Over the years, as I’ve grown, matured, and changed, my needs and wants of God have also grown, matured and changed. If you ever wonder why the worship part of our church services is so expressive and demonstrative it’s because of the depth of love we have for God and because through our own trials in life, God has proven Himself strong on our behalf more than a few times. 

Everyone here has experienced some pain in their life, it’s inevitable in this world we live in. However, what varies from person to person is how we respond to the pain. Here are a few examples of responses

• Anger, blame, bitterness. Instead of seeking healing these individuals blame. Blame God, blame people, blame circumstances, blame self, BLAME. Sadly, if they stop there, they’ll never be healed. They say, “God is cruel. He must not be real!”
• Logic, human understanding, rationalization. Instead of seeking healing, these individuals rationalize it and come up with a human plan to do their best not to get hurt again. This may work to a degree, but it’s superficial. It’s not the deep wholeness healing we truly need. They say, “God has a plan. I don’t understand it. But, the Bible says… I’ll do what I can to find peace myself.” This is head knowledge, head healing, not deep heart/soul knowledge or healing. 
• Healing, wholeness, forgiveness, comfort. These individuals truly seek God not just to heal the hurt but to actually become their HEALER. They don’t just quote peaceful scriptures, they go to a place in prayer where God actually becomes their comforter, counselor, their peace! They say, “Jesus is my refuge, my shelter, my hope, my peace, my joy!!!” They say these things because they’ve actually allowed God to BECOME those for them.

I’ve seen all three of these reactions in my experience. And some variations in-between. 

Luke 7:40-47 The one who is forgiven much, loves much. The depth of our worship and adoration for God is directly linked to what He is and has done for us. 

So, let me ask again, who or what do you say God is??

The Trial of Your Faith

1 Peter 1:6-7  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith [the trial of your faith]—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Grieved – distress, heaviness, sorrow, sad, 

Various trials, manifold temptations – various in character, divers a putting to proof, experiment, adversity, temptation

Trial, tested – a testing, by implication trustworthiness

Faith – persuasion, credence, moral conviction 

Precious – valuable, costly, honored, esteemed, beloved, dear, honorable, had in reputation

Tried, tested – to test, approve, allow, discern, examine, 

Fire – fiery

Praise – laudation, a commendable thing, 

Honor – value, money paid, valuables, esteem, dignity

Appearing, revelation – disclosure, lighten, manifestation, 

1 Peter 4:12-13  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 

Pro 17:3  The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. 

Romans 5:3-5  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

James 1:2-4  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

So we know that tests and trials definitely will come our way. If we plan to walk with Jesus at all, we can expect tests and trials. God ordained it that way. Look at the scriptures. Don’t get upset or wonder why. Understand that it is a trial sent by God, with purpose. 

Some of the purposes include:

    The result of the test will bring glory to God

    To share in Christ’s sufferings

    We can rejoice when His glory is revealed in us

    It produces endurance, character, hope, steadfastness

    Causes us to be perfect [complete, mature] and complete, lacking nothing

    We receive the crown of life

We believe there are 3 major tests or trials specific to gaining more anointing. The scriptures teach us that it’s the anointing that breaks the yoke (Isaiah 10:27).  Let’s look at Jesus’ while He was here on earth.

Matthew 4:1-3  Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him…   

1. This was right after He was baptized by John.
2. He had not yet begun His earthly ministry.
3. He was alone.
4. The temptations appealed to His flesh (food to eat, an adrenaline rush; indestructible, power over nations)
5. He overcame each time by not only knowing and quoting scripture but also living by it.

What can we learn by this example of Jesus?

    Our first major test will be to overcome our flesh. It’ll be nearly at the very beginning of our walk with Him. We will not be used in any form of ministry until we pass this first test. We basically overcome this test by obeying and submitting to what we know of the Word and saying no to our fleshly desires.

Luke’s account tells us how Jesus began His ministry after passing the tests of fleshly temptations. Luke 4:14  And Jesus returned in the power [ability] of the Spirit to Galilee.

Matthew 26:36-44  Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”  And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful [be distressed, be in heaviness] and troubled [distressed of mind, full of heaviness]. Then he said to them, “My soul [breath, spirit] is very sorrowful [grieved all around, intensely sad], even to death ; remain here, and watch with me.”  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 

Mark 14:32-39  And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed [affright] and troubled [distressed of mind, full of heaviness].  And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 

Luke 22:39-46  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Hebrews 5:7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 

What can we learn by this example of Jesus?

1. He was alone, even though He asked His disciples to pray with Him. He withdrew from them.
2. His very core soul/spirit was in great distress to the point of death.
3. This was a very personal struggle of the inner will. He really didn’t want to do it that way, but knew and submitted to the will of the Spirit.
4. Hebrews shows us that He was heard because of His reverence (caution, dread, fear).
5. Angels ministered to Him.
6. He fell on His face and prayed.
7. He got up from prayer twice, and returned again.

What can we glean from this and apply to our own trial of faith?

1. This will be a very lonely time of testing. We’ll want others to go with us, but it won’t happen. 
2. It’s the most intense, deepest trial of our soul/spirit’s will. 
3. It’s very personal and unique to us as an individual. We each have that one thing that we don’t really want to lay down. But, we know that we must submit to the will of the Spirit.
4. We can pray any words with any emotion so long as we maintain an attitude of reverence.
5. Angels will minister to us.
6. More than likely this trial will send us to a prostrate position.
7. I believe this shows that this trial of faith won’t be won in one prayer meeting. It’ll take multiple trips to our face, crying out with great tears to submit to His will.

If we follow the path Jesus took after that intense prayer time in the garden, we see He didn’t wrestle with any other part of it. Once He “won” the battle of wills, He completely submitted to the will of the Spirit.

• He didn’t fight the soldiers when they came to take Him. He just went.
• He didn’t fight back when they mocked Him, whipped Him, spit at Him, hit Him, put the crown of thorns on Him, stripped Him.
• He calmly spoke with Pilate, not disrespectfully, but honestly and simply.
• He willingly carried His cross even though His body was so frail and weak.
• He didn’t fight back or argue when they began to nail Him to the cross. 

Third Trial    Matthew 27:31-50    Mark 15:20-37     Luke 23:26-46        John 19:16-30

Luke 23:46  Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 

Matthew 20:28  even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Hebrews 12:2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

John 12:27  “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.

This is what happened to Jesus:

1. He only carried His cross part way, then another carried it behind Him.
2. He was nailed there at the third hour of the day (6am?)
3. A criminal was crucified on both sides of Him.
4. One mocked him.
5. One recognized his own sin and asked Jesus to remember him.
6. The soldiers offered Him wine mixed with gall (myrrh), he refused.
7. The land went completely dark at the sixth hour until the ninth (noon to 3pm?)
8. People that watched scoffed and mocked; they gambled for His clothing.
9. The inscription over His head was meant to be an insult, but it was true.
10.  He cried out, “into your hand I commit my spirit” then breathed His last. 

We can relate in:

1. We are not meant to carry our cross all day every day. Only a certain distance.
2. The beginning of our trial of faith for our spirit begins early…??
3. There will be others “around” us.
4. Some mocking us.
5. Some honest, sincere, repentant.
6. Sin is bitter tasting.
7. There will be a time of not being able to see much at all. Questioning. 
8. Very public thing. Lots of responses, some scoffing. Always is in any crowd.
9. People may want to accuse us of our true calling, but it’s still true.
10. The passing of the test. Complete surrender into His hand. 

By these accounts, we can see that we as believers and followers of Jesus will more than likely experience the same types of trials of our faith: body/flesh, soul, and spirit. We can watch and follow Jesus’ example to help us come out of each trial victoriously. Jeus is perfect in every way, so each trial for Him was a one time event. For us, imperfect humans, we should not be too surprised if we end up facing a similar trial multiple times. It is my personal opinion that in order to grow and mature we must first ‘pass’ a test or trial before we go deeper spiritually. 

Inappropriate anger
Continual anxiety
Accusing
Harsh legalistic attitude towards others
Quick to make excuses
Excessive fear of making a mistake
Extremes to avoid rejection
Tendency to be antisocial
Haughty arrogance
Experiencing continual depressive episodes
Irrational thinking
Marriage friction
Inappropriate humor
No willingness to worship God

Forgiveness is *the answer*

Unforgiveness: stones in our hearts
Must come out
Mark 4:16

A very simple thought and one that we, for the most part, are very familiar with: God desires us to be transparent with Him; to not hide or hold back any part of ourselves from Him. The things we try to hide from Him create walls and barriers in our relationship, not only with Him but with others as well.

Psalm 51:6

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. KJV

Inward parts – seat of the mind and thoughts

Hidden part – the most secret part

To know – perceive, acquire knowledge

Wisdom – wisdom/skill

Jesus desires us to be truthful with Him, right from the very center of our being.

Luke 18:9-14

And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

We often recognize this passage of scripture as a lesson of humility and arrogance. But, looking a little deeper we realize there’s more to it than that. The publican didn’t try to hide the fact that he was a sinner, he made no excuse or attempt to mask his true identity. The Pharisee, instead of dealing with what he really was, looked for faults in others to point out. He tried to hide what was really in his heart by attempting to only show certain parts. So, he wasn’t an adulterer.  Perhaps he was trying to justify his own immoral thoughts about women, by saying at least he didn’t commit the act of adultery.   Bottom line, he was trying to hide parts of himself. The publican freely expressed, without excuse, “this is me”. 

A personal example is when I was a teenager there were a couple of moments I specifically remember wanting to hit my mom.  Now both of my brothers had actually tried to and it did not end well for them.  If I were the Pharisee in the above story, I would have said something like, “God, I’ve never hit my mom, I honor my parents.”  If you look at just the surface, then this appears true. But, the fact is, the truth in the hidden parts was that I was so angry at my mom, I thought I hated her. I probably even said so in my own head. I remember visualizing what it would be like to hit her.  If I were the publican in the story, I would have said, “oh God! Forgive me from these terrible thoughts!”

(Just fyi, my mom and I have a great relationship. I’m so thankful. That teenage frustration against a parent is long gone.)

Proverbs 20:27

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.  KJV

Spirit – the Spirit of God imparting life and wisdom

Candle – a figurative lamp

Searching – to seek out

Inward parts – a chamber, innermost

Belly – the hollow, empty

It’s not as if God doesn’t already know everything about us, because truly He does. The life giving spirit, our breath that comes from God; the Bible says acts like a lamp into our very innermost part and searches us.

Genesis 3:7-10

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Did not God already know that Adam and Eve were naked? It’s not as if it was news to Him like it was to them.  It’s not that God doesn’t already know everything about us; but it’s about how we share or hide ourselves from Him. In Adam’s case, it says he was afraid and hid himself. We have no need to fear. If our secrets are safe in anyone’s ears, it’s God’s.  It’s not that He doesn’t already know all about us. But He desires that we share ourselves with Him, to be honest with Him about who we truly are, in the innermost part of our being, that part perhaps no one else knows about it.

I often pray, and hope it never changes; “oh God search me and know me, don’t let there be any part of me that I hold back from you. If there’s a part of me that I’m with holding, please show me so that I can confess and make things right again. Truly, You desire truth from the inside out.”  I’ve memorized portions of this scripture and incorporate it into my prayers.

Psalm 139 

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Last thought I want to leave with you tonight. According to online dictionary:

Transparent: 1. Allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. (transparent with others)

2. Easy to perceive or detect. (transparent with God)