I
have been posting recently about applying our faith. The greatest example of
the use of applied faith is found in the life of Jesus. The basis of
Christianity is faith and is built up by prayer. Like a seed planted in fertile soil, prayer
mixed with faith gives growth to all good plans or ideas. Faith gives life,
power, and action to prayers. It is the start of greatness and the chemical or
element which, when mixed with prayer, gives one direct communication with God.
When Jesus was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in
bodily form like a dove (Luke 3:21-38).
Let
us take note that the public ministry of Jesus began at the age of thirty,
after great preparation, prayer, and receiving of the Holy Spirit – the same
divine resource God has provided for you; a resource of instruction and
empowerment to help you live a reinvigorated life of firm witness of Christ.
Here
are some other examples of applied faith found in the bible. In John 5:1-9, a
sick man wanted to be healed and spent 38 years thinking that getting into the
pool for healing was the way. His faith in Jesus and his willingness to take
action was an immediate cure. This example teaches us that having faith and
applying our faith is extremely productive.
If
you study the Old Testament, the prophets would tell the kings what they needed
to do. We know from hindsight that things would have worked out much better if
they had only followed this guidance. The good news is that these same
principles are applicable today and each day that goes by gives us another day
of recorded history we can model after.
Let
us have faith in the principles of God. Let us work on these principles
throughout life. Much like playing golf, let us keep a scorecard and try to
improve our score by applying these principles to everything we do. In Luke 2:21-39,
the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and he was moved. Just like Simeon, let us take
the first step in faith knowing the Spirit will build around us the resources
needed.
The
Holy Spirit is the intermediary, which links one's prayers with God. The positive
emotions like desire, faith, love, enthusiasm, and hope are stimuli, which help
us reach and influence the Spirit. The
positive emotions feed the Spirit and are found by studying the Bible, going to
church, and through fellowship with others working together. The negative emotions like fear, jealousy,
hatred, revenge, greed, superstition, and anger hamper the Spirit. These
negatives are like weeds to a garden. But the more positive emotions choke out
these weeds. When mixed with faith and prayer, they help the Spirit become the
intermediary with God to bring back answers to our prayers.
Let
us seek God’s plan for our day, take action on the plan, and be persistent in
carrying out the plan. Imagine if we could see like David. His vision
recognized a way to kill the giant by using a developed skill with the
slingshot. We also can develop skills with the use of God’s principles to slay
our enemies. Think of steps that can be taken so we build on what God has done
yesterday and help dream big dreams for tomorrow.
Let
us be humble before God with a daily prayer time and find victory through Him. Let
us be like Paul who applied his faith to produce extraordinary results. Let us
see ways God can use us. Let us exercise our faith and believe in future increases
in wisdom and job skills. Let us be successful as individuals but also balance this
success with morality.
To sum this post up, I have written the poem below:
Steps to Take
Start each day out right
Each morning see the light
Tell God your need
He will help to proceed
Pray with confidence
And expect assistance
Listen for instructions
Then take actions
If plans need adjustment
Pray even more fervent
Know that He is with you
All the way through
For
an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at
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