Faith is a spiritual gift.  Faith gives us the ability to Believe spiritual realities.  Faith is a noun.  Believing is a verb.  Faith is Trust and Confidence in something that you cannot register with the five senses, nor by worldly knowledge.  It is Assurance of Truth, of God’s Word.  It is Believing;  To believe God’s Written Word, His spoken Word, and His voice in our spirit.  By Faith we Believe that the Word of God is True.

Now Faith is the assurance of the things we hope for, the proof of the reality of the things we cannot see.  Hebrews 11:1 (Williams)

“Faith is the foundation of our confidence, of things we can trust, as evidence, with conviction, although it is yet to be seen.”  (my literal translation by looking at the Greek)

Faith allows us to see and reach into the spiritual realm of the Kingdom of God.  We are to walk by Faith, not by sight. By Faith we trust in The Hope, that Jesus Christ is coming back for us, yet we have no physical evidence of this coming event, but only in the Word of God.  Therefore, we Believe.

It is by Faith that we can understand that the Heavens and Earth were created by the Word of God, and for a purpose.

By faith we understand that the worlds were created, beautifully co-ordinated, and now exist, at God’s command; so the things that we see did not develop out of mere matter.  Hebrews 11:3 (Williams)

Faith is not just Believing in God’s Purpose for Creation, but also in your Purpose and Calling of God.  Just as the men and woman of the Old Testament who by Faith achieved great things for God…

For by it (Faith) the men of old won God’s approval.  Hebrews 11:2 (Williams)

Hebrews chapter 11 recounts some of the records of what God’s people accomplished by Faith… I’ve heard it termed the “Believers Hall of Faith”.

Who through Faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Hebrews 11:33, 34

Faith is Trusting and walking with God, in God’s ability and power.

But without faith (noun) it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe (verb) that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6

We don’t just believe in God, we believe to please God by walking in Faith, believing His Word, that we may carry it out in our lives… and He rewards us (eternally) because we have set our heart to really seek Him with diligent effort.

Faith is like a seed….it must grow in our heart and in our spirit. When we got born again, we received Faith… called the “Faith of Jesus Christ”.  Now, Believing is our action upon Faith.  It is the carrying out of God’s Will and Purposes in our life.  Faith is Not blindness.  It is being fully convinced and persuaded that what God says is true, and that we can walk out on it…as Jesus did.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (perfecter) of our Faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2

Jesus Christ not only walked in Faith, accomplishing and performing all that God called him to do, but he also taught it… Therefore, we Look to Jesus and follow his examples…

We see in the Gospels how Jesus confronted one of his followers for having “little faith”…and he commended another man for having “great Faith”.

Here in Matthew 14, Jesus calls Peter to join him in walking on water…

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  Matthew 14:29-31

And then we see where a centurion man came to Jesus, asking him for healing for his servant…

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. ” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”  Matthew 8:7-10

What is the difference between these two records?  One shows us having “little faith”, while the other having “great Faith”….The first illustrates Doubt, while the second shows Assurance and Confidence of the promise, before it is even seen. The difference between Doubting God’s Word, and Believing God’s Word… is the difference between having “little faith” vs. “great Faith”.

“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. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”  Mark 11:23, 24 NKJV

Well that seems quite impossible….to tell a mountain to remove itself and throw itself into the sea…?  Well, that’s exactly the point Jesus was making… the things that are impossible for man are not impossible for God.  Without Faith, “Doubting” is normal when it comes to the spiritual things of God.  But with Faith we now can Trust God’s unfailing ability and power.  Faith is not looking to yourself and your own ability, but is looking to God’s… And if we Believe it, we can see it, we can speak it, and we will receive it.  Faith is expecting God’s Promises to be manifested.

Faith is like a mustard seed. Here is a record where a man brought his son to the Disciples to be cured of a devil spirit. But they could not cure him, so Jesus had to do it…

And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have Faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:18-21

This record gives us in-depth insight into this reality of Faith.  Jesus performed a supernatural task by Faith.  And then he taught his Disciples that their Faith must grow, like that of a mustard seed.  A mustard seed is tiny.  But it grows up to be strong with purpose. We also see that Faith requires applying principles from God’s Word…”prayer and fasting” are principles that bring results.

Here Jesus explains the significance of the mustard seed…

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.  Mark 4:30-32

The Mustard seed, although a very small seed compared to most, grows up into something significant. We can grow in Faith…from being little to great….from Doubt and Fear, to Trust and Confidence.  Doubt and Fear defeat the promises of God in your heart.  Faith brings God’s power and promises to you.

Grow in Faith….Here the Apostle Paul commends the Believers of Thessalonica on their growing Faith…

We always ought to be thanking God for you, brothers, as it is right to do so, because your Faith is growing so much and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing…  II Thessalonians 1:3

And here Paul mentions their “work of Faith”…

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.  I Thessalonians 1:3

We have been given Faith so that we can “Put On” the Qualities and Nature of God, and thereby become prepared, equipped and able to do good works for God.  This is how we serve one another in Love… as Jesus Christ did.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  John 14:12

Most Christians are not aware that they have the ability in Faith to do good works as Jesus Christ did.  Perhaps “Doubt” is prevailing in the hearts of God’s people…

The Truth is that we actually have all that Jesus Christ had…the same power he performed we have been given “in Christ”.  But we must pursue this reality with our whole hearts.  We must Believe what the Word says….and Act upon it.

We have Victory over this dark perverse negative world in our Faith.  Jesus Christ brought us this Faith…and the Victory.  And with it comes the potential to manifest great power!

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith.  I John 5:4

This “Victory” is the purpose of Christ.  This is what God has called us to… to dwell in this spiritual reality, that is only found in the completeness of Jesus Christ’s accomplished work on earth.  This Victory is our Triumph over the devil…”the god of this world”, “the author of death”, “the deceiver of the world” and all the worldly influence that hinders us.  And now we have the privilege of living in Eternal Freedom…Eternal Victory!   And it was wrought by God’s Power…and by Faith.

And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who Believe, according to the working of His mighty power.  Ephesians 1:19

Do you Believe?  In Faith, there is nothing you cannot accomplish if you Believe!

It’s the Word of God that we must Believe…

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh (energizes) also in you that believe.  I Thessalonians 2:13

To know the Will of God, is to Believe His Word.  And when we Believe the Word it becomes a living reality in our lives.  And we keep our minds fixed on the Word…it becomes our lifestyle.  And therein, we become developed within these Energizing Realities.

Faith without Works is Dead.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has Faith but does not have works? Can Faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have Faith, and I have works.” Show me your Faith without your works, and I will show you my Faith by my works.  James 2:14-18 (NKJV)

I have heard it said, that Faith and Works are like oars in a row boat…you can’t move forward with just one in motion… Oh the good things we can do for people if we just set our heart upon giving in Faith, and actually do something… And we find it’s in this “Attitude” that miracles are wrought.

Until Jesus Christ returns to get us, we are to continue in our calling.  To serve in Love, work in Faith, endure in Hope.

For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the Hope of righteousness by Faith.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision (religious works) nor uncircumcision avails anything, but Faith working (energized) through love.  Galatians 5:5, 6

NOW FAITH IS ACTIVATED AND ENERGIZED BY LOVE…

Life is not always easy and often presents difficult challenges.  It has been said that, “life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it.”

Therefore, how we think about life is important.   When faced with certain (negative) circumstances, conditions, experiences how do we respond?  Our options are Negatively or Positively.  Do we get frustrated, worried, anxious, fearful or angry?  or do we maintain a positive, peaceful, confident attitude while looking for the solution?

Mindsets and Attitudes are our choice.  They are developed.  The secret is not to have a mind that is circumstantially affected, as the wind blows, being influenced by a negative situation, provoking all sorts of emotions.  But to have one that is fixed on a positive standpoint.  Our thoughts precede our words and actions.  Our thoughts are manifested into what we say and do. And can have a direct affect on the outcome.  What is our habit of thought?  Do we automatically get frustrated and anxious?  or do we know (responding) with assurance and confidence that as we maintain our positive outlook, everything will turn out the best for us?  When we walk in peace, solutions to our problems come easy and quickly.  But when we are stuck in our negative emotions, we can’t see past our own flesh to the solution… because our thoughts are taking us in the wrong direction.  And we learn that worry and fear are wasted energy that produce zero positive results.  But they do effect our health and lives as poison.  So we need to learn to overcome these negatives.

Let’s say you just lost your job.  And the first thought is oh no! I barely have any money saved and how am I going to make the house payment, pay the bills, feed the kids, etc.  Definitely a potentially negative situation…and a cause for concern.  But what is your “default” attitude moving forward?  Do you fret, stress and worry or do you have confidence that there will be a positive solution in time, and worrying is not the answer?   The positive way will always prove to be most effective!  Sure, there is the necessary element of being “concerned”, but not to allow the temptation of F.E.A.R. to take over.  Because the spiritual perspective is that there is an absolute solution and way to have your needs met and remain peaceful.  And sure you may have just lost your job, which makes life more difficult, but the False Evidence Appearing Real…is not a manifestation of your reality if you Trust in God and Believe.   Fear is the opposite of believing.

We can learn to be deliberate with our thinking, and develop new habitual thoughts that bring and maintain peace.  And once you are walking in peace, you learn how to protect that inner peace, by your thoughts and perspective.

The advantage we have in life is in what God’s Word says, and what it does for us, in giving us a new 0ption….a new perspective and reality to aim for.   And the Truth from God needs to become the standard that we hold to in life.  To manifest that which is good and acceptable and perfect for our life.

There are a few verses (promises) that I have faithfully utilized (proving) that this really does work… providing power and results.  It has totally strengthened my life.  Peace and Joy have become energized realities in my life due to these Truths.  And really these spiritual qualities exist in my life from learning God’s perspective and purposes, beyond just getting my immediate needs of overcoming difficult situations.  When we look at life from an eternal purpose, then often our problems become relatively minute.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6, 7

And we know (full assurance) that all things work together (fitting into a plan) for good (that which is spiritually the best) to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

We must learn to maintain a deliberate mindset of what we desire, rather than dwelling on the negatives.  because how the ‘law of believing’ works, is what one believes (thinks, confesses and acts) one receives.  Therefore, a Positive mind will receive Positive Results.

And when we see that God’s Word provides the very best perspective and promises the best outcome for our lives regardless of what we are facing…it should behoove us to make this our new way of thinking.

Another great secret is that through prayer, God actually helps us step by step, learn how to Renew our Minds to His Word.   All we have to do is ask Him for help, and be willing to listen.  His Word fits perfectly into our hearts, that we can believe it.  And what we believe becomes our reality.  And since His Words are spiritual, we become spiritually developed by His Word.

Practice a New Mind…new thoughts…new habits.  Have your Options ready. (from negative to the positive) Hold the new image (of peace) in mind and confess it.  speak it. and act according to it.  it is your new reality.  Ask God for His help.  You will get it!

A Prevailing mind is a mindset and Attitude that only focuses on the best possible outcome…and gets it!

Change your mind (Attitude) and change your life!

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP

The Key to Power is in the Renewed Mind.  Therefore, Put On the Word of God.

Now us Christians have an advantage in life, because we have God’s Word which is designed specifically for the “Believer” for our benefit.  It will  equip us and strengthen us and guide us for that which is the best for our lives.  But if we don’t Believe it, then we don’t get the benefit.  Doubt, Worry and Fear are the opposite of believing!  Our adversary wants us to doubt God’s Word and God’s Love and God’s Power for our lives.  Being Negative is just a bad habit!  We have the ability to change our minds, and overcome all negatives with right Believing.   Remember, We get what we aim at!

We gain control of our lives with this power of Believing.  If you want to avoid the drama in life, set your mind on what you do want…  And hold that image, goal, in your mind, your thinking, your words.   What we say and confess is a reflection on what we believe.  Only allow that which you are believing for into your life.  Let God’s Word set a new standard for what you say and believe.  Believing is a verb…it connotes action.  What action can I take toward my goal?  Believing Equals Receiving!

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.  Mark 9:23

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.  Ephesians 1:19

Let’s decide and start today, to only believe positives…