Monday, February 22, 2010

Building Faith

"Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been wakened by the touch of God within them." -A.W. Tozer
"Resting in Jesus is not applying a spiritual formula to ourselves as a kind of fix it.  It is the essence of repentance."  Sacred Romance, Brent Curtis, Pg. 174
Believing in God, believing He is, believing He is true, by faith accepting Him and giving our life over to Him is only a first step in faith.  It is the essential foundation to build upon, but there is so much more God desires us to enter into.  How do we take those steps?  How do we build upon the foundation that is there?

The answer lies in spending time in God's presence, spending time in His word, and allowing Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.  It's not so much a matter of believing that God can, but that He will for us.  That We (I) will see the promise or dream God has given to me come to pass.

One of my favorite quotes from my pastor is, "When Jesus becomes your security, your insecurity is destroyed." (Pastor Paul Zink)  When we begin to truly trust Jesus, that's when we can truly trust the dreams, visions, and gifts He has given to us. The Spirit of God is given to us to saturate our spirit, and the Word of God is given to saturate our minds.  When we combine time spent in God's word and time spent in God's presence it is a lethal weapon to our fears, doubts, and insecurity.
God, who calls you, is faithful to do this." -1 Thessaonians 5:24
We serve a God that has huge plans for our lives, and as Christians we need to open our hearts and minds to the greatness of God.  Remember that God is the one who gives us what we need to accomplish what He has called us to.  In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, God's word reinforces yet again that God will make us worthy of the life to which He called us as we walk in His ways and in His grace.  Habakkuk 1:5 tells us "look at the nations and be amazed!  Watch and be astounded at what I will do!  For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it!"

Do I walk with that kind of expectation?  Am I looking to be amazed?  Am I looking to be blown away by the greatness of God?  Am I looking to be astounded by what God wants to do through me?  As I meditate on God's word instead of what today's society tells me, then yes, I will see my faith rise.  I will see my expectation build, and I will see God's hand working in my life.

The following has been a key scripture for me so far this year. 
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. -Ephesians 1:18-20
This is my prayer: Father, I pray in Jesus' name, for my eyes to be opened to your plans and purposes for me as never before.  Holy Spirit, soften my spirit to be pliable to your ways.  I will walk in the light of Your Word and allow my faith to be built in Your presence.  I love you, Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness.  Amen."