Don't let a temporary setback throw you off your path. Keep going! Remember that vision God gave you when He spoke that promise to you? If life knocks you down, once again, focus on that vision!
This reminded me of when God led Abram (Abraham) out to see the stars. In God's plan for Abram, which came first? Hope or faith?
First came the image of hope
as He led Abram out to see the stars. By that method, the Father
painted hope on the canvas of Abram's heart. He now had a vision!
First comes vision - that image of hope. A lively hope imparted. A
hope more real than the natural circumstances.
YOU HAVE TO
BELIEVE IN IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
Instructions came to
Abram by the Spirit that they change their names. By following these
instructions, faith then appropriated what was first obtained by
hope. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. (Romans 12:1). They are not seen in the natural but
they are most certainly seen in hope. If hope cannot see, faith
cannot bring.
We have always put so much importance on
the changing of the name of Abram than to the vision imparted to him
by seeing the stars. Know and understand that the confession alone,
without the vision of hope, would never have produced Isaac.
On
the other hand, the vision alone, without following the instructions
of faith would only have caused hope to be deferred indefinitely to
make Abram's heart sick. (Proverbs 13:12). Both are required.
Hope, a living hope must come to the people. The vision must be
strong and the image alive. Let us never discount, nor place below
faith, the importance of hope.
What has God spoken to You? Do you
SEE it? Do you BELIEVE it?
AGAIN...do not let a setback in life get you down. Remember the vision God has promised!
I just listened to this song and I've been sitting here just revisiting the early moments of where it all began for me with GOD. I am so thankful He freed me from the ways of the world and even the legalism in the church. I truly believe that the path I've been on is all for a reason and GOD has His purpose for everything that I've gone through.
I came across this Scripture from GOD'S WORD the other day and had one of those WOW moments. I don't know how many times that I read the book of Acts but never saw this Scripture so clearly as I do now.
“They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:10-11).
Starting out so new in the LORD, we just don't know how important it is to search the Scriptures daily, praying in the Holy Ghost, so that we may understand what the Scriptures are truly saying. If we do not study the Bible for ourselves, that is when there is a danger of getting caught up in false teachings. But of course, with being new, I believe that it's the responsibility of the leader to instruct new converts how to pray and study the Bible for themselves.
I was taught a doctrine,when I was first saved, that insisted that we have to do certain things (follow the steps of salvation) to be saved. I found myself constantly trying to work to keep my salvation and always lived with the fear of losing it if I didn't follow those teachings.
It is SO HARD for some to actually believe that something happens within before they do anything! If it is required that we contribute anything for our salvation then why did Jesus have to die?
I am so thankful that GOD gave me the TRUE revelation of GRACE. How very excited it is for me now to HEAR the Gospel! Do YOU remember the first day you actually HEARD and RECEIVED the Gospel? That is the moment salvation comes. That is the moment your heart is regenerated. It all happens way before YOU do anything. All it takes is HEARING and RECEIVING by FAITH. Then righteous WORKS shall follow those who have TRULY believed and received!
In the book of John, chapter 3, when Jesus tells Nicodemus that "Ye Must Be Born Again", He wasn't suggesting that Nicodemus had to do anything. His statement was referring to what HE must do IN him. To be BORN AGAIN is to be BORN OF GOD, not anything that we do, but all because of what HE did for us and what HE does IN US.
It is as simple as this:
1. First....we are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2)
2. Then....God speaks His Gospel into the darkness of our sinful heart. (We hear the Gospel preached)
3. The Spirit works in the heart by the Word – awakens the heart to the truth of the Gospel - regeneration (2 Cor. 4:6) THAT is how powerful God's Word is.
4. When we see the light of the Gospel of Jesus we embrace it by faith (Romans 10:17)
5. And God justifies or counts us as righteous for Jesus' sake. (Romans 3:26)
6. As a symbol of death - to the world, the flesh and the devil, we are
baptized in water, which is our identification with Christ's death on
the Cross. Baptism is where we count ourselves as dead with Christ
7. After being born again – regenerated – given a new nature, the Holy
Spirit moves in and begins to create a language inside of our spirit.
8.
Once filled with the Holy Spirit, the gift is given – supernatural gift
of tongues. Tongue and mouth will begin to shape the same words being
created inside and must be spoken out.
Sharing the Gospel with someone is so simple. Why do we make it so difficult? If their heart is ready, they will receive. Just know that God's Word will not come back void but it will accomplish what it is set out to do. (Isaiah 55:10-11) So, remember this promise for when you share with someone and it doesn't seem like they are receiving. You may be the one who is suppose to plant the seed of God's Word in their heart by sharing it, and then others come to them to water the word in them, then it is GOD who gives the increase, causing the seed of His Word to grow in them. Just be obedient to God when He directs you to minister the Gospel to someone. He will do the rest!!
Here is the song I was listening to today and usually listen to it everyday now. It's a great reminder of ALL God has done for us and what we have to look forward to. This song is the first song that I have heard that proclaims the full GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
If you are one who has not yet heard the Gospel and received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, listen to this song! THIS is what He has done for you and what you have to look forward to. Receive Him Today!
LIVING, He loved me! DYING, He saved me! BURIED, He carried my sins far away! RISING, He justified FREELY FOREVER! One day He's coming! OH GLORIOUS DAY!!
"Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns
Here is the link to the song if you are viewing this from email:
