“HAVING THE GOD KIND OF FAITH”-
Merry Monday by Parris Bailey
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Heb.11:1
We all live in a world of faith, we just need to make sure it’s the God kind of faith. Every time Frank and I step out in faith it is always just as scary as the first time we ever believed. It wouldn’t be faith if we were totally certain. I thank God for all the years stepping out and watching Him grow big in us. From building on Airline Drive to opening Marysong Restoration center it all has been quite a journey. But let me give you what Martin Luther says about faith. Enjoy!
“Faith is not that human notion and dream that some hold for faith. Faith, however, is a divine work in us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God (John 1:13); it kills the old Adam and makes altogether different men, in heart and spirit and mind and powers, and it brings with it the Holy Ghost. O, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith; and so it is impossible for it not to do good works incessantly. It does not ask whether there are good works to do, but before the question rises; it has already done them, and is always at the doing of them. He who does not these works is a faithless man. He gropes and looks about after faith and good works, and knows neither what faith is nor what good works are, though he talks and talks, with many words, about faith and good works. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand times. This confidence in God’s grace and knowledge of it makes men glad and bold and happy in dealing with God and with all His creatures; and this is the work of the Holy Ghost in faith. Hence a man is ready and glad, without compulsion, to do good to everyone, to serve everyone, to suffer everything, in love and praise of God, who has shown him this grace; and thus it is impossible to separate works from faith, quite as impossible as to separate heat and light from fire. Beware, therefore, of your own false notions and of the idle talkers, who would be wise enough to make decisions about faith and good works, and yet are the greatest fools. Pray God to work faith in you; else you will remain forever without faith, whatever you think or do.”
John Piper uses this acronym APTAT when he needs to step out in faith; “Admit you can do nothing without God. Pray for God’s help in the situation, Trust God leaning on His many promises, act on it by faith, than thank Him for taking care of it.” Blessings—-