Walk in Faith
Dear Friend,
Praise the Name of The Lord Jesus Christ. I am confident that it is well with you and that you have continued to see the goodness of God in this year. My wife and I are well and are grateful to God for His grace and mercies that are new each and every morning. Never forget that we are thankful for your friendship and will continue to ask God to answer your prayers.
This month, I took long before writing this word. It was deliberate.
In April this year, God placed the word “shift” in my spirit and I shared with you. Many things shifted. Even the Church shifted locations in May! Our God is a precise God. In the email, I wrote…
The Bible says that “the paths of the righteous grows brighter and brighter to the fullness of day” (Proverbs 4:18). This month, God will cause clarity to spring forth regarding the next move He desires you to take. You are shifting and the shifting is for the better and everything concerning you will become brighter and brighter. Every darkness will disappear in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
I have been writing the monthly online word for almost 14 years consistently but I sense a shift in what God would have me do. I will be sharing a word but the frequency may not necessarily be monthly. I am just following His direction and as He guides I will follow His leading. I am so thankful for your constant feedback and support in prayers. It is very much appreciated.
God has placed in my heart that the body of Christ must take time to focus on FAITH. I will share with you a few of the truths that I have been meditating on and later on other truths on the same subject. Let us look at a few of these scriptures on faith.
The Bible declares the following about faith:-
1. Hebrews 11:6 – “ …without faith, it is impossible to please God”! {It is mandatory}
2. James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” {It is not a mere belief}
3. Galatians 3:11, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17 – “…the just shall live by faith.” {It is a lifestyle}
Dear friend, there are many things we may want to do or are currently doing; the question is, do they please God? Anything not mixed with faith does not please Him and hence may be a waste of time. My prayer is that you will please God and that you will be among those that walk this faith walk.
What is Faith?
Faith is such an important ingredient of the Christian walk that a clear understanding of what it is would help you appreciate Faith.
The chapter of the Bible that is often thought of when we talk of faith is Hebrews 11 however, we have many other direct and inferred definitions of faith. I will share a few here:-
1. Substance & Evidence. In the first verse of Hebrews 11, we see faith defined in two parts as “…the substance of thing hoped for...and also “…the evidence of things not seen.”
2. A Weapon of War. In Ephesians 6:16 we get mention of “...the shield of faith” It is a shield that we need to carry daily so as to block the fiery darts of the devil.
3. It is a Law. Romans 3:27 “…the law of faith” Just like gravity or any other law, faith is a law which if violated has consequences.
4. It is a gift. In Ephesians 2:8 we get mention of “… faith...it is a gift of God”.
5. It is the victory that overcomes the world. In 1 John 5:4 we read “…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Your victories as a Christian may not be attained if you do not have faith. It is my prayer that you sense the importance of faith.
Same starting point
Friend, just as in a race, all persons start at the same point. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith. See Romans 12:3. How we move on from the starting point is dependent on each person. I pray that you will desire to please God with your hunger for more. Jesus said this “is anyone thirsty? Let him come and drink of me and out of him shall flow rivers of living water”. Your level of faith can easily be attributed to your desire for more of Him.
Hearing and Hearing
Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. The Word of God is the ingredient that catapults our faith level to new heights. How are you hearing the Word? How often are you listening tothe Word? Avoid listening to unbelief and words that bring discouragement. If you have some friends who are constantly talking negative things…avoid them. Get friends who you talk about the things of God. Yes, friends who are in a Bible Study Group and who love to discuss the Word. Hang around those who edify you with godly conversation. If your church does not believe in the integrity of God’s Word…friend leave that Church. God created all things by the Word and we have to believe this. We have to believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Friend, I pray that God will guide you in this faith walk in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Dead faith…No faith…Little Faith…Great Faith
Even though our starting point is the same, the faith levels of many people fluctuate. I pray that your faith level will not fluctuate but rise and keep on rising in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. James, in James 2:14-17, tells us that if you have faith and no action you have dead faith. It is not valuable and you should not even brag to have faith at all. Our faith then has to be evident in our actions. My prayer is that, any area your faith is dead and not been evidenced by actions, may God cause your faith to come alive in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
In the Miracle in Mark 4, when Jesus rebuked the storm, Jesus asked the disciples how come they had no faith. I pray that no matter what storm may come your way, your faith will continue to stand in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. In Matthew 15 we see that Jesus commends the Canaanite woman for great faith. I pray that at the end of the day, when your faith is analyzed, Jesus will be happy with the level of your faith and commend you in the same manner.
Faith Failure = Heart Failure
Faith failure can be equated to heart failure. Friend, the strategy of the devil is to destroy your faith. Peter was targeted by the devil and Jesus said in Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail…” Friend, your faith will not fail in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen. Strengthen brethren with this knowledge.
May you have a faith-filled season.
God bless you,
Pastor Chester
