Now Faith Is...

 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

The Bible says that faith gives substance to the things you hope for. In other words, faith brings those things into your life. Notice this verse starts by saying, “Now faith...” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. It’s faith for today, right now.

So, what does it mean to have “now” faith? The basic definition of faith, according to the Bible, is simply believing in God’s goodness and believing that He guides, empowers, and encourages the people who seek after Him. It is confidence, reliance, assurance and conviction in His Word as truth—right now. As challenged as you are right now, can you believe that God wants to move you forward starting today?

For me I believe there are marked moments in time that are designed to grow us forward in our journey of Faith. The challenge is that we must recognize them as opportunities God affords us and then do something with them. You see, ignoring them is as much a choice as doing something with them.

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMP version,“...time and chance happen to them all.” In the NIrV version it reads, “…God controls the timing of every event. He also controls how things turn out.”

Before the foundations of the world, God laid out a plan for your life. He created you with a purpose, for a purpose, and for you to be successful! He has marked moments already laid out that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead. But it takes faith to believe.

Ecclesiastes tells us that time and chance come together for every person. That means you will have opportunities to grow closer to Christ and trust Him and HE will lead your steps. You will find yourself in the right place at the right time to meet the right people, have opportunities to share your faith, advance in your career, and to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged for you times of increase, promotion and blessing.

Today, open your eyes of faith and see the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He’s doing and what He’s about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and marked moments because He is ready and willing to fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed within your heart!

Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf, right now. Dare to believe that God will come through for you today. Stand strong and declare that the victory is yours, now! Let your words put action behind your “now” faith and receive His strength and power to see victory in every area of your life! The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. (Psalms 118:14 NLT)

Blessings,

God's Masterpiece!

The fact remains that 2011 is history. For some of us we have regrets and disappointments. Fact remains, it is now history! For 2012 we are praying that you focus on a truth that can change the way you view life! You were created and fashioned by our God. He made you just the way you are, and He has a specific and amazing plan for you--a destiny for your life. I love what the Bible says in the book of Ephesians. It says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Today, God calls you His masterpiece! You have seeds of greatness inside of you. You may be able to easily spot the greatness in others, but today I want you to see the greatness God has put in you. You have a destiny, a unique call, a special purpose that God created just for you. It’s there waiting for you. It has always been there. The Bible says that He planned it for you long ago.

It’s easy to hear it, but it can be a lot harder to actually receive it. It is easier to believe it for somebody else. You believe God’s best for your friends and the loved ones in your life. You encourage and support them as they pursue their destiny, but you struggle to receive it in your own heart. Why that happens is we tend to default to our weaknesses, areas of lack; and then we lose focus and really don’t know how to move forward. So then how do we receive His plan for us? How do we learn to live it out?  How do we move forward?  Well for me, I believe 2012 is going to be year where I am focused on how to “strive to thrive”--finding the truths from God’s word to make this step by step action plan! Imagine 2012 a year marked with living in complete health, spiritually, emotionally and physically! That is my hope and plan, and I pray you will join me in this process.

And today, God is saying, “it’s time!” It is time for you to start seeing yourself the way He sees you and striving to live that out daily.  No matter what God has called you to, you are filled with His greatness so you may as well learn how to live in that truth!  Terri and I want to encourage you to let this truth really sink in and let it change the way you think, and ultimately the way you live.

Blessings,