NOVEMBER 12, 2006

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for,

and certain of what we do not see.

Amazing! God gives us the grace of faith to receive what He gives.

Indispensable! You won't need faith after you get to heaven.

Paradoxical. -- It doesn't altogether make sense to the natural mind, but it's true anyway !

--Why would faith bring about something we hope for?

What kind of person does God takes delight in blessing?

I. The person who start with a hope, a dream or vision for a better future . God does. Jeremiah 29 says, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart . I will be found by you," declares the Lord (11-14, NIV).

Faith people dare to ask God. You have not because you ask not. When you ask , and you do not receive, it's because you ask with wrong motives , that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:2-3, NIV).

II. You believe God's promises.

Whatever you want God to bless, you need to find out His will on it and then actively trust Him for it.

III. In prayer begin to write down God ideas … Holy Spirit-given convictions . I'm talking about God ideas – a certain knowing that resonates with the Word of God – something that sounds like what God would do. By faith and patience we inherit the promises (He 6:12)

IV. Fourth, ask yourself, what am I wired to do? For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Eph 2:10 , NIV).

V. Faith is willing to risk failure. They risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:26 (NAS)

How do you rid yourself of the fear of failure? Two ways:

1. Understand what failure is. Failure is not failing to reach your goal. It may feel like failure, but it isn't failure in the strategic plan God has for your life. Failure is not having goals. It is not failing to hit your target; failure is not having a target for your faith.

2. The second thing you do to get rid of the fear of failure is you never seriously compare yourself with anyone else. Galatians 6:4 says, Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to someone else, for each one should carry his own load.

VI. Having a life of faith comes from believing that God will bless and use you well. Paul wanted the blessing of God on his life and he had faith for that. He said , I expect in hope that I will not fail Christ in anything. But that I will have the courage now to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth whether I live or die. Phil. 1:20 (NCV)

Nothing great is ever accomplished without enthusiasm .

Take what you are best at. Intersect it with what you are most passionate about. Intersect that with how you are wired – your capabilities – put God in the middle of it all -- and that's your sweet spot. That's the sweet spot of your life.

VII. Please God with your faith. The Bible says, Without faith it's impossible to please God.

The most important thing you have 100% control over is how much you choose to believe God.

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