According to Your Faith

According to Your Faith

Ken

“Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29 KJV). Why did Jesus have to say anything? Because His purpose is to encourage our faith, since our relationship is based on trusting Him. It is not ours to object why we are so limited, but to believe He is not. Jesus does not mind our questions, so long as we ask them in faith. Willingness to obey Christ is to be a Christian, so obedience comes from a willing heart, doing what we know to do, until He shows us differently. Faith is trusting in the Living God to do as He said. OT Jōb was reduced to the barest, meanest circumstances, so low, even his friends had to conclude, Jōb had to have done something wrong to be treated so badly. Even Jōb finally broke under the strain, but God knew He was not putting Jōb under more stress than he could handle. Proof? “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13). That was true when Paul penned it, and it was true earlier with Jōb. Why’d God treat Jōb so? Because God is sovereign and can do as He knows is best for Himself and His Kingdom. Job actually had it right, when he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15); but, then he broke, when he thought he was pushed too far. Of course, he finally repented.

We see ourselves and all around us examples of people everywhere objecting to what God has dealt to them. We know we should trust God, but for any number of reasons, we can’t see how we can possibly do or be what God is requiring of us. What to do? Trust God and see where that takes us. Trust Him, even if it looks difficult or grim. Ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, if the Burning Fiery Furnace was fair of God to expect them to endure. Ask Daniel, if the Lion’s Den was fair of God to expect him to endure. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9). God will give us the grace according to our faith for whatever circumstance we face. If we believe there is no such thing as a situation in which God places us that we cannot endure, then our faith would do well in Jōb’s situation. Father, grant to us the grace to accompany our trust in You. It is not our place to tell You what is best for You or Your Kingdom. Only help us to be faithful. Magnify Yourself by what You accomplish through us. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.

The Godly Will Be Victorious

Ken

“I will bring down all the power of the wicked; the godly will be victorious” (Psalms 75:10 NET). How do you want to internalize this promise of God? For what is the Spirit of God leading you to pray? Jesus said, “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29 KJV). You’ll notice, Jesus had just asked the blind man, “Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord” (9:28). And, once He healed the blind man, He warned him, “See that no man know it” (9:30). Why? He didn’t need the publicity, which would only hinder His free movement (Mark 1:45). Back to the “power of the wicked” one (Psalm 75:10). Jehovah will absolutely remove all power from the Wicked One. The Antichrist, the False Prophet, the Devil, and “whosoever was not found written in the book of life [were] cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15), where all their power is brought to nothing. If you can claim this promise in faith for your peculiar situation, do so! It’s not even necessary to publicize your prayer request. “The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed” (Acts 14:9). Give God the praise!

The Godly Will Be Victorious

Ken

“I will bring down all the power of the wicked; the godly will be victorious” (Psalms 75:10 NET). How do you want to internalize this promise of God? For what is the Spirit of God leading you to pray? Jesus said, “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29 KJV). You’ll notice, Jesus had just asked the blind man, “Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord” (9:28). And, once He healed the blind man, He warned him, “See that no man know it” (9:30). Why? He didn’t need the publicity, which would only hinder His free movement (Mark 1:45). Back to the “power of the wicked” one (Psalm 75:10). Jehovah will absolutely remove all power from the Wicked One. The Antichrist, the False Prophet, the Devil, and “whosoever was not found written in the book of life [were] cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15), where all their power is brought to nothing. If you can claim this promise in faith for your peculiar situation, do so! It’s not even necessary to publicize your prayer request. “The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed” (Acts 14:9). You, give God the praise!

What is Faith?

Ken

For both the atheist and the Christian, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Atheists have confidence in what they hope for. Only they hope not for God. Atheists have assurance about what they do not see. Only they do not see God. Does that mean atheists have faith? Atheists believe something. They just say no to God. 

Christians see God, “as seeing Him who is invisible” (11:27 KJV), because the Spirit of God has given them a foundation of reasons to believe, see, and choose God. In Hebrews 11:1 NIV, “confidence” is the Greek word hupostasis, which is a compound of hupo, meaning under, and stasis, meaning to stand. Hupostasis is to stand under, support, give substance, foundation, or confidence. Faith is the foundation of reasons to have confidence in God. God is a choice, otherwise God would not have given us a choice. We can only see, whom we choose to see, until God takes away our choice. 

Seven Reasons to Believe 

First, God is, not because I allow Him to exist, but because He could not do or be otherwise. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). 

Second, God is, because He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. God is not an inanimate force, but a person, who rewards, calls, and does, when we diligently seek Him. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:24). 

Third, even the devils believe God is, only they have not chosen Him. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). 

Fourth, our sense of moral rightness and judgment is that “He shall reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). 

Fifth, even the demons know God is the Judge, who will judge them at the appointed time. “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29). 

Sixth, our sense that things can’t go on indefinitely without resolution, otherwise it is hopeless, unless Someone says, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17; 21:6), and initiates judgment and completion. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2Peter 2:4). 

Seventh, our sense of incompleteness, emptiness, or “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) argues for a completeness only found in God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). 

In conclusion, Godly Faith is confidence in God, whom we choose to believe, before we have no more choice whether to believe. According to prophecy, at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, everyone will see Him. Then, there will be no more choice. Somewhere between the gnashing of teeth at the end of the apocalyptic judgments poured out upon humanity and His actual appearing in the clouds, descending to earth, all of humanity that has chosen to see God, will have been born into His kingdom. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). Choose God before you cannot. Once Jesus returns, no more debate. He is no longer Savior, but Judge. “But those Mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before Me” (Luke 19:27).

Faith is a choice. Believe God. 

The Countenance of My Health

Ken

“I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright” (Leviticus 26:13 KJV). From the notes of a long departed sister, a testimony of hope and faithfulness.

My teeth are healed.

They are white and strong.

My incision is firm

As I sing my song.

I am healed and whole

From my head to my feet.

My family has health

And plenty to eat.

“The Lord is my portion!” [Psalm 119:57]

Saith my soul.

He took my infirmities

And made me whole.

“Faith is substance!” [Hebrews 11:1]

I shout this call.

For I am made perfect

In the presence of you all.

Father, may we all have such bold, quiet confidence in You, that You would never deny us. Grant that all Your people will say, You are the “health of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 43:5). In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Identity Crisis: Who Are You?

Ken

LORD, I am who You say I am (John 1:12). You are the Most High God (Genesis 14:18), the “High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity” (Isaiah 57:15 KJV), who has condescended to dwell with mankind (Revelation 21:3). You have created me in Your image (Genesis 1:27) that I may magnify You in choosing to walk with You in obedience (Genesis 17:1) and reverential trust (fear of the LORD: 2Chronicles 19:9). I am saved by Your grace through faith in You to walk in holiness (Ephesians 2:8-10). As a nation, we are blessed to be called by Your name to humbly pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways that You may turn (2Chronicles 7:14) and rain righteousness upon us (Hosea 10:12). As a Church, we are Your mirror to reflect Christ’s righteousness, love, and saving grace to the world (2Corinthians 3:18). A husband represents the headship of Christ to their wife (Ephesians 5:23). Parents represent Christ’s lordship to their children (Ephesians 6:1). Men ought to respect the biological uniqueness of women to bear the seed of humanity (1Timothy 2:15), as women need to respect the biological necessity of man providing the seed for the propagation of the human race (Genesis 2:18). LORD, may we understand who You are that we would know who we are. Magnify Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Breaking the Cosmological Principle

Ken

According to the Cosmological Principle, the universe should look the same in every direction following a Big Bang, but our galaxy exists near the center of an unnatural, cosmic void spanning 2 billion light years of nothingness. Explanation: Either the universe is eternal (as some propose) or the Creator intelligently and un–uniformly designed and composed a vast universe of power, wonder, and artistic beauty. The universe is not eternal, for we know that metaphysical attribute of eternality belongs only to the “eternal God” (Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV). And, it is revealed, an Eternal Creator spoke the universe into existence. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth” (Psalm 33:6). LORD, we worship You, not just as the only plausible explanation for our existence, but as the only certain foundation for our faith. Show us Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, magnify Your name. Amen. 

Perfect Soundness

Ken

“And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16 KJV). Should Christians use doctors and medical science? Of course, since doctors do not heal, but only assist God to heal. It is our privilege to receive healing from God. Yes, but some healing may not be complete until we come into His glorified presence. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1John 3:2). In the meantime, we should pray, believe, and affirm our “perfect soundness” (Acts 3:16) from the top of our head to the tip of our toes, until we see the physical reality, or we’re translated into His presence. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Dead Reckoning

Ken

Dead reckoning is an expression in aeronautical navigation of determining your current location based upon speed, heading, and elapsed time from a previous position. “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11 KJV). Christians are held captive by entangling sin simply because they do not reckon, consider, picture, or imagine themselves as anything but chained to the necessity or reality of that sin. Paul showed us the beginning of our solution. Reckon yourselves dead to that sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Some do it easier than others, but all must actively admit, confess, believe, imagine, see, and reckon that it’s so, for it to be so. How is this miracle accomplished? Through Jesus, who is God’s empowerment. It is simply God’s work in us to make it so.

Rapture: The Blessed Hope

Ken

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 NKJV). Sure, I’d like to go, if there’s a Rapture, but how do you know it’s so? Harpazō is the NT Greek for catching up or rapture. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [Greek, harpazō] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Here, harpazō is understandably connected with the “coming of the Lord” (4:15). We will be “caught up” (4:17) to the Lord in the air to reunite with our predeceased brothers and sisters before we all return with Christ. Harpazō also occurs in Revelation 12:5, where the “woman” (12:1), representing Israel, brings forth the Messiah, who is “caught up” (12:5) to the throne of God. Likewise, the Church as the Body of Christ will be raptured to Heaven, after which Israel will be forced to flee “into the wilderness” (12:6). May the Spirit of Christ “comfort” you (1Thessalonians 4:18) with these words, but let us not be impatient or contentious with one another, least of all, about the Rapture. “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).