Just a Thought

Three weeks ago, I started to read the Bible. I started to read it differently than I had before. I used to read it just as anyone would read any book; I have just recently started reading it and getting the messages conveyed because now I have the Holy Spirit to help me interpret. I want to share something that caught my attention, and if you care to, share this with anyone who you think could get something from it.

It was suggested to me, to start reading the New Testament book of John. Well, I decided to start in Matthew because something told me that I should, and it felt right. Immediately, something caught my attention, and I brought it up to my wife (who has a whole two weeks of Christianity on me). It amazed me how many times the apostles lost their faith. I know that we are all imperfect humans, but how hard is it really to keep faith?

There they were, in the presence of the living breathing Jesus, who performed miracles right and left on a daily basis. The apostles themselves were given the ability to perform miracles in His name, and did so on a regular basis. But, as soon as anything looked bleak? BANG!!! They lost their faith. They had to be reminded time and time again by Jesus, that all it took was the faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains. How hard is it to have just that miniscule amount of faith?

Now, I have only been Christian for a whole three weeks, but I have something to share. I was physically healed by a miracle of God. Not because I had faith, but because others did. At the time that this happened, I was still a pagan however; I had opened myself up to the possibility. I had emotions well up inside me that I had never felt before, and I felt the presence of God. Shortly thereafter, I prayed with Pastor Brian, and invited Jesus into my life and my heart. It was amazing! I had never felt so good in my life! Just writing about it brings back the joy that I felt at that moment.

Anyway, to make a long story even longer, I believe that I have found a way to keep faith. I think a lot of it has to do with your mindset, and the words you use when talking about it.

I KNOW that I have faith. I AM a man of faith.

This is how you need to think about it. Use conviction in your words.

If you word it as:

I believe that I am a man of faith. I believe that I have faith.


Well, that leaves it open to interpretation… 99% of the time that people use the term “I believe”, it means “I think so, but if you can prove me wrong, then…”

An example would be:

I believe that I deserve a pay raise. As opposed to:

I know that I deserve a pay raise.

I want to be a man of faith. I want to have faith. – is a little different.

In prayer, that is great. That is asking for our Lord, to give you faith, to maintain your faith, because if you ask, you will receive! But once you receive it don’t profess “I want….” Say it like you mean it “I KNOW…”

If you KNOW something, it is not open for discussion. There is no opposition, there is no swaying, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Anyway, I know that God is a living God. I know that Jesus died for my sins. I know that if I pray that my prayers will be answered. And I know that everything that I accomplish in this life will be because of our Lord God. I know that I am just a vessel for His work. I know that everything that I am good at is because of God. And, I know that anything I have or will accomplish in this life will be because of our Father God.

I know that life isn’t always going to be perfect and worry free. But, think about it:

If God is in your life, God through which anything is possible, how hard can it really be?

Last weekend, May 16, 2010; was presbytery weekend. I was fortunate enough to receive a message. The first part of the message was a warning if you will.
“Never think that a double minded man receives anything from God.”

Well, any of you who know me would obviously know my immediate thought… “Did he just call me two faced?” well, I had the help once again of Pastor Brian, who explained that to me in better light. Remember, I am still new to the whole Christian thing, and have not yet had the privilege to read and know the Bible as I want to. I think that my new interpretation could be of use to a lot of people.

I know that I am and have been good at my job. Even when promoted to a position which I was not trained for, I was able to just jump right in and take ownership of it. (now here is the kicker)

WHY?

It occurred to me that for YEARS, God was with me and helping me. Even without my acknowledgment, He was helping me. I was always prideful, and almost to the point of arrogant when it came to my job. Then, a week after I accepted God into my life, I am given this warning, and LIGHT BULB!!! How can I take credit for what God worked through me? (There’s that whole double minded thing.) So, now that I think I have that sorted out, I am going to continue to have faith and do what I feel that God intends me to do.

I will continue to pray that God will give me the wisdom to be a better father to my child, and a better husband to my wife. I will continue to pray for the wisdom to take care of my responsibilities at work. And several times a day, I ask God to never let me lose my faith.

Well,
I have been notified that I have not blogged in a whole 6 days.... Imagine that!
I guess I will re-state what anyone who reads this already knows... I am now a Christian! and as Ren says "Who knew that being Christian could be so fun??!!" Anyway, I have now blogged... So quitch o bitchin'!