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Faith Sees beyond the Senses
Faith is of the Heart pt. 2

Proverbs 4:20-23

20. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
21. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
22. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
In my prior teaching on this topic, it was stated that everything that’s worth engaging in must be done from the heart. If not, very shallow activity will proceed. And you know, you can’t swim in the shallow, you must go out to the deep. You’ve got to go deep with God’s word or it want be real to you. A casual glance, no. But a steady gaze, a fixed mark that you lock in on. The Word has to so capture your attention that everything around will be swallowed up in the power between the pages of his Holy word. Hear me today. To the degree that you focus in, is the degree of the victory you’ll win. A mind full of the word, that won’t let it depart, moves the word from your head, down into your heart.
Aw, we see to have Faith in your heart it takes time and plenty of effort. It would be great if we could just hear the word once and bang! It’s in our hearts in abundance. But as a child growing naturally, it takes time to learn. It takes time to see into the instructions of your mother, your just learning to talk. Or your just learning to walk. Does a baby start speaking fluently once it mom speaks up to him or her? Does a baby take off running when his parent is holding him up? Hears the thing about God you may not have known. He’s just like that mommy or daddy. He will cheer you on when you try to talk Faith talk and when you stumble, he’ll pick you up and hold you in his arms and hug you up so tight. And say, “you’ll get it next time. Come on let’s start again.” He’s Father God. Full of Gentleness to make you great! Begin to worship him and let’s learn this thing. You’ll be so proud of yourselves, then you will give God all the glory.
Let’s look at another witness as we sit together. This witness will let you know that faith has to see beyond the senses. Genesis. 12:1-5
The Calling of Abram

1. Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
4. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Abram was a willing vessel, as the story progresses. You see the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: Now the land couldn’t hold Lot and his substance, and the substance of Abram. Then they parted ways. Okay, let’s hear the Lord speaking to Abram again. In Gen. 13:14-17: 14. And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15. For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16 And will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17. Arise walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
Before we go any further, understand that Abram was 75 years of age his wife was past the childbearing age. And the biggest problem yet, was that his wife was barren, never having the ability to conceive. Consider the fact that the natural senses were a mountain in between what God said, and what Abram saw. How was God going to be able to change his inner image? The sense knowledge picture, had been developed in them both for many years? You see you’ve have lived with that handicap sense birth. “And now you say that I can walk? “You’ve struggled with that addiction for it’s seems like an eternity. “Yet you say I can be free?” That daughter has been in an abusive relationship and won’t let it go. “But your saying God will deliver? Oh my God, if that’s possible, I’ve prayed and I’ve prayed.” Think of what they both thought of at first. Let’s continue to read. Gen. 15:5 5. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. The Lord took him by the hand and told him to look to the stars. What is God doing? He’s giving him a visual image to replace that image of the impossible. This is what the Holy Spirit is sent to do for us. As we consume God’s word meditating on it day and night. He paints the picture on the canvas of our hearts. So that we see from the inside out. This develops hope. You can’t receive from God without hope. For faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Then the scripture said in verse 6. 6. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. See Abram was just like you and me, he was struggling with that word, yet he believed in God. After a while, Abram caved in. His wife said now the Lord hath restrained me from bearing. Go into my handmaiden, and maybe through her shall we obtain seed from the Lord. Gen. 16:2 He did, and Hagar bear him a son. This created such a tension between his wife and Hagar, that Sarai cast her out with her son. Now, it looks like it’s all over. This tore at his heart that his son through the flesh was cast out. And they definitely were off course with God’s plan. But God is not a quitter. That’s so good for you and me to know. And when Abram wanted to quit, he called out to us once again. God be Praised! Look at Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. God requires us to be obedient, then he can continue to fulfill his plans that he had for us from the start. Gen: 17:3. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4. As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. Here we see that God changed his name to Abraham, which means a father of many nations. Aha, he’s going to get everyone around to call him that. And every time his wife calls him, she’s saying “Abraham, father of many nations.” He changed His wife’s name to Sarah. Which means a princess. So now they have the image, he wanted them to see by speaking, over and over what he says they are. Then, then, ohh, then, look what occurs. Gen:18:1 18. And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. They dialogued. Abraham fixes him a good meal the God says, Gen.18:10….I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. Wow! Something had to have turn over in Abraham. Sarah was still struggling, but thanks be to God, Abraham became strong in his faith. Now this saga concluded in this Happy way. Gen. 21:1-3 1. And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. 2. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. Whew! It came true! And there’s nothing left to do, but to give the Lord another chance to build the image inside of you! So see the picture, And speak his words. Keep your focus steady. Hold it right there! For faith see past your senses. Then at your appointed time as you‘ve believed, your hearts desire you shall receive. Remember natural growth and spiritual growth are similar. But if we start now, with the stuff we know, it won’t be long till God’s faithfulness he’ll show. Gen. 25:7-8: 7. And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. 8. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Faith Worketh by Love

Galatians 5:6 For In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which Worketh by Love
1 Corinthians 13.2
And thou I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. ( the word charity is replaced with the word love). There is a danger here that must of necessity be discussed. We must always, always, let me repeat, always remember that God is Love. 1 John 4:8, that entire verse says that whosoever does not love does not know God… The danger is drifting away from our very foundation. If we sin, thank God we have an advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ the righteous one. So take heart! He will forgive your sins and remove them as far as the east is from the west. Psalms 103:12 In our growth and development, one of Satan’s deceptive vices is strife. While your sowing in the ground of your heart God’s word, be aware of those evil thoughts that would try to gain entrance into the garden of your heart. All thoughts are compared to seeds. Your heart is the soil or ground the seed is sown in. Just as a farmer carefully guards his ground from weeds, or other things attempting grow there. Hold on a minute [ let’s leave this train of thought to venture into a little different area]. It takes hard work to continue to keep watch over the garden of your heart, but it will be well worth it. Keep handy the word of God concerning his love and that you are a love child of a love God. Because you can become skillful in operating by faith, but you can get into trouble like the church in Asia Minor. Ephesus, the first church mentioned in the book of revelations, had worked hard but they lost their brotherly love for those around them, we know this for the Lord had said that they had left their first love. Their first love is the Lord Jesus. They were working for him but didn’t stop and take time, to keep there love with him fresh and vibrant. That is a recipe for falling out of love with those around you, for He is the source of true love. Listen to what Jesus said to them after his commendation of their accomplishments in Revelations 2:4,5: 4. But I have this against you, You have abandoned your first love. 5. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. See the High a premium the Lord places on Love? There is something wrong with walking in strife. I repeat, hear what the Spirit Of God said through the Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 13:2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
You can become disqualified and your works will not follow you into the Kingdom of heaven. 1 Cor.3:13. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. But as your building your Faith house, make sure your foundation is built on the foundation of Love. So that it won’t cave in on you as your walking. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

 

Faith is of the Heart ❤

Have you ever heard of a love story without love? Or a story of great conquest without a daunting hero or courageous heroine. Even so, the saga of faith in our lives, if it cometh not from the heart, it’s pages will be empty and barren. Everything that’s worth engaging in, must come from the heart. And so that of or love and pursuit to be well pleasing in his sight. Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV)
6. 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. Having knowledge of these things the responsibility lies upon each one. We must make it one of our greatest quests in life, that we’d learned to walk by faith and not by sight.
As stated in the last article “Faith Speaks,” when your a baby in Christ; newly born again, God will answer many prayers. Spiritual Growth and Natural Growth run hand in hand. Many times new babies are prayed for by elders and God just blesses them so much. But let’s here what the Apostle Peter said:
1 Peter 2:2
Parallel Verses
King James Version
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. A responsibility rests on each one of us. You see you maybe the one he wants to use to pray for the new babies in Christ not too long from now.

So the whole church, just as a natural family should, be pressing forward expanding our knowledge and maturing in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. The 2nd verse to the song” I’m Pressing on the Upward Way”
2 My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Ohh, come on, let’s grow together.
We will speak further on the subject shortly.

Faith Speaks
Mark 11
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
(Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-26)
Let’s look at a 2nd witness concerning our faith and what is required.
12. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 14. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. Let’s look at this phrase in verse 14, this phrase indicates that words were exchanged. We know trees can’t speak but it seems this tree was an object lesson that the Lord used to show his disciples the power of words, and the ability of a tree; or mountain to pose some form of problem that could stand in the way. The scripture states that the disciples heard it. Look at verse 20. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. Peter observed that the tree was not only dead, but it was withered from its roots. Now your going to have to read this passage over and over and over again until this revelation dawns on your heart. Hear the Lord’s explanation, and his application to them that followed: 22. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Notice he called that tree a mountain. It represents problems or obstacles, hinderances, or barriers. Then this is the most important part in the scenario. He told them to speak to the mountain. “Speak to it?” Yes speak to the mountain, or obstacle. “Did you mean, speak to God about it?” No, look at the verse again. “ whosoever shall say unto this mountain.” Can you see where we have missed it’? Through the ages men have been baffled because they prayed and prayed that God would do something about that problem, not realizing we were to imitate Christ by speaking to it. When your a baby Christian, God does do things about mountains, because your too young to figure out yet what’s happening. But there comes a time when you must grow and develop your own faith. As you keep moving forward, you become more responsible. Natural growth and spiritual growth are very similar. So please don’t become upset. God wants to help you grow strong.
13. You see, you could petition God to bring about a resolution, but if your going to listen to what that problem is trying to declare to you, you will remain as your. How does a problem speak up to you? There appears on your skin, a red spot. When you look at it, all of a sudden thoughts like, you know this probably is cancer, you had a grandfather that had this very same thing, and you know it wasn’t very long till that red spot increased in size. Then he went to the hospital, and it was down hill from there. Looks like your the next victim. Start preparing everyone around that you won’t be here much longer. That’s how the mountain talks to you. The way you answer it sets the course of your life. I want to bring another scripture in at this point. Hear what James says in the third chapter. James 3
King James Bible
Taming the Tongue
1. brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. These verses are showing the power; positive or negative that your tongue holds. What you want to understand is that the mountain or obstacle attempts to put pressure on your thoughts, thus causing you to speak in agreement with what it presents. But if you answer that mountain like Jesus answered that fig tree, (I will use another Gospel writers description of what Jesus said.) Matthew 18:21-22 21. Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. You see he’s given you the right to speak to any situation that stands in your way. When we pray, we may get some specific directions about the way he would have you speak to it. But the problem will obey God’s word in general. Jesus stayed in close fellowship with his Father and said in John 5: 19 New Living Translation:
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. Learn to live in vital communication and fellowship with God continually. Then when you speak up, your confidence level will be there. Friends your going to have to answer every problem in life with what the word of a God says. We see here that Jesus curse that fig tree from the roots. God may tell you to curse those growths from the roots, so that they will wither and die and not come back again; destroying their life.

Acts 27
Let’s begin by considering the witness of one who’s Faith was put on trial. What was his testimony in the midst of a dark impossibility?
I add narration in order to depict the scene through amplification.

What was said when darkness was closing in?
Was an obituary put together, for everyone aboard with him? Did he throw in the towel, use his garment for a shroud, or did he look to the word of God, before he spoke out loud?

Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

The Apostle was on board a ship headed for Rome. He had previously told the captain, that he had perceived, that the voyage would be with much danger, and damage to the ship and their lives would be in jeopardy. But the captain was unwilling to listen, and set out. At first it seemed that everything would go well, however they encountered such a storm that they had to let the ship drive. Let’s back up a little and see the very situation they found themselves in:
Acts 28:18. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19. And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 20. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 21. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Now here’s what I’d like you to consider. Paul was a servant of the Almighty God. God obligated himself to him, even though like Elijah, Paul was ready to give his for his life brethren that stumbled at the knowledge of Christ. That’s why he was on his way to Rome, for his testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet God dispatched an Angel with a message of deliverance, not only for Paul but for everyone aboard the ship. Paul leaned hard on the integrity of God’s word. Then he turned and encouraged everyone on board. And every word that the Angel spoke came to pass. For the Angel said in Acts 27:24 “ Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Then Paul affirmed that he believed God. He told them to cheer up and eat something. Paul goes on to say in Acts 27:26, howbeit or however, we must be cast upon a certain Island. Then we pick up the story again in Act 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42. And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 44. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to lands. Friends I rest my case. Could any thing be any darker then this? Now gather your strength once again. Go back to the word, it’s integrity will persevere you. For the very same integrity that was demonstrated for Paul, will buoy you up, and prevent your fall.

On the third day of a fourteen day storm oh, what shall you do? Could it be that his example here was pinned to help you through?
“Be of good cheer, are you serious, this man has lost his mind, “you don’t laugh when things are going wrong, thats offensive, that a crime! Why would he suggest to me take courage be of good cheer? Battan down the hatches men, the end is drawing near!! “

The report you choose in the dead of night, will bring you through to victory and Protect your life. Lean hard on the integrity of God’s word.

Great! Your here. So glad that The Spirit Of God led you to this platform. I want to make a case for you. I want to help you to go into the court rooms of heaven. I want to stand as a mediator between you and the Lord Jesus Christ concerning the validity of his word. Prepare yourself. We will enter in, and set forth your case. Isaiah 43:26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou majesty be justified. Alright, God is ready, the Lord Jesus; seated at his right hand. He’s urging me to set forth the evidence in favor of his faithful word. I’m ready. Pull up a chair. Let’s sit together. Open your bible once again. Let’s begin in the Gospel of John. John 1:1 in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. Pause, take time to analyze this verse before we proceed further.

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