We all know that one of my favorite topics revolve around trust. I often ask people and myself if I really trust God. Almost invariably the answer is Yes.
However….
There is a gap between what we say and what we do. Sometimes a big gap.
We are not alone in this as there are numerous verses in the Bible where this topic is discussed (James 2:14-17, 1 John 3:18, James 4:17), but these are the ones that I use to drive me:
James 1:22 (NIV) – Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Mark 9:23 (NIV) – “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
When we read these three scriptures we discover that God views love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23) as verbs.
These are things we should do, not say.
Like a muscle, we need to exercise these (thoughts, words, actions, behavior, habits) and make them strong… It is in the execution of these verbs that we differentiate ourselves from this world.
So now we reach the next moment – We can’t start incessantly praying for a new car, or a house or a job without understanding something first.
Colossians 3:2 (NIV) – Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
colossians 3v2
If we start fixing our minds towards what will benefit our faith, and what would enhance our neighbor, the man we meet on the street, or someone we do business with’s perception of what a true Christian think, say, do and complete. Then….
Luke 11:9 (NIV) – “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
The total aim of this message is to allow you to reevaluate your stance and changing your relationship with God from a believer to a practitioner.
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Originally posted at: https://discoveringgod491609808.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/action-1st-prin...
Anton van den Berg is a normal person. I have no specialized theological training but I have led a life of hard and tough lessons. Like silver, I had to be taken to the furnace to get rid of a lot of impurities. In that process, I have learned to let certain things go, and to attach to other values. These posts represent some of the pivotal growth-moments in that journey. I hope that it would assist you on your journey in some way. May God Almighty, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit be with you.