SCRIPTURE: Hebrews (NIV) 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
OBSERVATION: Two people groups – the same. Both heard something – the same.
Both heard the gospel – the same. One group received no value/benefit – the difference. Why the difference – faith! One group did not mix what they heard with faith.
God is sovereign so He can act independently of man. However, when God is working with man, He requires our participation.
Faith is the active ingredient that must be added by man to God’s Word to bring it to life. Faith is what we add to the mixture of His word that activates it to become what it was designed to be. Faith is the confidence that what He says is believable and trustworthy. Faith says, “It is true; it is God’s Word!” My faith is visible when I live like God’s Word is true!
APPLICATION: It is important for me to know what God has said about situations like the one I am facing. I find that information in the Bible. Then I need to seek God about doing the same thing today. Sometimes the scriptures does not tell me what He is going to do today; but it builds my faith to know that He is concerned about what I am facing. Then armed with the scriptures of what He has done in the past, I go to Him in prayer to plead my cause based on His past actions.
I go to Him in faith, knowing that He is involved in what I am doing and that I can expect Him to act in accordance with His Word!
I go to Him ready to obey, to act on His word!
PRAYER: Lord, the better I know your word, the better I will be ready to mix my faith with the word you give to me. The better I know the history of how you responded to others, the better I will know how to respond to what you say to me. Amen
Pastor Leon
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