Growing in Faith

Posted on January 31, 2014 by KD Manes under God's Call

We find God to be the One on whom we can depend to bring us to our destined goal, and One who already in Christ gives us rest for our souls.”

God doesn’t call us to a neurotic dependency on Christ, but rather a simple childlike trust. Rather than automated fulfillment of rules and rituals, He desires that we develop a fulfilling relationship with Him, rooted and ignited in faith (Romans 1:17).

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

These two qualities—sure and certain—have a secure beginning and ending point.

Beginning Point of Faith

Receiving Christ as Lord is the seed that contains life with Christ. Our faith and salvation are not drummed up by self-determination. They are gifts from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary . . .

(Napa Valley Vineyard by Jim G., Flickr)

How does your faith grow?

Faith blossoms through the following:

Believe in Christ’s Perfect Character: Jesus doesn’t just save us the moment of our salvation, but continues saving us . . . freeing us from captivity to sin, ourselves, and Satan’s deception. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority,” Colossians 2:6-9.

Meet Together: “Do not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching,” (Hebrews 10:25). We all struggle and falter at times. An infant doesn’t start out running . . . . Neither do we spiritually. When one falls down, let’s help each other up.

Abide in Christ: John 15:1-10 depicts a vineyard with Jesus as the true vine, God the Father as the gardener, and us as the branches. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (vs. 5). We remain in Christ by submitting to him through prayer and obedience. Our faithfulness to the will of God in this life will be examined in the next life (Daniel 7:10; Revelation 20:12).

Hear God’s Word: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ,” (Romans 10:17).

End Point of Faith

Lastly, believing in God’s promises anchors our hope in Him, resulting in life and peace.

Which promises of God have helped you lately?

Faith Factor

Posted on January 24, 2014 by KD Manes under God's Call

Faith: (noun) Strong belief or trust in someone or something.” – Merriam Webster Dictionary

We exercise this kind of faith daily. When we sit on a chair, we trust it will hold us without collapsing. When we pour a cup of coffee, we trust our mug will not leak. When we fill our vehicle’s gas tank, we trust our car will drive.

But our faith is only as good as the object we place it in. Eventually chairs break, mugs crack, and vehicles break down.

God’s Take on Faith

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

This is the kind of faith God commended the ancients for (Hebrews 11).

How Important is Faith to God?

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A Strong Case for Faith in Jesus Christ

The New Testament book of Hebrews presents a strong case for placing our faith in Christ.

Christ is Superior: Jesus—greater than any angel, religion, priest, or leader—is the ultimate authority and complete revelation of God. He alone forgives sins: past, present, and future. Through His death on the cross, He has secured our forgiveness and salvation.

Jesus is High Priest: In the Old Testament, the high priest represented the Jews before God. But now—under the New Covenant—Jesus connects us to God. Jesus not only guarantees our access to God the Father, but He also intercedes for us so we can come boldly before the Father with our needs and seek forgiveness.

Jesus Sacrifice: Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He is the perfect substitute to die for our sin.

God not only wants us to be reassured of salvation, but also wants to grow our faith. This process takes time, daily commitment, and service. When we mature in our faith, we will be able to face trials with endurance and be unshaken by concerns or temptations. (Disclaimer: I’m in process.) 🙂

Peace with God and real meaning for life are found when trusting Christ. When we completely trust Him, He will completely transform us (Philippians 1:6). Our faith and obedience please God.

My righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” – Hebrews 10:38

Are you completely trusting in Christ?

Peace Through Christ

Posted on January 17, 2014 by KD Manes under Salvation

Whether we’re shopping for insurance, cars, clothes, or a house, we want the best bang for the the buck . . . the complete package.

The Apostle Paul wrote the New Testament book of Colossians not only to combat errors in the church, but also to show believers that everything we need is found in Jesus Christ.

One of the strongest statements about Christ is found in the following reference:

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Jesus—the express image of the invisible God—is equal with the Father. He is pre-existent, omnipotent, and eternal. He not only desires a relationship with us, but also deserves to be our highest priority. Jesus Christ, the fullness of God, is the power source for living the Christian life. He is our leader and the head of the church.

Jesus is the most comprehensive, perfect, and complete package “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Unlike the most expensive car, clothing, or house, He offers us eternal life free of charge. Christ’s gift of salvation and forgiveness covers us now and throughout eternity. We don’t even have to meet a deductible to receive these benefits. This is by far the greatest, most gracious offer ever given.

Salvation by trusting in Christ’s work on the cross sounds too easy for many. But self-effort only leads to disappointment or pride, and then eventually eternal death. I love that Christ’s simple way can be understood by children. His provision is the only way that leads to abundant, eternal life.

Are you connected to Jesus Christ? Have you placed your trust in the One who lacks nothing? I believe this is the greatest decision a person will ever make . . . to accept and follow Jesus Christ, or reject His offer. Eternal life is at stake and the consequences are serious (John 3:15-18, 36).

If you haven’t seen Billy Graham’s second video in My Hope America series, I encourage you to watch the following 30 minute presentation. If you have questions about receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior, or about Christianity, please ask in the comment section and I’ll do my best to answer. 🙂 Have a great week!

In His Time

Posted on July 19, 2013 by KD Manes under God's Call

I love to water ski. Gliding across the water gives me a sense of adventurous freedom.

Of course gliding only happens after mastering standing up, which is the most challenging part. But my Dad taught us kids a cool trick.

If we timed it right, we could step off the dock with our ski and presto—sail across the water atop our slalom ski. By holding a body’s length of rope in the left hand while holding the ski handle in the right, we’d wait. . . .

As the rope straightened between us and the boat, we stepped.

Of course the following usually occurred when stepping too soon: We dipped under the surface before flying over the ski; or the ski handle jerked out of our grasp; or both.

When we stepped too late, we jerked forward landing face first.

Timing

Thankfully, God—who marks the seasons—knows when we’re ready for the next step in our life journey.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Maybe you have availed yourself to God and are waiting for His direction. It takes courage, surrender, patient trust, and determination to step out in faith to follow Jesus to unknown places.

Maybe God has birthed dreams and desires in your heart, but your God sized dream sits dusty and defeated on the shelf.

If you are struggling and feel stuck, don’t give up. Keep seeking God. Be faithful in the daily responsibilities where God has planted you. Our sovereign God has a reason for our waiting seasons. Being loving and protective, He doesn’t want to send us into His service unprepared. He knows what we need and is intimately engaged with us in every step of our journey.

Just as God has marked the physical seasons, he also has marked our personal seasons.

All the days ordained for me were written in your [God’s] book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:16

God’s timing often differs from ours (Isaiah 55:9). In my post, My Lifeboat, I share how I struggled through a waiting season during my college days. A more recent trial and waiting period is shared in Humpty, Hubby and Me.

When our God inspired dreams appear like a mirage and Satan flaunts our flaws, it’s the perfect time to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

It’s also a good time to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). He wants us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). He can handle all our frustrations and disappointments.

The great “I Am” intervenes in His perfect timing.

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.” – Isaiah 64:4-5

When God says “go,” let’s step with Him. The water may be choppy at times, but He will enable us to cross the waves. He will be our shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4).

*Check out Justin Ng’s Timelapse of Mount Bromo in Indonesia that he filmed over a period of 10 days—an awesome reminder of God’s power and creativity. (Hint: if the video loads slowly, you can click the blue HD and bars at the lower right.)

Thirsty?

Posted on June 21, 2013 by KD Manes under Salvation

Nothing beats a cup of cold water on a hot summer day.

Just as our bodies hunger and thirst for physical food and water, our souls hunger and thirst for spiritual food and water.

One of my favorite Bible stories is Jesus talking to the woman at the well (John 4:1-26). No respectable Jewish man would be caught talking to one like her. For she was a despised Samaritan woman, a member of the mixed race that the Jews hated. She was also known to be living in sin.

I love that Jesus crossed all barriers to share the good news of the gospel with her.

In the heat of the day, Jesus stopped by the well where she was drawing water. He said to her:

Will you give me a drink?” – John 4:7

Surprised, the Samaritan woman said:

You are Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” – v. 9

Jesus answered:

If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water . . . whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – vs. 10, 13-14

What did Jesus mean by “living water”? Several Old Testament verses speak about thirsting for God as one thirsts for water (Psalm 42:1; Isaiah 55:1; Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 13:1).

God is called the fountain of life (Psalm 36:9) and the spring of water (Jeremiah 17:13). Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah by forever quenching a person’s thirst for God (John 4:25-26). Only the Messiah can give this gift that satisfies the soul’s desire.

Are you spiritually thirsty? There is only One who can forever quench your thirst. His name is Jesus.