A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR ALL BELIEVERS.

This Epistle of James is a practical guide for all believers, urging them to live out their faith in practical ways. This emphasises the vital balance between faith and works.

We learn that true faith leads to action and the transformation in our daily lives.

James urges us to demonstrate our faith through the obedience of God’s Word.

This becomes evident in how we treat people.

It’s all about being wise in all areas of life. There are several wisdom speeches in this short book to teach us how to make wise choices before we act. Wisdom is better used this way than learning from our mistakes after the fact.

We choose to live our lives based upon the life of Christ and His teachings.

THE KEY THEME.

1. FAITH AND WORKS.

In James 2:17, James stresses,

“FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD”

Non existent!

Your and my faith must be demonstrated by our actions and not just by the words we speak. I meet some very religious people in my Christian walk, but I do not see a heart change!

Where is the fruit of the Spirit  such as love, joy and peace? They are carnal and living by the flesh, they do not bear any fruit of the Spirit and the love of God is not spread abroad in their hearts.

Faith without good works is like a corpse, dead and lifeless and unproductive.

Your faith and works should complement each other. You can’t have one without the other.

How do we accomplish this?

We believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith in the fact that he paid the price for our sin.

Faith in His unconditional love and forgiveness to cleanse us from all sin.

Faith that we are healed, spiritually, mentally and physically and delivered from all the powers of darkness.

As wonderful as this realisation is, it is insufficient if we do not incorporate good works into our daily walk. They (the unsaved people will know we are Christians by our lives.)

FAITH, A INTEGRAL PART OF OUR DAILY LIVING.

Here, James who I think would have been a very nice person to have as a friend provides practical ways to live our Christian lives.

FACING TEMPTATION.

GOING THROUGH TRIALS.

HOW TO CONTROL THAT DEADLY MEMBER CALLED OUR TONGUE.

HOW TO PERSEVERE  IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE WISDOM OF GOD.

You and I can have victory over each and every one of these circumstances.

FACING TEMPTATIONS.

Count it all joy!!

This is “Not easy,” as our emotions get in the way.

Don’t you dislike going through difficulties? We all love to rest in the comfort of a life free from difficulties.

Why would dear James say, “Be joyful in the middle of trials and tribulations?”

Because adverse things, stir up your faith. Faith needs to be exercised!

Think of it this way… I am  exercising in the Gym of faith, and if I do not get on the treadmill of trial, then my muscles  of faith  aphotrate: ( waste away and become thinner and unusable.) We could call it weak faith!

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulations, but be if good cheer!

There it is again, “rejoice” For I have overcome the world.”

You can’t lock yourself away from people and expect to grow in faith; it is not possible.

The unsaved person will try to cope. without Him, by finding comfort in: Food, Alcohol, Sleeping tablets, Antidepressants such as Valium or other drugs, and never looking to Jesus. These drugs may help, but soon they become addictive.

As Christians, we turn to Jesus, our healer and allow Him to lead us to the proper treatment when necessary. Don’t always expect instant results; recovery takes time.

Dear believer when your faith is tested you allow it to stir up God’s power to endure all things… And yes! You can laugh and cry at the same time as you wait on Him to work in you and for you.

Then there is nothing missing or lacking.

Next week we will learn how to obtain Wisdom. So keep reading this book to remind you that James lived what he preached and is now receiving his reward.

Thank you for reading these mini Bible studies. I pray that you are encouraged by them. Please feel free to share them with others by pressing the Share button or sending me their phone number on messages and I will text them each week to their SMS.

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PERSEVERING FAITH.

“A Strong belief often without proof in something or someone.”

We pick up where we left off last week.

THEY WERE WRETCHED, POOR, HUNGRY.

People wandered about in Sheepskins and Goatskins. They were compelled to dress in such an uncomfortable manner, which caused various skin irritations.

“BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED AND TORMENTED.”

OF WHOM THE WORLD IS NOT WORTHY.

These despised and persecuted people, who lived as outcasts and wanderers, were of a character far above that of the world, being in total contrast to the wickedness of mankind.

“THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS.”

Scorched by the desert sun, scratched by angry thorns, and scrawny from lack of food were forced from their homes and wandered in the wilderness from place to place trying to to find a place of refuge.

Alone, lost, hopeless and helpless in an antagonistic world of sin.

YET! I SAY, YET! THEY POSSESSED INVINCIBLE FAITH, being…

“Strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might.”                         

“Owning nothing, but possessing all things.”

“Praying always.”                    

“Rejoicing in hope.”         

“Patient in tribulation.”

“Content in all things.”

“Assured of a future and a hope.”

Every one of them being worthy of praise and honour. Of these brave heroes, the World is not worthy. But in God’s sight, they were as precious gold tried in the fire.

They, despised  by the World obtained an excellent report from God. Oh that we all would be worthy to hear the Lord say,

“Well done, you good and faithful servant.”

How did these wretched people survive?

Through, and By Faith. Because of faith in the God of the impossible.

Knowing this, they did not see the fulfilment of His promises in their time. Because they understood that there was a “better promise.”

“GOD HAVING PROVIDED A BETTER PROMISE FOR THEM.”

Dear reader, if your prayers seem unanswered, do not give up. He has heard your prayers and seen your tears. He has something more in mind for you. Something far richer, far better, beyond your wildest dreams.

So, give praise and honour for the glorious victory that is yours through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those dear people knew in their hearts that the future promises outweigh their present circumstances.

We of today have the privilege of looking back and seeing that God has included us.

His whole plan was incomplete in their generation because it required you and me to fulfil it, to bring it to completion.

Just as we need them, they needed us to complete God’s Divine plan for all time.

In the next chapter, 12, we see that there  is a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us today. These are those who were martyred for Christ, and they are cheering us on, saying,

“Go for it! You will also receive the promise.”

These promises are still in progress, dating back to the first and second coming of Jesus. What Heaven will be like and our part in it.

Those precious souls could not see the end from the beginning… Praise God, we can!

By faith, they persevered, and so must we must…

“NEVER GIVE UP.”

This amazing chapter of Hebrews was written to sustain us in the hard times, the times of despair, loss and severe pain, to remind us what God has accomplished in the past and what He can do today and in the future.

We must be warned that severe persecution of Christians is operating across the World in many countries. In fact, 3,ooo,ooo are already being persecuted for their faith in Christ.

So, dear Christian, strengthen yourself in your Christian walk by…

Staying in the Word of God. Read it and pray every day. Memorise the Scriptures, for soon your Bibles will be confiscated and all Christian literature will be obsolete.

Be bold in sharing your faith and share the Gospel.

Ask God for a mighty Anointing to withstand your enemies and the courage to remain faithful. 

The Trinity is interceding for you. Just as Jesus prayed for Peter that his “Faith would not fail.”

YOU WILL TRIUMPH!

Because…

HE NEVER FAILS!

HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

HE FULFILS THEM!

THE RESURRECTED JESUS IS WELL AND ALIVE IN YOU, HIS FAITH IS AT WORK THROUGH YOU.

Finally dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him.

Crucify your flesh and walk in resurrection power.

With the Apostle Paul, count yourself as dead indeed unto sin and alive in Christ.

SATAN CANNOT KILL A DEAD MAN!!!

Amen.

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THE BETTER RESURRECTION.

Last weeks challenging message leaves us to ask,

How did they suffer such persecution?

How could they endure such pain and suffering?

THE REASON.

So they may obtain a BETTER RESURRECTION.

When a person was tortured, they were looked upon as “dead” If at any time they would relent,  they were, in a sense,  “resurrected.”

But if they refused to relent, it was because they had a,

BETTER RESURRECTION in mind.

It was a far more noble, permanent and honourable resurrection, which is far better.

It was a SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION.

Knowing that their bodies would be restored to immortal vigour and raised to eternal  life to a place where they were not susceptible to such pain and suffering anymore.

That is called…

THE BETTER RESURRECTION.

It took great faith to believe that!

They endured so much opposition.

OTHERS HAD CRUEL MOCKINGS. (Making fun in a cruel way.)

Today, we call it Bullying!

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely on my account.”

“Rejoice” and be “Exceedingly glad” For great is your reward in Heaven.”

Remember, when you take the first step, God will do the rest.

FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD.  Yes it is God’s faith at work in you.

He has given you Power and Authority to…

Save souls.             Heal the sick.   Deliver from demons, and raise the dead.

You take a risk and step out and do it. You are possessed with miracle-working faith, and God will come through for you.

Look at this!                          “WOMEN HAD THEIR DEAD RAISED TO LIFE.”

There was the Woman of Zerapath’s son whom Elijah raised to life.

The Shunamite’s son was restored by Elisha.

Today, the true faith of Jesus is at work in you. All Christians possess His faith, but many refuse to use it. 

Others were TORTURED.                   The Hebrew word for torture is “Typanum,” meaning “to stretch.” As you would stretch the skin of a Timbrel or a drum.

They would bend the victim in such a manner to extend his skin so that the exposed gashes would increase their excruciating pain.

How utterly cruel.

But, they would not accept deliverance and refused to renounce their faith in God.

THIS IS THE VERY NATURE AND SPIRIT OF A TRUE MARTYR.

“THEY WERE SCOURGED.”

That is the punishment of using a whip to cause significant pain. A standard mode of punishment before the martyr was put to death. The Lord Jesus under Pilate endured such punishment.

The whip they used had large, sharp metal pieces entwined in the straps, known as the “Cat o’nine Tails.”

It flayed the skin from off the body exposing organs in bare sight.

“Oh, thankyou my dear Jesus.”

“IMPRISONMENT.”

They were imprisoned in crowded, filthy, vermin-infested prisons, beaten and starved.

There was Joseph in Egypt. Daniel in Babylon. In the New Testament we read of the imprisonment and torture of Jesus’ disciples. Most dying as martyrs.

How could we not mention Paul and Silas, who sang praises to God for the privilege of suffering for His sake?                                   They possessed “Resilliant Faith”

“THEY WERE STONED.”

Zechariah and the Apostle Stephen, who revealed “Forgiving Faith.”

They were.

“SAWED USUNDER.” Tradition has it that the Prophet Isaiah was executed in this manner. Though rare, it was practised.

The victim was placed in a wooden box or coffin or a hollowed-out tree, and they would saw, beginning from the head, as a piece of wood was sawn.    

“THEY WERE TEMPTED.”

They were offered life instead of great suffering. Sometimes, when a father was about to be put to death, his wife and children were personally placed before him. Their cries of fear and anguish of soul would tempt him to relent and renounce his faith in Jesus.

“WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD.”

In the case where 85 priests were slain by Doeg because they protected David and his men from King Saul.

Does this scare you?   It does me.                                Except that we are not alone,

We have Jesus living in us. The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say. Angels to strengthen us as they did Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Also, the tremendous promise that God will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear.

As a young person, I read an old book called “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.” It was a horrific, illustrated book of martyredom covering various waves of persecution in previous centuries.

It took some time for me to shake off some of the images I saw.

Yet one story gave me hope. I had made up my mind that I would not survive such cruelty and death and deny Jesus.

This saint of God was torched to death at the stake. As the flames leapt upon him, and the ropes that kept him bound were consumed in the flames, his voice was heard above the cheers of the crowd saying…

“NO PAIN, NO PAIN!” Then he went to be with the Lord.

So if you feel as l do, take heart, because God has promised…

“LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS EVEN TILL THE END OF THE AGE.”

Today, there are 3,000,000 people all over the world under severe persecution for their faith.

The return of  Christ is imminent. Will you be found faithful?

More next week!

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Amen!

MEN AND WOMEN OF FAITH. ( He’-roes and She’-roes!)

THE VARIOUS MEANINGS OF FAITH.

1.Firm persuasion.

2. Strong conviction.

3. Real assurance.

4. Unwavering confidence.

5. Seeing before believing.

6. Taking a risk.

FAITH VERSUS HOPE

Both are intertwined in the Scriptures. It will depend upon your perspective what you choose to believe.

Hope, from our perspective, can have an element of doubt in it.

For instance, you “hope” it might happen. Whereas, faith says. “It has happened.”

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE.            Hope can mean the same thing as Faith, as we call Him the “God of all hope.”

We put our faith and hope in Him.

See Hebrews 10:38.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH.

Keep this verse in mind as we observe our heroes in chapter 11.

At the time when Paul wrote this book, Judaism was once again infiltrating this young church. It enticed young believers back into religious practices of keeping the Law to obtain Salvation, so there was no need for faith to obtain God’s promises.

FAITH MUST FIRST BE A LIFESTYLE, NOT JUST A MENTAL ASSENT. (mind without the heart)

In this section of the chapter, we will examine the lives of the Martyrs.

Men and Women, whose lives were tested to the extreme, enduring the horrors of severe suffering and persecution, even to the point of death.

It will make your trials seem like a piece of cake!

Please read our text, Hebrews 11: 32-40.

We could say, that

FAITH IS: VISUALIZING THE OBJECT IN OUR MINDS BEFORE WE PHYSICALLY  SEE IT WITH OUR EYES.

For example, we believe that we are in good health, and we are healthy even when we feel sick.

Or our bills are paid, though we are broke.

Our unsaved children will be saved and serving the Lord before it actually happens.

We by faith believe in the reality of God…that He exists.

We believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God.

We believe that Jesus Christ, was virgin born, lived as God in the flesh, was crucified for our sin, not only for us but for the whole World. That He rose again victorious over sin death and Hell.

And we believe by faith in his soon coming again.

And we believe all the promises of God in Him are Yes and Amen personally.

Our heroes believed in Christ despite what others believe and suffered for it.

They possessed, BOLD FAITH.

Paul demonstrates the GOD KIND OF FAITH in the lives of these believers to encourage us that…

TRUE FAITH IS, LIFE CHANGING FAITH and LIFE GIVING FAITH.

I like to think that faith is a,

STRONG CONFIDENCE IN WHAT IS REAL THOUGH WE CANNOT SEE IT, OR UNDERSTAND IT, WE BELIEVE IT TO BE TRUE, SO WE ACT UPON IT.

We believe that it is so, even when it is not so.

We examine the lives of some of the Prophets.

They believed what God told them was true and they prophesied it to everyone. Not everyone listening believed and these men of God suffered great persecution.

JEREMIAH.

God’s Word to him was like “fire in his bones” Jeremiah possessed, “persevering faith.”

When God prompts me to share the Gospel with someone, it’s like an unquenchable fire in my soul… a knot in my stomach, I cannot help but do it.    

These amazing prophets subdued kingdoms by faith. (Took away their power.)

GIDEON. The Midianites.

DAVID. The Philistines.

SAUL. Slew his thousands and David his ten thousands. I like to think of them as possessing a

FIGHTING FAITH.

The driving force, of course, was the Holy Spirit.

Paul says, “THEY WROUGHT RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

They carried the laws of God’s righteousness and justice by punishing the wicked and cutting off God’s enemies.

“THEY OBTAINED PROMISES.”

God’s blessings that were passed on to many generations. I call this,

“BELIEVING FAITH.”

“THEY STOPPED THE MOUTHS OF LIONS.”Samson, David, of course, Daniel, brave, faith filled, fearless Daniel.

Their faith rendered the ferocious LIONS harmless.

I can imagine Daniel calling, “Here, kitty, kitty!” See him sound asleep, cuddled up to them in that cold dungeon. Snoring!

“QUENCHED THE FIRE OF VIOLENCE.”

Here we view Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the extremely heated furnace of 🔥 fire, because they would not worship anything but the “TRUE AND LIVING GOD.”

Imagine them joking with each other as the were escorted toward the furnace.

“Looks hot in there.”

“Yea, it must be the heat!!”

But, Jesus was in the angry flames with them. So they perished not.

When they were called out, not even the smell of smoke lingered upon their clothes.

How amazing!

They possessed. “FURNACE FAITH!”

They dared to believe God’s promises.

They believed the “Impossible and received the Incredible!”

Do you believe that the Lord is your strength?

That He is your Salvation?

That you are loved?

That your needs are met?

That He is with you at all times?

You may know it… but do live it?

The text continues…

OUT OF WEAKNESS, THEY WERE MADE STRONG.

Samson, though disobedient, repented, and God strengthened him to destroy more Philistines at his death than in his life.

He exercised, SUPERNATURAL FAITH.

These heroes were valiant in the fight. Many Righteous Kings subdued their enemies and brought deliverance to Israel.

They turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Not citizens)

The Amonites.                  The Philistines.            The Assyrians and other people who rose up against them.

How do these heroes lives affect you?

Ask God to make you brave, bold, and fearless to fight the enemies that Satan brings your way.

You are indeed a soldier of the cross. Remember the Captain of the Lord’s host is with you, fighting for you.

THE VICTORY IS YOURS!

More from Hebrews 11 next week….

Amen.

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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FAITH!

We have learned so much about faith through the lives of Biblical men and women of faith.

Summing up their various experiences and their resolve to obey God we can list their characteristics of faith and write them out, and make them a real part of our Christian lives.

Put them constauy. ntly before your

eyes, to encourage you to live a life of faith despite yg our circumstances,

Walk by faith and not by sight looking the Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FAITH.

Please read these several times and meditate on each one of them.                 

FAITH IS A CHOICE!

FAITH IS A SPIRITUAL EXERCISE!

FAITH IS TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD!

FAITH IS SAYING, YES TO GOD!

FAITH IS SEEING JESUS IN EVERYTHING!

FAITH IS KNOWING THAT YOU ARE NEVER WITHOUT HOPE!

FAITH LIFTS US UP OUT OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES!

FAITH IS NOT HOLDING BACK ANYTHING FROM GOD!

FAITH IS OBEDIENCE DESPITE HOW WE FEEL!

FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD AS WE READ HIS WORD!

FAITH IS KNOWING THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR  OUR GOOD AND GOD’S GLORY!

FAITH IS A SURE WAY OUT OF LIMITATIONS!

FAITH IS CONJOINED TRIPLETS … FAITH HOPE AND CHARITY!

FAITH IS THE ROAD TO PEACE AND SATISFACTION!

FAITH PLEASES GOD!

As we have looked at the Book of Hebrews, we saw that faith is genuine and enduring. You can evaluate your faith by the faith of those who have walked before you. So do not be discouraged if you feel your faith falls short.

These examples of faith are there to encourage you in your difficult life.

I was thinking that the first thing you need to know, before you exercise your faith is to ask yourself,

AM I IN THE WILL OF GOD? 

God cannot bless or answer our prayers if we are living in disobedience to His known will according to His Word. 

For instance, I do not gamble by faith and expect that I will win Lotto!

I do not take a risk and jump off a bridge when it is prohibited!

Are you in His will in your situation? 

Are you meant to be living in adultery and expecting your partner to be saved?

David the beautiful psalmist says… and says it by experience. 

“IF I REGARD INIQUITY IN MY HEART, THE LORD WILL NOT HEAR ME.”

One good way to evaluate your faith is to look at the faith of those who have gone before you.

Keep in your mind that their examples are for a lifetime so do not despair, or be depressed. Keep moving forward in God’s will and you will have success.

Your faith needs an object… Something or Someone.

The object of your faith is:

THE  TRUE AND LIVING GOD … THE ONLY ONE WHO IS WORTHY OF YOUR FAITH.

Trust in Him with all your heart ❤️ and He will never let you down.

I sincerely pray that each of us who know Jesus as Lord and Saviour will increase in Faith and the Knowledge of His Word.

Amen.

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Heather Dalzell 0417545814 SMS.

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You are someone precious in His sight.

GREAT FAITH! FAULTY FAITH!

Hebrews Eleven speaks of other men and women of faith who were severely tortured to death.

They suffered starvation, were homeless, lived in caves, and wandered over hillsides to find places to hide from those who persecuted them.

Their faith stopped the mouths of Lions, a reference to the faith of Daniel, a man of great faith.

What an existence, what a hopeless situation, yet!… They saw miracles of deliverance… The dead raised to life!

Many miraculous escapes from death and imprisonment, such as Joseph who was wrongfully accused of rape with Potiphar’s wife and thrown into a deep dungeon for years.

He never faulted in his resolve that God was always with him and would someday deliver him from bondage.

He by faith made the most of his imprisonment and encouraged Pharaoh’s servants by interpreting their dreams.

God moved to not only to free Joseph through the Chief Butler but used him to interpret Pharoah s’ two  troubling dreams.

God delivered him and exalted him to the second in charge under Pharaoh of all the land of Egypt.

What kept Joseph from anger, bitterness, and resentment in such an unfair and cruel rejection?

He was able to freely forgive his brothers for their betrayal.

HIS UNWAVERING FAITH IN GOD was what kept him.

He trusted that God had the whole picture in mind even though he could not see the end from the beginning, so he persevered.

These heroes embraced God’s promises by faith. The Greek word for “embraced” is the word “salutes” We salute them.

Many died in faith; they did not seek faith at their time of dying; they died “in faith.” 

They never went “beyond faith,” and they didn’t go “below faith,” nor did they “lose  faith.”            

THEY DIED IN FAITH.

Living by faith is easier when we choose to remember that this world is not our home, that on this side of Heaven, not everything is settled, and that sometimes things go very wrong. We know in part, but in eternity, all wrong is righted. That is our “True Home”, our “Better Country”.

Precious friend, God is not ashamed to be called your God because He has already prepared a place for you.

John 14:1-6.

FAULTY FAITH!         Not everyone possessed a God kind of faith that was totally secure. We will note at least four of them who struggled to believe  God.         

GIDEON.

Gideon doubted God’s Word at first and wanted many confirmations. Yet despite himself, he boldly defeated a massive army of Midianites

(Judges 6:7).

It is excellent that God saw the potential in him by the Angel calling him, “Mighty Warrior”,_ even before he reluctantly obeyed.

            ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

BARACH.

In Judges chapter 4, he led the hosts of Israel in a dramatic victory over the Canaanites. Yet he hesitated and only went forward when the Prophetess Deborah encouraged him.

             ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

SAMSON.

This hulk of a man, everyone admired as “Strong”, was weak in faith. His weakness was his attraction to beautiful women. Samson’s disobedience of the Law became his downfall. He was enticed into sin by Delilah, who, for the sake of riches, betrayed him.

He, after much whining and nagging to the point of exhaustion!! told her the secret of his strength, his “long hair.” A secret known only to God.

She turned him over to his deadly enemy, where he found himself grinding a Millstone in a Philistine prison.

Yet it is never too late to regain strength through repentance and a renewed faith: Samson, though having a tragic death, slew more Philistines at his death than in his lifetime. Read the full story in Judges chapter 13.

              ▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

             JEPTHAH.

He was used by God to defeat the Ammonites. Yet, in the excitement of his victory, he made a foolish vow and stubbornly kept it to the demise of his lovely daughter. This was the time of the Judges where… “Every man did what was right in their own eyes.”

It should have never happened!

Each one of these men had areas of failure in their lives… Do you and I? But Hebrews commends their faith and had them listed as heroes in the Great Hall of Faith.                          This shows us that,

WEAK FAITH IS BETTER THAN NO FAITH OR UNBELIEF! 

You don’t have to be perfect to be counted in the Hall of Faith.

Learn this: When God speaks, please do it! Yes, do it, even if you don’t feel like it, because…

“OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE.”

Examine your measure of faith. If it comes up as faulty then repent and allow it to grow.

“FAITH COMES BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD”

Spend more time in the Word of God  than anything else!!

Amen.

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RAHAB.

Rahab was a Prostitute living on the wall of Jericho. Here, she entertained many visitors from far Countries.

She was beautiful and carried much sex appeal to whoever would pay for her services. Her business brought much prosperity to her and her extended family, who lived in her house.

She was well aware of Israel’s victories and welcomed two spies to stay with her at her house.

This King knew they were with her and sent a message to bring out the men to him as they were Israelite spies.

Instead, through faith and courage, she hid them under drying flax on her rooftop and later allowed them to escape through her window on the open side of the wall, sending them in the opposite direction from the Soldiers.

She was well aware of the God of Israel, who had miraculously led them out of Egypt and who had opened the Red Sea for them to cross on dry ground. She heard about the conquest of the Amorites and  King Og.

She also knew of the dread of the vicious Army that permeated the people of Jericho.

She chose the Lord God Jehovah as the God she could trust and rely upon for the remainder of her life.

Upon the spies’ promised vow, she hung a scarlet cord of safety out of her window to remind them that when the army came, her house would not be plundered.

Her daring faith saved her and her family from utter destruction.

Rahab and her family were accepted into the House of Israel, and she became a mother in Israel.

Did she marry one of the spies? Romantics would like to think so!

She is included in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the Messiah’s importance.

This story of  Rahab’s redemption speaks to us today, no matter our station in life.

The Lord God is gracious and long-suffering and very willing to forgive, save, and deliver you from the vilest of sin.                   He restores the repentant sinner as if he had never sinned at all.  Think about the thief on the cross! The prodigal son!

He promises …

“Your sins and iniquities I will not remember anymore.”

You come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ the Lord who paid the price for your sin.

You put your faith in Him to cleanse you from all sin and make you His own special treasure.

With Christ in your life, you have the chance and privilege to begin a brand new life and enjoy a successful ending with Him.

This world offers many different types of things to trust.

You cannot go wrong if your faith is rooted in the Word of God. Act now to receive more in Jesus’s Name.

Amen.

If these blogs bless  you, feel free to comment by SMS . Heather Dalzell

04 17 535 814.

For financial support, please contact my email address and I will send you a safe way to donate to this  ministry. I thank you with a grateful heart ❤️

To read more studies: Website Address:

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JOSHUA’S UNWAVERING FAITH.

JOSHUA.

Joshua demonstrated strong faith in God when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land and throughout his life. It was an act of faith to replace Mighty Moses, the man who spoke face to face with God.

Joshua followed God’s commands when they were complicated or unusual and remained steadfast in his belief that God loved and would protect them.

Just as we need encouragement, God encouraged Joshua. Several times during the long and arduous journey to the Promised Land, God reminded him to be “STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE.”

Do you need the certainty that God is with you step by step in your journey to Heaven?

God is with you at all times, and He will never leave you or forsake you, even if you can’t sense His presence at all.

This is when your obedience becomes an act of your will and not your feelings.           Feelings lie, faith does not!                    We exercise faith one step at a time.

Joshua is to be admired because he obeyed meticulously by following God’s instructions even when they were more unorthodox. (Contrary to what is usual or acceptable)

It was courageous to attempt to lead a congregation of rebellious, questioning, doubting, whining and unbelieving people across the wilderness for forty years. Joshua must have possessed an unwavering faith in God alone and no one else.

 His courage demonstrated itself when facing formidable enemies, while leading Israel to victory.

He trusted in the promises of God, that God would always come through for him and never let them down, never losing His grip on them.

Read about the amazing fall of Jericho by faith. Joshua chapter 6.   The great conquest!!

Joshua remained totally committed to God’s Covenant and reminded Israel to serve Him with their whole heart, soul and mind.

He lived in a close relationship with God and knew the Lord God, Jehovah, for himself. He did not follow Mose’s God or look to Idols made by man. 

That great promise given to us in Scripture encourages us to,

“DRAW NEAR TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU.”

Do you know God personally? If you do… you will do great exploits with Him.( Bold and Daring things!)

You cannot rely on people or your own understanding. God must be first and foremost in your life.

You, as Joshua, will have good success in all that you venture to do.

Finally, Joshua never feared because of his unwavering faith in the Goodness of God.

We honour him because of his unwavering faith, and he became one of the finest leaders in the Bible. A book populated with leaders that possessed adamantine faith         ( unable to be broken)

IF THE EVIDENCE OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS FOUND IN YOUR FAITH IN GOD’S WORD.                            RECEIVE MORE NOW IN JESUS’ NAME.

Amen.

To know God as a person, you need to come to Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the “Way”, the “Truth” and the “Life.”

Jesus died for you, shed His blood to cleanse you from all sin and take you to Heaven when you die.

Ask Him today to forgive, save, and deliver you from Hell. He will come into your life, change you, and give you a brand-new life. He will never leave you or forsake you, and you will live in the presence of the King of Kings forever.

If you pray this prayer for salvation, please contact Heather Dalzell, MSM. 0417545814.

To support this ministry financially you can email me on heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To read more studies. Website Address:

lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Up, up, and away!!!

 

MORE  GREAT  SAINTS OF FAITH.

MOSES’S MOTHER JOCHEBED.

Before we honour Moses, we should honour his wonderful mother, Jochebed. She was indeed a woman of fearless faith.

Read Exodus 2:1-10.

Her faith was certainly passed on to Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. She was also the mother of Miriam and Aaron, who played key roles on their brother’s side in seeing the people of God to their Promised Land.

Courageous Jochebed hid her son Moses at the time when Pharoah murdered countless children to raise his own dynasty.

Imagine placing your baby into a sealed basket in the river Nile (one of the largest rivers in the world!), trusting the Lord would deliver him. Can you imagine the wrestling of faith it took to come to that decision.

The Lord used Miriam, his big sister, to seize the opportunity to bring Moses back into  Jochebed’s life so she could continue to nurse him until he became Pharaoh’s daughter’s son.

Imagine being paid to nurture your own flesh and blood!!

“FEARLESS FAITH ACTED UPON WILL BRING EMPOWERMENT FROM THE LORD GOD TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.”

MOSES.

Paul, the writer of Hebrews, discusses Moses himself, a mighty Prophet and Leader of Israel. He was indeed unique among the Israelites of his day in that he was reared in a Palace and also walked among them, understanding their plight and leading them out of slavery and captivity.

MOSES eventually led them to the Promised Land, though he did not enter himself due to an act of disrespect for God.

Are you still wandering in the wilderness of your life due to an act of disregard or disobedience to God? It is not too late to repent and be reconciled to God. He loves you and will certainly forgive you, restore you back to the narrow path of righteousness, and enable you to fulfil His plan for your life.

Sometimes, the second best can work out to be “the best!”

MOSES, though impulsive, gave in to his emotions. God still honoured him, and he had the privilege of appearing with Elijah at Jesus’s transfiguration. My, what an awesome privilege! After all, he got to see the promised land and tasted the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

Precious reader, we all fail and blunder in our walk with God. Praise His glorious Name… He remains Faithful and He will complete His purposes for your life.

Come back to Jesus today and remember; That,

“All things work together for good to them who are the called according to His plan and purpose for your life.”

Amen.

To support this ministry financially, contact me by Email

heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

For comments MSM Heather Dalzell….

Phone no. 04 27 545 814. Love to hear from you.  

To read more blogs: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Blessings!

THE HEROES OF FAITH.

Another explanation of the difference between faith and hope is:

Faith is looking to God and trusting Him for everything.

Hope is looking at the future and trusting God for it.

Faith is the currency of Heaven a substance you need for God to work.

We need to learn to give everything over to God so He can work His plan through us unhindered.

Faith comes first, then hope, and followed by love.

As your faith grows, your understanding will increase, and you will begin applying the hope principle.

Faith is not just an unquestioning belief, but a firm assurance based on the promises of God and a clear perception of Spiritual realities. It is not wishful thinking, but a firm, confident belief in the future based upon what God has promised in His Word.

The things you cannot see or feel with your senses. Such as the Spiritual realm.

This verse shows us how reliable and faithful God is toward us.

Faith is the assurance of what we hope will undoubtedly become a reality.

It’s believing that God is already at work to give us what we desire according to His Word. It’s believing the unbelievable and making the impossible possible!

Jesus Christ tells us not to waver in our hearts; otherwise, we will not receive anything from the Lord, and we will not bring pleasure to His Heart.

The heroes of faith in the Old Testament had their faith grounded in God’s promises so much that the things they envisioned with substance and assurance would someday come true—even though they never saw them and went to their graves in death.

They believed in the trustworthiness of God and believed never-the-less.

Isn’t that what we must do… Believe that God has said it! Whether we experience it or not. 

It is settled in Heaven whether you believe it or not!  It’s all about believing His Word.

Let’s ask God to plant the seed of His Word in our hearts so deeply that the evil One cannot steal, choke or destroy it.

Dear reader, don’t delay any longer and obey His will for your life. And step out of the boat into the raging waters of this life and walk on water knowing that Jesus is holding you up.

With Him, you will never drown!!

Amen.

This ministry is one of faith and God is blessing people through it.

Please seek the Lord for His guidance if it is His will for you to partner with me. Thank you.

If God leads you to support this ministry financially, you can contact me through my Email Address.

Heather Dalzell777@Gmail.com

To read more studies: Website Address lightinthedarkness152884863Wordpress.com

Email address. heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.

To comment or share your experience of faith. You can…

SMS Heather Dalzell 04 17 545 814.