Called To Believe

Called to believe.

Pastor Paul Mooney of Calvary Tabernacle Church in Indianapolis, IN  said at conference in Louisville that sarcasm is Indiana’s form of whit. At times, I personally have a very sarcastic sense of humor. It is easy for me to naturally look at things from a different angle, to twist it slightly to make light of something for the fun of it. I say this not as something I am proud of, but often it is a weakness. It can be very offensive to those who don’t believe strongly in you. If the relationship is not firm, others can be unsure if you truly mean it. We are judged by our words, not by our intent, and if we are unclear, then it leads to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of meaning, which leads to people turning away from you.

The spirit of a Christ follower cannot be that of a cynic, which is the basis of most sarcasm. A disbelief of what is presented or a questioning of motives is not a Christian character.

Mark 9:23     Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Jesus calls us to believe. We accomplish faith based living through a believing attitude. I am not talking of a naïve attitude. Scriptures commends that he that build a house set down and count the costs before he sits down to build.

Matt. 16:18                 Jesus said, “...I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it!”

Prov. 19:21                  “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

I Cor. 3:10-14            “By the grace of God, I laid a foundation as an expert builder...But each one should be careful how he builds...for his work will be shown for what it is.  The fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward”

It is faith that starts our journey with God, and it is only faith that will keep us on that journey. The old saying is true, you are not be born in the fire to die in the smoke. In our case the fire is our faith. Each of us, when full of and acting in faith are “fired up!” Living in the smoke if being full of doubt and fear. It is draining to live in fear, literally energy drains out of you, fear fills you and paralyzes you.

We have seen miracles, sign and wonders. People are being blessed and opportunities are opening up for believers. Keep the fire hot and your faith alive so God will act in your behalf.

Faith precedes work. You must believe and then do, and then receive the miracle. Too many want to see the miracle, then believe, and then do something with it. David believed, grabbed stones, and killed Goliath. God didn’t show up until the  end of that story. Get in the battle. Believe God, act on your faith, and let God deal with the results.