The Word Mixed With Faith

Mental assent is intellectually accepting the Word of God as true, respecting and agreeing with it, but not allowing it to have an impact in your life. While agreeing with the Word is a positive step, it’s not enough for the Word to work in our lives. We must take that agreement further. We have to mix the Word with faith. 

“For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).

When you read a Scripture, do you agree with it and then walk away, forgetting about it? If so, it didn’t benefit you because you didn’t combine faith with it.

In Matthew 17 and Mark 9, we encounter the story of a father who brings his tormented son to the disciples seeking healing. The disciples, who had been entrusted with the authority to heal the sick and had successfully done so before, were unable to do it again in this particular instance.

When Jesus arrived at the scene, He healed the boy and proclaimed that all things are possible to those who have faith (Mark 9:23). When the disciples questioned why they had failed to achieve results, Jesus responded, “Because of your unbelief. For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you will be able to say to this mountain, ‘Move from here and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:20).

Although the disciples had previously healed others, when faced with this demon tormenting this boy, they didn’t truly believe in the authority Jesus had given them.

Whether its healing or deliverance or provision, many Christians struggle to receive from God, and they wonder why they aren’t seeing results. In this story, Jesus clearly states the reason. “Because of your unbelief.” 

What I’m about to say, I say to myself. It’s hard to hear, but it’s something we all need to hear. The persistent challenges I face in life stem from areas where I have unbelief; the same is true for you, too. Rather than get offended, perhaps it’s time for us to acknowledge that God’s kind of faith is different from mental assent and hope. If everything is possible to those who believe, and unbelief is the reason behind our inability to receive, it’s time for us to deepen our understanding of what God’s kind of faith entails. 

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

It’s not what we’ve heard in the past that brings faith to life, but what we’re currently hearing from Him. This principle was true for Jesus and remains relevant for us as well (John 5:19). We can’t sustain our faith on the basis of yesterday’s experiences, our emotions, or mere mental agreement with the Word. To possess the kind of faith that Jesus exemplified, we must actively hear Him speaking to us in our hearts right now.

To have God’s kind of faith, we must become totally immersed in the Living Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Rather than making religious excuses or becoming offended, we need to believe Jesus’ words and focus on our spiritual hearing. He’s speaking (John 10:27). We should be listening.

To steadfastly believe in the Word, we must actively nurture and cultivate the mustard seed of faith that we have been given. We start by meditating on a Word, rereading it, and praying over it, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning and guiding us to related verses. As we meditate on that Word throughout the day, it will become more tangible to us. We must continue meditating on it, regardless of how long it takes, until faith is firmly established in our hearts regarding that truth. Once faith is conceived, then we must act on it.

“For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead” (James 2:26, AMP). 

How we respond to our faith is dependent on the specific truth it relates to. When we hear the Word to be a cheerful giver in our hearts, we joyfully give. When we hear that the power of life and death are in our tongues, then we guard our mouths and how we speak. When we hear that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed, then we speak and believe as though we are. With our mustard seed of faith, nothing is impossible

As we hear the Word of God anew each day, let us diligently allow it to truly penetrate our hearts, enabling us to genuinely believe in it and faithfully apply it as devoted doers of the Word.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]” (James 1:22, AMP).

Let’s continue to hear the Word until its meaning becomes ingrained in our minds and hearts—until it manifests in every aspect of our lives. This is our continuous journey of faith. Let’s hear Him for the rest of our lives.

Who Possesses Your Tongue?

Often the disparaging words of the enemy are hurled from the tongues of believers. Jesus saw this in the religious and called them out for it.

“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

Our hearts, fertile ground for nurturing what is true, noble, just, pure, and lovely (Philippians 4:8), can instead become burdened with bitterness, criticism, and condemnation. When these harmful words are spoken aloud, they cause distress to those who hear them.

“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords” (Psalms 55:21).

Harmful words can also be disguised as “pretended empathy.” However, the real purpose of those “smoother than butter words” is to injure someone or promote oneself.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

Who possesses our tongue? The enemy or the Lord Jesus? We have the power to speak the spirit of death or the Spirit of Life into someone’s life.

“Every word of the Lord is pure” (Proverbs 30:5). Are our words uncontaminated by self? Are they refined by the Holy Spirit?

“The Lord hates a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16,19).

Avoid being someone who spreads discord. Nourish only what is pure and lovely in your heart. And when you hear others spreading words of conflict and strife, respond with, “Let me pray for you. Your heart is not right, my friend,” or “Do you really want to do the work of the enemy?”

If we will set boundaries on what we listen to and sow only what is true, noble, just, and pure in our hearts, the words we speak will give life. Make a firm decision to never use words to aid the enemy. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Let Jesus possess your tongue. 

A Spirit of Offense

A spirit of offense is an emotional state characterized by extreme sensitivity and a tendency to be easily hurt. Offense occurs when we feel resentful due to an actual or perceived insult. It can stem from a single incident, and if left unresolved, it can consume our thoughts, significantly alter our perspective on life, and strain relationships. Sometimes, it’s an intentional insult, while other times, it’s an unintentional slight that we misunderstand. Regardless of someone’s intentions, we must acknowledge and address the hurt feelings we’ve experienced. 

“A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come” (Luke 17:1)!

Personal hurts and wounds can lead to deep resentment. An offended person can swiftly spread their resentment to others, contaminating not only their own life but also the lives of those around them with bitterness, anger, and distrust. Both the offended and the offender can end up polluted by bitterness. 

It’s an inevitable part of life that we will offend others and be offended in return. However, the key lies in how we respond.  An offense becomes a problem and escalates into a spirit of offense when we fail to process the hurt and let it go. Instead of addressing our hurt, we tend to harbor it, which can eventually consume our thoughts and hinder our relationship with God.

“Whenever you stand praying,” Jesus declared, “if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).

Offense obstructs our prayers. It can tear apart marriages, families, friendships, and even churches. An unforgiving heart struggles to accept God’s truth and grow in faith. 

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). 

Offenses can remain hidden in our hearts, unknown to others, until they manifest as unkind words and actions. If left unresolved, these offenses change into a “root of bitterness” that fosters bad attitudes and ruins relationships. 

Scripture provides excellent guidance on preventing and overcoming offense. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts, while James 1:19 emphasizes the importance of being slow to anger and quick to forgive. Romans 14:16 cautions against speaking ill of what is good, thereby avoiding conflict. When conflict arises, Jesus teaches us to address it directly with the offender and resolve our differences. Romans 12:21 encourages us to overcome evil with good, rather than resorting to further harm. Ultimately, the best advice is to emulate Christ’s example. Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, prayed for His enemies, and loved them unconditionally.

Scripture offers us forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. By embracing these Scriptural truths, believers can overcome the deceit of offense, restore relationships, and develop spiritual maturity. Let’s guard our hearts, practice patience, extend grace, and seek peace. By exercising these truths, we can share the love of Jesus and offer healing to a world torn apart by offense. 

Abundant Life In Christ

The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.


—Psalms 23:1 CEB

 

This verse is a powerful revelation and testimony. Because we have made the Lord our shepherd, we lack nothing. We should have an abundance of love, joy, grace, faith, health, and resources. While some people don’t believe this and even speak against it, God’s nature of blessing hasn’t changed. He's the God of more than enough.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

When the Holy Spirit inspired John to write these words, he revealed God’s heart for all of His children. God’s will has always been for our health, the prosperity of our soul, and an abundance in all things. It was sin that brought sickness, sorrow, and the loss of God’s will. Yet, Christ has brought the abundance of God to dwell within us.

“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance” (Psalms 65:11).



We often become the adversaries of God’s abundant life within us. We doubt, criticize, speak unbelief, and expect problems. The power of our words and our attitude can bring death to the blessings bestowed upon us by God (Proverbs 18:21).

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

The power of God is the creative force that works within us. His power is innovative and resourceful. His nature is expressed and manifested in our lives through the words of our testimony—our spoken words of love, faith, forgiveness, and blessing.

“My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalms 23:5b-6).

It is God’s divine plan for our lives to be filled with His abundant goodness and mercy until we finally meet Him face to face. He alone receives all the glory from our blessings in life.

“I have come,” Jesus declared, “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Abundance comes from Christ within us. If we’re focusing on our external lives, we’ll speak death instead of life; we’ll miss the generous and bountiful impact the Kingdom of God has on our physical lives. However, if we’ll seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).



Let God Prove Himself

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
—Matthew 11:29-30

Many people grapple with the weight of justice in life, driven by a desire to rectify wrongs and bring about positive outcomes. They may perceive situations that others overlook, but instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them, they assume the burden of addressing these issues. This burden can be overwhelming, causing emotional distress and hindering their ability to find rest. Attempting to prove God’s justice can rob them of joy and peace, leaving them in a state of perpetual struggle.

Jesus assures them that they can find rest for their souls. He promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, giving them peace. He encourages them to lay aside their need to take care of His justice and instead learn from Him. 

Paul went to Damascus to put Christians in prison. He thought he was doing God’s will, persecuting Christians. But Paul found out that He was actually persecuting Jesus. He believed he was following God’s plan, but God introduced the real plan to him. Jesus told Paul He would preach about Him to the Gentiles. 

Sometimes, we carry the weight of God’s justice instead of the burden of His love. We focus on what needs to be done rather than learning from Him. We might believe we’re doing something that aligns with God’s will, but justice is His responsibility, not ours. When we carry the burden of justice, our lives become centered around our own needs, rather than the needs of others. God’s burden for us isn’t to bear the weight of justice; it’s to bring the lost and hurting to Him. His burden is to carry His compassion and love to those who are yearning for His fullness of new life.

We cannot bear the weight of God’s justice; it’s not within our capacity. This burden causes us to become self-centered and hinders the very essence of the One who sacrificed for us.  As a result, we end up persecuting ourselves.

Jesus came to serve, and we are called to serve others. Let go of your burdens and take on His. It is a light burden. Leave your worries with Him and take on His responsibility to care for those in need. 

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, for He is the one whose example you follow. He is the source of your peace and the wellspring of compassion within your heart. Never abandon the practice of laying yourself down and taking up His burden, for in doing so, you will discover the rest that your soul craves. His love will envelop your heart, claiming it as His own. 

Let God prove Himself to you.

Get Up And Join Him At The Table

In a well known New Testament account, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus informed her that He has been sent to the lost sheep of Israel and not to the Gentiles. His denial seems very harsh, but she has come to Him on the grounds of the Jewish covenant, which as a Gentile, she cannot do. 

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
—Matthew 15:25-27

This woman’s persistence moved Jesus to grant her request. Consider the fact that this woman, even though she was a Gentile, didn’t let her unworthiness as a Canaanite keep her from Jesus. Her daughter’s need was paramount. Her humble, yet determined approach to Jesus, revealed her faith. She didn’t receive crumbs from the table. Her daughter was healed in that very moment.

Many Christians only hope to receive crumbs from the Master’s table. They feel like a stranger in His presence, conscious of their shortcomings, and not eligible for God’s favor. They believe that if someone with great faith approaches God for them in prayer, something might happen. They don’t realize they’re only seeking crumbs from the table, rather than being part of those seated in fellowship with Jesus at the table.

If you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you’re no longer an outcast. Jesus died for you. You were that one lost sheep. You are now seated at the table with Him. You don’t have to beg for crumbs. The whole banquet is yours. It doesn’t matter if you have a strong faith or struggle to believe. It doesn't matter if you are victorious in life or defeated. It doesn’t matter if you feel worthy or unworthy—loved or unloved. You are a child of the Most High God, a joint heir with Jesus Christ. You are seated at the table with Him.

God has brought you into His presence because of His love for you. His love for you is never-ending and unconditional. Everything on the table is for you. Jesus paid for it all with His precious blood. It’s free, my friend. Take what you need. There is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. There is comfort, healing, restoration, confidence, and victory.

If you’ve remained beneath the table most of your Christian life, I want you to know the crumbs aren’t for you. The banquet is. Why would you settle for the crumbs? You are worthy in God’s sight to sit at the table with Jesus. Get up and join Him at the table. In His presence is fullness of joy. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalms 16:11).

Envy

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
—Proverbs 14:30 ESV

Envy. Jealousy. Covetousness. It can consume us, stealing the fulfillment that the Holy Spirit imparts and killing the fruit of the spirit. It crucifies our love, robs our joy, and destroys our peace. Whatever patience we may have had vanishes because we are never satisfied. Moreover, whatever kindness and goodness we exemplified disappears because we don’t view others as valuable. We view them as a benchmark for our own lives. Consumed by our desire for more, we lose our self-control, our faithfulness wanes, and our hearts become hardened by constant competition. In the grip of envy, peace is an elusive dream.

Peace is life to us. When our hearts and minds are at peace, we can receive God’s fullness. Our souls find rest, and we no longer strive for more or seek to be the best. We can rejoice with others when they receive blessings. Our hearts are free to love without judgment. We don’t compare because there’s no competition. Without competition and comparison, not only is our soul at peace, but our physical bodies are also not stressed. Peace and joy are found in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).  If we are consumed by envy, constantly comparing our lives to others, and feeling inadequate even when we have enough, we will be driven by an insatiable desire for recognition and superiority. This relentless striving and dissatisfaction will consume us like a cancerous growth, corrupting our souls and bodies. 

Jesus came to rescue us from destruction. He is the solution to all the ailments of our soul and body (Psalms 107:20). While we may have accepted Him as our Savior, He must also be the Lord of our lives. We must surrender to the Word we have received.

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it,” Paul wrote, “and even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3 ESV)?

How immature are we? Do we still need to be treated as spiritual babies requiring milk? When will we grow up and walk by the spirit instead of the flesh? Jealousy not only destroys our spiritual life but also breeds dissension and division. Envy not only hinders God’s ability to work within us but also destroys others. Now is the time to grow up. Instead of allowing envy to crush the Holy Spirit within us, it’s time to crucify envy. If you will walk by the Spirit, you won’t gratify the yearning of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

If God's love is in you, there’s no room for envy. You know He loves you so you love others. Love is patient, and it’s kind. Love doesn’t envy (1 Corinthians 13:4). It doesn't destroy lives. Love builds. Love creates. Love sees the best. Love doesn’t compare, and it doesn’t compete.

The time for solid food has come. Digest the Word until it talks back to you and you know Jesus as Lord.

Settle Only For God's Love

Don’t settle for the least. God doesn’t see the least in you. He sees Jesus in you. Don’t settle for the enemy’s lies. It’s his purpose to destroy you. He only has death for you. God has life and life more abundant for you.

It’s God’s goodness that has drawn you to repentance. Trust His goodness. Jesus died for your sins. They are as far as the east is from the west. He no longer sees all the years that you messed up. Jesus is your identity now. 

Jesus didn’t come to condemn you. He chose you to be blameless before God. The greatest exchange took place. Jesus, who had no sin, took yours by laying down His life for you. He took all your sins—past, present, and future, paid for all of them, and imparted to you the righteousness of God. Don’t keep trying to pay for sins you no longer owe. That is a pain that will hurt and condemn your heart. Don’t settle for that voice that won’t let thoughts of sin go. You cannot make yourself feel forgiven. You can't make yourself feel God's love. Jesus will do that as you keep renewing your mind with His Word. Keep drawing upon God’s truth, and let the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus to you. Exercise your senses every day to conform to His truth so you can experience the new person you are in His grace.

Settle only for God’s love. 

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height—that you would know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

May You Rejoice Over Me

 

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives.


—1 Chronicles 29:17a NLT

Does the Lord find integrity in my heart?  I can believe I love God with all my heart, but if I don't continually determine to have a heart of honesty and integrity, then I will fall short. Whatever I offer—whether friendship, compassion, correction, time, a listening ear, advice—must be offered from a heart with no agenda. It must be offered from a heart that seeks nothing in return. What I do or words that I speak must come from a heart that surrenders its selfish motives and needs no recognition. I want no mask. My heart lies open before Him. He knows the motives of my heart. Another may not know, but He does. He rejoices when He finds integrity in me.

My life in Jesus Christ is not about me. Whatever I give or whatever I do in His name should come from what He inspires within me and never from anything of my own making. Life tests me everyday to see if I have a heart of honesty and integrity. If I draw close to God, He will draw close to me. His Word will reveal the real intentions of my heart. Nothing will be hidden. I will know if He finds integrity in me or not. 

Lord, I am so thankful that when I seek you, you reveal the real motives of my heart—the ones I haven’t even realized were in me. Help me to honestly look at myself, humbly admit when my intentions are wrong, and allow you to change me. I desire the renewing power of your forgiveness and grace. Forgive me for anything I have ever done or said that has come from any other motive than yours. Continually create in me a pure heart, and renew your steadfastness within me. May what I do or say or offer always come from a heart that is surrendered, knowing its secure in you. May I walk in integrity, having nothing in my life to be discovered that doesn’t honor you. May you rejoice over me.


“He who walks with integrity walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9).

Betty

Her name was Betty. She was my son-in-law’s great aunt. She passed over a week ago at the age of 101. I knew no one like her. She could have given up because of a lifetime of incredible hardship. But she never did. She served her family instead of herself. She loved and physically took care of a husband with dementia, two daughters, and a granddaughter until they all passed. Betty opened her home to family and those who needed her. She was always available to help others through the hard times of life.

Years ago when I first visited Betty in her home, her kitchen counters were filled with food she had fixed, and her heart overflowed with joy you had come. Her heart at 101 still overflowed with joy and concern for others. She always asked about your family and how you really were. When young people visited assisted living, they would always come to see her. She would declare that these children were the very best and she had such high hopes for them. The truth is people wanted to visit Betty. If you were having a hard day, her laughter and encouragement would bring joy to your heart. 

Betty always saw the best in people, listening to the concerns of their hearts and unashamedly giving advice. She never stopped wanting to take care of people. She wanted to take care of herself at NHC Place so that those who took care of her wouldn’t have to work so hard. She declared they had their own lives at home, husbands and children to take care of, yet were so good to her. It concerned Betty that her granddaughter, Cindy, who was responsible for her care, chose to put her own life on hold because of her. She knew Cindy would always be there to take care of her, and she wanted Cindy to be free to go to Tennessee where she had built a new home.

There is so much more I could write about Betty. But no words I write could explain how this beautiful person has impacted my life. She was always quick to tell you who had impacted hers. Each time my friend, Debbie, and I visited Betty, she wanted to talk about Jesus. She said Jesus had walked right in front of her all the days of her life and was still walking in front of her. She never got in front of him. She declared that it wasn’t her place to do that. Betty often said she could just reach up, and there Jesus was, helping her button her blouse that her fumbling fingers couldn’t button or helping her do the hard things that she had once found easy. 

I visited Betty recently on a Saturday. For the first time she didn’t know who I was. She kept looking over my shoulder and smiling at something behind me. Betty had been tired for quite awhile. Debbie and I had prayed that Jesus would send His angels for her. Three days after my visit, this sweet lady who was always quick to declare she had followed Jesus all the days of her life, followed Him right into eternity.

This month I turn 78. Remembering Betty has make me think about my own time to leave this world. I’m so thankful that I will not only see Jesus and my family who have gone before me, but I’ll also see Betty. She promised to prepare a grand feast for me. I yearn to share heaven one day with my family. Betty would always lean forward in her recliner and take my hand and tell me to just keep loving and praying for them. To never give up. I have to continually trust that Jesus will reach each one of them with His unconditional love and grace. 

If you are older like me, you know what it means to anticipate your life on earth will soon be over. If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, He has loved you from the very beginning. His grace looks beyond the sins that have tried to destroy you and sees your need to be free—to be loved. Open your heart to Him. Lay everything down. Invite Him to come into your life. He won’t force you. He loves you enough to give you the right to choose or refuse Him. Don’t refuse Him. He will come into your life and wash away all that has separated you from His love. All your past, present, and future sins will no longer be yours. You will no longer own them. You will never have to carry them again. You can have a new life in Jesus. You can receive the gift of His unconditional love and grace. No words I write can describe the relief and joy you will experience. 

To my dearest friend, Betty, “You have been one of my greatest encouragers. I will see you again. You said to me only a few weeks before you passed, ‘We will sit down, Lynn, and have a cup of coffee that I can make again and eat something I can bake again. And we will rejoice in Jesus.’”

“Oh, yes, Betty, we will."