“Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Matthew 9:29 (NLT)

We live in a world of skepticism—doubt as to the truth of something. Our skepticism is reflected in the phrases we often use to reflect our disbelief: “If it seems too good to be true, it usually is”; “nothing is free—everything comes with price”; “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck!”

Skepticism is not unique to the twenty-first century. During Jesus ministry, many refused to believe He was the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Doubt about Jesus was expressed in a local colloquium of that day: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Although all His actions supported who He was, there were those with hardened hearts who refused to believe. Skepticism operates on the theory that certain knowledge is impossible. Let’s explore three (3) situations where faith and belief defied both skepticism and the impossible.

Matthew 9:18-29 records the healing of three individuals by Jesus—the ruler Jairus’ daughter, the woman with the issue of blood, and two blind men. Three separate stories—a dying daughter, a decade of disease, and life lived in darkness. Three situations viewed from man’s vantage point as impossible, irreversible, and hopeless. The ruler and the woman, entered into their encounter with Jesus believing He was able to solve their dire situation; the blind men simply requested “mercy”, dependent on the integrity of the promised Messiah—His genuineness (He was who He said He was), His veracity (He could do what He said He would), His faithfulness (He would do what He said)—to make their healing a reality. And how did they make their requests known? The father humbly yet confidently asked Jesus to come. The blind men called out and followed Jesus into the house. The woman, disregarding the risk of discovery by the crowd (death by stoning) simply “reached out and touched”. Jesus’ reaction was predictable, for no one will He ever turn away (John 6:37). In response to Jairus, “He arose and followed Him” (verse 19); later Jesus cautioned Jairus to, “Be not afraid, only believer” (Mark 5:36). To the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus gently spoke, “Thy faith has made thee whole” (verse 22). To the persistent blind men, Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it (your healing) will happen.” And their eyes were opened (verses 29, 30).

As believers it is important that when we approach God we come with an expectation of belief that He is the solution for whatever our impossible situation. He will never turn us away. “He who comes to Him must believe He is (God, the Great I AM) and is a rewarder of those who diligently (sincerely) seek Him “(Heb. 11:6b). These desperate characters in Matthew’s trilogy of faith earnestly sought Jesus knowing He would reward their belief with healing.

As believers let us enter every personal encounter with God believing He can do the impossible. Because of the integrity of God, we need never doubt nor fear. Because of the love of God—His benevolence, grace, mercy and persistence—our faith in Him will enable us to stand fast in the most difficult of circumstances. The characters in Matthew’s trilogy of faith exchanged their impossible situation for the God of possible (Mark 10:27). That exchange is available to each of us who believe. For with God nothing shall be impossible Luke 1:37).

“Then Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.’” 1 King 18: 41 (NKJ)

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17-18 (NKJ)

Breakthrough belief goes beyond believing God for our salvation and deliverance but believes that God will move heaven and earth on our behalf. Breakthrough belief goes beyond hopeful expectation but believes that God is more than able and will do “exceeding and abundantly above all that we ask and think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Elijah’s arrival has been described by some commentaries as “a meteor flashing across the dark, midnight sky into the darkness of Israel’s spiritual night.” God had ceased to talk directly to man (direct revelation) since the days of Joshua. But now, He called upon Elijah the Tishbite to help Him restore Israel, who foolishly exchanged worship of the Living God Jehovah for Baal worship. God needed someone with breakthrough belief.

Israel’s apostasy was accelerated by the arrival of King Ahab to the throne. “There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited” (1 Kings 21:25). Ahab and the people had turned to the gods of Baalim, the gods of the fertility cult. They needed to be reminded that Jehovah was the God of all Creation. All things were made by Him and apart from Him, nothing existed, in heaven, on earth and under the earth—this included fertility and life.

For their sin, Israel would receive neither dew nor rain except by Elijah word (1 Kings 17:1). That punishment was to be in the form of a drought lasting three and one-half years. So that the people would know that the drought was a disciplinary act from God Himself, it now ended as it had begun—at the command of a man of God (James 5:18). Elijah would demonstrate breakthrough belief.

How can we demonstrate breakthrough belief in our Christian walk?

By how we wait. We must continue to do those things which God has purposed for us until God orchestrates a change in our situation. Elijah did not sit idly waiting to hear something new from God but he obediently followed what he did hear. He followed the instructions God shared and attended to the needs of people God set in his path such as the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9-24).

By how we pray. We pray in expectation that God has heard our prayer and is in the process of answering that prayer—even before we can see it. Elijah first told Ahab that he could break his fast. He told him, “Go up, eat and drink” (1 King 18:41). Elijah then informed Ahab of the coming change in the weather—“I hear the sound of rain.” (my paraphrase) He didn’t see it physically but he believed it. Finally, Elijah prayed. He then sent his servant (seven times) to watch and to tell him to tell him, not if but when he saw the rain clouds approaching. That’s breakthrough belief.

How did Elijah acquire breakthrough belief? His belief was not based on his ability. It was based on WHO he believed—Jehovah God. Elijah believed in the character of God—His goodness, His greatness, and His faithfulness. Like the people of Israel, we need to be reminded that the God we serve is the God of all Creation. Elijah’s name is translated “my God is Jahweh or Jehovah.” When you have God as your God breakthrough belief is easy. Elijah was a man with a nature just like us (James 5:17). Do what he did! Practice waiting and start praying. Then listen for the “sound of abundance.”

Prayer: Father God, give me more breakthrough belief. Help me to place my complete trust in who You are—the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Increase my expectation to the point that I prepare myself to receive all that You will richly provide. Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. (Jeremiah 32:17)

For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 17:20 (NRS)

As we move through Lenten season 2016, we continue our exploration of what victorious living looks like for Christians. We’ve encouraged believers to “lay hold of their inheritance” (in Christ) and “reclaim their life” (from ungodly influences). These studies hopefully elicited a response that will move us closer to the purpose God has for our lives. Equipped with this knowledge, we are prepared to walk in the freedom and power that result from our relationship with God.

This month we will begin a new series entitled “Our Measure of Faith”. Specifically, we will focus on how to walk in the faith that God has “measured or apportioned” (merizo) to each of us (Rom. 12:3). My pastor describes measure of faith as “the capacity to believe and trust in God”. While there are differing views as to the meaning of this phrase, the most accepted one cites that the “measure” is not a numerical scale that evaluates the size of one’s faith but it is a common standard of measurement. And that common standard is God’s grace. It is grace that believers have in common—God’s grace and our faith allows believers to live out God’s full potential and engage in victorious living. This includes extraordinary ministry and service, within and outside the local church.

In our text today, the apostles questioned why they were unsuccessful in a local demon exorcism. Jesus responded, “Because of your little faith”; He then issued a “faith” challenge, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed…” Jesus challenge required that the disciples use the measure of faith they had received when they initially believed Him to be the Promised Messiah and Son of God. If the apostles had stepped out on the measure of faith they had and aligned it with the grace of God (unlimited power), they would have experienced “mountain moving” results. Because of their “little faith” (Matt 8:26, 14:31; 16:8), the apostles’ efforts were rendered impotent.

Are we not like the apostles in our failure to exercise our measure of faith? We often possess “head faith” which eventually results in “little faith” because we fail to believe and trust in God. Remember those moments in your faith walk when God invited you to “step out of the boat” but unlike Peter, you refused because of fearful distractions. The issue for believers today is not whether we have enough faith but are we living in the full capacity of faith we have received? It requires that we purposefully listen for God’s voice and accept His invitation to join Him in His work. It’s time to activate the measure of faith we’ve been given to accomplish God’s purpose for our life. It is in God’s purpose that transformational, victorious living becomes possible.

Good to the Last Byte…
Because of God’s love and grace, we have a new identity that overrides past failures. We stand uncondemned, justified by our belief (faith) in Jesus the Christ and His work of redemption (Rom. 8:1, 3). We share in Christ’s victory over Satan and the rulers of darkness of this age: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15)

There is a short poem I often I recite when I reflect on my past and anticipate my future.

When I was a baby, time crawled
When I was a child, time walked
When I became an adult, time ran
When I became old, time flew

Time is the constant factor throughout every phase of our existence. Too often, however, rather than appreciate time, “the gift of 7X24”, we try to control it like any other resource we either consume or squander. We attempt to gain more of it, spend it more wisely, or endeavor to save it. All these efforts are folly and a waste of time (Eccl. 9:11-12). Instead God’s desire is that we “gain wisdom” as we move through time. And that wisdom begins by appreciating the time God has given us.

Psalm 90, the oldest of the psalms, was written by Moses to contrast the frailty of man with the eternal, everlasting nature of God. In light of this sobering difference, Moses petitions God to “teach us to number our days.” It is within God’s teachings that invaluable knowledge is provided as to how we are to live in the time He has allotted each one of us; it is available in God’s Word and through His Spirit who lives within us. The “numbering of our days” recognizes that each moment of our life counts. No moment is to be wasted (Prov. 24:33-34). To “grow in wisdom” acknowledges the reality of God’s Lordship and results in the believer actively seeking His will. All these actions result in a life lived to the fullest and in the fullness of God (Ep. 3:16-20). This is appreciative living.

What causes us not to fully appreciate the time God gives us? The first might be ingratitude. As times marches on, our days may become more routine or mundane. We settle into a rhythm of apathy and indifference not fully aware that an “ingratitude attitude” has moved into our heart (Luke 17:15-18; 2 Tim. 3:2). The next theft of appreciative living might be pride. Pride operates out of the false belief that whatever is accomplished is as a result of one’s own skills and knowledge and perhaps a “little luck”. Time is not a factor in the pride equation accept as a medium in which work is accomplished. It is only appreciated when the individual comes to the end of their life (becoming either old or ill) and are then surprised how, “time flew.” Ingratitude and pride are but two examples of personal behaviors that result in undervaluing time. That’s why Moses advises us even in the 21st century to “number our days”.

What do you do with the time God has gifted you with? Is it spent with your children and family? Do you tithe time to your church or volunteer with a local nonprofit that serves the needs of your local community? Or do you simply “live within time” with little appreciation for its purpose and potential in your life? While we don’t know how many days or time we have in the future, we do know that ultimately our days will come to an end (Heb. 9:27). Don’t let your last thought be that you wish you had appreciated one of the great gifts from God—time!

Good to the Last Byte…
The New Living Translation for Psalm 90:2 reads as follows: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” The way we choose to live our life in the time God has given us has a great impact on our ability to reclaim our lives. It’s more than a calendar system or the latest technique in time management. It’s about how we value and steward the time given to us.

“And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade– kept in heaven for you,

who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4-5 (NIV)

Everyone was excited and hopeful. They had hoped to win the $675 million Powerball. People ventured near and far to find the magic numbers that would change their life forever. Forget the fact that the odds of winning were 1 in 175 million. I heard one commentator say, “The odds are greater that you’d be hit by a vending machine.” Yet Powerball players spent over $2 billion in lottery tickets. For believers, our hope lies not in earthly games of chance but in a sure thing—a glorious inheritance that is ours through Christ Jesus.

In this letter to the believers scattered throughout what is now modern Turkey, Peter wanted to share comforting news. In spite of the current persecution for their faith in Christ Jesus, their reward or inheritance was guaranteed. The irrevocable nature of their inheritance included the fact that:

It would never perish, spoil or fade. This described the nature of the believer’s inheritance. Inheritance in ancient times was based on an agricultural economy. A person’s inheritance would typically include property, livestock, or the products that could be derived from the aforementioned assets. All were vulnerable to the perils of unpredictable factors of crime, climate and catastrophe. The story of Job can attest to how quickly one’s wealth (or inheritance) can perish due to forces beyond one’s control (Job 1:13-19). However, the believer’s inheritance would never suffer the threat of such destruction for its essence is eternal. It was indestructible.

It was kept in heaven. This designates the repository of the believer’s inheritance. To illustrate this attribute, think of how we currently manage our monies. Instead of coffee cans or mattresses, we utilize the services of banks and/or credit unions. There we are able to access our money, 7X24 through the use of debit cards and checking accounts. We need not worry that we will be robbed or lose our money, it is secure in the bank repository. Our inheritance in Christ is equally accessible to us now through God’s presence, promises and provision AND in our future life with God in eternity. It was secure—“kept beyond the reach of change or decay.”

The most glorious aspect of our inheritance is that while it is kept in heaven, the believer himself is “shielded” by God’s power. “Shielded” (phrouroumenous) is a military term used to refer to a garrison within a city. What blessed assurance is ours in knowing God’s power guards us from within while we await our final inheritance when Christ returns. With earthly inheritances the benefactor, the provider of the inheritance, must first die. Our inheritance has already been “gifted” to us by God through our Living Savior, Jesus Christ. What a glorious inheritance!

Good to the Last Byte…
While our future inheritance is “kept” in heaven, we have the promise of that inheritance now in the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. 5:5)

“Speak to the Israelites, and tell them to make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations and to put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner that when you see it you shall remember and do all my commandments,
and you shall be holy to your God.” Numbers 15: 38-40 (NRSV)

It is not unusual to see people “wearing” their beliefs. They do this by putting on designated colors to show their affiliation and support. In October, both men and women, showed their connection with breast cancer awareness by wearing the color pink. During the Vietnam War, friends and family wore yellow ribbons to show their support for the young men engaged in battle on behalf of this nation.

The newest trend is wearing rubber wristbands in a myriad of colors to support everything from prevention of animal cruelty to sexual preference. But the wearing of color as a reminder is not a new phenomenon. In Numbers 16:37-41, God instructs Moses to tell the children of Israel to place tassels on the corners of their garments with a blue tread. These blue tassels, in the form of a flower or petal, were attached to the edge of one’s garment. They were placed there as a perpetual reminder of two things.

First, the blue tassels reminded the Israelites to follow God’s commandments. God’s commands are more than a list of “do’s and don’ts”. They are His instructions on how we are to live in relationship with Him and with our fellowman. God’s commands, found in the Bible, are divine orders to help us live victoriously in a fallen world. By them we are warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:11).

Second, the blue tassels reminded the Israelites to live holy for God. Why was God concerned with holiness? God knew the children of Israel would be tempted to assume the habits and beliefs of the pagan, sinful society they occupied. Holiness demands separation and consecration of oneself for God’s special purposes. Each step of the believer was to be encircled by blue tassels that symbolized the restraints and freedoms of knowing Yahweh (Deut. 6:8-9).

How do you remind yourself to obey God’s commandments? Many of us don’t even think about God’s expectations for our lives until Sunday morning. What’s your cue to help you live holy? God knew that the children of Israel needed a reminder. In His omniscience, He saw that we needed a reminder, too. Where are your blue tassels?

Good to the Last Byte…
It’s not easy to live in the world and not be of the world (John 17:14-16). The world consists of the people, place, and beliefs that make up the environment we live in. We interact with the world through our social networks, our jobs and other relationships. Jesus warned His disciples, “If the world hates me they will also hate you” (John 15:18-19). The world will try to change your beliefs concerning God. They may call you bigoted, intolerant, or small-minded. When this happens, look at your “blue tassels” and continue to walk confidently with the Lord.

HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS THANKSGIVING
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonian 5:18

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NRSV)

The events of the past weekend in Paris have left us speechless as we again must determine our response to catastrophic events that occur in the world in which we live—especially events that disrupt our sense of safety and security. The threat of terrorists home and abroad is pushing the human heart to new levels of fear and anxiety. Dwindling resources (financial and natural) and strained relationships are creating atmospheres of hopelessness and hostility as people attempt to create their own solutions to living in these perilous days.

In our text, Judah was living in times similar to ours where there was a continual bombardment of “bad news”. Habakkuk, one of the Old Testament prophets, was given the burden of proclaiming God’s Word during a time of unprecedented political, military, economic, and social upheaval for Judah. Sound familiar? Judah’s religious unfaithfulness, their perversion of justice and disregard for the Mosaic covenant, would result in punishment by God—70 years captivity in Babylon. While Habakkuk didn’t fully understand what God was doing during this critical time, he chose to trust God completely. After much prayer and inquiry of the Lord, he obediently received the Word from God and the understanding that “the righteous will live by their faith” (Hab. 2:4).

Habakkuk ends his judgment prophecy with an expression of full confidence in the God of his salvation. Habakkuk expresses his trust in God by describing his indifference to the loss of external indicators of God’s blessings– prosperity and agricultural abundance. Although there would be “neither blossom, nor fruit” and there would be “olive failure, no food, no flock nor herd”, Habakkuk would rejoice in the LORD. Why would Habakkuk rejoice? Because he knew the true source of His security (Ps.18:2-3). Habakkuk affirmed his unswaying confidence in the Sovereign LORD who would make him “as surefooted as a deer and bring him safely over the mountains” (Hab. 3:19). God would insure his safety and restoration.

To live by faith as God directed Habakkuk is not bright-eyed optimism or wishful thinking. Optimism is often based on an expectancy of the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation. “Faith to live by” is placement of our trust and confidence in God—His love, His presence, His power—regardless of the outcome. Life in the 21st century is hard BUT GOD is able to be whatever we need to handle the most difficult circumstances—our healer (Luke 4:18), our provider (Matt. 6:33), or our protector (Ps. 45:1-2). God has ordained (prepared) us for such a time as this. Therefore, let us not live fearfully but let us live by faith and boldly proclaim “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength” (Hab. 3:18-19a).

Good to the Last Byte…
Whether Baby Boomer or Millennial, life lived apart from the presence and power of God will be difficult. Place your confidence in the True Source of Life and Security (today, tomorrow, and throughout eternity). God is more than able (Ep. 3:20).