Thursday, January 7, 2016

TEACHINGS on PRAYER (4)

PRAYER IN FAITH



              Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

  

Hello Again Friends, 

I have a question for you. What do you suppose is the element in prayer that largely guarantees us that it well be answered?  Give up?  

The Bible’s New Testament gives the answer as "FAITH."

"Thy faith hath saved thee"; "thy faith hath made thee whole."   This is the idea repeated by our Lord in His own acts of healing.

It is of utmost importance, therefore, to know what is meant by "faith."  In a simple study of faith, we recognize four critical elements:

1.      One part of faith is intelligent understanding.  Faith in God, for instance, means that I believe intelligently in the existence of a divine power in life.  It means much more than that, but it cannot mean less.  Saints, let me tell you; I get so much from reading Hebrews 11:6.  It says "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  Where faith is present, there is always a background of intelligent conviction.

2.      Joined in intelligent belief should be biblical pensiveness.  We must weigh the truth of what we believe, trying in quiet meditation to take in its full meaning.

3.      When we have expressed a wish in accordance with our beliefs, we must go on to expect its fulfillment.  However, expectation in itself is not faith.  I may expect too much of myself or someone I love and be bitterly disappointed.

4.      Thus, faith also includes trust or reliance.  It is the act of casting our burden upon God.  A positive quality of faith asserts belief in God the Father Almighty.  Prays, and then ceases to worry.
 

Some observe that faith means believing the truth about Jesus, but faith is more than an idea; it means trusting the power of Jesus.  Confidence in both His truth and His power is always present in real faith.







Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/Chairman/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts

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