Author: Pamela Moyle

How many times have you thought, “Where’s my answer? Why is it taking so long?” The truth is that these are the wrong kinds of questions to ask. If you have to ask that question, you’re not in faith. I know that sounds harsh but it’s true.

If you’re looking at the circumstances to determine what God is doing about your problem, you’ve missed it and you’re not in faith.

Faith doesn’t look at the circumstances to determine anything. It looks beyond the circumstances to what God has already said about your problem and receives the answer.

In Romans 4:17 we see that God calls things that are not as though they were.

Romans 4:17b (KJV) ¹⁷  … even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Then in Isaiah we read that God declares the end from the beginning.

Isaiah 46:10 (KJV) ¹⁰  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

God doesn’t look at the circumstances to determine what He wants. He looks at the answer and calls it in. What if He had looked at the darkness and said, “Wow, it’s dark out there!” It would have stayed dark. That wouldn’t have produced light. But He didn’t do that. He looked and said, “Light be!” And, as you know, light was!

Genesis 1:3 (YLT) ³  and God saith, `Let light be;’ and light is.

Even when you don’t see any signs of manifestation, you must keep focused on the Word that you have prayed and know that God always honors His Word that you have prayed in faith. His Word always works but we have to believe and receive. We have our part to do and God will always do His part. He is faithful, faithful, faithful!

Mark 11:23-24 (KJV) ²³  For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. ²⁴  Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them.

Continued next time — Pamela

How many times have you heard someone pray and wondered when they were going to stop? How many times have you prayed on and on and on and on, hoping that your answer was directly proportional to the amount of “spiritual” words you used? That’s not how to get answered prayer. Let’s look at what God has to say.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) ⁶  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Proverbs 10:19a (KJV) ¹⁹  In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin…

Ecclesiastes 5:3b (KJV) ³ … a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.

First of all, whatever is not of faith is sin and without faith, we can’t please God. Therefore, whatever we do – or pray – has to be in faith or it’s to no avail.

Romans 14:23b (KJV) ²³  … for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Too many times we think that we have to explain every detail to the Lord in order for Him to fully understand why we’re making our request. Really!!!  He already knows what we need and how to supply that need. Our part is to ask in faith. Sounds simple but few do it. I’ve witnessed over and over prayers that were just babbling or complaining and not in faith. Those prayers don’t get answered because they’re not prayed according to the will of God, nor is there any faith in them.

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) ¹⁴  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: ¹⁵  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

And another thing . . .  flowery words don’t cut it with God. He looks at your heart and simplicity is all that is needed. Speak God’s Word in faith, making your request, and He said that He will hear and answer. How easy is that!

Matthew 6:7-8 (KJV) ⁷  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ⁸  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things you have need of before you ask Him.

Continued next time — Pamela

1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV) ⁹  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

The bottom line is that God is faithful—no matter what! That’s because it’s His nature. Just as we are human beings with certain attributes, one of God’s attributes is that He is faithful, faithful, faithful. If you ever lose sight of this, it will open the door for fear to come in and fear, as you know, will negate your faith. That’s not a place you ever want to be.

Having said that, why do people judge God’s faithfulness by what they see with their five physical senses? If they see something bad happen, they either think God had something to do with it, having some redemptive reason in mind, or they think that He didn’t answer their prayers. Both of these notions are wrong.

Whether or not anyone ever does anything right, does not change God. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever!

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) ⁸  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

So, you’re probably wondering why it seems that some prayers get answered and some don’t. That’s a good question. Let’s go to God’s Word and see what He has to say about it.

1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) ¹⁴  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: ¹⁵  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

1 – God said that if we ask according to His will, He hears us.

2 – Then if we know that He hears us, we have the petitions we desire.

Now, let’s look at number one. If we ask according to His will, He hears us. That’s where most of the problem lies. People don’t ask according to God’s will because they don’t know His will. But His will is easy to know – His Word is His will! However, if you don’t know the Word of God, you’re at a loss!

That’s why it behooves us to get into God’s Word and study it to find out what His will is. Then when we pray according to His will, we know that He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, it’s a given that we will get the desired results.

Being a believing Christian and a doer of the Word, takes time and effort. Many people don’t want to put in the time and effort. They want someone else to do their praying for them and get their results. That’s not how it works. Following God and being a doer of the Word is the only way to live victoriously in this life. But it’s worth every minute!

James 1:25 (KJV) ²⁵  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Having done what the Word says in I John 5:14-15, we can be assured that God will be faithful to answer our prayers. He always answers prayers prayed in faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) ⁶  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Romans 3:3 (KJV) ³  For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

2 Timothy 2:13 (KJV) ¹³  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

God loves us and He’s faithful; faithful, faithful – now and forever!

Continued next time — Pamela

A man of God once said that the greatest thing he ever learned was that God is smarter than he was. I absolutely agree and will show you what this actually means.

Of course, as Christians, we know that God is smarter than we are but do we really believe it? What? Of course we do! I wonder. Let’s explore this whole idea of God being smarter than we are. If we really believe that God is indeed smarter, than we need to find out what He has to say about the whole matter.

What about healing? God’s Word says that by the stripes of Jesus you’ve already been healed—that healing was bought and paid for by the Lord Jesus. But do you really believe that? What do you do when sickness or disease attacks your body? Is your first line of defense going to God and His Word to get scriptures to stand on? Or do you automatically run to the world’s way of doing things? Going to God first should always be the first thing you do. He will lead you in what to do. But of course, you have to first of all trust Him to KNOW what He’s doing. How can we say we put God first when, in fact, we don’t?

1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) ²⁴  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Mark 16:18 (KJV) ¹⁸  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Now, please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. Using the world’s methods are not necessarily wrong, and in many cases, can save lives. I’m just saying that we ought to connect with the Lord first and find out what He has to say. And as you know, much of the time praying and seeking the Lord’s help is usually a last ditch effort to get well. This ought not to be.

Then there’s a matter of finances. What happens when a financial need arises? Have you prepared ahead of time by your tithes and offerings? God’s Word is replete with promises to the tither and giver. But do you actually believe it?

Luke 6:38 (KJV) ³⁸  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV) ⁶  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.⁸  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

 Malachi 3:10-11 (KJV) ¹⁰  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. ¹¹  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

If we really believe that God is smarter than we are, then it behooves us to do what He says. He has the Best Plan that we could ever need. Why do we exhaust all worldly avenues before going to God and His ways? To me, that’s spinning your wheels – you’re moving but going nowhere.

And, what about depression—an affliction that affects many people, even Christians. The first line of defense should not be to go to a therapist. Jesus said that His peace would keep your hearts and minds when you keep your mind on Him. Do you believe it or not? Because Jesus told us to let not our hearts be troubled, then we are capable of keeping our hearts from being troubled.

Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) ⁴  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.⁶  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 14:1 (KJV) ¹  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27 (KJV) ²⁷  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) ³  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

So, what’s the problem? Why is it imperative to go to God first instead of the world? Here’s the answer: Faith is the key to receiving everything from God. And the way to develop your faith is to get into the Word of God and get His Word into you. That won’t happen by accident. You have to, on purpose, get into the Word, study, meditate, confess, and do. Going to the world’s ways first, won’t set you up for receiving God’s help because that’s not the way to develop your faith.

And while I’m on it, the worst time to try to develop your faith is in the midst of an attack, problem, or situation that warrants massive help. Develop your faith while things are going right, while all is well. Then when a problem rears its ugly head, you can blast it out with your faith!

Remember, God is smarter than you are and He always has the best way to go! We’re just not smart enough and we definitely don’t know everything, but we know the One Who does, and He is always open for business! All the praise, all the honor, all the glory be to our great and good God!

Continued next time — Pamela

How many times have you checked the expiration date on a food item and found that it had expired and had to be thrown out? One of the first things I check before purchasing a food item is to check the expiration date. That way I have some idea regarding how quickly I must use it. Most likely, you do the same thing. Why is that?

Of course, we know the answer to that question—we don’t want to waste our money on something that will only last a few days, unless we plan to use it quickly.

But, did you ever think about God’s promises in that way? There are no expiration dates on His promises as some would have you think. God’s promises are always YES and His Word is forever settled in Heaven. Sounds like no expiration date to me!

Now, let’s go to His Word and check this out for ourselves.

Psalm 89:34 (KJV) ³⁴  My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Psalm 119:89 (KJV)⁸⁹ For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) ²⁰  For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) ³  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:⁴  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

There are those who would have you believe that healings and miracles have passed away, but as you can see, that’s not true. Everything we’ll ever need has already been given to us by Almighty God. He couldn’t give us anymore because He’s already given us everything!

All means all and forever means forever! That should settle the matter. So…what’s the problem? If everything’s been given and all God’s promises are still viable today, why aren’t we seeing more healings and miracles in our lives? I think I can shed some light on this.

Remember, faith is the only way to please God and without faith, you cannot access His promises. Everything in the Kingdom of God works by faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) ⁶  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

When you make a quality decision to believe God’s Word by faith and continue in it, you can rightfully access all the promises and expect to receive the results. But this takes time to develop. Not every result is instantaneous. That’s not God’s fault but ours. This really takes more explanation but here it is in a nutshell.

John 15:5,7 (KJV) ⁵  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.⁷  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

There are some conditions upon which we receive the promises. The problem is not with the giving because God’s already given. The problem lies in the receiving of them. Jesus said that you have to abide in Him and His Word has to abide in you. Then, when you ask something of the Father, He will give it to you because you will be asking according to the Word that’s in you. You can’t request anything of God that’s outside His Word or that contradicts His Word and then expect to receive it. But, why would you? Everything outside His Word is where the devil is reigning and that’s all evil, destructive, and deadly.

So, there you have it. Get God’s Word into your heart by confession, meditation, and doing it. Let it develop in you and then when you get filled up, it will come out with power and manifestation of the things you want.

Continued next time — Pamela

Fact vs truth — aren’t they the same thing? At first glance, they might seem the same but they’re not.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, a fact is information presented as true and accurate. Truth, on the other hand, is reality, actuality. And even though they seem to be the same, there’s a vast difference, even to the point of life and death.

For example:

The doctor’s report might indicate that you have a serious, even terminal, disease. This is a fact but not the truth. The Word of God says that Jesus bore your sickness and diseases on the cross and paid the price so you don’t have to be sick. The Word says believers shall lay hands on the sick and they shall RECOVER! This is the TRUTH. This trumps any facts that stand in the way.

1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) ²⁴  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) ¹⁷  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;¹⁸  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

The fact might be that you are poor and living from paycheck to paycheck but the Word of God says that Jesus became poor so that we might become rich. The Word says that when we give, it is given back to us—multiplied.

2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) ⁹  For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Luke 6:38 (KJV) ³⁸  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

The fact might be that you’re addicted to something but the Word says that Jesus defeated the devil and we are to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV) ⁸  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:⁹  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

James 4:7 (KJV) ⁷  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

You see, everything that comes against us to defeat us, has already been resolved by the Lord Jesus by His death, burial, and resurrection. We’ve been made free and the more we agree with that TRUTH, the more we can walk in it.

2 Peter 1:3 (KJV) ³  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whose report will you believe? Will you believe the evil report or the God-report? Remember, we’re talking about Almighty God and His Word. He cannot lie nor alter the thing that has gone forth from His lips. The first report is not the last report!

Psalm 89:34 (KJV) ³⁴  My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Psalm 119:89 (KJV) ⁸⁹  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

We have to commit to believing God’s Word over everything that comes against us. It’s God’s Word!!! That should settle it. What we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths, is what we’re going to have. Don’t fall for the lies of the devil and confess his evil report. Find out what God says about your situation and stand on His Word by confessing it, meditating on it, and letting it get down into your heart where it can develop and come forth with dunamis power and might.

Continued next time – Pamela

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV) ⁷  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Anybody can start a project. But how many actually get finished? Starting takes effort and some even say, “Just start and the rest will follow!” That may be true but it takes effort to actually get started: gathering all the necessary tools and equipment you’ll need, plus setting aside sufficient time to work (which is actually the hardest part!)

So, you’ve finally gotten all the tools and equipment you’ll need and you’re ready (and even excited) to begin. But, somewhere down the line, interruptions come and weariness sets in because it’s taking longer than you anticipated. So, the project gets shelved and remains unfinished.

Of course, all those projects are probably not life and death. But then, there are things that are life and death—namely our walk with God. And, even though we start out with a bang when we get saved, we need to stay focused and circumspect because the devil, the adversary, is lurking about to get us to quit walking by faith.

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) ⁸  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Be sure that problems will arise, temptations will come, and the cares of the world will confront you daily. But that doesn’t change the faithfulness of God. He’s still the same, in spite of our circumstances. In fact, our circumstances don’t change God at all! He’s not a fair-weather God. He’s the same as He was yesterday, as He is today, and as He will be tomorrow and forever. He’s the absolute one constant that you can totally rely on forever!

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) ⁸  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

But, getting back to how we finish … We need to dig in, get back on track, and stay focused on walking with God daily. It’s not a “hit or miss” deal. We need to be determined and committed to stay in it for the long haul – ’til the end and beyond. In fact, we’re always going to have to use our faith to please God because He’s a faith God!

Don’t let the circumstances of life discourage or distract you from finishing your course. Be determined that you will be able to say at the end that you have fought a good fight, finished your course, and kept the faith.

Romans 3:3 (KJV) ³  For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Continued next time — Pamela

What? Me? Believe a lie? Nonsense! Oh yes you do, if you won’t believe the truth.

God says that if you won’t believe the truth, you’ll open yourself up to the devil’s ways and believe his lies. This shouldn’t be.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 (KJV) ¹⁰  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.¹¹  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

There are only two ways to think – the truth or a lie. If you won’t believe the truth, the only other thing out there is a lie. Which do you want?

Now, what do I mean about not liking the truth? Let me explain.

The Word of God has a lot to say about healing, deliverance, prosperity, faith, the Holy Spirit, etc. But, if you’ve been observing the Church-at-large, many Christians don’t really believe what God’s Word says regarding these subjects. For example:

The Word says:

1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) ²⁴  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

The world, and many Christians, say that God doesn’t heal today. It’s all up to the medical profession. That’s not what God says.

Now, being a Christian, you agree that this is in the Bible but do you believe it to be true in your life? When you get attacked with a sickness, what do you do? Do you go to God’s Word to see what He has to say about your situation? Or do you go the way of the world? What is your “knee-jerk” reaction?

It’s not either God’s way or the medical profession’s way — it can be both but remember that God’s Word can help speed up your healing. Of course you must use your faith in every situation.

The Word says:

Malachi 3:10-11 (KJV) ¹⁰  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. ¹¹  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

Luke 6:38 (KJV) ³⁸  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

The world says that when you give, you can just kiss that money good-bye. That’s not what God says. He says that when you give, it’s given back to you again. Of course, all this is done in faith.

What do you do when you’re faced with a financial situation that needs attention? Do you cry and bellyache to the Lord and then run to the world for its solution? Or do you do what God said and trust His faithfulness?

Do you tithe? Do you ever think about offerings? Offerings are not effective until you pay your tithes. The tithes belong to God; it’s His, not yours. Tithing affords you tithers’ rights and the Lord will rebuke the devourer so your stuff won’t be destroyed.

The Word says:

James 4:7 (KJV) ⁷  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The world says we are powerless against evil spirits and therefore, medication and the world’s way are the only way to go. Besides, aren’t all the demons over in the third world countries? No, no, no! Demons are right where people are and the born-again, Spirit-filled Christians are the ones who are empowered to deal with them, enforcing their defeat by Jesus.

What do you do when the enemy attacks? Do you run in terror or do you submit yourself to God and (you) resist the devil and he will flee? God never tells you to go around complaining to others how the devil is attacking you night and day. He tells you what to do and then you’re the one who has to do it. Jesus already defeated the devil and your job is to enforce that defeat by standing your ground on the Word and resisting him.

These are just some of the scriptures that show how people choose the world’s way of doing things instead of God’s way because they don’t like what He has to say about the situation. This is bad, bad, bad and won’t get you God’s results because you’re going contrary to His Word.

So what do you do? Make a quality decision from this day forth that God’s Word is your benchmark and final authority for everything you do. Always go to Him first, in faith, and see what He has to say and how He has instructed you to respond to your situation. His Word always works. You can count on it!

1 Kings 8:56b (KJV) ⁵⁶  … there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

Continued next time — Pamela

[Today is New Year’s day – the beginning of 2024! Wow — a whole year has passed and here we are beginning anew! My prayer for you, dear readers and fellow believers, is that this year will be the BEST year ever for you as you believe and receive all that God has for you – and that’s a lot according to II Peter 1:3-4. Of course, in order to partake of all that God has for you, you have to do your part and that is to continue in His Word and do what He has old you to do. Yes, there are probably changes to be made but it will be totally worth it when you see His results in your lives. So, continue on in the goodness and the blessings of the Lord Jesus and be a partaker of His divine life!]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV) ³  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
⁴  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

There’s a lot of talk these days about “fake news” and things being purported as true but are actually false and totally made up.

A few years ago, three journalist actually got caught in a fake news story and resigned from a national news network – CNN. We shouldn’t be surprise because God’s Word says that their sin will be exposed and things that are hidden will come out!

Numbers 32:23b (KJV)²³  … and be sure your sin will find you out.

Luke 12:2 (KJV)²  For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Just as we don’t want to be fed fake news, we also don’t want to be guilty of having fake faith! What? Fake faith? What on earth is that? Read on.

Fake faith is faith that doesn’t work – faith that appears to be genuine: it sounds like real faith and even looks like real faith, but produces no results.  It’s like the saying, “Is it live or is it Memorex?”

Here’s the problem: When results don’t come, it destroys any true faith that was even there at the start. It discourages those involved and causes them to think that God’s Word doesn’t work and even that God has let them down. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

First of all, God’s Word always works and God never lets anyone down who’s moving in genuine faith. God is faithful, faithful, faithful!

So, just what is fake faith? It’s faith that comes out of your head – called mental assent. You believe the Word with your head but it hasn’t gotten into your heart where it can take root and produce results with power.

What “imitation” faith does is imitate those who are genuinely walking in faith. They try to pray and speak forth the same way as the real “faithers” but they don’t get the same results.

Another example of fake faith is when someone tries to believe out beyond their level of developed faith. Instead of just admitting they don’t have enough developed faith for a certain areas of belief, they just go ahead and start confessing way beyond their actual faith: instead of believing for $500 extra income, why not believe for $5000! They don’t have the faith for $5000 but they go ahead and “try to believe” for it. Then when it doesn’t happen, they get discouraged.

True faith takes time to develop. It takes study and meditation in God’s Word to get it from your head to your heart where it can take root and develop into strong faith. Then when you pray, it comes forth with power – the dunamis power of God!

We don’t need more faith. We all start out with the same lump. It just needs to be developed. We need to consistently study and meditate God’s Word to develop our faith so we get our desired results every time.

Romans 12:3b (KJV) ³   … according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Continued next time — Pamela

[Today is Christmas Day in the USA and I want to say Merry Christmas to all of you! May the revelation of the true meaning of Christmas and all that God did for us through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ become real in you life! We are so blessed!]

Acts 27:40 (KJV) ⁴⁰  And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

There’s a saying in the world about not putting off ’til tomorrow what you can do today. In other words, don’t procrastinate! How many times have we been guilty of procrastinating?

Imagine what we could get done if we didn’t procrastinate! Some things are insignificant but others are a matter of life and death. Sometimes it’s the anchors in our lives that hold us back. Things that weigh us down, keeping us from fulfilling the plans and purposes the Lord has for us. We need to get rid of the anchors and commit ourselves to getting the job done.

Salvation is one of those life and death things that we cannot procrastinate about. We have to make a decision for the Lord or we’re headed for destruction.

So, just what are these anchors and weights that weigh us down and hinder our walk with the Lord?

Luke 21:34 (KJV)³⁴  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) ¹  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Surfeiting refers to overindulgence. It doesn’t necessarily mean evil, sinful things. It can mean spending too much time and energy on things that distract us from what we’re to be doing. For example: too much time on hobbies, sports, TV, etc. Excessive time spent on these things interferes with our time with the Lord.

Weights refers to similar things as surfeiting but can also include wrong attitudes and actions. These are things that weigh us down like a heavy load on our shoulders.

Sins are self-explanatory, doing things we shouldn’t be doing but also not doing the things we should be doing.

James 4:17 (KJV)¹⁷  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

The cares of this life refer to things in our everyday life that seem to burden us with worry and care. We need to trust the Lord to help us and roll that care onto Him. We were never meant to carry the “weight” of the world on our shoulders!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) ⁵  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
⁶  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) ³  Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

So you see, there are a multitude of things that can hold us down and hinder our walk with the Lord. We need to de-clutter our lives so that we can have time to spend with Him. How else are we going to hear from Him if we’re so busy, busy, busy with the cares of this life? Actually, if we’d spend more time listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading and direction, we’d be so much better off and avoid a lot of heartache.

Purpose in your heart to de-clutter and spend quality time with your Lord and Savior, listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading and revelation, and live the victorious life God has planned for you.

Continued next time — Pamela