Appendix 2Q; Engage your Faith
As you become aware of God’s truth and humbly accept it, you will embrace His Holy boundaries and decide to change (Zephaniah 3:5, Micah 6:8, Romans 7:12, 1 John 4:8). When you are willing to change your habits (your A, B, C’s) to those divine (D) habits inspired by the Holy Spirit, D(A + B) = C , you will achieve freedom, or what Isaiah 60:15 (NKJV) calls “Eternal Excellency” (E ) here on earth; “Whereas thou has been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations”… John calls it living “the abundant life” today (John 10:10). God’s love is electric and contagious! Let mercy and grace season your humanity and then share it!
D
2
A psycho-social balance is achieved when you are mindful of God’s love for you, and in gratitude, with self-imposed discipline, you extend Christlike love to those around you (Colossians 2:6-7). The Holy Spirit always fills the vacuum* of your faith. (*The pieces of faith you may not feel like implementing.) Christian author John Piper explains the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer like this:
Picture yourself drinking ice water with a straw. The water is the Holy Spirit. The air in the straw is doubt and unbelief. Faith is the vacuum you create when you suck on the straw. And what happens when the vacuum of faith is created? The water of the Spirit comes in immediately. And if the straw is full of the vacuum of faith, the straw will also be full of the water of the Spirit. For a quick five-minute video see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ut96I5gRUY .
With an objective and responsible look, you can see that having an accountability mentality sets appropriate expectations and standards, and you'll be able to discern the truth of the scriptures that reveal an Almighty God that never disappoints (Ephesians 3:20, Isaiah 40:28-31, Romans 5:4-5, 8:28, Micah 7:7). Here are some tips;
-
Don’t let human pride or spiritual egotism puncture the straw. Don't let short-sightedness blur your vision of a perfect, just in time, God. God's perfect timing stretches your faith as you wait in hope for God to work all things for good for those who love Him (Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Jeremiah 29:11-12, Lamentations 3:25-26, Romans 8:28).
-
Keep your behavior within the boundaries of God’s Holy Word and character (Romans 5:4-5, 10:11). Align your expectations to the Word. Act as a Christ-follower and trust God to bring results, in His timing! It is faith that fulfills hope which results in the expression of Christian unconditional love towards yourself and others (1 Corinthians 13:13, Bright, B., (2007)).
-
Make an intentional choice as to whom you will serve and arm yourself with faith and love as you journey through life (Joshua 24:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:8).
Christian behavior shinE s God’s power in and through you as you walk in peace and love showing others what an impact God can have on your life (Psalm 18:28, Ecclesiastes 2:13, Isaiah 26:3-4,60:1, Matthew 5:16, Luke 11:34-35, John 1:5 Philippians 4:7, Colossians 2:8, James 4:4, 1 Peter 2:12).
2