Start Small

Faith is a process of growth. It starts with our belief, and through trials and work it develops into a stronger and stronger faith, in what God can and will do. We see this development in many Bible Characters, but I want to concentrate on Samuel and David today.

    Samuel was dedicated and given to God as a child by his mother Hannah. Hannah did this, because she was barren and God blessed her and her husband with Samuel. Hannah promised God, her child for God's service.

    When the time came, Samuel was given to Eli, The High Priest, to raise as a Servant of God. One night, Samuel heard a voice calling him. Samuel ran to Eli, to see what the priest needed. Eli told Samuel, I didn't call go back to bed. This happened three times and on the third time Eli told Samuel to say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears."

    So Samuel said as he was told the next time the call came. Then the Lord spoke to Samuel about the impending doom that was to come to Eli's house, because of Eli's sons blaspheming God.

    This was the first of many prophesies by Samuel, in the Bible. It established Samuel as God's Prophet and the Bible says none of Samuel's words fell to the ground. Meaning that every word out of Samuels mouth, came to pass.

    God watched Samuel grow. God saw and appreciated how Samuel did his work in God's House. God started Samuel out with a small prophesy and eventually Samuel became The Prophet of Israel, anointing not only Saul, as king, but anointing David as King of Israel.

    David grew up in the house of Jesse, with older brothers and sisters. David tended to the families sheep, and learned how to use a sling, a lyre, and write poetry and music, while tending his fathers sheep. 

    While David was tending His father's sheep, he chased off a bear and a lion, using his sling and stones. Later his mastery of these tools and instruments would help Him defeat Goliath, but also help him in service to God as the primary writer of Psalms. 

    God starts all of us out with belief. We can believe, just as Satan believes or we can start to test our belief, with actions and words. 

    Our faith in God grows with every trial we overcome. Our faith grows with every "valley of death" we traverse and come through safely. Our faith in God grows with every triumph over temptation that we endure. None of these victories are even possible without God in our lives.

    God is our strength in times of trials. God carries us, as we traverse through the "valleys of death." God is our comfort and holds us as we go through life's temptations.

Faith Akers Ministry/Akers-Enterprises.com

akers-enterprises@att.net

     

     

 

Faith vs Belief

 Lets talk about the difference between belief and faith, today.   

    Belief: An acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists.

    Faith: A strong belief or trust in someone or something. Belief that is not based on proof.

    An example I read while studying to write this piece, was written by a man from Chicago, Illinois. His example was based on his Chicago experience. He believed that using a crosswalk was the safest way to cross the street in Chicago. Faith is walking between the lines, believing that the crosswalk, doesn't make you an easier target for a speeding car.

    We can believe something, all day, everyday, and never move. We can believe anything, have verified proof of what we believe and never move a muscle. Once we believe something, anything, and take action based on that belief, we are acting on faith

    

    Belief + Action= Faith                 

    

    

    

    There are buildings filled with believers every weekend. They come in, they sit down, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, sing an invitation hymn and go home. Satan and his demons believe in God. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble." (New King James) James also tells us that faith without works(actions) is dead. 

    Faith - works(actions)= dead, but doesn't faith - action= belief. Using the basic principles of equalization, 

if faith - works(action)= dead and faith - works(action)= belief, then couldn't we legitimately say belief = dead or belief is dead.

In Matthew 25:31-46 we get to see a look at judgement day for those that believe in Jesus as Lord. The sheep and the goats are divided into two groups. 

    The sheep, not only believed, but also did good works. They fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty,   welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, visited the prisoners. Jesus tells His sheep, when you did these things for the least of people, you also did it to me.

    To the goats, who only believed, Jesus says, depart from me for I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, a prisoner, naked, and you did nothing for me. Those that only believe say when did we see you like that, and Jesus said that whatever you didn't do for the least of these, you also didn't do for me.

    Belief + works(action)= Faith                                                                     Faith - works(action)= belief = dead