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Faith and Works: Understanding the Connection

lastwordrecovery

Our works, that is our actions in everyday life, is a byproduct of our faith. We are moved by faith.

Many of us have tried to show we had faith through our actions – our good works, but felt unsuccessful and discouraged when we grew tired. This was because we were confusing the cause with the effect.

Think of salvation like a sailboat. God’s grace and promises are the wind — already blowing, already available. Our faith is like raising the sail. Once the sail is truly raised, the boat must move — not by paddling or effort, but because the wind carries it.

That movement of the boat is what we call works — the natural result, not the cause, of salvation. So, when someone says they have faith but there’s no movement — no change, no obedience, no fruit — it’s like saying their sail is raised but the boat isn’t moving. That’s impossible if the wind is real and the sail is truly up.

The book of James says, “Faith without works is dead.” He’s not saying our works save us, but rather, true faith always creates movement. 

A Date With Destiny

Limitless

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Numbers 11:23
“Is there a limit to my power?” the Lord answered.

You have invested your most valuable assets into the spiritual riches of God’s Kingdom. Your contributions of trust and loyalty are given freely to God and His returns never disappoint.

Unflinching faith comes to you like a divine download and you are often amazed by a sudden level of confidence which seems to appear out of nowhere.

You actively seek help from God because you know His power has no limit. As a reward for your humility and authenticity, the Holy Spirit infuses you with wisdom and power that far exceeds your natural human abilities.

You are able to accomplish things others have deemed unattainable and you give all the credit to Jesus who turned your impossibilities into possibilities.

You find that this realm of ‘ridiculous faith’ has proven to be the most exciting and fulfilling method of maneuvering through this human experience.

As a world of miracles opens before you, you scale to heights you never dreamed possible.  And as your confidence in God grows stronger, you see your life filled with the reality of His limitless power.

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Tetelestai Recovery

The Testing of Our Faith

lastwordrecovery

One evening without notice, a moment of grace fell on our Friday night group. One member shared a passage from the book of James. It altered our perspective about these irritating, uninspiring days when we are simply putting one foot in front of the other.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

What do these tests look like?
  • When our feelings betray us and tell us we don’t love God like we should.
  • When our behavior slips into an old pattern and makes us believe we have not changed.
  • When the excitement and enthusiasm we once had for God seems dull and muted.
  • When we just don’t care about trying so hard, because it’s too much work.

Previously, these difficult times had been dark and made us doubt our relationship with God. We were frustrated to find Him so distant when we needed Him the most.

However, when we begin to view these events as a process which increases our patience and equips us for the next level, we start to see their value. We no longer need to feel frustrated when God goes silent. A good teacher is always silent during a test.

Tetelestai Recovery 3: Leveling Up / Chapter 4: Be Patient With Yourself https://a.co/d/0TrI59R