Faith And Fantasy

Faith And Fantasy

"They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord."

Many people have been sold a bill of goods when it comes to dreams. The saying, “If you believe it, you can achieve it,” is simply not true. Just about every child dreams of being able to fly like a bird, but it’s not going to happen, no matter how much they imagine it. Every watch American Idol? Some of the contestants are clueless when it comes to their ability. They sing off key, they screech, they bellow, and then howl. And when they’re told that they’re not good enough by the judges, these wannabe stars throw tantrums and say, “That’s just your opinion. I’m great.” We all need a reality check. Faith is not fantasy. It’s not mind over matter. It’s not having a lottery mindset. People who think this way believe that if they somehow show up at the right place, at the right time, and make the right connections, then presto!—their fantasy will come true. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy? But it isn’t. Ralph Waldo Emerson observed: “Shallow men believe in luck…strong men believe in cause and effect.” When God gives you a dream you need faith to bring it to pass. So the question you need to ask yourself is, “Is my dream from God?” When it is, you’ll have the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill it. And what you lack, God will provide in additional relationships and resources. The trouble with chasing a fantasy is, while you’re doing it you’re not fulfilling the dream God has given you for your life.

Fear is a LIAR!

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Fear is something you will experience each time you try something new, like a new job or a new relationship or a new investment strategy. You will never succeed as long as you keep giving in to fear. The corporate world risks failure every time they launch another product. The fashion world risks failure with each new clothing line. Yet they’re willing to take multimillion-dollar risks to improve their merchandise and boost their sales. Do they always win? No, but without taking a risk they’ve no chance of succeeding at all. The poet wrote: “There was a very cautious man who never laughed or played; he never risked, he never tried, he never sang or prayed. And when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied; for since he never really lived, they claimed he never died!” The fact is, we all fail! The failure rate of the human race is one hundred percent, and everyone (you included) qualifies for membership in this club. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the fear of failure. Faith in God is what gives you the courage to confront your fears and live the life He meant you to live. If you don’t, you’ll suffer the regret of “what could have been.” You’ll never be perfect, so you’ll never be perfectly successful. That doesn’t mean you will not succeed in life—but you must try. Fear is a “spirit,” and if you let it, it will control you. God offers you three better options: “Power…love…a sound mind.”

Love Each Other

READ : Jn 13:35 NCV

"You are my followers if you love each other."

Before Andrew Jackson became president of the United States he was a general in the Tennessee Militia. During the War of 1812, his troops were fighting and bickering among themselves so he called them together and said, “Gentlemen, let’s remember the enemy is over there.” We’d all do well to remember that. It’s easy to love God because of everything He’s done for us; it’s harder when it comes to loving those we have to live with. A respected Bible teacher says: “If there’s anything that would keep me away from Christ if I was lost…it would be the attitude of Christians toward one another…When I was a kid and an argument broke out…my dad used to say, ‘We may have a few differences inside these walls, but remember, we’re family. If your brother or sister needs you…take care of them…love them…and pull for them.’ Everything we need to know…can be found in these two verses, ‘Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself…look out…for the interests of others’ (Php 2:3-4 NAS)…In others words, think about the other person…Don’t be selfish. Sounds like something a teacher might say to a roomful of kindergartners…yet how many adult problems could be solved if that was the driving force in our relationships?...How many couples could reconcile their marital differences?’ Jesus said, ‘People will know…you are my followers if you love each other.’” In the hours before He died He was still praying for us to “become one heart and mind” (Jn 17:21 TM).

Give Him Your Problems!

"Lessons From Lazarus (2) "

READ : Jn 11:1 NKJV

"Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany."

The third lesson is about relinquishment. As long as you believe you can handle the problem on your own, you will not reach for the miracle-working power of God. You have to be in a situation so bad that you pray the prayer of relinquishment: “Lord, I’ve done all I know and things aren’t getting any better. So I’m through trying to fix it. I turn it completely over to You. I don’t know how You’re going to handle it, but I know You love me and want only what’s best for me. So here it is, Lord; it’s all Yours.” This is not a prayer of defeat, it is one of total trust. David wrote: “Though I am surrounded by troubles…The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (Ps 138:7-8 NLT).

The pastor of a great church tells of running out of money when they were only halfway through the construction of their new sanctuary. The congregation was growing and there was no doubt that they needed the extra space. But the bank wouldn’t give them any more funds. So the pastor prayed and said, “Lord, personally speaking I don’t need this big building. I already have a place for all my children. You need a place for Yours. I don’t know how You’re going to take care of this, but those are Your kids, Lord, so I’m turning it over to You.” God answered, the money came through, and with a few years they were worshipping in a beautiful sanctuary, debt free. So give your problem to God and don’t take it back!