Living By Faith

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)

Faith will not move anything until it moves you. The first part of you that your faith will move is your mouth!
Mark Hankins

In my psychology class, we learned that reasoning will not change an emotion, but action will. In other words, you can’t feel your way into better behavior, but you can behave your way into better feelings. God created us so that actions are stronger than feelings. Faith is an act. By faith we access the grace of God. Just a little bit of faith can access a whole lot of grace.

God has already done everything He is going to do about our salvation, our healing, our deliverance, and our blessing. Jesus paid it all and then sat down. Now it is our move — we have to know what He’s done for us and act in faith on the Word of God.

Many churches are full of nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and prepositions but God is looking for verbs. He is looking for people who will believe and will act in faith.

Confession: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth. (Mark 9:23)

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GENETIC CONNECTION

Lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities…
Behold your God! (Isaiah 40:9)

When you speak, there is an identical voice of faith.
It sounds like the voice of God.
Mark Hankins

A number of years ago I called my brother’s church. The secretary mistook my voice for his voice because we’re brothers and there is a genetic similarity. She immediately said, “Pastor Mike.” When she said that, I thought I would take advantage of the situation and said, “You know, I really love my brother Mark a lot and would like to express my appreciation to him in a more tangible way. I want you to send my brother Mark a check for $10,000.” The secretary got real quiet on the other end of the phone because she thought I was Mike. Then I said, “I’m just kidding, this is Mark.”

I realized my voice, because of the genetic connection, gave me access to his checking account. That’s why God says, “Lift up your voice and speak.” There is a genetic connection between you and Jesus Christ. There is authority, healing, deliverance, victory, and blessing in your voice.

Confession: I lift up my voice in faith and victory! Mountains have to move! I have authority, healing, deliverance, victory, and blessing in my voice!

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PREPARE FOR GLORY: LIFT YOUR VOICE

Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. (Jeremiah 1:9)

The spoken word builds the road for the glory to come.
Mark Hankins

In Mark 11:23, Jesus said, “Whosoever shall say…he shall have whatsoever he saith.” Anytime God wants to change someone’s life, He always touches his or her mouth. He changes families, churches, cities, and nations the same way.

The move of God is voice activated. We must speak the Word of God. Your voice is your address in the realm of the spirit.

Today, God is touching your mouth. God wants you to lift your voice as a believer; as you do, you will move mountains and prepare for the glory of the Lord. We must exercise our faith to prepare for the glory of God.

Confession: 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. ( Mark 11:23)

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SEISMIC RETROFIT

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. (Ephesians 3:16)

The Holy Spirit never brings condemnation. He always reveals the blood of Christ. He is the lifting power of the church.
Smith Wigglesworth

Years ago, I was driving through San Diego and noticed that some of the buildings had cables running from each of their corners to the ground. I had never seen that on a building before, so I wanted to know what it was. I found out that it was called seismic retrofit. Engineers strategically strengthened these buildings so that when an earthquake hits, they will not collapse. These buildings are strengthened from corner to corner, inside and outside, so after the shaking of an earthquake, they will still stand.

I believe the Holy Ghost can give you some seismic retrofit. You may not have certain strengths in your life, but the Holy Ghost will add things to you. He will strengthen you in your inner man. When the storm is over and the dust clears, you will still be standing.

Confession: God is granting me, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in my inner man (Ephesians 3:16)

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WIN THE CASE

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17)

When you are filled with the Spirit, then you will know the voice of God. – Smith Wigglesworth

P.C. Nelson wrote the book of fundamental Bible Doctrines for the Assemblies of God denomination. He was a Greek and Hebrew scholar, fluent in 32 different languages. He described the Comforter with the Greek word Parakletos. He is our Advocate, Counselor, and Intercessor. When the Holy Spirit is working on our case, we have a tremendous advantage. He has a reputation for winning cases!

The “Advocate/Counselor” is called in for His exceptional knowledge, expertise in protocol, procedure, and persuasive speaking ability. I’m glad we have the Holy Spirit helping us today!

Confession: The Spirit of truth dwells in me. He is my Advocate, Counselor, and Intercessor. He strengthens me with mighty power, fills me with the fullness of God, and opens the supernatural for exceeding abundant blessing! (Ephesians 3:14-21)

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