We know that faith comes as a gift from God; ... For I [Paul] say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealth to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3). By this faith we are saved, however, this cannot be the same measure Jesus compared to a mustard seed.
When Jesus spoke of mustard seed size faith He must have been relating to a much greater gift than that spoken of above. I believe He was talking about what we could have as compared to faith without measure, the faith by which He built the worlds. Jesus was talking
about a gift of faith, controlled by the Holy Spirit, and exercised as He works through us under His anouinting. (Re: First Corintheans, Chapter 12). Obviously this faith comes in allotments of verious sizes, and a very small gift, even a mustard seed size gift, can move mountains. This must be available or Jesus would not have mentioned it.
We must ask, "To whom does God give this mustard seed size faith?" I do not know anyone who can move mountains, or even wither trees. (Re: Matt. 21:19). However, because we have not seen this kind of faith in action we must not disallow it. It must be available or Jesus would not have mentioned it.
In order that we may be strenghtened in the area of faith we can think about Noah. He built a funny, shoe box shaped, boat because he had heard from God and believed Him. We can I think about Abraham as he took his son, Isaac, to be sacrifaced because he had faith in God's word. We can think about Moses as he lifted his rod and devided the water because he had faith. Then there were three Hebrew Children who entered the furnace believing that God would rescue them. Why not ask God for a greater measure of faith? Today, we need to see His works manifested more than ever before. There are so many unsaved people around us who need to know that God is alive, and He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The works which Jesus did were the works of His Father. The works which the Holy Spirit does through us, by faith, are also the works of the Father. However, few are willing to be a fool for Christ's sake; when the gifts of the Spirit began to work through us we become foolish to the world, and to baby christians. It is time that we all overcome our flesh and let God, the Father, use as He used Jesus. as vessels used by God and not hold to traditions which prevent God from receiving Glory as in the beginning of the Church. Let us pray for the mustard size faith that we may be used of God in a greater way tham man has known in modern days.
If it is God who gives faith, sound faith is given so that men may be saiv Great faith comes by hearing from God. By faith Noah built a shoebox shaped boat only because he knew that he had heard from God. Abraham by faith took Isaac to the mountain to sacrifice him because he knew he had heard from God. The Hebrew Children entered the firery furnace without fear because they had heard from God.
We, the people of the United States, are blessed above all the earth's people. This is because we will give to others in times of trouble. We have seen this in the Oklahoma City tragedy. Many people have also prayed for the people of that city. This is good, but what happens between tragedies, are we still focused on the problems of others? As children of God we should be constant givers. Jesus was an example for us. While working in unity with his Father He healed the sick and did many wonderful things. Notice that His works did not take place because the people were worthy but, because of His love. This is Grace! He even gave his life as a ramsome for many. (Matthew 20:28). This too was grace!
I have focused on the above in order to focus on the fact that we fall short of what God has for us. We are told to give and it shall be given unto us, pressed down, shaken together, a running over measure. (Luke 6:38). However, our giving must not be to receive. We are to give in unity with the Father and the Son, give because His love and His nature dwells within us.
A thankful Christian should be content. The Apostle Paul said, ... I have learned, in whatsoever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; ... I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. (Philipians 4:11-13). This does not mean that we should be satisfied. A satisfied man will not strive to become more like Jesus, also, he will not desire to be successful. I must point out that sucess is not measuresd by material possessions but, as we are blessed with them as we become more like the Father and the Son.!
This brings to problems that christians are having. , a lack of a giving nature. Most of our problems come from one major source, insatiability (the inability to be satisfied). This causes people to be materialistic, selfish and self-centered. Unsatisfied people will try to control everything around them. In doing this they become stubborn and rebellious. It is good to remember that practice witchcraft and witchcraft is rebellion and God hates rebellion.
While thinking about this source of problems we discover that much sickness begins here. Doctors have found that unhappiness creates poison within our system, however, a cheerful heart is like a medicine (Prov. 17:22). coume from Now we can If we look closely we find that much sickness stems from materialism and insatiability.
We must ask ourselves, "Are we controlled by materialism?" Are our minds are filled with only what is before us, the immediate?" We live from problem to problem or from program to program. As soon as one problem is solved another one is present. As soon as we complete one program we start another. It is time for us to get our minds off the problems of this world and look ahead to that which God is doing. This can only be done by faith, and faith comes by the grace of God, as a gift from God. Therefore, we pray for faith.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgement. According to the measure of faith which God has assigned him.