HOW TO JUMP-START FAITH AND BE AN OVERCOMER (Part IV)

HOW TO JUMP-START FAITH AND BE AN OVERCOMER (Part IV)

Believers have the spiritual authority to OVERCOME this world system via a full surrender to THE LORDSHIP OF Christ. (Galatians 2:20) OUR VICTORY over the human tendency to DOUBT is attained by FAITH. (I John 5:4) OUR FAITH is VOICE-ACTIVATED!  “FAITH comes by HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.” (Romans 10:17)

This devotional series highlights SEVEN POWER PRINCIPLES that teach us how to jump-start faith and overcome the world system.  We conclude today with principles five, six and seven.

POWER PRINCIPLE #5:  REPLACE NEGATIVITY WITH PRAISE.

Since Almighty God inhabits the praises of His people, it is mission-critical that we nurture and maintain an attitude of praise.  True praise assures us of the presence and power of God.  In the words of the Psalmist David, “YOU are holy, enthroned in the PRAISES of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)

Conversely, a negative attitude is the first-cousin of doubt and fear, which are diametrically opposite to faith.  How so?  When we speak negatively about our situations or about others, it is a verbal declaration that our circumstances or relationships are neither what we want or think they should be.  

On the other hand, praise requires both faith and confidence. (Hebrews 10:35) Praise elevates our thinking and our doing.  Praise inspires and energizes our most positive and productive actions.

Prayerfully consider this: Some time ago, a young man approached me for advice on how to gain victory over his nicotine habit.  I did not recommend a nicotine gum product to him.  Instead, I asked where he kept his cigarettes on his person.  He indicated that they were in his front shirt pocket.  I advised him to discard that ever-present pack of ‘cancer-sticks’ and to replace them with a small pack of scripture verses.  So every time he got the urge to smoke, he would reach into his shirt pocket and pull out a verse, then touch it to his lips (instead of a cigarette), and then read it aloud.  Within days, he had overcome his addiction.

Similarly, negativity must be REPLACED with something that is positive and productive.  Here’s just one scriptural vitamin (of many) to deploy in your spiritual combat with negativity.  “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Courage, confidence and consistency are required.

POWER PRINCIPLE #6:  APPLY GOD-IN-CHRIST TO EVERY LIFE SITUATION.

In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Church of Corinth, he informed them that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” (II Corinthians 5:19) In his letter to the Church of Colossae, he informed them that “CHRIST IN YOU [is] the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) From these two scriptures, we can draw the conclusion that GOD-IN-CHRIST-IN-YOU is the primary prerequisite and power to VICTORY, which is the hope and heritage of every believer.

Remember: We cannot secure or sustain victory without His presence.  It is this close intimacy with Christ that both informs and inspires us.  That is, the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit enlightens our decisions and leads us into productive and peaceful paths.  The shepherd-king David had intimate knowledge of The Good Shepherd and His capacity to bring full resolution to problems, pressures and pains.  He wrote, “YOU will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) 

David testified confidently that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23) In the presence and power of The Good Shepherd, David conquered the vicious lion, the ferocious bear and the giant champion of his enemy, Goliath.  Today, we “are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) For whenever and wherever you apply the awesome power of GOD-IN-CHRIST-IN-YOU, total victory is attainable and assured.  WINNER-BELIEVER, stride forward in His power, His protection and His ultimate plan for you!

POWER PRINCIPLE #7:  GET BUSY BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

One of the most unfortunate tendencies of our time is the adoption of absolutely selfish and self-absorbed attitudes.  My friend, if you are serious about jump-starting your faith and being an overcomer, you must come to the realization that it’s not all about you!

The ‘me-generation’ is in a constant struggle and search for MORE – more power, more privilege, more prestige, more positions and more possessions.  Have we not learned that NONE of these things can offer genuine and lasting fulfillment?  When we manage to somehow get OUT OF OURSELVES, when we learn how to invest ourselves (time, talent, treasure) in building the Kingdom of God, we arrive at the doorway of real and bountiful blessings.

In truth, your new car, or clothes, or home, or career will never carry you there.  Only a deep and abiding commitment to Christ and His Kingdom will cause you to state truthfully, “I HAVE ARRIVED!”

So whatever you have planned for today, press the pause button for just one moment.  Bow your head, close your eyes and ask the Lord (with an open heart and hearing ears), “What can I do for YOU today?  How can I serve Your Kingdom?”  It is our daily prayer that The Almighty will ever use us to His glory. 

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels [bodies of dust and clay], that the excellence of the power may be of GOD and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7)

Seek Him. (Matthew 6:33) In the final analysis, nothing else matters.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!