I just started writing a new book a few days ago and it has been very interesting. I’d like to map it all out and then fill in the gaps with writing, but that’s not the way it is happening. For each paragraph I write, I am having to wait on what comes next. I don’t know the outcome of the story or even how to get there. Of course, writing a book this way really makes it exciting to me. I am getting just as excited about what comes next as I know the readers will also. But, what if it doesn’t go anywhere? What if the ending doesn’t make sense? What will others think?

This is faith. I must trust that since Holy Spirit is leading me to write it, that He will also give me every word to write and that it will tell a story that not only makes sense, but will help to change lives. As I was thinking about what more to write in chapter 2, I suddenly felt like writing this article in the blog. The title came to me immediately, “Holding On To Your Faith - Or Someone Else’s.” Then as I was wondering how to start, these words started coming to me as an example of the title.

So, just what is the difference between holding on to your faith and holding on to someone else’s faith? You see, someone could have told me that they believed I should write a book. They could even have told me that God told them to tell me to write a book. They could even have the faith that it is going to be a great book. Now, being excited about writing a new book, I could have dreamed up a title, outlined the chapters and started adding the content. It may or may not have been an interesting book. It may or may not help others. Others may or may not even read it. The bottom line is that I would be doing everything based on someone else’s faith and it could get very stressful, especially if it doesn’t turn out the way I or the other person expects it.

The way for me to hold on to my faith is to hear from the Lord that he wants me to write a new book. Now, since He told me, His faith will be imparted to me upon my obedience. The words and ideas start flowing and I simply write them down and illustrate as necessary. I don’t worry about the outcome, nor even if the book is read by anyone else. If the storms come and try to deter me, I lean on Him. If it gets delayed, I lean on Him. If the words stop coming, I lean on Him. What He speaks to us, He is faithful to perform.

I know this is a very simple story, but it is exactly what I am doing right now. Has someone told you to do something based upon their faith? Have you heard from the Lord to do that thing? If not, don’t. If you don’t have the faith, wait. The scripture says, “whatever is not of faith, is sin.” It is simple. Be at peace, rest and relax.

Have a great day!
Joseph

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There is a lot of talk and discussion of putting on the armor of God. I have tried to explain this some in laymen’s terms. There are a lot of people who say you must put on this armor of God daily, however, scripture does not say this. Once you have it on, don’t take it off. Be clothed in Christ which is the armor of God. Ephesians 6:(10-18)

• 1. Breastplate of Righteousness – Stand firm in His righteousness, in what He has, is and will be in your life. In His righteousness we can defeat the enemy. If we stand in our righteousness, in how perfect or how good we’ve been, we already stand defeated. It is only through His righteousness that we are in right standing with Father.
• 2. Belt of Truth – His word is truth. We must stand on His truth as it becomes revelation knowledge to us. It must be revealed by Holy Spirit. It must be life and not just words on a page. How can you have the truth if you can’t communicate with the interpreter of the Word? We must commune with Holy Spirit.
• 3. Helmet of Salvation – You must be born again. You have to have received Jesus Christ into your heart as Saviour, Lord and King. There must be a relationship, not just mere words spoken. Believe me, you know the difference. If you haven’t had the experience, you don’t have the goods. How can a good tree bear bad fruit or a bad tree bear good fruit? The truth is in the goods. I am not saying that you no longer struggle or miss the mark. We are human. It is His grace that enables us to overcome and His mercy that covers our nakedness.
• 4. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Is there peace that passes all understanding in your life? Is there peace around you in a storm or stressful time? Where is the peace? Seek His peace, His words and His direction and walk in it and you will have it. Ask Him for His peace.
• 5. Shield of Faith – Do not step out into something you do not have the faith for. That is presumption, fear, or pride. When Father tells you to do something, the faith will be there for it, even if it means getting your feet a little wet. You will still have the faith to get your feet wet. Jesus was not able to do many miracles because of their doubt and unbelief. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts in unbelief. Hold fast to that which He tells you until it has become manifest, no matter how long it takes. Speak His words into the situation and don’t allow doubt and unbelief to undermine them by speaking contrary. The devil stands on the other side of faith and says, “Did God really say?”, “You must have heard Him wrong, He couldn’t have said that.” “Look at you, who do you think you are?” “You can’t do that, you are a nobody.” “You’re too young or old to do that.” Does this sound familiar yet?
• 6. Sword of the Word of God – Take the Rhema (life) words that Holy Spirit has revealed and speak them into the situation, speak them to the people or where ever they need to be spoken or written. Remember, if He said it, He will do it. Just stand firm and you will see the reward. It will come to pass.

So once you put on the armor of God, don’t take it off. Be clothed in Christ always. Talk to Him. Sing songs to Him. Dance with Him. Laugh with Him. Walk with Him. Share His creation with Him. Look at His wonderful artwork in the sunsets and sunrises. Go up to the mountains and glimpse His majesty. Take a plane trip and see all your cares and worries far, far down below. This is how they look to Him. Fly like an eagle above the storms and enter His peace and His presence. Get off the ground and let His hand support you. Walk deep into the river of His anointing and let the current take you. Dare to be carried. Dare to believe like a child believes in their parents. Why would He want to let you fail, especially after He gave His own life to save you?

“God wants Human-beings, not Human-doings,” as Jaan would say. Just be. Just be in His presence. Enjoy His fellowship. Enjoy His peace. Enjoy the quiet, still voice. Enjoy the gentle breeze of Holy Spirit in the trees and across your face. Let Him caress you. Let Him enjoy you. Share with Him the secrets of your heart, He cares. He wants to become more real to you than any human on the earth.

Let the romance begin. Ladies, become the bride. Men, become the bride. He wants to take you on a journey of love. We have yet to see the things He has for us. He longs to show us.

May Father bless you, may His anointing encompass you, may His grace enable you, may His mercy cover you, may His love embrace you, may His life quicken you, may His peace guide you, may His truth uphold you, and may you walk with Him always.

Joseph

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