2 Corinthians 4:13 - "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak."

OBSERVATION:

Sometimes I have to speak the Word to myself until I believe it -- then I can use that word to speak to my situation. The abiding word produces the spirit of faith within me; so I spend time with God and permit that word to abide in me. I confess that word and meditate in that word and abide in Jesus. Then the spirit of faith is produced in me.

Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing, by the word of God."

Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Jesus went about doing "good" by demonstrating the power of the Kingdom of God. What this means is that a powerless life will have a very hard time demonstrating God's goodness. Religion has done a good job of associating God's goodness with mere words. But mere words do not demonstrate the fullness of God's goodness.

1 Corinthians 4:20 - "For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power."

2 Corinthians 13:4 - "For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you."

"For the love of Christ constrains us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" - 2 Corinthians 5:14,15

What does it mean to constrain the Lord?  In Strong's Concordance, the word "constrain" is defined as to compel, to urge, and to press.

To constrain, to pull or press speaks of a heart attitude that desperately wants closeness with God -- someone who's eager and excited to be His friend -- holy hunger pressing in -- to come and dwell in Him and never leave. It's a heart that pushes for a deeper level of fellowship that's not satisfied with a casual encounter.

There are some Believers who want nothing more than a casual encounter with God? "Oh God, just come and bless me." "Oh God, just do something." But they're not compelling Him to come and to stay close. If we compel Him -- if we're really hungry for Him and if we press in -- He will come and meet with us. He has much to reveal in the days ahead if we have ears to hear, waiting on Him.

If you want more of God, don't take no for an answer because He wants that kind of fellowship with you more than you could even dream. Don't give up. Never give up!

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
http://afministry.ning.com