Confession of Faith - March 17, 2005

SCRIPTURAL VERIFICATION

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:8-10)

CONFESSION

OF FAITH

Series 3.3.17 - #76

Words of Light Upon the Face of Failure

March 17, 2005

I will not fear the giant that has come to knock on my door. I know that the Lord of Glory answers the knock on my door. I have sat down to sup with him; therefore, he arises to speak with my tormentor who knocks at my door. He is not a visitor here in this house, but he abides here. He has made my temple his place of residence, and he is pleased to dwell here. I make no boast of my sins, neither will I give praise to them, but I confess them all and forsake them then God shall pluck me out of my afflictions. I make no hedge about my transgressions, and I do not hide my sins, but I confess all of them unto Jesus, and he will forgive all my debts as I forgive my debtors.

The Lord will deliver me from the giant who was born of procrastination. The child of procrastination has grown up and has returned for meat. It is no longer satisfied with the milk of my life, that is, seeing me in torment of mind, but the giant now wants my life. It has been mere milk to see me tormented in mind and of spirit, but now it will not be satisfied until it has choked me even unto death. The knock of the big fist on the door that seems to shake the foundation of my faith is loud and creates a storm in my mind, but I know this of a truth, that God is not disturbed by the tormentor's knock. He is my Father, and he will show me what he will do. I do not look to the voice of the tormentor, neither to the images that are produced in my mind by his words. I look to the voice of my Father who speaks in me, and there I will hear the words of the Savior and see images of victory. I will go with the Lord to answer the knock on my door.

The images of my mind have given me an illusion of a giant structure standing at my door with big feet and big fists. I can walk between his legs, and yet he stands as a mountain above me. I am a grasshopper, and he is a mountain of a spirit. I will not respond according to the image of my mind, but I will respond according to the image of the mind of Christ. God gives me another image. He sees the image of a giant lying flat on the ground. He is stunned by the blow of God's strength. He is motionless before me, God's child and apple of his eye. The giant is weak and helpless because of the might of God's right hand that was vented against his head. Now God places the sword of his words into the head of my persecutor. He will cherish it as a giant slain by his child of promise. It shall be a trophy unto him. God wants me to slay the giants, not simply rejoice at seeing others slay them.

I believe on Jesus, for he has already overcome the giants of the land. There is no mountain that I cannot conquer. There is no wall that can be built to keep the Church out of the cities of death. The Lord sends me into the cities of death to rescue those who are dead in trespasses and sins. I will not marvel that I do not see more people in my local congregation, for no one can come unless the Spirit of the Lord draws them. Many are called, and few are chosen. God adds and multiplies to the Church such as should be saved. I will not be weary in well doing. I am going to reap, and I will not faint because God has given me more grace that I might endure this time of discouragement. He has given me more grace that I might see that the same mercy that he bestowed upon me while I was yet a sinner now super-abounds toward me unto deliverance from all my snares.

I will not be filled with dismay and doubt, neither will I look at the problem as one that shall defeat me and bring me down to shame. While I was yet a sinner, Christ could have allowed the consequences of my sins to bring me down to the shameful state of death's exposure and nakedness. He, in mercy, came to me and delivered me even while I stood before the counsel of evil spirits that held me in bondage. They had gathered together not only to charge me, but also to sentence me to death. Jesus came to the meeting of the counsel of wickedness and came to my defense. He spoke on my behalf and commanded my freedom. Now he will not be silent in the presence of my accusers. Much more, God not only speaks on my behalf, but he will perform on my behalf. I behold the miracle power of his deliverance! Even while I wait, he speaks and performs.

Hebrews 10:22 - 23

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.