Tag: faith

This Thing Called Faith

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Christendom, Faith, lifeLeave a comment

We now live in a society wherein every one of every creed is declaring they have faith. The problem is that it becomes increasingly difficult to determine wherein the faith of these lies. Some seem to have faith in their jobs. Others have faith in their own abilities while even more have faith in false gods. The idea of faith seems to have ends only in the minds of those declaring they have faith.

Scripture is not so vague when it comes to faith. Jesus is found admonishing Peter in Mark 11:22 with the simple words, “Have faith in God.” This faith that Jesus spoke of was not a mere knowledge that God is able to perform as He said. It is the confidence that God will do just what He says. Having faith in God is o have so much trust in God that there is no consideration of Him going against His Word. The idea of God not performing what was said does not come to mind. Having faith in God is knowing that there is no way that God’s Word will return void. God said it. End of discussion.

Hebrews 10:38 declares, “Now the just shall live by faith.” This text appears to make a division in different people. It specifies the “just” are the ones to live by faith. This brings about the question as to who the just are. Now, the just are those who are righteous. It is those who are in right standing with God. The just are those who seek to please God with their lives. This means that those that love and honor God with their lives are required to have a lifestyle of faith.

The idea of a required lifestyle is noted with the word “shall.” This word “shall” seems to mandate that those who are upright and living a life pleasing to God have a duty to live by faith. It is not optional. There is no suggestion. This thing called faith is not a choice of apathy. Rather, this thing called faith is an absolute must and required of those that are just. It is not apathetic; it is active. Therefore, the mandate for the just to have lifestyles of faith is not shown to be hidden in a closet. It is one that is presented in day-to-day activities.

James 2:17 expounds on the activity of faith. The text reads, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This means that confidence in God requires action on the part of the just. One cannot have faith and do nothing to show that faith. Faith requires action. This thing called faith means that one acts on God’s Word. If there is no action the matter of faith becomes questionable. Therefore, the just are not merely encouraged, the just are mandated to get up and show some signs of faith. Holding God respectfully to His Word is active faith. This thing called faith is mandated for the just and the just must walk in faith.

Faith and the Faithfulness of God

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized4 Comments

     It has been way to long since I posted an article. That was not because I have nothing to say or write but rather because my life has been filled with one thing and then another. My down time had to be down time or my head would have been so full of stuff that my body would not have been able to handle it. This is not to say that things have been bad for me; actually the converse is true. The reason I have not posted, at least in part, is because of the things that God has allowed in my life for the preparation of my future.

     For a number of years now it has seemed that all my work would be for naught. Many things went well against the way I thought they should be. Yet God knew of the work He had for me. He knew that I had to endure certain things and that I would not give up on my confidence in Him. This confidence is the “faith” factor I often make reference to. You see, faith is not a simple feeling rather it is absolute confidence that God will do what He said He would do. That is God’s faithfulness to us; that is God is dedicated to our wellbeing.

    Several years ago I endured some personal tragedies. I lost more than I am will to mention in this forum but that it should be known that my looses were severe and devastating. Yet God found reason to remain with me in that His Word promised that He would never leave nor forsake me. And He did not. I was also promised that I would recover more than I lost. That recovery would not only be a blessing to me but that it would also be an amazement to those that sought my demise. This is why I have been able to maintain my confidence and trust in Him. Despite the disappointments of the past years I have been able to shake the dust off my back and push forward. Some of those accomplishments can be found on my Linkedin page http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=37691076&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile. Still, my accomplishments are not by my hand per se rather by the hand and will of God.

     With that in mind it should be noted that I have been applying for jobs nearly across the continent for over two years. There were many disappointing responses and some who did not respond at all. Yet perseverance is key when trusting God. There will be disappointments as well as blessings.  Both serve to not only under gird the truth of God as well as build faith and confidence in the believer. So, I had to use both to my benefit. Yes, I had to laugh and cry. Elation sometimes occurred while dejection tried to rear its ugly head. Nonetheless faith had to stand with the promises of a faithful God.

     Last week Thursday I was blessed with the opportunity to interview for a position in Fort Worth, Texas. It was an hour long interview with four interviewers. The chief interviewer promised a return call the next day. While I awaited her call I was already planning on making that move. I began to research living and other matters that are important to relocating. God remained working in the background and Friday evening around 6:00 P.M. I received the promised call and was offered the position. I accepted.

     My point is that God is faithful to the faithful. Be encouraged and let nothing deter you from the promises of God. Some will ridicule you as some have me. Others will do what they can to derail you. Do not let these things stop you from being faithful to faithful God. No, it will not be easy so just know that God is faithful that promised.

Quick Testimony

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized6 Comments

It is not my norm to give personal testimonies in a public forum such as this but in light of my post yesterday I think this one to be pertinent.

This morning I had an early appointment with my doctor. We have been working on one issue of concern with me and that concern is my blood pressure. I have been on medications for a couple years but I believe that we can live life without medications. I truly believe in divine health. But there are times when we do things that pull from our health. Even so my discussion with my doctor included the fact that I did not want to spend my entire life taking medication.

Here is the good news. Over the past two years I have lost about forty pounds. When I last saw my doctor I was a little anemic. I was provided vitamins to resolve the issue and anemia is now a thing of the past. And, to top it off, my doctor has reduced my medications by 25% which is on the way to my goal of no medications.

One might say that the wisdom of the doctor is just cause for celebration. While I thank God for a good doctor it is God that has given him the wisdom to guide me to good health. Even more God’s faithfulness to me allows me to walk according to His Word which provides me divine health. The bottom line is that God has my health on the upswing rather than degenerating.

Have Some Confidence

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Faith2 Comments

There is much talk today about faith. People are starting groups entitled “Faith” and others suggest that their faith in God is immovable. Preachers are slamming their fists on pulpits to make the point of the necessity of faith. Yet many people still have no idea what faith really is nor are they sure how to employ it. Despite this the matter of faith is a rather simple one and one that even a baby can employ in his life.

The fact is that faith, at its simplest level, is nothing more than absolute assurance that God is true to His Word. It is the realization that God cannot and will not lie to the extent that the Word of God has never failed. Faith is knowing that no matter how long and difficult the journey God will bring it to a successful end. He has to because God has promised man that He would never leave nor forsake him. And If God will never leave man then His Word is true and has to stand on its own.

This being the case why do so many Christians live defeated lives? Why is there not only discouragement on a large scale but many Christians seem not to understand the very fundamentals of faith as laid out here? Perhaps the answer is found in Romans 14:23, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Hereby we see the problem, doubt which sin is. But the question must be answered as to what doubt is. Specific to Romans 14:23 doubt is “to be at variance with one’s self, hesitate, doubt.”[1]

The picture of doubt here is an internal struggle. The fight is whether or not to trust God. And if God is trusted is it feasible to depend on Him? And if there is a dependency on God will He do what He says? Is what God says for me? And the questions go on and on. It is for this reason that doubt becomes strong thereby eradicating faith. The fact is that doubt is sin and God cannot operate where there is sin. This is the reason when doubt raises its head God is forced to withdraw His hand. Even so the tables can just as easily be turned.

Let not faith be a word of convenience rather it should be part of the Christian lifestyle. Faith recognizes that God is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23) and will do just what He says. So don’t waver because the winds blow. Instead pull your coat closer, bow your head toward the wind in prayer and continue to move toward the promise. It is there and waiting for you. Just don’t doubt. No, don’t give in and let God pull from you because of the sin of doubt. No, hold on to the promise of God and let God bring it to pass.

[1] Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for diakrinō (Strong’s 1252)“. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2012. 28 Nov 2012. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1252&t=KJV