153
<?>THE QUESTION<?>
Why Do People Lose Faith?
THE ANSWERS
I
don't think they lose it. I think it's a conscience decision some people make
and that they walk away from it. It's not like it just slips away. You have to let
go of it in order for it to be lost.
People let go of their faith because they
get so stuck on worldly things. The promise of Heaven loses its significance
and all you're able to see at that point is what's right in front of you.
-- Kelly
Losing faith also strongly has to do with
not hearkening to the Spoken word of God and what you read in the bible. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word
of God (it goes something like that). When we constantly hear something but
don't go out and produce labor to receive the fruits of what Jesus said would
come to us, the fruit of our non-labor is unbelief and lack of faith. But when you hearken (hear and do) then you
will see the bursting of the fruit of the labor, it all has to do with your
spiritual dedication as well as the dedication in the natural.
--Light
People lose faith, because they don't
remain in Jesus. He said, remain in me, and I in you, and you will produce much
fruit. Frankly, they stop praying.
--Matt
I think people lose faith because they see
all the things that go wrong in society and cannot understand why such a loving
God would do this to them. Also they may lose faith because they have suffered
a tragedy or are going through a really hard trial and get angry with God.
--Megan
<?> ANOTHER QUESTION FOR YOU
<?>
Do you think that people who call
themselves Christians can turn people away from the faith that they had?
Especially if it was a person that they looked up to?
THE ANSWERS
I've seen that happen a lot; and that's
tragic, but it's something that you should expect when following a Man unlike
God. Man can't remain forever and unchanging, so it's important that we make it
a habit to follow the Christ in someone and not the person. Then if that person
falls our faith doesn't get discouraged. Like Paul said, "Follow me as I
follow Christ," which means, "As I follow Christ follow the Christ
within me." Now we men feel bad for that person but shouldn't doubt our
faith just because of that person. So
since you see what has happened to them in their time of pressure, reverse that
and turn and be a shoulder for that person to lean on, and let Christ that
dwells within you to lift you up and help restore that person to the place that
they've fallen from. SO then when your
time of pressure presents itself the other person that you helped will be there
for you and Christ in them will shine out and help you. We as the body of Christ are just that, a
body. When part of the body falls it affects the complete body
-- Light
THAT BEING SAID
When someone you look up to becomes a
hypocrite or doubts their faith. Instead of doubting your own, you should be an
example for them to look to. That way they can get back on track.
I
told this to a friend but he was in denial. I think it was a father/son thing
so I said. "Well, now it's your time to shine and be the good example for
your dad to follow." Then he yelled at me and said that wasn't the way its
supposed to happen. I think though that if you are more mature in your faith at
that time, then you should be the one they look up to, not thinking of physical
age but spiritual age.
2 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let people look
down on you for your faith but be an example to the believers..."
--Danielle
Exactly. That's something that us
saints have to get back to. We've become very carnal and either felt that all
is hopeless, or we take joy in it, or we act like it's no concern of ours when
a brother/sister in Christ falls away. It's important that we try and keep the
mind of Christ and keep the remembrance that ALL of us are a new Creation in
Christ not just the people we like.
Remember Samuel, David, Jeremiah,
Joseph and all the other guys in the bible who at a young age God had them to
stand up to be like a Light. He taught them to listen to what God had given
them to say so that the many people (many of which were older than these young
men) would hear the word of the Lord and turn back. It's not always about age, it is vital to still show respect,
because even Samuel went to Eli and asked him if he could tell him what God
said first. So it's not always about age but it's about the diligence to the
Lord.
--Light
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
We’ve had many different point of view today. One was, people
don’t lose faith, faith loses them. Others were that people or events can
effect a persons faith in God. I want you to think of other things that can
make believing in God harder. There are so many people that turn away just
because it’s “hard” to believe. FAITH IS EXTREMELY HARD! That was clearly
pointed out in the Bible numerous times. Next week we will expand on the topic
of faith. Now that we’ve talked about why it can happen, how can you help get
your faith back on track? So we’ll discuss that next week. Again if you have
more to add from the topic this week feel free to e-mail me, or if you want to
chip in for next week go ahead.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord, I pray that you will help me rise above looking at other
people’s example of faith and then falling when they fall. I want to follow you
Jesus and have faith in you. I know that you’ve given me a free will to follow
you and that what faith is: free will. And this very minute I chose to put my
faith in you and renew or start our relationship right now. Thank you Jesus for
everything you’ve done for me, everything you’ve given me and for loving me so
incredibly much. In Jesus name, amen.
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
Luke 17:5 - GOD'S WORD
Then the apostles said to the Lord, "Give
us more faith."
The Lord said, "If you have faith the
size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Pull yourself up
by the roots, and plant yourself in the sea!' and it would obey you.
Matthew 11:5 - GOD'S WORD
Blind people see again, lame people are
walking, those with skin diseases are made clean, deaf people hear again, dead
people are brought back to life, and poor people hear the Good News.
Whoever doesn't lose his faith in me is
indeed blessed."
Romans 10:17 - GOD'S WORD
So faith comes from hearing the message,
and the message that is heard is what Christ spoke.
(= THINK IT OVER =)
Often people pray a prayer of," Lord give me more faith for
this. Or Lord give me more faith for that." But there is actually error in
praying like this. In Luke 17:5 the apostles said to the Lord," Increase
our faith". When the apostles said that to the Lord they were in error.
See, when you pray for faith you are praying for belief. But the fact is that
either you believe or you do not believe. To pray for faith would be a prayer
based on unbelief and it will not be answered. What you must understand is that
you already have all the faith you need. Okay I will repeat this in case you
missed it. You already have all the faith you need. You are not going to
get any more faith! You can ask God until your face turns red, but you are not
getting any more faith. You have the faith you need, but you just need to know
how to develop your faith so it can grow!
In Luke17:6 Jesus talks about the mustard seed. The mustard seed
is a very tiny seed in which over time grows into an immensely huge tree. Now
Jesus said to the apostles that all they needed was a small amount of faith to
move mountains. Some of us need to understand if we would stop running scared
of every situation and use the faith we have, we could do some wonderful
things. Then our faith would grow. For example, if you have a headache I
challenge you not to run to the medicine cabinet for a pill right away. I
challenge you to use your faith and believe God for complete healing from your
headache. Why do I say this? Because a headache is small. You can use your
faith for a headache much easier than for a brain tumor. You start out using
your faith for the small things and then once you get to big things you would
have been exercising your faith enough that your issue will not scare the
daylights out of you!
How can your faith grow? By studying the Word and acting upon it
your faith will grow. The Bible says in Romans 10:17 that faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God right? See you can study the Bible all
day, but you must also apply it to your life. By this I mean to walk in it. To
increase your faith, increase your intake of God's word. You can only believe
what you know. If you do not know God's word, how can you have faith for what
God says? This is why not only studying and applying the word is important, but
also the local church is important. We need to be in churches that have
well-rounded teaching which cover all areas of the Christian life. We need to
know how to operate our faith for victory in every area of our lives! When we
get fed and live out the word I assure you that according to your faith it will
be done to you as it says in Matthew 9:29.
Did you enjoy this message today! Remember that your God is much
bigger than your faith! If you can move mountains with just a little faith,
imagine what you can with a lot of faith! Your faith is like a seed. Water it
so it will grow. As your faith is watered,
God will do things in you and through you that you may have never thought
possible! Amen!
- Brandon Bracey, Real Life Devotions
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Matthew 9:29 - GOD'S WORD
He touched their eyes and said, "What
you have believed will be done for you!"
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Heavenly Father,
I love you and I have faith
that you will bring me through and give me victory in every area of my life. I
will study your word and walk in it so my faith can grow. I know that my faith
is the victory that over comes the world so I pray Father, that you would grant
me a desire and hunger to obtain unshakable faith! Father, teach me about how
faith works so I can be a faith warrior. I give you all the glory Father and in
Christ's name I do pray Amen.
~~~
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
LUKE 15
Story of the Lost Sheep
1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to
Jesus teach. 2This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain
that he was associating with such despicable people--even eating with them!
3So Jesus used this illustration: 4"If you had one
hundred sheep, and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness,
wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one
until you found it? 5And then you would joyfully carry it home on
your shoulders. 6When you arrived, you would call together your
friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. 7In
the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God
than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!
Story of the Lost Coin
8"Or suppose a woman has ten valuable silver coins and
loses one. Won't she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and
sweep every nook and cranny until she finds it? 9And when she finds
it, she will call in her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her because she
has found her lost coin. 10In the same way, there is joy in the
presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."
Story of the Lost Son
11To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story:
"A man had two sons. 12The younger son told his father, `I want
my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until you die.' So his father
agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13"A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings
and took a trip to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money on wild
living. 14About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept
over the land, and he began to starve. 15He persuaded a local farmer
to hire him to feed his pigs. 16The boy became so hungry that even
the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him
anything.
17"When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, `At
home even the hired men have food enough to spare, and here I am, dying of
hunger! 18I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have
sinned against both heaven and you, 19and I am no longer worthy of
being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man." '
20"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a
long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion,
he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21His son said to
him, `Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer
worthy of being called your son. '
22"But his father said to the servants, `Quick! Bring the
finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and
sandals for his feet. 23And kill the calf we have been fattening in
the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, 24for this son of mine was
dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.' So the
party began.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he
returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26and he
asked one of the servants what was going on. 27`Your brother is
back,' he was told, `and your father has killed the calf we were fattening and
has prepared a great feast. We are celebrating because of his safe return.'
28"The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father
came out and begged him, 29but he replied, `All these years I've
worked hard for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to.
And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my
friends. 30Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering
your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the finest calf we have.'
31"His father said to him, `Look, dear son, you and I are very
close, and everything I have is yours. 32We had to celebrate this
happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost,
but now he is found!' "
(= THINK IT OVER =)
I just wanted to show you that you will always have another chance
with God. He will always welcome you back with open arms. He will never say,
“No, you’ve hurt me too many times.” He is waiting for you to return to him so
that he can celebrate.
If you’re wandering around not knowing
how to get back to God or even if he will let you back. Don’t wander anymore.
Go back to God. HE WANTS YOU! He loves you more than anything, and would love
you have you in his arms again.
How do you get back to God? Just tell him
you want Him back in your life. That’s the first step. The next step would be
to get more involved in reading you Bible and praying. Then you can try out a
different or new church.
If you really want your relationship to
work: you can MAKE it work.
If you try at it and nothing is
happening, then maybe in your heart you really don’t want it to work out. I
know that’s kind of harsh, but maybe you just haven’t realized it yet.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Go to God and pray. Tell him you want him
back in your life. Don’t say, “I want you back in my life but wait another day
please?” Tell him you’re going to take him right now with all the changes. You
may have something in mind that you already planned and you know it’s not
something God wants for you. That’s your first test. Do you really want Him
back? Are you willing to pass that test? You will know when it happens.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear God I want you back. I want to be able to pass the test. I pray
that you will be with me when the test comes. I know that I’m going to have to
prove to myself, the devil, and you, that I’m willing to have you back in my
life, so I’m going to go and do my best. Thank you Lord for always welcoming me
back with open arms no matter how many times I leave. I love you! In Jesus’
name, amen.
~~~
~~~
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
1 Chronicles 16:12 - GOD'S WORD
Remember the miracles he performed, the
amazing things he did and the judgments he pronounced.
Daniel 4:3 - GOD'S WORD
His miraculous signs are impressive. He uses
his power to do amazing things. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom. His power
lasts from one generation to the next.
John 4:48 - GOD'S WORD
Jesus told the official, "If people
don't see miracles and amazing things, they won't believe."
Romans 15:19 - King James Version
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the
power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto
Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Mark 8:12 - GOD'S WORD
With a deep sigh he asked, "Why do
these people demand a sign? I can guarantee this truth: If these people are
given a sign, it will be far different than what they want!"
(= THINK IT OVER =)
Haven’t you heard the expression, ‘God works in Mysterious ways’?
The more you come to realize that, the easier tough things will be on you.
Everything happens for a reason, ‘for everything there is a season’.
God wouldn’t let something delay you to
a meeting or event if it wasn’t in his divine plan now would he?
I was talking to an age wised man just
the other day and he was talking about every time that God had made him pull
over to the side of the road while he was traveling was for a reason. Every
time this happened and he started back on his journey, he would see a possibly
fatal accident or some other tragedy.
Then he said to me, “God works in
mysterious ways, is what I’ve always heard, and he wouldn’t allow these things
to happen in my life if he didn’t have a good reason.”
It seems like there are so many times
in just one week where we all say, “Why is this happening to me??” But we need
to then say to ourselves, “Everything happens for a reason.”
I know that in my own experience I’ve
said both of those many times. I’ll start to get frustrated and question what’s
happening, then have to reassure myself that everything’s happening the way
it’s supposed to.
Let God handle these parts in your
life. They may seem mysterious to you, but not to God. He has a plan for
everything that happens, a good one at that.
Nothing happens by mistake or by
chance, it’s all planned out.
Now, I can’t explain why there is sin
in the world or why the trade towers were knocked down, all I know is that
there was a greater cause.
We just need to trust God. He knows
what he’s doing, he knows why you were 20 minutes late to work the other day
instead of 5 minutes early. It was for a reason!
So go out there and trust God. He knows
what he’s doing! Don’t forget that.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Trust in God. He can be mysterious, that’s why
he wants us to have faith and not analyze everything. Take it as it comes and
hold onto Jesus. If it’s rough, he’ll help you through.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord, thank you for those times where you delayed something to
save my life. Thank you for the times you helped me in the little ways that I
didn’t even notice. Help me to see the signs of your hand next time and
acknowledge them and thank you for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
~~~
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
Matthew 12:43 - GOD'S WORD
"When an evil spirit comes out of a
person, it goes through dry places looking for a place to rest. But it doesn't
find any.
(= THINK IT OVER =)
Have you ever had a dry spell? Where
you think and think but you don’t know what to say? I’ve been having one of
those lately. I try and try but there’s nothing that I can say to you.
Without daily communication with God
and studying my Bible, I’m dry!
There you go, I solved the problem
right there. That’s what it will take: daily communication with God and studying
my Bible.
If you’re in your dry spell today, get
into the word. Take on this challenge with me and dive into God.
How do you know that you’re having a
dry spell? You know… It’s like you’re cold inside. If someone would come to you
with a faith/bible related question, you may fumble around a little, or just
sound a little hollow.
If you aren’t in your dry spell, don’t
let it happen. It’s not a good experience, and I hate going through them. It
doesn’t have to be just another part of being a Christian, you don’t have to
let it be!
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
Get into the word!!!! Hello? Did you hear
me? Do you want to be on fire for God? Do you want to have a passion??? Then
get into it! Find a daily study program to help you, find a Bible Study to go
to. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but quit putting it off. The more you put
it off, the drier you get, the worse you feel. Get into God and feel great
today.
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
God, I want to get into your Word today. I want to have a passion for
you again. God, I MISS YOU! Please come and be a part of my life again, and
help me to get rid of the things that are hindering our relationship. I want to
work at our relationship starting from this point on. No more putting it off.
I’m going to live for you right now and serve you with all that I have. In your
Heavenly name, amen.
~~~
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or
of God? Or am I trying to please men?
If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
(= THINK IT OVER =)
Have you ever showed off to someone to
try and make them think that you were cool? Or maybe you were just trying to
fit in: so you changed a few things told a few lies: but that’s ok right? Well
you know what? I think that you need to look at Paul as a good example! (As a
matter of fact more than 90% of us do I'm sure) Lately in my life I feel like I
have been trying to please both people, and God. And I’m going to tell you, it
just does not work! We have to choose one or the other! And I pray that you
will choose God! Because it is said that God doesn’t want us to be lukewarm
Christians (or Mormons, or Catholics or Baptists or whatever..). He wants us to
be either hot or cold! Here’s what I mean by that: If you are cold that means
that you don’t believe in God at all. If you’re hot- then you’re on fire
(that’s good!) and you live your life for Christ- in a big way! If you’re only
lukewarm though- you don’t know where you stand with God. You are kind of a
believer and you are KIND OF a people pleaser.
And before we go there is just one last
thing I want to mention, you can be the most popular person at school, you can
be a dork, you can be really smart, and you can get straight F’s. These are
going to be the things humans will judge you on. But when Jesus comes back to
take all of his believers to Heaven he’s only going to judge you on one thing-
whether or not you believed in him. Whether or not you loved him. And whether
or not you showed it! SO SHOW IT!!!
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
I want you to scroll back up at
the top and say the verse to yourself again... this
time asking yourself those
questions. Then I want you to honestly answer them
and pray about your answer. Do
you think God liked your answer? Why/why not?
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord I thank you for this day, and
I thank you that I don't need to win the approval of men. The only approval
that I need is YOURS! Thank you! In Jesus' name, amen.
~~~
(= THINK IT OVER =)
This newsletter
has changed my life so much. I believe I started it in the summer of 2001 (3
years ago!!) and from that week on it was a dedication.
Week after
week I try to get this out and spread an encouraging word to all of you all
over the world. For a long time people were loving it and still are today.
Thank you so
much!
God has used
this newsletter to bring people away from sin, closer to him, and many other
things. We’ve talked about everything from faith to drinking to heaven.
I believe
that God will always use Internet Christians for something in some way.
As I’ve
grown, I hope you have as well. I want to thank the 13 people who got this
newsletter from day one. I’m not sure who all they are but I do know a few by
name. (Kevin, Mark, Dawn, Amy… y’all are so awesome, thanks for the
encouragement!)
I’m sure
you’ve caught on by now, yes, the big news.
Internet
Christians is coming to an end.
So sad, yes.
But this was one of the best things in my life, and in Kelly’s life as well. I
know Kelly already said good-bye but here is another one.
"You guys really were a pleasure
to write for. I've learned so much in the past 3 years (writing
newsletters) and I've gotten so close to God. I'm thankful for the opportunity
I was presented with and you are all in my prayers. If this is the end of the
newsletter, altogether then I just wanted to say - thank you Danielle. Who knew
this could last as long as it did? It was amazing while we were in our prime. I
hope the best for you wherever life takes you and we'll be in touch... Love you
all. And more importantly - God Bless you."
The history
of Internet Christians in long and complicated but it was all for a greater
purpose. To expand the kingdom of heaven and to let you all know the depth of
Christ’s love.
I will miss
writing to you all and hope to hear from some of you soon.
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
E-mail me everything you have
to say by next Thursday and I will try to put everything possible in the
newsletter. There will also be updates from the resolutions!
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord I
pray for all the people who get internet Christians, that through this they
have grown in you and understand who you are a little better. Teach them in the
ways they should go and bless everything they put their mind to. In Jesus’
name, amen.
~~~
<>< FROM THE TEXT ><>
2 Corinthians 6:10 - GOD'S WORD
People think we are sad although we're
always glad, that we're beggars although we make many people spiritually rich,
that we have nothing although we possess everything.
John 16:20 - GOD'S WORD
I can guarantee this truth: You will
cry because you are sad, but the world will be happy. You will feel pain, but
your pain will turn to happiness.
Ecclesiastes 7:3 - GOD'S WORD
Sorrow is better than laughter because,
in spite of a sad face, the heart can be joyful.
(= THINK IT OVER =)
I’ve been
going through some rough times, so I looked up verses on being sad.
But with
every verse that had the word “sad” in it, it was followed by a form of the
word “joy” or the phrase “do NOT be sad!”
The main
verse that got to me was Ecclesiastes 7:3 in the God’s Word translation, it
says, “Sorrow is better than laughter because, in spite of a sad face, the
heart can be joyful.”
I thought
about it, and it can also go the other way around! For example, “In spite of a
happy face the heart can be full of sorrow”.
I’ve come to notice
myself doing this. My face is happy but deep down inside: my heart is hurting.
But every
time I notice myself doing this, I am going to have to remember John 16:20,
which up there says that I will cry because I’m sad, but the rest of the world
will still be happy. I will be in so much pain: but then I have to realize that
this pain is going to go away.
This verse
struck me, so I looked it up in context. A little further down Jesus said to
his disciples, "Now you're in a
painful situation. But I will see you again. Then you will be happy, and no one
will take that happiness away from you.”
I’m sure that
he was talking about when he would resurrect and visit them again, or maybe he
was talking about the rapture or when they die.
But we all
need to realize what he was telling them! He was giving them another hope to
live for! For the past while these 12 people followed Jesus and worshiped him
greatly and the thought of losing him hurt in a way they could have never
imagined. When Jesus saw this he gave them something else to look forward to.
No, it wouldn’t be as good, but this was how it had to be.
Jesus has
given us this hope today, but since he has already risen from the dead we don’t
have to wait for the hope he has for us. He can visit with us right now. He has
his LIVING word right there for us. He has a direct line of communication a few
words away! He has every kind of comfort that the world can’t offer, ready and
waiting, for YOU.
When we will
we really realize this fact? When will we use what he has for us and take
advantage of it? Do you know how many times I have said these very same things
in this newsletter in the past few years… When will I finally commit to using
my own advice, and the comfort Jesus has waiting for me. When?
I can’t put
this off any longer and you can’t either. Today. TODAY. It is going to go into
effect. Full throttle dependence on our awesome SAVIOR Jesus!
*&* TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE *&*
No more waiting, this is not a
challenge, it is a command, although it will be challenging. It’s time to put
your life, emotions, and problems into the ARMS of Jesus. This will be so hard
but there is no more waiting. This is my last time to remind you to do this.
You won’t have me to badger you about it any longer, so it’s time to put it to
action once and for all. Hey, make it a new year’s resolution if you have to,
but do it!
(-.-) PRAY ABOUT IT (-.-)
Dear Lord
Jesus, that’s it! I’m giving it all to you! You can have it! I don’t want these
problems: I don’t want this stress. No more depression, no more independence,
it’s all about you now. Jesus, I’m going to commit to you and you only, to the
fullest of my abilities. Thank you for still letting me have this opportunity
to do this and for willingly opening your arms to accept it. You are the only
one who can handle these problems, so that’s why I’m giving them to YOU and you
ONLY! In the most heavenly name of Jesus, amen!
~~~