When can you say, Yes or No? When you are absolutely sure of what you believe. If you believe you can do something, it’s a Yes. If you don’t believe, it will be a No. Maybe = Doubt, will either leave you or the other person frustrated. 

What gives us the ability to say, Yes or No? The Truth. When we were in darkness, we were wayward and did not know the truth. In the light, we know, and our belief is daily rooted and grounded in love. 

The Truth, Jesus, has authored a faith in us to think, say and do confidently. Be it a Yes or No. It is His grace. What He started, He will finish. 

If God is going to do it all, do I need to do anything at all? Indeed, yes. Love Jesus by walking in obedience to His word. 

How does one who loves Jesus live daily? Intentionally!

Here are three ways to walk intentionally in Christ.

Pursuit of the higher standard

The Greek, Syrophenician, gentile woman displayed great faith (Matthew 15:21-28/Mark 7:24-30). She knew about Jesus and was sure about His power and identity. Even though Jesus ignored her and the disciples wanted to send her away she stood firm to receive what she believed. She knew the will of God. She knew that it was God’s will to deliver. Jesus had come for the lost sheep of Israel, not yet for the Gentile’s. She was being rejected, yet she pursued the heart of God. She hungered for a healing that could only be delivered by the divine. Her intentional pursuit of Jesus, the great faith that was expressed by the grace of God, brought her daughter deliverance and healing.

As a believer, I’ve found myself sometimes lacking the faith required to receive what God has already promised. Till I humble myself in the presence of His majesty and acknowledge His beauty. His blessings flow, and rest and healing is restored multifold.

Contending for the Faith

This fight is a good fight of faith. Not against flesh and blood but against demonic powers of darkness (Ephesian 6:12). How do we live as overcomers? Keeping with the doctrines, digging into deeper truths, and growing in love. (Jude 1:3) We are then rooted and grounded in the love of God to live lives of exemplary faith.

Stephen contended for the faith till the very end, so did all the apostles and Paul.

The forces of evil can use anyone to diffuse our walk with God - family, friends, church, neighbours, etc. 

When we strive in the faith that is authored by Jesus, we are able to see clearly. The light of God leads us in His everlasting peace. Stephen while standing for the truth, saw the heavens opened, he saw the amazing glory of God, he saw beautiful Jesus. When Paul & Silas were jailed, God freed them supernaturally. Peter was woken and rescued by an angel while he was sleeping in his jail cell.

When we stick to what we’ve been called for, we are being intentional about what we believe. Signs and wonders will follow.

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus

Jesus is the highest standard of lifestyle for all believers. That is the expectation of God from us. We grow from faith to faith and learn to live in the higher calling of Christ. Jesus was intentional about fulfilling the Fathers will even though it was hard for Him. The characteristics of Jesus, His love, faith, holiness and total surrender to do the will of God are inherent qualities of His nature. Unless, I don’t let Jesus into my life everyday, I cannot live a life that reflects all the qualities in Christ. For e.g. the fruit of the Holy Spirit is ONE fruit that comprises of different beautiful natures - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22,23

God gave us the Holy Spirit to live in His fullness. 

“For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. HE COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT EVER FOUND IN HIS MOUTH. While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2:21-23‬ ‭

I hope this post has enriched you. Please continue to pray for us. May the good Lord bless and keep you. Praise the Lord.