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Well when I was first invited to give a short talk to the group for the May meeting, I had something in mind to share that was current for that time.  However God always has plenty to say if we can just be still and acknowledge Him.   So as the seasons change I have changed the word I was going to share to what I feel The Lord is wanting to communicate at this time and in this season .

 

It starts with a verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 v 24.

 

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes we were healed."

 

Well my thoughts on that morning were directed towards our mind set our position between the titles of HOPE and FAITH.  I wonder if any of us have ever considered the difference between the two positions? 

 

What was God wanting to say about this verse and why the words hope and faith? My focus was brought to the closing part of the verse, by whose stripes you were healed.  In other words it was not something to be hoped for but something that has been ESTABLISHED.

 

As I looked into this concept the writings of F.F.Bosworth  came before me and he describes the difference like this.

 

Hope is expecting a blessing sometime in the future.  Faith is taking NOW what God has provided.

 

Bosworth writes a little further to illuminate this revelation, this amazing truth, with the following words.

 

If someone should deed you a home that you have never seen, you actually have a home before you see it.  FAITH is the evidence the title deeds of things not yet seen.  A deed makes a home so much yours that you can sell it without ever seeing it. FAITH is believing you HAVE what God says you have and ACTING accordingly before you either feel or see that you have it.

 

There is a challenge in this when we consider our prayer life.  Do we pray with hope that we will see an answer to our prayers  or do we pray with Faith that our prayers have been heard and answered? Clearly I believe and would encourage each of us to pray with Faith as this is something established not just hoped for. As we all long for answers to our prayers we might do well to try this approach.

 

God Bless you all and keep you safe.

 

Chris Brown.

Bourne Baptist Curch.

 

 

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