If we are believing for something that we are praying for, what we say should match our faith. (Mark 11:23). We can’t say we are believing for financial breakthrough and yet also tell people, “I’m just about bankrupt.” In James’ epistle he tells us that a doubleminded man will not receive anything from God (James 1:6-8). When we pray, we believe right then that we have the answer (Mark 11:24) even though what we request may not manifest in the physical realm for some time. In the meantime, we keep meditating on the scriptures to keep us in faith and we thank God in our prayers for the answer. As we dare to believe God, He will amaze us with His love, blessings and power!

You might be thinking that what you do for God is insignificant – you don’t have a world-wide ministry, you’re not winning souls to the Lord every day or your prayer life doesn’t feel very dynamic. However, according to our initial verse above God is rejoicing over the small things you do. As Jesus Himself said, “Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it to one of the least (in the estimation of men) of these My brethren, you did it for Me” (Matt 25:40; AMPC).

King David was someone who loved the presence of God (Ps 16:11), it was the one thing he wanted more than anything else (Ps 27:4). He quoted God as saying, “Seek My face (inquire for and require My presence as your vital need). My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require (of necessity and on the authority of your word). (PS 27:8; AMPC). The word “face” in Hebrew often means “presence” as in this verse. The Bible also tells us how we can enjoy God’s presence more fully and it’s through worship, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Ps 100:4; CSB). As New Testament Christians we have the presence of God living right inside us in the form of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

In heaven we will experience the ultimate presence of God, “I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Rev 21:22; NLT) and Rev 22:4, “And they shall see His Face and His name will be written on their foreheads” (NLT). Hallelujah!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor 5:17; NKJV). When we asked Jesus into our life our spirit was made new and we became new spiritual creations (John 3:5-6). Moving forward we need to get rid of the “old man” or lifestyle and grow into the new Christ-like nature and life God has for us (Eph 4:15, 22-24). The apostle Paul exhorts us to “put to death” the sinful nature of our soul and body (Col 3:5a; NKJV). In Colossians 3 and 4 he gives us many areas to consider: lust, lying, anger, theft, corrupt and foolish words, bitterness, malice, sexual immorality, poor humor, covetousness and blasphemy.

In those same chapters we also see many characteristics we should grow into as Christians: gentleness, lowliness, righteousness, holiness, kindness, meekness, mercy, forgiveness, tenderness, patience, truth, unity, peace, renewal of mind, grace, love and the fullness of Christ. The list may seem overwhelming but with God’s help we can put off and put on to be more like Jesus every day. The apostle Peter encouraged us to “desire the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2a; NKJV) and the author of Hebrews 5:12-14, exhorts us to delve into the solid food of the word. As we get revelation of God’s Word the Holy Spirit can transform us to be more and more like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18). In Philippians l 1:6, we are assured that, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”, or when Jesus returns to earth at the end of time. Let’s get busy putting off and putting on!