I go back once again to consider faith as a form of currency.
I reconsider why I have even thought about it in such manner in the first place. I revisit the questions that I previously asked myself at one point on this study journey of faith. I recall the following.
Would I use it to get me the things that money can buy?
Can money buy things that faith cannot buy?
What are some things that faith can buy but money cannot buy?
How is one truly able to measure the faith amounts or quantities?
Does one start off with a balance of zero in faith credit?
How does one go about earning their credit?
Is it possible to use up one’s faith credit?
What are certain items or objects that can be received when one chooses to spend his credit?
Can one save up their faith earnings for a rainy day?
Can one use his credit for the benefit of someone else?
How can one boost his credit earnings, if that is even possible?
So, now I remind myself of the two issues that I have confronted myself with:
1.The question of the economy type through which faith becomes operable
2.The question of ‘what can I do with faith money?’
Now, I add this third part. I want to know,
3.How do I begin to activate the rewards that faith brings?
Now, to the eye of a well- practiced believer, these questions may seem quite simple to answer. In fact, some rely on their faith as a formula.
The path that has been carved out for me, however, has taken many unknowns, leaving me to question so much more about faith while I traverse this course of life. It is my own ignorance, coupled with the paroxysms of fear that has propelled me to search much more deeply with the objective of presenting to myself a more intimate understanding of faith. It is the very fears that I have endured that brought me closer to want to learn and understand more about this simple yet profound word called faith.
I advance this section of my thought process utilizing this three-prong approach, trying my very best to answer the questions that I ask myself. The answers produced are merely a reflection of the thoughts and thought patterns hidden inside of me. They are the composite reflection of all that I have absorbed from the inexhaustible nature of the words that I have previously studied. Simply put, this is my reflection. The answers represent some of what I was allowed to see through my own personal study of the Scripture. I am not sure of what I expect to find from these writings, as I let the hand do most of the work for me. My only job is to relax and let the intuitive hand have its way.
I begin.
QUESTION 1
The question of the economy type through which faith becomes operable.
I rewrite the question to read:
What is the type of economy through which faith becomes operable?
RESPONSE:
Now, I go back to first recall the type of economy that I am most familiar with, in my very limited knowledge and scope.
The economy that I can see is the one that involves trade in values. I understand that an exchange of value is necessary for an economy to operate. The economy may warrant the flow or movement of a valuable product or service in exchange for some dollar, credit or resource value. In this economy, through each transaction, there is a giver and so, there must also be a receiver. Further, laws and policies are established to govern the direction and flow of these value exchanges. These laws and policies are, for the most part, always subject to change based on the needs and changing variables of the ecosystem on which the economy rests.
I would like to emphasize though that this economy rests solely on the faith of the materials and resources that can be seen that have been already vested upon the earth. This is the worldly economy. This is the world’s economy. This is global economy.
From this understanding, I automatically take note of the nature on which this economy rests. This economy rests on all that can be seen.
Now I challenge this thought. For, if it truly rests on all that can be seen, then what will its faith be when all that can be seen becomes eroded and worn or diminished by either time or some other external force or power?
Now, I am viewing this meaning from an individual perspective and not as the collective. For I, myself have zero power over the influences that reside in both my immediate, intermediate and distant spheres of influence. In fact, the only influence that I have to play with, for the moment, is the one that cannot be seen. For everything that can be seen can be easily manipulated and subdued. It is from this anchor I wish to now extrapolate the meaning of an economy that rests on the currency of faith.
I go on to now define that this economy is an invisible economy. The invisible nature of this economy type brings with it a mystery. Its nature is a very mysterious one. So, utilizing the primary definition of faith, the faith economy is one whereby value exchanges are done or performed on the merit of the confidence and assurance on all that is not seen. The faith economy rests on the confidence and assurance of the intangible value exchanges that occur through faith. One receives an intangible asset, product or value utilizing his faith currency. For true value exchanges operating in this economy type, one rests solely on the resources and materials pulled out from what he cannot see, and not from things that were already visible to the human eye.
Now, I go on to highlight this point. Because this economy type holds an invisible character, it is very well possible for it to co-exist and be entwined with the worldly economy. In fact, there may be a hybrid system developed from which the two economies are used and applied by the believer. This brings out the idea that believers tend to mostly rest on this hybrid type, forgetting the possibility of identifying the invisible type in isolation. This may or may not become apparent to the believer for the worldly economy may act as the crutch or buffer to fully see and understand on which economy he truly rests. I highlight this point.
Let me recapitulate here. There can be at least three economic systems co-existing in exactly the same space and time.
1. Man's economy (visible)
2. Faith economy (invisible)
3. Hybrid economy consisting of both man-made and faith-based currencies. (visible + invisible)
So, for this invisible economy, I call this economy the Father’s Kingdom, on which the currency for which much trade and value exchanges can occur is the currency of faith.
Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or: what shall we wear? The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. (Matthew 6: 31-33)
QUESTION 2
The question of ‘what can I do with faith money?’
I rewrite this question to read:
What are the possible rewards of utilizing faith currency?
RESPONSE
This is a colossal question. We are talking about the Kingdom here. There is no end or limit to what the potential rewards can be.
But let be start somewhere.
Psalm one hundred and eleven gives a much helpful starting point.
I read from the book of Psalm Chapter one hundred and eleven:
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are those who live by his precepts, To him belongs everlasting praise.
This verse informs me of faith’s starting point, that is, it points to the beginning of wisdom.
It must mean then that Wisdom is the starting point to all other ‘wisdoms.’ Wisdom is the entry door to the Kingdom. It is through wisdom, that she will inform one of her many other doors. One of her doors can grant access to many other of her doors. I am dropping a tremendous hint here. Take note!
You see, let me elaborate. From the worldly perspective, one thinks a house, a car, travel experience etc. All of these, one may or may not mark off on the check box of life. Well, the Kingdom of God says: THINK MUCH BIGGER! IMAGINE BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. This is no overstatement and this line should be tattoed to one’s true understanding of faith.
The worldly economy thinks material for it rests solely on the material. But imagine for a second, the things NOT yet thought about from this invisible place which one can purchase really valuable things from, not to mention, things that remain everlasting. Think about it. Truly think about it. What one sees surely limits his horizon or scope of sight.
Wisdom, then comes in to inspire and insert new thoughts and ideas, leading that one to utilize faith to bring out life’s true works. Sigh! I can think all day in wonderment as to how amazing this Kingdom really is. One needs a Helper or Advocate, who is God’s Holy Spirit to help that one navigate through the many doors of God’s Kingdom. There is no end. There is just no end.
In my Father’s house there are many rooms. Otherwise, I would not have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14: 2)
Now, I can go to start listing for you the rewards. But trust me, I can never finish to completely itemize the works of the Spirit. It is impossible.
I pose a challenge then. There are certain fruits that were spoken of that were fruits belonging to the Spirit. Here is the challenge: try to go beyond what is already written and talked about over and over and over. Really challenge the mind to think much broader and deeper in the scope of one’s imagination. When images begin to appear, this is the presence of the Holy Spirit speaking to you. The Holy Spirit is seeking willing vessels to express ALL that the Father wants to truly express and there is no end.
I rest my answer here.
Listen to wisdom singing her own praises and extolling herself in the midst of her people. (Sirach 24: 1)
I came out from the mouth of God and covered the face of the earth like a mist; although my dwelling place is in the highest heavens, my throne is within a pillar of cloud. (Sirach 24: 3,4)
He created me from the beginning, before time began and I will never cease to be, (Sirach 24: 9)
See, all of you, that I have not worked for myself alone but for all those who seek wisdom. (Sirach 24: 34)
Note that not only for myself have I toiled, but for all who seek instruction. (Sirach 33: 18)
Now I shall remind you of the works of the Lord and relate what I have seen. The Lord’s works depends on his word, and creation obeys his will. (Sirach 42: 15)
Meditate on the precepts of the Lord and apply yourself unceasingly to his commandments. He will strengthen your heart and the wisdom you desire will be given to you. (Sirach 6: 37)
…The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of Him who is. They were interested in his works, but they did not recognize the author of them. Fire, wind, are, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world. If charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their sovereign. And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is he who formed them. For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent. (Sirach 13: 1-5)
Therefore, the idols of the nations will also be judged. They have come to be the most abominable among the creatures of God. They are a stumbling block to the spirit of man…The invention of idols was the origin of licentiousness; when they were invented, life became corrupt. For in the beginning they did not exist and they will not exist forever. (Wisdom 14: 11- 13)
With You is Wisdom that knows your works, that was present when you made the world and is aware of what is pleasing in your eyes and what is right according to your commandments. Send her from the holy heavens, dispatch her from your holy throne to work beside me so that I may know what is pleasing to You. For she knows and understands everything; she will direct my actions with prudence and protect me with her power. (Wisdom 9: 9-11)
We are barely able to know about the things of earth, and it is a struggle to understand what is close to us; who then may hope to understand heavenly things? Who has ever know your will unless You first gave him Wisdom and sent down your Holy Spirit to him? (Wisdom 9: 16, 17)
I prayed and understanding was given to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. (Wisdom 7: 7)
QUESTION 3
How do I begin to activate the rewards that faith brings?
I rewrite this question to read the following:
How does faith become operable in the mind of the believer?
Such an interesting question I ask my own self. Now, again, this may sound like a silly question. After all, there are so many others who have gone before me and those who are currently present on the earth who have went on to exercise faith and some still do practise faith even until this day. After all, everything that is created, was created through faith by the works of God’s Spirit.
But I challenge this thought for the moment. For the most part, faith has been and still continues to be practised up to this day on the earth. There is a condition met, however. For faith may be practised but it lives and thrives on the supposed condition of the hybrid economic system… for most of the time, that is.
Man lives on both the physical bread and the word of God. But what if, suddenly, his bread was to be removed from his plate? Would he still survive? Well, the answer depends on the type of economy he chooses to place his investments. For sure, if his trust and security rest fully on the economic system of the visible world, then his life, for sure, relies on the economy and risks that the global systems procure. He lives for as long as the system of this world supports and keeps him alive. Man rests on the life support of this world.
Now, for the astute investor, he knows to divest his interests. He capitalizes on his earnings gained from both the material and immaterial economic systems. He straddles between the two systems, hoping to reap the benefits for both the body and the mind. Now, when he studies which way to go as he studies the times of the time, he may then later decide to consolidate and stick to one of the two economic systems. He may decide to cash out his investments from the material to make more room for investing into the immaterial, while learning to make friends as he keeps on investing into his relations. He keeps measuring the value of his earnings, until he finally decides from which of the two economies will provide him with lasting rewards. His main interest, however, is to yield the rewards from his investments. So he considers much.
Now, for the one who straddles, he runs the risk of losing some value in truly understanding the workings and machinations of the currency that is run on the invisible economic system. He may know a few things, but, for the most part, he has invested much more time into understanding all that is seen, somehow neglecting, the bigger portion of his massive portfolio. This is the iceberg effect. You see, what one does not see matters so much more to the eternal self, compared to what one does see. The physical resource becomes his greatest distraction.
Now, there is one, who has no choice but to depend on only one system. He has been cast aside and rendered worthless by many. He has been ridiculed for his ways and his norms. The world rejects his standards and ideals. To the world, he has been made a fool of, thrown aside, rejected and persecuted. This person is the Economy of that Kingdom. He Himself came to re-introduce His own system back to the earth, so that many riches may flow from His Wisdom, yet the world’s system saw no use for it.
Now, this is the point of contradiction. It is at this point, man must choose which way he truly wants to be led by.
When the economy of one system (visible) begins to set its place up in its fullness, this would automatically trigger the operations and workings of that second more eternal system. Life comes in pairs. This is a law.
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (Daniel 2: 40 -44)
These four beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom to possess it eternally forever and ever. (Daniel 7: 17)
This king shall insult the Most High and persecute the holy ones of the Most High. He shall try to change the feasts and the laws. The holy ones shall be handed over to his power for a time, two times, and half a time. But judgment will come and dominion will be taken from him… (Daniel 7: 25, 26)
So, now, taking a step back. There is faith in the world, but it is the measure that counts. Would there still be faith, when all that man is able to see becomes taken away from him? Well, this man needs at least more than faith the size of a mustard to allow him a purse steep enough to carry him on his journeys as he traverses the earth.
Man at this time, may not be able to recognize this sized faith. But take everything away from him, and see magic at work in him. When man is forced to do something, he just does it. It is like breathing in or coughing. It is quite reflexive. Man's needs drive creativity. And it is this condition of the flame heating man up to bring out the glory and shine of the Father.
Through heightening resistance, man’s greatest powers become activated. This is a law. And may well fall in the Law of Humility. Psalm thirty- seven sheds light on the Law of Humility coupled with the great Law of Provision. Also, this is witnessed in the Beatitudes spoken by Christ Himself in the book of Matthew Chapter five verses three to twelve.
When you oppress the poor, you make them grow… (Proverbs 22: 16)
So, you see. Time plays a crucial factor as to when giant sized faith becomes operable. Not only in life’s timeline, but also in the amount of time that man spends with the Word to receive the fuel of the Wisdom that he needs in order to circumvent the many obstacles that will be placed in his way, preventing him from living. Man learns to live by faith and not by sight. Man relies no longer on the derivatives of the world, but he treasures the most, Life’s true Source. The Word for him becomes his greatest blessing and Saviour. With Wisdom, how can he ever fail? It was Wisdom who learnt and studied in the greatest depth the Father’s ways. Wisdom becomes man’s sword to fight when he himself is just not able to physically do so. Through Wisdom, man reaps his greatest rewards. Through Wisdom, man learns to appreciate Life’s everlasting rewards. Through Wisdom, man lives.
Now, more about man’s timeline…
I draw for you a picture.
I reconsider why I have even thought about it in such manner in the first place. I revisit the questions that I previously asked myself at one point on this study journey of faith. I recall the following.
Would I use it to get me the things that money can buy?
Can money buy things that faith cannot buy?
What are some things that faith can buy but money cannot buy?
How is one truly able to measure the faith amounts or quantities?
Does one start off with a balance of zero in faith credit?
How does one go about earning their credit?
Is it possible to use up one’s faith credit?
What are certain items or objects that can be received when one chooses to spend his credit?
Can one save up their faith earnings for a rainy day?
Can one use his credit for the benefit of someone else?
How can one boost his credit earnings, if that is even possible?
So, now I remind myself of the two issues that I have confronted myself with:
1.The question of the economy type through which faith becomes operable
2.The question of ‘what can I do with faith money?’
Now, I add this third part. I want to know,
3.How do I begin to activate the rewards that faith brings?
Now, to the eye of a well- practiced believer, these questions may seem quite simple to answer. In fact, some rely on their faith as a formula.
The path that has been carved out for me, however, has taken many unknowns, leaving me to question so much more about faith while I traverse this course of life. It is my own ignorance, coupled with the paroxysms of fear that has propelled me to search much more deeply with the objective of presenting to myself a more intimate understanding of faith. It is the very fears that I have endured that brought me closer to want to learn and understand more about this simple yet profound word called faith.
I advance this section of my thought process utilizing this three-prong approach, trying my very best to answer the questions that I ask myself. The answers produced are merely a reflection of the thoughts and thought patterns hidden inside of me. They are the composite reflection of all that I have absorbed from the inexhaustible nature of the words that I have previously studied. Simply put, this is my reflection. The answers represent some of what I was allowed to see through my own personal study of the Scripture. I am not sure of what I expect to find from these writings, as I let the hand do most of the work for me. My only job is to relax and let the intuitive hand have its way.
I begin.
QUESTION 1
The question of the economy type through which faith becomes operable.
I rewrite the question to read:
What is the type of economy through which faith becomes operable?
RESPONSE:
Now, I go back to first recall the type of economy that I am most familiar with, in my very limited knowledge and scope.
The economy that I can see is the one that involves trade in values. I understand that an exchange of value is necessary for an economy to operate. The economy may warrant the flow or movement of a valuable product or service in exchange for some dollar, credit or resource value. In this economy, through each transaction, there is a giver and so, there must also be a receiver. Further, laws and policies are established to govern the direction and flow of these value exchanges. These laws and policies are, for the most part, always subject to change based on the needs and changing variables of the ecosystem on which the economy rests.
I would like to emphasize though that this economy rests solely on the faith of the materials and resources that can be seen that have been already vested upon the earth. This is the worldly economy. This is the world’s economy. This is global economy.
From this understanding, I automatically take note of the nature on which this economy rests. This economy rests on all that can be seen.
Now I challenge this thought. For, if it truly rests on all that can be seen, then what will its faith be when all that can be seen becomes eroded and worn or diminished by either time or some other external force or power?
Now, I am viewing this meaning from an individual perspective and not as the collective. For I, myself have zero power over the influences that reside in both my immediate, intermediate and distant spheres of influence. In fact, the only influence that I have to play with, for the moment, is the one that cannot be seen. For everything that can be seen can be easily manipulated and subdued. It is from this anchor I wish to now extrapolate the meaning of an economy that rests on the currency of faith.
I go on to now define that this economy is an invisible economy. The invisible nature of this economy type brings with it a mystery. Its nature is a very mysterious one. So, utilizing the primary definition of faith, the faith economy is one whereby value exchanges are done or performed on the merit of the confidence and assurance on all that is not seen. The faith economy rests on the confidence and assurance of the intangible value exchanges that occur through faith. One receives an intangible asset, product or value utilizing his faith currency. For true value exchanges operating in this economy type, one rests solely on the resources and materials pulled out from what he cannot see, and not from things that were already visible to the human eye.
Now, I go on to highlight this point. Because this economy type holds an invisible character, it is very well possible for it to co-exist and be entwined with the worldly economy. In fact, there may be a hybrid system developed from which the two economies are used and applied by the believer. This brings out the idea that believers tend to mostly rest on this hybrid type, forgetting the possibility of identifying the invisible type in isolation. This may or may not become apparent to the believer for the worldly economy may act as the crutch or buffer to fully see and understand on which economy he truly rests. I highlight this point.
Let me recapitulate here. There can be at least three economic systems co-existing in exactly the same space and time.
1. Man's economy (visible)
2. Faith economy (invisible)
3. Hybrid economy consisting of both man-made and faith-based currencies. (visible + invisible)
So, for this invisible economy, I call this economy the Father’s Kingdom, on which the currency for which much trade and value exchanges can occur is the currency of faith.
Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or: what shall we wear? The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. (Matthew 6: 31-33)
QUESTION 2
The question of ‘what can I do with faith money?’
I rewrite this question to read:
What are the possible rewards of utilizing faith currency?
RESPONSE
This is a colossal question. We are talking about the Kingdom here. There is no end or limit to what the potential rewards can be.
But let be start somewhere.
Psalm one hundred and eleven gives a much helpful starting point.
I read from the book of Psalm Chapter one hundred and eleven:
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are those who live by his precepts, To him belongs everlasting praise.
This verse informs me of faith’s starting point, that is, it points to the beginning of wisdom.
It must mean then that Wisdom is the starting point to all other ‘wisdoms.’ Wisdom is the entry door to the Kingdom. It is through wisdom, that she will inform one of her many other doors. One of her doors can grant access to many other of her doors. I am dropping a tremendous hint here. Take note!
You see, let me elaborate. From the worldly perspective, one thinks a house, a car, travel experience etc. All of these, one may or may not mark off on the check box of life. Well, the Kingdom of God says: THINK MUCH BIGGER! IMAGINE BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. This is no overstatement and this line should be tattoed to one’s true understanding of faith.
The worldly economy thinks material for it rests solely on the material. But imagine for a second, the things NOT yet thought about from this invisible place which one can purchase really valuable things from, not to mention, things that remain everlasting. Think about it. Truly think about it. What one sees surely limits his horizon or scope of sight.
Wisdom, then comes in to inspire and insert new thoughts and ideas, leading that one to utilize faith to bring out life’s true works. Sigh! I can think all day in wonderment as to how amazing this Kingdom really is. One needs a Helper or Advocate, who is God’s Holy Spirit to help that one navigate through the many doors of God’s Kingdom. There is no end. There is just no end.
In my Father’s house there are many rooms. Otherwise, I would not have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14: 2)
Now, I can go to start listing for you the rewards. But trust me, I can never finish to completely itemize the works of the Spirit. It is impossible.
I pose a challenge then. There are certain fruits that were spoken of that were fruits belonging to the Spirit. Here is the challenge: try to go beyond what is already written and talked about over and over and over. Really challenge the mind to think much broader and deeper in the scope of one’s imagination. When images begin to appear, this is the presence of the Holy Spirit speaking to you. The Holy Spirit is seeking willing vessels to express ALL that the Father wants to truly express and there is no end.
I rest my answer here.
Listen to wisdom singing her own praises and extolling herself in the midst of her people. (Sirach 24: 1)
I came out from the mouth of God and covered the face of the earth like a mist; although my dwelling place is in the highest heavens, my throne is within a pillar of cloud. (Sirach 24: 3,4)
He created me from the beginning, before time began and I will never cease to be, (Sirach 24: 9)
See, all of you, that I have not worked for myself alone but for all those who seek wisdom. (Sirach 24: 34)
Note that not only for myself have I toiled, but for all who seek instruction. (Sirach 33: 18)
Now I shall remind you of the works of the Lord and relate what I have seen. The Lord’s works depends on his word, and creation obeys his will. (Sirach 42: 15)
Meditate on the precepts of the Lord and apply yourself unceasingly to his commandments. He will strengthen your heart and the wisdom you desire will be given to you. (Sirach 6: 37)
…The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of Him who is. They were interested in his works, but they did not recognize the author of them. Fire, wind, are, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world. If charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their sovereign. And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is he who formed them. For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent. (Sirach 13: 1-5)
Therefore, the idols of the nations will also be judged. They have come to be the most abominable among the creatures of God. They are a stumbling block to the spirit of man…The invention of idols was the origin of licentiousness; when they were invented, life became corrupt. For in the beginning they did not exist and they will not exist forever. (Wisdom 14: 11- 13)
With You is Wisdom that knows your works, that was present when you made the world and is aware of what is pleasing in your eyes and what is right according to your commandments. Send her from the holy heavens, dispatch her from your holy throne to work beside me so that I may know what is pleasing to You. For she knows and understands everything; she will direct my actions with prudence and protect me with her power. (Wisdom 9: 9-11)
We are barely able to know about the things of earth, and it is a struggle to understand what is close to us; who then may hope to understand heavenly things? Who has ever know your will unless You first gave him Wisdom and sent down your Holy Spirit to him? (Wisdom 9: 16, 17)
I prayed and understanding was given to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. (Wisdom 7: 7)
QUESTION 3
How do I begin to activate the rewards that faith brings?
I rewrite this question to read the following:
How does faith become operable in the mind of the believer?
Such an interesting question I ask my own self. Now, again, this may sound like a silly question. After all, there are so many others who have gone before me and those who are currently present on the earth who have went on to exercise faith and some still do practise faith even until this day. After all, everything that is created, was created through faith by the works of God’s Spirit.
But I challenge this thought for the moment. For the most part, faith has been and still continues to be practised up to this day on the earth. There is a condition met, however. For faith may be practised but it lives and thrives on the supposed condition of the hybrid economic system… for most of the time, that is.
Man lives on both the physical bread and the word of God. But what if, suddenly, his bread was to be removed from his plate? Would he still survive? Well, the answer depends on the type of economy he chooses to place his investments. For sure, if his trust and security rest fully on the economic system of the visible world, then his life, for sure, relies on the economy and risks that the global systems procure. He lives for as long as the system of this world supports and keeps him alive. Man rests on the life support of this world.
Now, for the astute investor, he knows to divest his interests. He capitalizes on his earnings gained from both the material and immaterial economic systems. He straddles between the two systems, hoping to reap the benefits for both the body and the mind. Now, when he studies which way to go as he studies the times of the time, he may then later decide to consolidate and stick to one of the two economic systems. He may decide to cash out his investments from the material to make more room for investing into the immaterial, while learning to make friends as he keeps on investing into his relations. He keeps measuring the value of his earnings, until he finally decides from which of the two economies will provide him with lasting rewards. His main interest, however, is to yield the rewards from his investments. So he considers much.
Now, for the one who straddles, he runs the risk of losing some value in truly understanding the workings and machinations of the currency that is run on the invisible economic system. He may know a few things, but, for the most part, he has invested much more time into understanding all that is seen, somehow neglecting, the bigger portion of his massive portfolio. This is the iceberg effect. You see, what one does not see matters so much more to the eternal self, compared to what one does see. The physical resource becomes his greatest distraction.
Now, there is one, who has no choice but to depend on only one system. He has been cast aside and rendered worthless by many. He has been ridiculed for his ways and his norms. The world rejects his standards and ideals. To the world, he has been made a fool of, thrown aside, rejected and persecuted. This person is the Economy of that Kingdom. He Himself came to re-introduce His own system back to the earth, so that many riches may flow from His Wisdom, yet the world’s system saw no use for it.
Now, this is the point of contradiction. It is at this point, man must choose which way he truly wants to be led by.
When the economy of one system (visible) begins to set its place up in its fullness, this would automatically trigger the operations and workings of that second more eternal system. Life comes in pairs. This is a law.
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron—for iron breaks and smashes everything—and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (Daniel 2: 40 -44)
These four beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingdom to possess it eternally forever and ever. (Daniel 7: 17)
This king shall insult the Most High and persecute the holy ones of the Most High. He shall try to change the feasts and the laws. The holy ones shall be handed over to his power for a time, two times, and half a time. But judgment will come and dominion will be taken from him… (Daniel 7: 25, 26)
So, now, taking a step back. There is faith in the world, but it is the measure that counts. Would there still be faith, when all that man is able to see becomes taken away from him? Well, this man needs at least more than faith the size of a mustard to allow him a purse steep enough to carry him on his journeys as he traverses the earth.
Man at this time, may not be able to recognize this sized faith. But take everything away from him, and see magic at work in him. When man is forced to do something, he just does it. It is like breathing in or coughing. It is quite reflexive. Man's needs drive creativity. And it is this condition of the flame heating man up to bring out the glory and shine of the Father.
Through heightening resistance, man’s greatest powers become activated. This is a law. And may well fall in the Law of Humility. Psalm thirty- seven sheds light on the Law of Humility coupled with the great Law of Provision. Also, this is witnessed in the Beatitudes spoken by Christ Himself in the book of Matthew Chapter five verses three to twelve.
When you oppress the poor, you make them grow… (Proverbs 22: 16)
So, you see. Time plays a crucial factor as to when giant sized faith becomes operable. Not only in life’s timeline, but also in the amount of time that man spends with the Word to receive the fuel of the Wisdom that he needs in order to circumvent the many obstacles that will be placed in his way, preventing him from living. Man learns to live by faith and not by sight. Man relies no longer on the derivatives of the world, but he treasures the most, Life’s true Source. The Word for him becomes his greatest blessing and Saviour. With Wisdom, how can he ever fail? It was Wisdom who learnt and studied in the greatest depth the Father’s ways. Wisdom becomes man’s sword to fight when he himself is just not able to physically do so. Through Wisdom, man reaps his greatest rewards. Through Wisdom, man learns to appreciate Life’s everlasting rewards. Through Wisdom, man lives.
Now, more about man’s timeline…
I draw for you a picture.
From the diagram above, I delineate the difference between man operating in the sphere of time and man operating in the space of the rest of eternity. When the fullness of sin has been reached, that is, when the times of the gentiles have been fulfilled, this triggers the implosion and end of sin, which then meets the point that represents the continuation of the rest of eternity. This begins the mark at which access becomes granted in its fullness to the obedient man. God’s Spirit is now fully activated on the earth and man has access to Him in all His fullness and Wisdom. Man no longer needs to memorize anything, for a brilliant light (knowledge or Wisdom) will shine on him to lead the way. The only condition is that man obeys the will of the Father. And the will of the Father is to put back His eternal laws and systems on the earth, in the backdrop of the knowledge that His Kingdom has no end.
So, now I want to explain the model that I have drawn up. I use my imagination to explain this bit.
In the span of time that man has been granted, man has a limited number of possibilities. For him, the constraint is time. Time restricts man of his potentials in what he can actually realize upon the earth. Man lives through one possibility in his lifetime.
1 lifetime = 1 possibility
2 lifetimes = 2 possibilities and so on and on.
In one lifetime, man does only one thing at a time, that is, man serves the Father in one way in his lifetime. Consider Abraham, the father of many nations, Moses, the Deliverer, Mary, the virgin mother, John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness, Christ the Saviour etc.
In his lifetime, man is given an objective and course outline. Throughout his lifetime, he keeps focusing on what he was made for in that specific point of time, as declared by the Creator.
Now I introduce my understanding of eternity. Eternity is the cross-section or intersection of all possibilities occurring at any given point in time. It is this intersection or crossings, that provide the source for miracles or supernatural occurrences to play out on natural grounds.
Supernatural = all possibilities
Natural = based on Life's probability
When eternity intersects with and crosses the span of time, then the span of the remaining time left of life’s timeline falls under the influence of eternity. In this way, at any given point in time, man has access to the influence of eternity. Notice I say influence. For it must be aligned with the Father’s will. Man has access to the power of eternity. At any point in time, man has access to not just one or few possibilities, but he has access to all possibilities on the condition that he is under the full influence of Eternity. Man has been taken out of his ‘time out.’
Live in Me as I live in you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself but has to remain part of the vine, so neither can you if you don’t remain in Me. (John 15: 4)
My sheep hear my voice and I know them; they follow me and I give them eternal life. They shall never perish and no one will ever steal them from me. What the Father has given me is above everything else and no one can snatch it from the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10: 27-30)
I touch on one more feature that makes mature faith quite operable in the mind of the believer.
I take my time now, to study the passage taken from the book of Luke Chapter seven.
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.
2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,
5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
I highlight now, some key notes.
I spot in this Commander’s statement the elements of:
Humble approach + proclamation (order) + belief
This man was admired by the Father for his belief, not just because of the word, but because he believed in the AUTHORITY of the word, proclaimed by God. The Commander came into agreement with what was proclaimed by God, that is, to heal the sick. This man believed in the authority and working power of God’s Word. The Word is Spirit and has Authority. The stronger the belief in the believer's mind of God’s Word, the greater is power granted to that believer.
God’s Word has weight. Whatever He says, goes. Belief in His Word releases His power on the earth. It means then, that one can either work to block access to this power through unbelief or one can work to release His power through strong, sustained belief. It is the belief in His Word that releases the power to make His Word fulfilled on the earth.
One can either be an agent of impedance (unbeliever) or an agent of conductance (believer), allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through.
When God’s power is released, it reveals His presence. In His presence, there is Holy fear.
So, then I ask myself, can the longer time someone waits for something to see come to pass be related to the size of belief possessed by the believer?
If one truly believes in something, he will wait for it to happen. The Holy Spirit keeps this man to endure patiently through the trial of time. Despite the many losses in power that he may experience, he still holds out in faith, as God’s Spirit continues to uphold this man. Despite seeing despair, he knows that he will overcome by the Word of God.
I read from the book of Luke Chapter two.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
I think to myself now, that perhaps, one can test the belief in the length of time that he holds out for, despite not seeing any real results.
If man is only given short spurts of time to hold out for, he may believe, but there is a danger, for when the time gets longer and more stretched, will he still hold that faithful position? I do not have the answer. I keep silent.
When the test of time is for much longer, belief needs to be so much greater, big enough to sustain the time of the test. Added pressure lengthens man’s perception of time. Man needs the Holy Spirit to be continually fed.
Waiting builds endurance and faith is the endurance in believing.
Believe it or not, this life is such the Olympic Games! One that man has been training all his life for, perhaps even living through more than one lifetime for such a time. It is a test of patient endurance, then. The question is: Can one endure?
DO NOT GIVE UP!
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40: 28- 31)
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