Faith Alive

hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:6 and it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.

faith- defined as sold-out radical belief that what you ask will come to pass. It's more then just a word, but it's a lifestyle that should set us apart from the world. it's learning God's word and knowing that what he says is not only real but relavent to today's world. Faith is a different standard to live by, something that says when there appears to be no possible way- through Christ it is possible.

I long for the day when I can truly say I'm living by faith. Sold-out radical faith when God's word is made more real then man's word. That I no longer walk apart from His authority- where my shadow heals those it touches. The battle of the mind is real, and the victory is found in His word alone.

what do I mean by this? if you are sick- the doctors don't have the final authority over your health- God does. if you are financially struggling- the money is not the final authority- get your house in order- research God's word to find out what He says about your circumstances and begin to confess it over your life. faith is built one brick at a time, and the foundation is the word of God. His word is alive, active and ready for today. It's time to have the God-kind-of-faith. awaken in your heartwho you are in him1

Time to Awaken

Don't you ever wonder what it would be like if we truly lived in the fullness of heaven on earth? If we ever truly walked in the power and authority given to us through Jesus Christ? If we spoke His word as if our lives depends on it?

It's crazy to think about... the bible is so full of verses, promises, authority and yet we don't normally walk in it. isaiah says by His stripes we were healed... He sent His word to heal our diseases and to save us from destruction. That we can have abundant life and nothing can take that away from us.

We were never intended to live our lives with sickness and disease. We were never meant to live in poverty or to struggle with our finances. Or to struggle to find shelter each night that is safe and full of joy! but yet, here we are struggling, lacking the victory, and not living with heaven on earth.

I am talking about living in the proper authority bestowed upon us through our Savior Jesus Christ. I am talking about speaking as if our lives depends on it to the solution and not the problem. I'm challenging each one of you to look at your lives, to research His word and to speak in faith rather than as the world does- no more destructive words... no more half hearted attempts at living right... no more playing games. we are a chosen generation, a pecular people. Live according to His word... come on- awaken! Find life and purpose and allow His word to ultimately change your life.

not alone

5 exodus 33:14-17 NIV: the Lord replied,"My presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

Then Moses said to Him, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? what else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

And the Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

How awesome is that promise? Not only will God go with us, but He knows us by name! Jeremiah 29:11-14 states that He has plans that are good!!! Not just good, but plans to prosper us and to glorify His name. He cares about us so much that He takes great care in knowing us intimately- He knows how many hairs upon our heads Luke 12:7 and He collects our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Who am Ithat God would take such great care as to know the details of my life so accurately????

Iam not my own, Ibelong to God, but more then anything I know that my completion can only be found in and through Him alone. Mothing, no one, not what I do or who I think I am will ever bring full completion in my life. I must look to God alone to fulfill my everything! Not always easy to do, but a necessity in order to fulfill my purpose here on earth!

Fespite floods, despite torrents, despite the quaking, life changing things that occur.... God is still the one that can make a difference! daily we must spend time in His word- not only getting to know Him- but spending time in His presence makes a difference!

Father God, I ask in Your name for a deeper, more ravenous hunger for YouR word and for being in Your presence! may those that read this blog also desire for a closer walk with you. in Jesus name amen

Wow--- been way too long

I have decided I am going home! Not the home that most of you would think, but to the home of my Father! I have decided that I am going to turn my life back towards His grace and absolutely stop playing games. I have to make some tough decisions, things I really don't want to do, but God's grace is sufficient- for He will deliver me!

There is a coming judgment upon the churches of this world- a shaking of sorts. It has already begun in our leadership, but even more-so it will be among the church members! Those who are not serious about their relationship with the Father will be left behind! Am I truly being serious? Can I really for-see this happening? Let me ask you this- Can I truly afford to be wrong in speaking this? The hearts of many have grown cold, and people are playing the part of Church; outwardly they appear to be white-washed in the blood of Christ, but inwardly, they are self-seeking, self-gratifying, selfish people! Need I find some other way to say that???

I have no idea what is to come in the next few months... But you would think with all the earthquakes- the earth crying out for God's return- the people of Christ would repent and stop playing games. My heart aches, my spirit says stop playing games and get right with God.

I pray that all is well and that those who read this hear my heart! I have seen to much to not speak- heard to much to not know. Peace my brethren- may God's grace reach deep within your hearts.

My beloved Grandpa

Grandpa Constance Butenko 6/15/1917- 1/21/2009

Psalm 103:14-15 For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. Ecclesiastes 3:20 All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 1 Peter 1:24 The old life is a grass life, its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers; Grass dries up, flowers droop, God's Word goes on and on forever. This is the Word that conceived the new life in you.

What do you say? I am lucky that I had the privilege of knowing my grandfather! It's kinda selfish to think that I wish he was still a live, but I know that he is in a better place. I am blessed for I knew him for the past 36 years and I could not tell you about a better man!

My grandfather left Russia when it became communist migrating to Harbin, China. In time China also became communist so his famiy came to America when he was only seven years old. His wife also followed this same migration to America- both were born in the same hospital in China, both came to our country, and married years later.

They did not know each other prior to meeting here in this country. All the same, God's divine plan and purpose brought them together here. They have five children living in the area, nine grandchildren (two of which passed away years ago), and at least nine great grandchildren.

I rejoice in the fact that my grandfather is no longer sick, unable to walk, and in pain! I rejoice that he is now standing with Jesus in heaven dancing and praising God for His mercy in our lives. I am sad, but at the same time I know he is no longer bound by our human limitations nor suffering in body. My heart longs for him to be here yet at the same time I am at peace because he is no longer suffering.

God bless, may God's joy overflow into your hearts and His peace fill your lives this day.

New Life † ¤ †

Matthew 4:16-17 The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 18:2-4 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! God's voice is calling out upon the land- "Come unto Me all who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest!" All of us were created with a desire to not only be loved, but to love others! Some of us have hidden this desire in order to protect ourselves! What do I mean by this?

When a baby is born it is has two needs to be fed and then to be loved! Without love, this child will grow up disconnected from the rest of the world. This child will have a hard time forming lasting relationships, holding down a job, and plainly functioning in society! He will be lonely and feel forgotten! Which is why a lot of people who lack love in their lives will turn to crime in order to "create" a false sense of love! Or a teenage girl will get pregnant before they are married!!! Love and acceptance is such a strong need in our lives that many people without thinking will reach to the far ends of the earth in order to find it!

A child-like faith is all that God asks of us!! Why??? A baby has faith that it will walk-- right? If the child did not think that he could he would never attempt to walk! Would it? Faith is much like this baby walking! It is seeing the unseen even before it is manifested in our lives! It reaches far beyond what our physical eyes can see. God our Father wants us to take hold of His hand and walk- not looking back, not hesitating for a moment! It's sometimes easier said then done- especially when we can look around our world at all the struggles; wars, famines, pestilences, crimes against humanity... the list goes on and on!

Many of us question how a loving God could allow such atrocities... When we do not choose to live by faith then we choose to live by our selfish desires! This is what allows for the ugliness of our world to prevail! No one wants to seek out the truth and turn from their wicked ways! New life begins the moment we surrender our desires, our dreams, our fears to the One who can make difference. When we are truly willing to let go of the boat and walk on water, then we are truly ready to surrender to God's will in our lives!!!

Father, help me to look at life and this world through Your vision! Help me to receive the blessings that can only come through Your grace. Draw me close to You and help my heart to beat as one with Yours. Lord, for those who do not know You, I pray that salvation will come to their home this day! Help them to put aside the cares of this world and to turn 100% towards YOu. In Jesus name amen!

Rejoice always † ¤ †

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! et all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

It's the holiday season and times of shopping, grumpy people, traffic.... But more than just the worldly concept of the Christmas season, there is also the spiritual!

In a world full of craziness it's easy to loose not only ourselves in the rush, but God! We are so blessed as Americans- we live in the land of abundance even though they say we are in a recession. We have jobs... houses... food in our cupboards and clothes on our backs. Rejoice in the Lord always- yes, we even have those time in our lives where we would love nothing more than to just run and hide! Trials come and go, but the word of God stays forever without changing and it says to rejoice!!! Not that you are facing struggles, but that through the grace of the Father you already have the victory.

It's not always easy to take time out just to thank God, is it? "I will praise You, Lord, through this storm" is a choice. To be happy through the thick and thin is a choice. Our joy should not be based on what is going on in our lives, but in the fact that we are saved by God's grace. Have you ever watched those people who have faced horrific struggles in life and yet still appear to be full of joy? Those are people who are confident in who they are in Christ and who they are to themselves... The focus not on the trials, but on the fact that the trial is temporary.

Father, help us to rejoice in all seasons of life and to focus in on Your truth. Lord, we lift up our lives to You this day and claim the victory through Your word in all situations. Move in our hearts and draw us ever closer to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!