Test your faith

 “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” John 11.40

Do you believe in God? Yes, I believe.
You have faith in God? Yes, I have.
Belief, or faith, in God, means belief, or faith, in His Word.
Do you believe in God's Word? Yes, I do.
Do you obey the Word of God? Hmmm, more or less...
If you obey more or less, then your faith, or your belief, in God is more or less. This is the reason why many who believe in Jesus do not see the glory of God.
Obedience to God's Word shows the kind of faith we have.

Holy Spirit's grief

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4.30-31

No member of a body is capable of hurting the other. Rather, the members of a body cooperate with each other harmoniously to please the head. So must be the Church of the Lord Jesus. All that comprise it must work together for the edification of the Church, whose Head is Jesus. If there is a strange body among the members, there will be conflict with others. Sooner or later, the foreign element will be expelled.

Privilege of a few

"Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" Isaiah 53.1

It's true... Faith is not for everyone.
Everyone has the natural faith, but few have the supernatural faith.
The natural faith entitles you to sow whatever you want and reap what you have sown. But the supernatural faith,which is revealed to the poor in spirit, the faith that believes in the impossible, that brings into existence what does not exist, that makes things happen, and so on, that is the privilege of the few. Few are those who manage to enter through the narrow gate.

Wretched

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3.20-21

Sometimes, we occupy our minds with such insignificant needs and concerns that we forget that the Almighty is in us, trying to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.  As the Apostle Paul says, oh wretched person I am!

Revolt

 “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?" Judges 6.13

In the darkest hours, a cry cannot be silenced: if the Lord is with me, why  is there so much suffering? I believe that He allows it so that we react with the revolt of faith. Gideon was not a saint or a religious person, but he was chosen to lead his people to freedom because of the holy revolt he had against that situation. And this is the faith that makes a difference.

The weapons of our warfare

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10.4

When Gideon went into combat, he did not take any weapons of war. He only had trumpets and empty pitchers with torches. But when he blew the trumpets (cried out to God) and broke the pitchers with torches (manifested a living faith in the Living God), his enemies destroyed themselves.
The weapons of faith are more powerful than the weapons of men.

The Sacrifice said

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14.6

I thought the comment of Luiz Fabiano on my husband's blog to be very true: The Sacrifice said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 
This is a fact. Without sacrifice, it is impossible to reach God.

True worshiper

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him." John 4.23

God the Father seeks true worshipers. But how to distinguish between the true and the false worshipers? The true worshipers will worship God - the Father - in spirit and in truth. In spirit means to worship with an intelligent and balanced faith. 
God is intelligence and wisdom, so why would He accept an emotion based worship? 
In truth means to worship Him through His Son Jesus, The Truth.

Life by faith

"Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10.38

The cancellation of any and all sin is only possible through faith. Not heartfelt faith, but faith practiced through obedience to the Word of God. The Lord shows this condition as the only way a person can be considered righteous before Him. However, if they go backwards, or turn away from the faith, then there will be no forgiveness, no salvation.

Vida pela fé

...todavia, o Meu justo viverá pela fé; e: Se retroceder, nele não se compraz a Minha alma.
Hebreus 10.38

 O cancelamento de todo e qualquer pecado só é possível por meio da fé. Não a fé sentida no coração, mas a fé praticada através da obediência à Palavra de Deus. O SENHOR Deus mostra essa condição como única de a pessoa ser justa diante dEle. Porém, se retroceder, se voltar atrás ou se desviar da fé, então não há perdão, não há salvação.

Fear in obedience

"And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" Genesis 22.12

Abraham's faith had already been tried several times. He passed the tests, but when the sacrifice of his son was required, he got to his limit. His unconditional obedience proved his FEAR to the Lord God. Today, for far less, many are not able to demonstrate the least bit of FEAR IN OBEDIENCE to God's Word.

Afflictions of the righteous

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34.19

We all suffer afflictions. When the unjust suffers afflictions there is no one to deliver them. Unable to handle the pressure, some end up even killing themselves.
The righteous also suffer afflictions, but with the advantage that the Lord delivers them. For this reason, it pays to be correct, to walk in righteousness and maintain the character of God because, in spite of everything, the Lord is with all who obey Him.

Afflictions

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16.33

There's no other way, those who want to follow the Lord Jesus cannot expect flowers in this world. There is no avoiding hardship when trying to practice the Word of God. Escaping the afflictions is like putting the cross aside, satisfying the flesh and not following the Lord Jesus. Is this what you want? 

Righteousness and Judgement

"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." John 16.8

A person convicted by the Holy Spirit recognises his sin and immediately abandons it. From that moment on, he begins to walk in righteousness. In other words, he begins to do what is right and live under the discipline of God's Kingdom. In regards to judgement, his behaviour towards others is exemplary, because he does not condemn, criticise, or judge them.
This is the Work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who are faithful to Him.

The letter kills

"Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3.6

The abundance of biblical knowledge can give a feeling of well being. If, however, this knowledge is not practiced, it only serves as a witness against you him on the Day of Judgment. The knowledge of the Word sets one free when it is practiced. By practicing it, the Spirit of God works.
Otherwise, what good is to know it? Who in this world knows the Bible better than satan?

Contrary to hope

"Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, so shall your descendants be.” Romans 4.18

When physical conditions say no, when the circumstances say no, when the voices around you and everything else say no, it is not possible... the voice of the Almighty comes, which is even contrary to the remains of hope. That was the voice that made ​​Abraham believed against hope. This is the faith that justifies and saves.

The sheep

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10.27

What characterizes the relationship between shepherd and sheep is the shepherd's voice. No sheep from a certain flock follows the voice of a shepherd of another flock.
It was common that several shepherds would gather their respective flocks to drink from the same stream. But once their thirst was quenched, each sheep would follow the voice of their respective pastors.
The followers of the Good Shepherd, hear His voice and follow Him. That is, obey.

When in distress

"When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them." Deuteronomy 4.30-31

In every promise there is a condition for compliance. Sometimes, because we are more emotional, we let the voice of the heart speak louder and despair at the sight of problems.
God is the Same. Just as He was in the past, He is in the present and will be in the future, forever. When we turn to Him and heed His voice, we reason, and He sustains us.

The secret to happiness

"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1.25

It is impossible to walk in sin and be free. The spirit of sin has trapped its victims so that they cannot understand the reason for so much unhappiness.
Disorder, indiscipline and rebellion are elements of injustice that have prevented freedom. Freedom of life, of conscience... Consequently, even with the world at their feet, yet the slave of sin is unhappy.
That is why God, in creating man, also established righteous laws that, once practiced, leads to a life of freedom, peace within yourself and especially with God.

Listen

"But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1.33

Listening means to obey. When we obey God's Word, faith is pure and does not allow room for doubts or fears of evil. That's a fact. Difficult is to use faith to obey. Difficult is to sacrifice the desires of the flesh. But who said that the road to salvation would be easy?

Obedience and fear

 ^"And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" Genesis 22.12

The LORD God tested Abraham's obedience. His response showed his fear. In other words, obedience is undeniable proof of faith and fear of God.
Whoever believes in God fears and obeys His Word; but whoever does not believe does not fear Him and therefore disobeys His Word.

Righteousness

"...For a throne is established by righteousness." Proverbs 16.12

In other words, it is through obedience to the Word of God that salvation is conquered.
One thing is to conquer salvation, another thing is to remain saved. The greatest difficulty is to maintain what you conquer, especially salvation. That is why Jesus said, "If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me." Not only for a few days, but every day. Follow Him every day to remain saved, and establish the throne of eternal life.

A living sacrifice

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12.1

The new converts lived an unholy life because of the idolatry reigning in Rome. By the Holy Spirit, Paul exhorts them to sacrifice their immoralities in the form of a spiritual worship pleasing to God. This is the faith that pleases God and ensures the salvation of the soul.

Determination

"The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, 'surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand.'" Isaiah 14.24

This thought teaches a secret to those who are loyal, obedient to the voice of faith: the determination in thought.
Yes, all those who are sealed with the Holy Spirit are able to think and determine what they want to happen.

Do not fear

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41.10

Throughout the Bible we find the the advice not to fear 366 times. One for each day of the year, including the leap year. But if the Spirit of God used His servants to stimulate the fearlessness and courage as our daily bread, then let us live in this faith. He promises to be with us, strengthen us and sustain us regardless of the circumstances.

Obedience

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called..." Hebrews 11.8

The entire Bible is summed up in a single message: obedience. Abraham was the greatest example of this. His relationship and friendship with God were marked by his obedience. Faith is obedience.

Perfect and Just Judge

"God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day." Psalms 7.11

Right or wrong, good or bad, true or false, fake or original, sincere or feigned; pure or impure, good or evil, holy or unholy, perfect or imperfect; clean or dirty; fidelity or infidelity, correct or incorrect, with character or without character, moral or immoral.
These adjectives show the huge difference between justice and injustice.
If us, who are full of faults, are able to hate the works of darkness, the injustice, imagine the Lord, the Righteous and Perfect Judge.
Because of this, the rebels, disobedient and deceitful will not inhabit eternity with Him

Learned through suffering

"Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." Hebrews 5.8-9

As Son of Man,Jesus had to endure a lot of suffering to learn obedience. Obedience in the practice of faith, the faith that demands obedience to the voice of God. When faith is not followed by obedience to the Word of God there is no salvation.

Religious life, church attendance, or any position in church, none of this is a sign of faith. What characterizes faith is obedience, without which no man shall be saved.

Death was overcome

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 1 Corinthians 15.55

To those who are obedient to the Word of the Lord Jesus, death has lost its power. Rather, it is profit to those who live by faith. However, for the religious and unbelieving, it continues to terrorize them since the original sin. Even worse, filling the depths of hell.

Please!

“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’" Luke 16.27-28

While the living on Earth visit the graves of their dead bringing flowers, lighting candles, attending Masses, offering prayers, etc.., The souls of their dead in hell beg God's servants to warn them on Earth, in order for them not end up at that place of torment.
But the biggest barrier to save them has been their own religions.