The ability to reflect is to visit previous experiences for reference or clarification. A tool that opens Pandora's box in emotions and sins or reactions to such. Excelling into the knowledge of my spirit and permitting it to redefine my prior defiance and degradation, I encourage reflection and suggest healing through repentance and faith. Acknowledge "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen(Hebrews 11:01)." It is the inner realization of trust and the reward of believing.
The Apostle Paul further explains, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by THE WORD OF GOD, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible(Hebrews 11:02)." Paul gives testimony of Old Testament Faith through mankind, Abel, Abraham, Enoch, Noah, Sarah even the harlot Rahab amongst others.
It is the faith of various kinds that permit us to believe in a statement or news report. Paul declares his own faith in the first chapter of Romans verses 16, 17. "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST, for it is the POWER OF GOD to Salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek(non-Jew). For in it THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD is Revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith(Habakkuk 02:04)." The author of the book of Hebrews states, "By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because GOD had taken him(Genesis 05:24)'; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that pleased GOD.
But without faith it is impossible to please GOD, for he who comes to GOD must believe that HE IS, and that HE is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek him(Hebrews 11:05,).
Taking faith for granted just as we do everything that we encounter if not responding to please GOD.
GOD IS LOVE(1. John 04:08), Love covers a multitude of faults(Proverbs 10O12 ) and we are "ambassadors for CHRIST"(Proverbs 13:08, 2. Corinthians 05:20) should be foundation toward building your faith because the fact that "GOD so LOVED the world that HE GAVE HIS only BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. For GOD did not SEND HIS SON to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be SAVED(John 03:16, 17)" ought to be the grounds for your faith.
The way to increase your faith is to listen to THE WORD OF GOD and not ideology or rhetoric of mankind. The Scripture informs us that "not all will believe" in the 10th chapter of Romans verses 14-21. There it is explained "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by THE WORD OF GOD." Scripture has also informed us to put our trust in GOD for man will fail us(Proverbs 03:05, Romans 10:07) but GOD'S WORD will not return to HIM void(Isaiah 55:11).
Therefore faith is the foundation of religion and it dictates your actions and observances.
The Bay Bridge was recently closed for retrofit and another problem was observed during further investigation. When it reopened we faithfully drove across it because Caltrain said it was safe. There was no opposition or hesitance in thought, we just sped right across it paying $4 and expecting it to be safe. That's faith, turning on the faucet and expecting a flow of liquid for consumption is faith, expecting pay at the end of one or two work weeks is also faith. Repeatedly we act upon faith in human nature and doubt GOD our CREATOR.
I know the subject is freedom but without faith almost everything becomes void. We must believe to achieve gratification.
Scanning the Internet I found a site, http://www.edition.cnn.com/ that had posted an article about a female journalist arrested for wearing pants.
"Lubna al-Hussein, a journalist who worked in the media department of the United Nations mission in Sudan, was jailed Monday for refusing to pay a court-ordered fine, her lawyer, Nabil Adib, said."
I was flabbergasted. I reflected the so-called freedom we have in America. There are restrictions civil rights, disabled rights and gay rights to name a few. However, the thought of being jailed for clothing seems excessive in light of the story. Again http://www.cbsnews.com/ had this to say about the pants incident. " Lubna Hussein had refused to pay a $200 fine and opted for imprisonment as a protest against the country's draconian morality laws. Hussein tells The Associated Press that prison authorities set her free without an explanation Tuesday. She says she later learned that the government-allied Journalists Union paid the fine on her behalf. She says the government was "unnerved" by her presence in prison because she would report on conditions inside. A judge on Monday imposed the fine after convicting her, but he did not impose the maximum penalty of 40 lashes. Sudan's government implements a conservative version of Islamic law in the north. Under public indecency laws, anyone committing an act or wearing clothing deemed indecent can be punished with a flogging or a fine, but lawyers and human rights groups say the law is too vague and arbitrary. In the capital the "public order" police enforce the laws, breaking up parties and scolding men and women who mingle in public. "
In this country, "the land of the free" this seems ludicrous that this could happen in 2009. We take for granted the freedom awarded us on frivolous characteristics and abuse the rewarded privileges of freedom. Marred by gang violence, teen pregnancies, hate crimes and murders we are blinded by ignorance and traditions. We miss the truth of freedom neglecting the truth about ourselves. We were CREATED EQUAL(Genesis 01:26).
There is ONE GOD that we Worship, ONE FAITH and ONE TRUTH(Ephesians 04:05). I respect everyone believing the way they believe and do my best to live my beliefs openly as a testament to my faith. I share and incorporate that I may have missed due to lack of knowledge. I am a believer of Christ and The Resurrection and await THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT and CHRIST'S RETURN to earth for eternity. My husband is of the Islamic faith and we do not argue or force one another to believe any different. We simply live by faith and execute the characteristics of GOD. It was my husband's observance of Prayer and Bible reading that ushered a new closeness of THE GLORY OF GOD into my life.
Incorporating information from both religions I find peace through my trials and rest in my faith. I understand that "Whom the SON Sets Free" is indeed free from the bondage of sin to blind my spirit from the truth of THE WORD OF GOD. With 40+ years of experiences and mistakes I can offer testimony of GOD'S DIVINE HAND in my life. I have rejected truth for theory and flirted with atheism and agnostics, only to realize GOD is REAL and Salvation is your personal relationship with HIM.
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