Hi Everyone,

Did you ever stop to thing about the fact that God has faith in you?  Rob Bell, in his book "Velvet Elvis", writes "I have been told that I need to believe in Jesus.  Which is a good thing.  But what I am learning is that Jesus believes in me.  I have been told that I need to have faith in God.  Which is a good thing.  But what I am learning is that God has faith in me."

This is a nice sentiment, but the fact that Rob Bell wrote it doesn't necessarily make it true.  However, look what the scriptures have to say.

• John 14:12.  "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works ..."
• Ephesians 2:10.  "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
• 2 Peter 1:3.  "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."
• Matthew 4:19.  "Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me ...."

That last one may seem like it has little to with Christ's faith in us.  But that is because we do not read it with Jewish eyes.  You see, the phrase "Come, follow me."  was a very important and meaningful phrase for young Jewish men.  When someone wanted to progress in his studies of the Torah and Talmud, they would petition a Teacher or Rabbi to become their disciple.  The Rabbi would extensively question the applicant, as well as examine his background and his past.  The Rabbi would only accept applicants whom he believed had the ability to become like him, think like he thought and do the things that he did.  His time was too precious and life was too short to invest in those whom he believed could not make it.  If the Rabbi rejected the applicant, he would tell the young man to "Go home and continue learning the family business".  But if the rabbi believed that this person did have what it takes, he would say, "Come, follow me."  

In Christ's invitation for us to follow him, he is saying that he believes we have what it takes.  Not because of who or what we are, but because when His Spirit inhabits us and empowers us, he makes us more than capable.  He has faith that he can make us what we were created to be, and has called us to fulfill the potential and purpose that God has already placed within our lives.  He has faith in us.

By the way, in Matthew 4, Jesus was calling to Peter and Andrew.  What were they doing?  They were working at the family business (they were in their father's boats).  You see, some place in their life, someone told them they would be better off sticking with the family business (all Jewish children had to start the process by studying and memorizing the Torah).  But Jesus calls those whom all others have rejected.  It doesn't matter whether you've been rejected before.  It doesn't even matter if you have rejected yourself.  He still has faith in you.  Do you have faith in him?  And do you have faith in His Spirit within you?  Whom Christ calls, he enables.  You really are His masterpiece, His workmanship.  Don't let your self-talk, the talk of others, or the whispers of the Enemy of your soul convince you otherwise.

A couple of things to remember: 

• This Saturday night we continue our "Why Do Church?" series with "Equipping."  You may want to read Ephesians 4:11-16.
• I am thinking about doing a book study.  This one will be on the book "Velvet Elvis."  When would be a good time for us to get together, before or after the service?  (PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED AND WHEN WOULD BE BEST FOR YOU.)
  
• Please remember to check out the discussion boards on our website lifequest-online.com.  We also have a place for prayer requests and for recording divine moments that occur in your life.  There's a lot of other good stuff for you there to investigate.
• We have created a Prayer Box which is available before, during, and after the services.  Any prayers, prayer requests, or praise reports submitted are prayed over during the week by a group of volunteers who have each selected one particular day to pray.  Every day of the week someone will be praying with you and for you.

I love you and look forward to seeing (hearing) from you soon.  Together, through the enabling power of the Spirit of Christ in us, let's all ... ... ...

Live The Life,

Bruce 

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