Christmas 08 Part 2

"The gift of faith is the supernatural ability to believe God without doubt, combat unbelief, and visualize what God wants to accomplish. It is not only an inner conviction impelled by an urgent and higher calling, but also a supernatural ability to meet adverse circumstances with trust in God's words and messages."

The Bible speaks of several different types of faith which increase from faith to faith (Romans 1:17):

• Saving faith - faith which gets you into Heaven
  (Ephesians 2:8-9)



• Fruit of faith - faith which gets Heaven into you
  (Galatians 5:22-23) .



• Gift of faith - stems from saving faith and the fruit of faith; It is the ability to believe for the miraculous
  (II Thessalonians 1:3).
  

Faith is a gift, the ultimate gift. It is of far greater and eternal value than anything to be found under a Christmas tree. While clothes and toys wear out or are forgotten, faith lasts. It has the additional benefit of already having been bought and paid for by Someone else.

Faith cannot be taught (though teaching plays a role). No one is argued to faith, which is why it is fruitless to debate those who lack it. Better to demonstrate the faith one has than berate and belittle people who do not yet have it.

Christmas offers an opportunity to again consider what matters most.

Friends, family and the greatest gift of all... The gift of faith and the grace and mercy Christ shows us every day.

Thank you Lord for the gift of faith and how you continue to straighten the crooked path of santification as I continue the Adventure in Middle Grove.