2 Corinthians 5:6-15
So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
When God is establishing faith, He says aim to please HIM and walk by faith.
Numbers 17:1-3
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, and get from them staffs, one for each fathers' house, from all their chiefs according to their fathers' houses, twelve staffs. Write each man's name on his staff, and write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi. For there shall be one staff for the head of each fathers' house.
A staff is used as a walking stick. Case in point, a person walking by faith would need one of these.
In both the ninth chapter of Matthew's Gospel and the twentieth chapter, Jesus encounters literally blind men.
Matthew 9:27-29
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”
Jesus was asked to help. He asked them for faith. He said their faith established His help.
Again and again the blind are brought to Jesus.
In Mark's Gospel, we find:
Mark 8:21-25
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Jesus gives the man privacy and His full attention. Jesus makes a diligent effort to be on the man's level in the healing.
Each day, as Christians, the act of asking HIM for the opportunity and talent to help Him is important.
This is our aim:
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
Timothy has come from a home where one parent has faith, the other does not. We live making judgments for all of our decisions. It's vital to remember we are is known to God; boast not about outward appearance, on what is in the heart.
Proverbs 14:10
The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.
John, having met God walking the earth and traveling with HIM, said He is love.
What is the fuel of those walking by faith?
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 3:3
You are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Matthew 14:36
Implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Be of good courage.
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