Faith

Stop Asking God

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

The Bible clearly teaches that God, through His divine provision, has already completed His work concerning our spiritual and physical well-being. This profound truth shifts the focus from waiting on God to act, to aligning ourselves with what He has already accomplished. The essence of this idea is rooted in the understanding that God’s blessings, promises, and provisions are not future events, but present realities waiting for us to receive and walk in by faith.

God’s Completed Work in Christ

The foundation of this principle lies in the finished work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus declared,“It is finished”(John 19:30), signifying that everything necessary for our redemption, healing, provision, and spiritual victory was completed. This aligns with Paul’s statement in Ephesians 1:3:“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”Notice the past tense—hath blessed.God has already made available every spiritual blessing through Christ.

Similarly, 2 Peter 1:3 confirms this truth:“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”Here again, Peter emphasizes that God has alreadygiveneverything we need for life and godliness. The issue, then, is not with God withholding blessings, but with our ability to receive and access what He has provided.

The Principle of Overflow

Malachi 3:10 speaks of God opening the floodgates of heaven to pour out a blessing so vast that it cannot be contained:“Prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”This scripture reflects God’s abundant generosity. However, the capacity to receive that blessing lies with us. God’s floodgates are open, but unless we enlarge our capacity, we may fail to experience the fullness of what He has provided.

God’s Role in the Covenant

God’s covenant with humanity is always marked by His faithfulness. He initiated the covenant, fulfilled its requirements through Christ, and made the blessings available to all who believe. Paul underscores this in Romans 8:32: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”God has already provided every resource, and He withholds nothing from His children.

Furthermore, Hebrews 10:14 declares:“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”The work of sanctification, forgiveness, and reconciliation has already been accomplished. Our part is to walk in the reality of what God has done.

Aligning with God’s Provision

Since God has already done His part, the focus shifts to our response. Scripture emphasizes that faith is the means by which we access the blessings of God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith does not ask God to act; faith receives what God has already provided.

James 1:6-7 warns against doubting when we ask for what God has promised:“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”The issue is not God’s willingness to give, but our wavering faith that hinders us from receiving.

Expanding Our Capacity

As God’s blessings are already available, the key to experiencing more lies in expanding our capacity to receive. Isaiah 54:2-3 provides a vivid picture of this principle: “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.”This call to enlargement reflects the necessity of preparation and expectation. We must expand our vision, renew our minds, and create space in our lives to hold the abundance God is pouring out.

The story of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 illustrates this perfectly. When Elisha instructed her to gather empty vessels for the miraculous provision of oil, the oil ceased flowing only when the vessels ran out. God’s provision was limitless, but the widow’s capacity to receive determined the extent of her blessing. In the same way, our ability to receive is limited only by the space we make for God’s provision in our lives.

Practical Application

If God has already done His part, what should our response be?

1. Faith:Believe that God’s blessings are already ours and act accordingly. “According to your faith be it unto you”(Matthew 9:29).

2. Renewing the Mind:Replace limiting beliefs with the truth of God’s Word. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”(Romans 12:2).

3. Obedience:Align your actions with God’s Word. Obedience is a demonstration of faith. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”(Isaiah 1:19).

4. Expectation:Live with an attitude of expectation, preparing to receive the overflow. “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it”(Psalm 81:10).

Conclusion

God has already done everything necessary to bless us, equip us, and provide for us. His work is complete, and His blessings are available. The challenge is not in persuading God to act but in increasing our capacity to receive. Through faith, renewing the mind, and obedience, we align ourselves with God’s provision and make room for the abundance He has already poured out. As we walk in this truth, we can experience the fullness of God’s blessings, knowing that He has already done His part.

The Secret of Effortless Transformation

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

The Bible presents a profound truth: we are transformed by seeing Jesus. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that one day, when we see Him “as He is,” we will be completely transformed into His likeness. This transformation will not be partial or gradual, as it is in our present lives, but rather an instantaneous, glorious change into His perfect image. Until that day, however, Scripture teaches that we are being progressively transformed as we behold Jesus through the Word of God. This present transformation shapes us to reflect His character and prepares us for the ultimate transformation when we meet Him face-to-face.

Future Transformation by Seeing Jesus “As He Is”

The Bible clearly indicates that when we see Jesus fully, in His glorified state, we will be completely transformed.1 John 3:2 directly connects our future transformation with seeing Him: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” This verse reveals that our full conformity to Christ’s image is reserved for a future moment when we will see Him as He truly is. In this encounter, all the remnants of sin and imperfection in us will be removed, and we will reflect His image perfectly.

Another verse that affirms this future transformation is Colossians 3:4, where Paul writes, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” This verse reinforces the idea that when Jesus appears, we will share in His glory, indicating a full transformation into His likeness. At the moment we behold Him in His fullness, our identity as God’s children will be fully realized, and we will be changed to perfectly reflect His glory.

Furthermore,Philippians 3:20-21 speaks of our future hope in Christ, saying, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” Here, Paul assures believers that Jesus will change our bodies to resemble His own glorified body. This transformation is connected to the act of “looking for” or expecting Jesus, suggesting that when He appears, we will see Him, and this encounter will complete our transformation. Thus, the Bible consistently teaches that seeing Jesus as He is will bring about our ultimate, complete transformation into His likeness.

Present Transformation by Beholding Jesus in the Word

While our final transformation awaits the day we see Jesus face-to-face, the Bible also teaches that we are currently being transformed by beholding Him in the Word of God.2 Corinthians 3:18 articulates this concept: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This verse shows that as we look into “the glass” or mirror, which represents the Word of God, we see the glory of the Lord—Jesus Himself—and are changed progressively into His image. This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ to us in the Scriptures and applies His truth to our hearts, molding us “from glory to glory.”

Through this daily beholding of Jesus in Scripture, we experience a progressive sanctification that aligns us more closely with His character. When we study His life, teachings, and the fulfillment of His promises, we are renewed in our minds and hearts. Romans 12:2 speaks to this ongoing renewal, saying, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation happens as we meditate on the Word, allowing its truths to reshape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to mirror those of Christ.

In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” This verse reinforces that God’s Word is the instrument of our sanctification. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we encounter Christ’s character, love, and holiness, which the Holy Spirit uses to transform us. Each time we open the Bible, we have an opportunity to behold Jesus, allowing His presence in the Word to refine and transform us little by little, preparing us for the day when we will see Him face-to-face.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bible teaches that we are transformed by seeing Jesus, both now and in the future. One day, when we see Him “as He is,” we will experience a complete transformation, being fully conformed to His image in an instant. This will be the culmination of our faith, when we are finally perfected and glorified in His presence. Until then, we are called to behold Jesus in the Word of God, allowing His truth and glory to transform us “from glory to glory.” Through this continual process, the Holy Spirit shapes us to reflect more of Christ’s character, preparing us for the ultimate moment when we will see Him and be like Him forever.

Understanding the Blueprint of Reality

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

God’s commands and warnings against sin are often misunderstood as restrictive rules meant to limit human freedom. However, a deeper look reveals that these guidelines are rooted in love, designed to protect us from the negative effects of violating the natural order God has set in place. Just as the physical laws govern the universe, the spiritual realm has its own laws, which ultimately give birth to and shape the physical reality we live in. Sin, then, is more than just breaking moral rules—it’s a disruption of the harmony between the spiritual and physical realms.

When God gives commands, He is not arbitrarily issuing decrees but is warning us out of love. 1 John 5:3 (KJV) says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” God’s laws function as the framework for our well-being, both spiritually and physically. Just as defying the law of gravity has natural consequences in the physical world, disregarding God’s spiritual and moral laws results in emotional, relational, and spiritual damage. For example, the consequences of greed, lust, or dishonesty spill over into relationships, mental health, and even physical well-being. In Proverbs 14:12 (KJV), it warns, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” God’s warnings steer us away from these consequences, much like a parent’s warnings protect a child from harm.

At the heart of our decisions about sin and obedience lies a single question: Do we believe God’s plans for us are good? In Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), God promises, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” The reality of sin often comes down to whether we trust this truth. Do we believe God’s word? When we choose to sin, it reflects a decision to believe that our way might bring more fulfillment than God’s way, even though He assures us that His plans lead to life. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) affirms this: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Obeying God’s laws is a matter of faith—believing that His design leads to true joy, fulfillment, and protection, while sin only leads to destruction.

The spiritual realm is the source of all things physical; everything we see and experience is birthed from the spiritual realities God has established. In Hebrews 11:3 (KJV), it says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” This verse emphasizes that the physical world is an expression of spiritual forces. When we sin, we are not just rebelling against a moral law—we are rejecting the divine blueprint that holds all things together. This rejection causes a breakdown not only in our relationship with God but in the physical outcomes that flow from spiritual realities. Galatians 6:7 (KJV) warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The consequences we experience in life—whether in relationships, mental health, or physical conditions—are often the result of spiritual laws being ignored or violated.

Therefore, each time we face a decision, it comes down to a choice of belief: Do we trust that God’s design is truly for our benefit? Do we believe His word, which says His plans for us are good, or do we rely on our limited understanding? Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God’s commands are not meant to restrict our freedom but to enable true freedom—freedom that comes from living within the laws He established to bless us, both spiritually and physically. The key is faith: believing in His goodness and aligning our choices with His perfect will.

By seeing God’s commands as expressions of spiritual truths that give rise to physical realities, we begin to understand that the consequences of sin are not arbitrary but woven into the very fabric of creation. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (KJV), God says, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life.” To live outside of God’s design is to invite disorder into our lives, but when we trust Him, we align with the order He intended and experience the full blessing He has promised. This shift in perspective helps us see that the question isn’t just about obeying rules, but about trusting the One who established the laws that sustain both our spiritual and physical lives.

Understanding the Distinction Between Israel and Jews

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

One of the most overlooked aspects of how end-time prophecy is taught is the distinction between Israel and the Jews, which is often misunderstood. This differentiation is crucial for understanding biblical history and prophecy, as the northern tribes of Israel are distinct from the Jewish people who come from the tribe of Judah. While all Jews are descendants of Israel, the northern tribes of Israel were not considered Jewish, as the term “Jew” specifically refers to those from the tribe of Judah. This distinction dates back to the division of the united kingdom of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. Following his death, a civil war split the nation into two separate kingdoms: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah

The northern Kingdom of Israel was composed of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel, while the southern Kingdom of Judah included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priestly tribe of Levi. These two distinct kingdoms coexisted side-by-side for over 200 years, during which time a new term emerged that further differentiated these groups. During this period, they were often at odds and even engaged in warfare against each other on at least five different occasions.

It was during one of these conflicts that the term “Jew” first appeared in the Bible, referring specifically to those from the tribe of Judah. Therefore, “Jews” are descendants of the tribe of Judah and not from the northern Kingdom of Israel. There were no Jews in ancient Israel after the split, as the term applies only to those from the tribe of Judah in the southern kingdom.

Why is this distinction important? Because God gave specific promises to Abraham—worldly promises that were destined to be fulfilled through the northern Kingdom of Israel, and spiritual promises that were to be fulfilled through the southern Kingdom of Judah. This distinction between the promises is key to interpreting end-time prophecies correctly, as conflating the two can lead to misunderstanding God’s specific plans for each kingdom. However, most Bible prophecy teachers don’t make this distinction, and as a result, they often allocate promises made to the northern tribes of Israel to the Jewish people, which leads to confusion in understanding biblical prophecy.

The southern tribe of Judah holds a unique and significant place in biblical prophecy, as it was through this tribe that the Messiah would come. After the Babylonian exile, it was the people of Judah who returned to the Promised Land, rebuilding Jerusalem and reestablishing their presence. By the time of Jesus’ first coming, it was this same tribe that was present in Galilee and Judea. Additionally, in 1948, it was the descendants of the tribe of Judah who returned to the land and reestablished themselves as a nation, choosing the name Israel, even though they are specifically Jews, descendants of the tribe of Judah, not of the northern tribes of Israel. It’s important to recognize that the modern-day nation of Israel (Judah) represents only one of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel, leaving the promises and prophecies concerning the other tribes still distinct. This distinction is important for understanding both biblical history and modern prophetic interpretations.

The northern Kingdom of Israel, consisting of ten tribes, was given distinct promises from God through Abraham that focused on their future worldly influence and power. These tribes were promised to become a “commonwealth of nations” and to have a prominent role in the world. The blessings of Abraham to the northern tribes included becoming a multitude of people and possessing great wealth, land, and military strength. In prophecy, these tribes were foretold to rise as the most powerful nations in the end times, playingthe critical role in world affairs.

God declared through the prophets that if the Northern Kingdom of Israel turned to disobedience, they would face a lengthy and severe punishment. This punishment would involve being scattered among the nations and forgetting their identity. However, despite this judgment, God would remain faithful to His promises, ensuring that these ten tribes would re-emerge in the last days as the most prominent nations in the world.

in Amos 9:9, God says, “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Though scattered, God assured that not one of His people would be permanently lost. Hosea 9:17confirms, “My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.” Moreover, in Deuteronomy 32:26, God warned, “I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men.” These verses emphasize the loss of identity as part of the long punishment.

Importantly, Leviticus 26:18-28discusses how, if Israel continued in disobedience, their punishment would be extended “seven times “over, meaning their exile would be lengthened beyond its initial period. This suggests a prolonged and compounded punishment before their eventual restoration.

God also promised that, after this extended period of punishment, the scattered tribes would re-emerge in the last days as a powerful group of nations, fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham. Hosea 1:10declares, “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” Not only will Israel be restored, but they will emerge with global influence, fulfilling their destiny and demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His covenant with His people.

For a deeper dive into these distinctions and promises, all the key points discussed here are thoroughly explained in the video linked below. This crucial distinction between Israel and the Jews carries significant implications for how we interpret Bible prophecy, especially in these last days. The video traces these biblical promises from scripture to their fulfillment, shedding light on how this understanding can transform the way we perceive God’s plan for Israel, Judah, and the nations. Be sure to watch it for a complete perspective on this vital topic.

All Things are Mine

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

Jesus said unto him, “If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.” Jesus said some things that are hard to believe. He said that all things are possible to him that believes. He did not say that some things are possible. Do you believe that all things are possible to you? Isn’t the very foundation of faith to believe what the Word of God says even when it seems impossible? Paul said in Romans “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Again we are told to stretch our faith and believe that God will freely give us all things. Since these things are “freely given” then we do not need to do anything to receive them. Peter tells us “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” We have already (past tense) been given everything that we need in life. That is why Jesus told us to not worry about anything at all. We can trust is God’s goodness and the veracity of His Word.

In Mark 11 again Jesus tells us that when we pray to believe that we have already received what we are praying for. Why? Because, as believers in Jesus we have already been given all things. Most of us pray as if we don’t already have what we are praying for. It’s as if the thing that we desire is separate from us and we are trying to attract it into our life through prayer. Where is the faith in that? God doesn’t need to be persuaded to bless us. Jesus already paid for all of our blessings on the cross a long time ago. When we pray, have faith that the Word of God is true – regardless of how impossible it looks.

 

 

 

Quantum Physics and Faith

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

I believe that the attributes and laws that govern the physical universe parallel those of the spiritual world.  We can gain insight into how the spiritual realm works by observing the physical realm.  God, who is in the spirit realm, spoke the entire physical universe into existence.  Hebrew 11:3 tells us 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.

In physics there is something called the electron quantum leap. I am not a physicist but it is my understanding that as energy is added an electron is forced to a higher orbit.  This jump to a higher orbit is not a gradual movement towards a higher orbit but a sudden jump.  One moment it is in one orbit, the next moment it is suddenly in a higher orbit.

This got me thinking about faith and prayer.  It encouraged me in light of the fact that the laws of the physical universe reflects the laws of the spiritual.  That is why we can be praying in faith for something in our life to change but see no change.  Hebrew 6:12 tells us that we obtain the promises through faith and patience.  Its comforting to know that just because we don’t see any change in our situation that this does not mean that change is not occurring.  The promise from the scripture is that we will obtain what we are praying for through faith and patience.  Do not be looking for incremental change and movement toward our outcome.  Our desire will be fulfilled and our situation will change as suddenly as the electron jumps to the next orbit.