By QuaWanna Bannarbie

Writers know that there is a skill to tying thoughts together which involves the appropriate use of transitional phrases. You have to know that to understand my new name for our Savior. The Lord has a way of tying things together that are not on the same page in your life’s story, let alone in the same year. He works better than any transitional phrase. I am referring to Him as Conjunction Jesus this week.

Have you ever listened to someone speak, and certain words they say stand out to you like a neon sign? That happened to me last November when I was listening to my pastor, Harold V. McPherson, deliver a message about faith. He read the familiar scripture from Hebrews 11:6 from the Amplified Bible translation, which says:

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”

He read the translated verse twice, and then he broke it down to say:

“Once the Lord has spoken to me and I have done my due diligence and to the best of my ability I am engaging in corresponding action…In other words, God can see my faith by what I do, it is just a matter of time. I already have the deed in my pocket. It is just a matter of time before it becomes reality, because there is no force that can stop it from becoming a reality.”

Those words “the deed in my pocket” were etched in my mind for days. I wrote about it in my journal. I was fasting and praying during that time, and the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to draft a deed. Well, I didn’t do it right away. But the Lord is faithful, and He reminded me a few times until I did eventually write a deed. On the deed, I listed the things that I believed God has for me (i.e. healthy marriage, long life, debt free, etc.). I pray over this deed in my daily devotional time, and when I pray I say these words:

“This is the title deed that I have written that the Holy Spirit alive in me has placed in my heart. This title acknowledges ownership to QuaWanna N. Bannarbie of all things listed, which are transferred to me by nature of my asking God, my Father, in accordance with His word and will for me. I shall do all in my ability and power to maintain ownership of these items and this deed. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

In prayer this week, I realized that the subject of confirmation from last week’s article was closely related to this action that I completed in November 2018. The Lord is always speaking, and I love that He does not mind repeating Himself. I also love that He connects the dots to keep us on track. When I thanked God for the understanding of what it means to have a confirmation from Him, He reminded me that active faith is demonstrated by engaging in corresponding action such that He can see my faith in my action. That corresponding action shows Him that I have faith that the deed is in my pocket. Indeed, actions speak louder than words.

Let me reiterate my closing statement from last week. Indeed, there is a promise making its way to you, and your confirmation will effectively influence its manifestation. In addition to that, our actions should align with what we have in our pocket. We already have the confirmation. Write a deed if you need the reminder. Now act on what you know you have.

 

QuaWanna Bannarbie is an adjunct professor of Nonprofit Leadership and Management with Indiana Wesleyan University, National and Global. Her children attend Suffolk Public Schools. Connect with her via Twitter @QNikki_Notes.