Walking By Faith | What It Takes to be a Follower of Jesus | Luke 9

"Living by faith isn't living with certainty. It's trusting God in spite of unanswered questions and unresolved doubts."  - Rick Warren

Perhaps a good opening question could be, “What is walking by faith?” This is reasonable enough, as it can evoke many answers. But since our purpose here is primarily a brief inquiry into the subject, simplicity is best.

Crosswalk.com defines it this way: "Walking by faith" means living one's life and making decisions based on a deep trust and confidence in God, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. 

What's more, "it encourages believers to rely on their spiritual convictions and trust in God's guidance." I feel quite comfortable using this solid and clear definition as the cornerstone of our discussion. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Luke, Chapter 9, provides an effective illustration of some characteristics associated with a follower of Jesus' "walking by faith."  These are: courage, devotion, humbleness, selflessness, and love. 

To illustrate what I mean, in the first six verses (1-6), Jesus empowers the Twelve to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. He also instructs them to take nothing along for their journey. (Colossians 1:10)

Referring to the attributes listed above, which of these are exhibited by the twelve disciples? As you can see, after some careful consideration, all may be applied with confidence. Afterward, you might do well to examine this within yourself.

In fact, Luke 9 might serve as a standard by which to compare your own walk of faith. It is a marvelous workshop in discipleship, miracles, revelation, and instruction in humbleness. (1 Peter 2:21)

One quickly learns that there is a cost to fellowship with Jesus. But compared to the price He paid for all of us, the cost is more than worth it to be called one of His own. (Galatians 2:20)

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18

Prayer: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  - Ephesians 2:10

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

We Must Move As God Commands

"We cannot wait until we feel the Spirit moving us… We must obey God even when our heart is not in it – often to discover that our hearts come alive to our duty even while we do it."  - Samuel Bolton (1606-1654)

God gave commands (or directives) to many in the Bible, most notably: Adam and Eve, Moses, the Israelites, Saul, and David. One thing we learn for certain about His commands is that they are meant to be followed without question or delay.

Still, it's astonishing how much we challenge Him and postpone doing that which we are told. We can never wait for a better, or more suitable time to rise to the pinnacle. Procrastination is our own worst enemy when it comes to God's commands.

There may be other factors preventing us from complying with His directives, such as a lack of resolve. Still, we must be willing to first surrender ourselves before any of God's commands can be obeyed (John 14:15).

We never know what plans God has in store for us. Nor does he need to be specific with us. He will tell us all we need to know, as we need to know. Our principle responsibility is to obey Him (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Scottish-American preacher Peter Marshall said, "Sometimes this going out in obedience to God's command is more dramatic than at other times... sometimes more spectacular... sometimes more brave... but always it is a venture into the unknown."

To comply with God's commands can be intimidating, especially if you're not used to carrying out directives in blind faith. However, there a plenty of assurances found in Scripture to encourage the anxious and unsure heart, for example: Proverbs 3:5; Luke 1:37; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1; James 1:3.

Resist the urge to pick and choose your service for God. There is no such option! For instance, if he dictates that trials are something you must move through, accept this, and trust in His judgment. Never choose your form of suffering. Recognize it and go forward.

We are all limited by our earthly ties. These serve to keep us grounded, but only to what is safe and familiar. None can truly appreciate what God does unless we endeavor to be still, listen, and allow him to enter upon our lives (Isaiah 14:24).

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Psalm 73:26; Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27 

Prayer: "Lord, those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." - Psalm 9:10

In grace and peace, 

Betsy

Weekend Message: The Spirit Moves | Beth Moore | God is on the Move Pt. 1

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week, we begin a new study series featuring Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore.

In this first of four video presentations, Beth walks us through how to yield to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. 

During the course of this series, seven points about God moving among us, and us learning how to move with Him will be introduced. 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Scriptures: Leviticus 26:11-12, 1 Chronicles 17:5a, Exodus 35:26, Ezekiel 36:27, Galatians 5:16-26, Psalm 37:23-24

Without first having a good foundation, we can't get to what we ought to do to get there, and what the process would be to set ourselves in a posture to begin to recognize it, unless we are convinced there is something to go to that trouble for.

Here, in this first lesson, Beth Moore patiently and thoroughly lays out the foundation for this to occur.

I invite you to take a few minutes and watch this inspiring and thought-provoking message from one of the best Christians teachers around!

Enjoy!

~Eve

God's Purpose Is Ours, Too!

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  - Micah 6:8

When we are "born again" in Jesus Christ, we are made recipients of a spiritual rebirth, or regeneration of the human spirit. The Bible compares this to a "rebirth," because as sinners we are spiritually dead until we receive spiritual life through faith in Him.

Does this mean that we've been brought into total fruition as Christian believers? That all that remains for us to do afterward is read our Bibles and attend church services? Of course not! There is so much more that God expects from us.

Who hasn't wondered, "What purpose does God have for my life?" This, especially, after being "born again." But, not to worry. Our Loving Father will never leave us speculating for long (Ephesians 1:9-10).

For it is exactly at this point of our sanctification, or being made holy, set apart for God's unique purpose and use, that God can successfully and purposefully put us into His service (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 14:24;1 Corinthians 2:9).

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God is using you at this very moment for His special purposes as he used His Son, Jesus Christ, for the purpose of our salvation. We are representatives for Christ in the world. 

As such, we must thoughtfully watch our "walk" and our "words" in front of others at all times (Colossians 4:5-6). We must learn to accept that our purpose in life is God's and not our own. 

From God's great vantage point he uses you and I. In return, all he asks for is our faith (trust) in Him. Even the smallest doubt will create an obstruction hindering His purpose for us. 

In order to allow God to perform through us, we can do things such as: stop telling him what we want in a selfish, self-serving manner, and wallowing in self-pity, as a few examples. Far from helping the situation, they instead interfere with his good work.

As long as we retain a personal interest in our own nature and personality, and set our own ambitions and desires above all else, we will never be able to bring ourselves together with God's interests (Proverbs 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 138:8; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 5:15-17

Prayer: "I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me."  - Psalm 57:2 (NLT)

In Christ's Love,

Danni

"Take Time for God" with Lori: The Middleman

“Christ is the Mediator, not only between God and man, but between man and man, between man and reality.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Because of our sinful nature and condition, we would never be able to enter into God's presence in heaven on our own account. That's why we need Jesus Christ to be our Mediator in Heaven, that is, to represent us in front of God (1 Timothy 2:5).

Being both, fully human and divine, Jesus, God's Son made flesh here on earth, is the only one "perfectly" suited to perform in this capacity for us (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 2:17). He alone is equipped to speak on our behalf (John 7:29).

The point is that there is but one mediator standing in the middle of God and man. Christ is the only path to God (John 14:6). This came into fruition in the New Testament by way of His death on the cross, and resurrection (John 1:17; Hebrews 3:1-6; 9:15, 22; 10:10; 12:24).

To put it briefly, only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the sinless and spotless Lamb of God, would completely pay for our freedom from sin and eternal death. He placed our sins on Himself so that this would become possible (Colossians 1:22).

As wonderful as this is, there's something else that needs to be noted. We've just touched on the intermediary role of Jesus Christ for us in God's presence. But we, too, have an important part to play in this sacred relationship. 

As a true Christian servant, we must be a proper, sacramental conduit, or channel, by which the Spirit of God can pass through to others. Think of it as being mediators for the LORD here on earth.

This doesn't mean that God takes control of our bodies and places His personality on top of of ours. Rather, his real presence is released through every characteristic and essence of our lives, and the work we perform in His Name.

In short, when we act as "go-betweens" for God here on earth lifting him up in everything we do, every day, we provide a clear course by which the Spirit of God can create in others the things which only He, and He alone can do.

Scripture: John 7:29; John 8:42; Romans 5:1; Acts 4:12 ; Colossians 2:14; 

Prayer: Holy Father, do not let me be conformed to this world, but instead be transformed by the renewal of my mind, that by trial I may discern the will of God, and what is good, acceptable and perfect. Amen.

May God bless you always,

Lori

Lean Into Scripture | Let Us Pray | Part 2

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - Romans 12:12

In our last discussion, we learned that prayer is indispensable to the Christian life. So much so, that without it there is no reliable way to communicate with God (Jeremiah 29:12).

We also touched on how prayer is more than simply submitting our supplications (or asking for something in a humble manner) to Him. Certainly there's nothing wrong with that, but it shouldn't be the only intent of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1).

There are many ways in which to examine prayer, but perhaps the best use of our time and space is to focus on the design or purpose of prayer; and consider how Jesus used it during his earthly stay (Luke 5:16).

If you follow Jesus in scripture, you'll find that he prayed a lot. For instance, He not only prayed for himself, but he prayed for others; and to have intimate talks with God, the Father (Luke 6:12).

An excellent place to see Jesus' prayer life in action is John 17. And while using prayer to intercede for others is very good, it's also an exceptional means of bolstering our relationship with God (Isaiah 41:10).

As we seek out ways to connect with one another, it only makes sense to do the same with God. There is no better medium for doing this than by prayer. Abraham, Hannah, Jeremiah, and Paul, and others, also prayed regularly in the Bible.

In the end, the principal purpose of prayer is this: worship. When we pray to Jesus, acknowledging who He is, and all He has done for us, we are performing an act of worship (2 Kings 19:15; Psalm 86:12-3; John 12: 28). 

Therefore, our prayer should demonstrate worship; and all of our focus should be placed on who God is, and not ourselves. An excellent model for prayer is the one given to the disciples by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 (the Lord's Prayer).

 

It was mentioned earlier that prayer is a fundamental element of any Christian's life. None of us is born with a complete and mature prayer life; it must slowly be grown and developed over time (Ephesians 6:18).

There are some significant aspects of prayer that must be indicated here. Prayer not only has an impact on our lives, but on that of others, as well. It also provides a means of communication with, and personal growth in, God.

Lastly, as daily nourishment is essential for life, the Christian should put into practice a regular diet of prayer. Heartfelt worship/prayer provides the sustenance that unlocks and invigorates our communion with God.

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-2; Psalm 145:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1; Matthew 6:7; 

Prayer: "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”  - Psalm 103:1

In His glorious name, 

Sophie

Weekend Message: Lisa Harper: Does God Really Love Me? | JESUS: Devotional | Women of Faith on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week, Lisa Harper sits down with Sheila Walsh to have a candid conversation about how much God really loves us and why there is suffering in this world. 

Join in as they explore the transformative power of faith and God's love in overcoming life's challenges.

© Women of Faith on TBN

Find a nice, comfortable place to watch and listen to this encouraging, enlightening, and entertaining full-length presentation by these two extraordinary Christian teachers! 

Enjoy!

~Eve