FAITH: A Source of Power!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
It’s easy to be a victim or feel like a victim.
When we are a victim, it is easy to feel like we have no power over anything in our lives. Our company downsizes or closes and we lose our job. Our school has an increase in COVID-19 cases and we have to learn from home. Our political candidate loses and we have to accept the results.
We can legitimately be a victim when we are unjustly wronged by heinous crimes of abuse, murder, blackmail, etc. Hopefully justice will be done to prevent the injury from coming to another person.
However, in any circumstance real or felt or both, we don’t have to live as a victim.
Living as a victim allows the events in our life to define us as not worth anything, a failure, or fear people are just out to get us. Living as a victim can turn into blaming God for our circumstances and questioning his love for me.
We may not have had control over a certain event in our lives, but we don’t have to live as victims.
We can live as victors…no matter what has happened to us.
Why? Look at what Paul writes:
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Faith connects us to a source of power unlike any other. Faith connects us to the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and then put him over EVERY other power!
When everything else seems to render you powerless in the world around you, DO NOT forget that faith connects you to the Power at work over all over the world. This power, our Lord Jesus Christ is at work for you.
You are not a victim…you are a victor!
If I am a victim to the abuse of another…in Christ, I am a victor with a Savior who loves me.
If I am a victim to loss of income or job…in Christ, I am a victor in possession of the treasures of heaven.
If I am a victim to governing officials and policy…in Christ, I am a victor as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven that supersedes any temporal government.
If I am a victim to a relationship that is broken, in Christ, I am a victor to be included in the family of God.
If I am feeling a victim to my sin and guilt, in Christ, I have the victory over sin and death!
Never think you are powerless. Faith has connected you to the power of the Almighty God!
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Apply: What area of your life do you feel like a victim or have been a victim? What promise and power of God will help to turn that area of life from victim to victor?
Prayer: Lord, while I may fall victim to evil and its results in this world, remind me always that I have a connection to your power by faith…which always makes me the victor!
FAITH: A Promise of an Inheritance!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
What would you do with an unexpected inheritance?
Here’s an interesting story:
Brothers Zsolt and Geza Peladi were homeless in 2009, living in a cave outside Budapest, Hungary, and scavenging junk for a living in Hungary when they learned they had inherited a fortune from a grandmother in Germany. The siblings were located by charity workers and put in touch with the attorneys who were handling the estate of their maternal grandmother in Baden-Württemberg, The Telegraph reported.
The once-penniless brothers received 4 billion pounds. Today, that would be equivalent to more than $5 billion in U.S. dollars. (Source: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/heirs-chosen-at-random-and-6-other-incredible-inheritance-tales/)
Can you imagine going from penniless to billionaires overnight?
This is what God has done for us. The Apostle Paul is like those charity workers that comes to the brothers and lets them know what they have inherited. He wants us to realize the “Riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Our story of faith is a rags to riches story.
Without a connection to the love of God and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we were spiritually broke and penniless.
1 Corinthians 1:26-30 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Yet God decided to give us an inheritance…not because we have earned or deserved it, but because he chose to give it.
James 2:5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
Realize nothing this world has to offer could buy a spot in heaven…yet God has GIVEN to you an inheritance that is worth far more than all the wealth of the world and far more glorious than any experience the world has to offer.
Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,…”
Apply: What would you do if you inherited five billion dollars? How does your life change knowing you’ve inherited something far more valuable?
Prayer: Lord open our eyes so that we can see the riches of the glorious inheritance you have given to us. AMEN.
FAITH: A Revelation of Hope!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
Have you ever watched Pawn Stars?
Set in Las Vegas, the owners of the Gold & Silver Pawn shop are met with individuals who have some item they would like to sell. Some of the people who bring items in have researched the item and have an idea of what they would like to get…some make a deal and sell the item…others walk away.
One vignette was of a young man who brought in a Medieval Anglo Saxon Iron Helmet (Watch it here). He had bought it at an auction because it reminded him of the old leather football helmets. He wanted to get $750 for it. After a bit of banter, as often happens, one of the dealers in the pawn shop, invites an expert to come and assess the value of the item…this was no different. The expert explains the history behind the helmet and then tests the metal to determine if it is the right makeup of the period it came from. He tests the metal and declares, “This is one in a million! It’s that rare. I got goose bumps…” The helmet then valued at $15,000! You should see the reaction of the young man who brought it in. His eyes lit up when he realized the value of what he had. He sells it to the pawn shop for $10,000. “I’m in shock. I can’t believe I’m leaving here today with $10,000!”
When he knew the value of what he had, his eyes lit up…I’m sure his heart started beating a little bit faster too!
Paul desires the “eyes of our heart” to light up when we know the hope God has given to us.
18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
Perhaps the reality is we underestimate or don’t realize the value and significance of the hope God has given to us.
This hope isn’t based on an empty promise; it’s based on a completed reality.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
This hope isn’t one that will disappoint us; it’s one that will be experienced by us.
Isaiah 49:23 Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
This hope doesn’t leave when life gets tough; it sustains us in life’s challenges.
Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
This hope doesn’t end at death; rather it extends beyond death.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
There’s more to this hope than perhaps you first realize. We may think what we have is $750 – hope…but the more the Spirit of God opens the eyes of your heart to realize the treasure we have, we realize God has given us a priceless, “one in a million” gift of hope, which is ours through faith.
Apply: Go to www.biblegateway.com or similar online Bible and search the word “hope.” What else does God show you that increases the value of the hope he has given to you?
Prayer: Lord, send me your Spirit to open the eyes of my heart so that I might uncover, know and deeply appreciate the hope to which God has called me. AMEN.
FAITH: A Connection to Wisdom!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
When you need information, where do you turn?
When you need wisdom, where do you turn?
If I need information on how to change the brakes on my car, I search on YouTube for a video showing someone else explaining and doing the task. I can take in the information and then take the actions it has demonstrated.
If I need wisdom for a life decision, I don’t go to YouTube and search for information. I go to a respected friend or family member who has not just information, but intelligence and practical experience. Individuals who know the information but also know how to apply that information in a given circumstance.
Wisdom is knowledge rightly applied.
It’s hard to put wisdom in a text book or on Wikipedia. Wisdom can sometimes counter the objective facts. Wisdom can sometimes be counter intuitive. Wisdom does not always make rational sense.
Faith gives us a connection to wisdom that will always be right and benefit us and others.
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The ability to have God-given, Spirit-driven wisdom ONLY comes through our connection to the Lord, which is ours by faith.
As the Apostle Paul gave thanks for the faith God had given the Ephesians (yesterday’s devotion), he now asks God to give them “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.”
Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Notice the purpose of this wisdom. It’s not for “wise” financial investments. It’s not for “wise” business decisions. It’s not even for “wise” relational input. It’s “so that you may know him better.”
Paul prays for God’s Spirit to give the Ephesians wisdom so that they may know GOD better.
This is my prayer for each of us.
The truth is, the fear of the LORD IS the beginning of wisdom! So if true and lasting wisdom starts with our connection to the LORD, it makes sense that the more we know the LORD, the wiser we become.
The world has lots of wisdom to offer…academically, scientifically, psychologically, politically, relationally, etc. The challenge is that very little of that today starts with a foundation of knowledge based on the LORD.
The LORD desires his wisdom to affect every aspect of our life.
Too often I fail to pray for the Spirit of wisdom. Too often I rely on my own human wisdom to figure something out.
Recently a friend asked when I presented him with a challenge I was facing, “What does God have to say? Did you ask him?”
I hadn’t. But I am learning to tap into more often the connection to wisdom our faith gives.
I invite you to do the same. Don’t hesitate to ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Apply: Take time to read through the Proverbs…its full of the Spirit of wisdom!
Prayer: Lord thank you for faith that connects me to the Spirit of wisdom. Remind me to always seek your wisdom first in every decision and activity of life! AMEN.
FAITH: A Reason to Give Thanks!
Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Thoroughly Equipped”
Week 3 of 4: “Faith that Defines Us!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Five Blessings of Faith!
God has so many good things to give to us.
Faith is the connection between God’s heart and ours. In Sunday’s message (Click the link above to listen to the full message if you missed it), I shared the example of faith being the needle that delivers the vaccine to the body of the individual. The vaccine is all the good things God desires us to have. The needle or faith is the unsung hero that delivers those good things to us. It too is a gift from God.
In this week’s devotion, I’d like to point out five blessings of faith that perhaps we don’t realize or have forgotten based on the opening words of Ephesians 1:15-23. See if you find five.
Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
The first blessing of faith is that it gives us a reason to give thanks. Paul lists “faith in the Lord Jesus” as a reason to “not stop giving thanks.” Paul was overjoyed that many in the city of Ephesus had put their trust in Jesus.
The OBJECT of their faith was in the right place. They didn’t believe in a nebulous god. They didn’t just believe in something they had no knowledge of. They put their trust, their faith in Jesus.
Faith gave the Ephesians a reason to give thanks. Faith gives every person who has faith in Jesus a reason to give thanks. Why? Because faith is the means by which God personally connects us to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What we could not do on our own, is done for us by Jesus.
Faith gave Paul a reason to give thanks. Paul was overjoyed to see the power of the Gospel at work in the hearts of the Ephesians. It gave him great joy to see that the Word worked. He was so grateful that faith was also leading them to have a “love for all the saints.” Faith worked and faith at work!
Faith gives each of us a reason to give thanks. Sunday’s message pointed out three reasons based on Romans 3:21-26 and Galatians 3:26. Faith defines us as righteous…because of Jesus we are perfect, completely right. Faith defines us as justified…because of Jesus we are declared not guilty. Faith defines us as a child of God…because of Jesus we are part of the family of God.
In just over a week, we as a nation will observe a day of Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to include in your list of things for which to give thanks, your faith in Jesus. Faith is a wonderful gift God has given to you to TRUST that Jesus is your Savior!
Apply: Make a list of the blessings that have come to you because God has given you faith in Jesus. Take time to thank God for each of the blessings he gives you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of faith that leads me to trust you for all that I need to spend an eternity with you. AMEN.