Good morning! The
guest is Dean Hardy of Canada share this from 9/29/11 "If You Have
Faith" devotion. Thank you Dean for sharing this. It really touched me. Dorothy Callies
Good thoughts Dorothy!
Interesting timing--last night in our Bible study we looked at Galatians 3. Paul talks about the importance of living by faith every day using the example of Abraham. Looking at Abraham's story, we see that though he began his walk with God 'by faith' in following God without question (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10). But then he often tried to fulfill God's promises in the flesh/his own strength--I.e. Going to Egypt because of a famine without asking God about what he should do (Genesis 12:10), lying to protect himself instead of trusting God (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2), worrying about who his heir would be because he still didn't have a son (Genesis 15:1-3), trying to produce an heir through his servant girl (Genesis 16:1-4). In the midst of all this God was trying to teach Abraham how to live by faith every day (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes he got it right (Genesis 21:1-6; 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:11-12; etc), other times he fell back on to his old fleshly/human habits.
In Galatians 3, Paul tells us that Abraham's example teaches us how to live by faith each day. "The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. . . . God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. . . . The Scriptures also say, 'The people God accepts because of their faith will live.' " Galatians 3:6-11 (cp. Habakkuk 2:6) CEV. I have noticed that many Christians understand clearly and believe that salvation comes through God's grace by faith alone, but many do not know how to live by faith after they are saved. This is the continual challenge for us as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's ways.
Serving Abba together, Dean
Good thoughts Dorothy!
Interesting timing--last night in our Bible study we looked at Galatians 3. Paul talks about the importance of living by faith every day using the example of Abraham. Looking at Abraham's story, we see that though he began his walk with God 'by faith' in following God without question (Genesis 12:1-5; Hebrews 11:8-10). But then he often tried to fulfill God's promises in the flesh/his own strength--I.e. Going to Egypt because of a famine without asking God about what he should do (Genesis 12:10), lying to protect himself instead of trusting God (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2), worrying about who his heir would be because he still didn't have a son (Genesis 15:1-3), trying to produce an heir through his servant girl (Genesis 16:1-4). In the midst of all this God was trying to teach Abraham how to live by faith every day (Genesis 15:6). Sometimes he got it right (Genesis 21:1-6; 22:1-14; Hebrews 11:11-12; etc), other times he fell back on to his old fleshly/human habits.
In Galatians 3, Paul tells us that Abraham's example teaches us how to live by faith each day. "The Scriptures say that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. And so, you should understand that everyone who has faith is a child of Abraham. . . . God told Abraham the good news that all nations would be blessed because of him. This means that everyone who has faith will share in the blessings that were given to Abraham because of his faith. . . . The Scriptures also say, 'The people God accepts because of their faith will live.' " Galatians 3:6-11 (cp. Habakkuk 2:6) CEV. I have noticed that many Christians understand clearly and believe that salvation comes through God's grace by faith alone, but many do not know how to live by faith after they are saved. This is the continual challenge for us as we grow in our faith and understanding of God's ways.
Serving Abba together, Dean
If You Have Faith from 9/29/11
Matthew 17:20b
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."
Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)
NCV: "...I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you."
Matthew 21:21-22
NCV: Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I give you my little mustard seed of faith. They are so small and I know that You will make it grow bigger & bigger so I could receive an answer to prayer that I need so much especially in my body. There are other needs, Lord and help me to sing this song, "Faith In God" over and over until I have the assurance that my needs are already met. Thank You for keep reminding me through Your Word, "Have faith in God". I feel good when I hear your words of encouragement and it boosts my faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Song: Faith in God
Faith in God can move a mighty mountain.
Faith in God can calm the trouble sea.
Faith will make the desert like the fountain,
Faith will bring the victory.
(Song collection, Author: unknown)
God
Bless you,
Dorothy
No comments:
Post a Comment