Faith Comes by Hearing...Craig Denison Ministries

 Faith Comes by Hearing

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father.

Scripture:“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” > Romans 10:17

Devotional:

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Scripture offers us every truth we need to live a lifestyle of faith. Within its pages are powerful stories describing the miraculous works of a God who remained faithful to a people who chose pride, selfishness, and rebellion over his perfect, loving ways. And it contains incredible moments where God’s people responded to his faithfulness with faith and were greatly rewarded.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” The desire of God for you and me is to be children filled with his life-giving words. God longs for us to experience the joy, purpose, and peace of faith founded on his word. He longs for us to live our lives with Scripture as a constant source of hope when the world seems to be crashing down around us.

For a long time, the Bible bored me. I knew I should read it so I would try and make some time here and there to read a little bit. But it felt more like an assignment than an encounter with the powerful words of God. It wasn’t until I began to read Scripture as an avenue to connect with God and have my life transformed that I began to enjoy it. As I began to allow God’s word to fill me with faith to live differently, I discovered the power of the Bible. When I used Scripture as a way to learn about and connect to the heart of my heavenly Father, my desire to read it grew to the point of overflowing.

Scripture has the power to lead us to a different way of living: the way of faith. Stories like Abraham and Isaac should guide us to trust the promises of our God. Stories like Israel and the walls of Jericho should lead us to act on God’s word and leadership in faith that he will move in powerful ways to destroy our seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus should guide us to a life of service to our God who would give up everything just to have restored relationship with us.

May your faith be stirred today in the reading of Scripture. May the pages of God’s word guide you to a lifestyle of trust, hope, and surrender. And may you experience the joy of living by faith in response to your God’s amazing acts of faithfulness.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the ability of God’s word to fill you with faith.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” > Romans 10:17

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” > Proverbs 4:20-22

2. Where do you need faith today? What problem or obstacle seems insurmountable before you? Where do you need hope and joy?

3. Meditate on Scripture in reference to your need. Find a story that will fill you with faith for the problem set before you.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” > Proverbs 3:1-5

The story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:28-33 serves as a great example of life lived in faith and in doubt. May we be a people who live in full faith and stand on the unshakable truth of God’s word.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Extended Reading: Romans 5

Understanding the Fear of the Lord...by Lynette Kittle

 Understanding the Fear of the Lord

by Lynette Kittle

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” - Proverbs 9:10

Growing up, I had a healthy respect or as some might describe “fear” of my parents. Not that I grew up fearing them but rather knew they deeply loved me and had certain guidelines they wanted me to follow.

As a kid, I didn’t really understand how their standards were for my good, and in my best interest to keep me safe and help me grow up healthy. In my childish thinking, it just seemed like they were trying to keep me from having fun and getting my own way.

Likewise, it’s difficult for many individuals to understand what it means to “fear the Lord.” Scripture may seem like it’s contradicting itself by telling you to fear God ( Proverbs 24:21), yet assuring you that God has not given you a spirit of fear ( 2 Timothy 1:7).

So what does it mean to fear the Lord and how is it different from being fearful of Him? Proverbs 8:13 describes it this way, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”

Hating evil means you detest and stay away from the things God hates, and choose to love and follow after the things He loves.

So how is it possible to distinguish between what God hates and what He loves? Begin by studying Scripture. Through reading it you’ll gain understanding to help you differentiate between the two because if you don’t know what is true, you won’t be able to tell what isn’t true.

Knowing God’s Word is foundational in being able to recognize what is false. Proverbs 16:6 states, ”Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”

Do you know Christians who have seemed to be led astray? If so, it’s probably because they haven’t grown in their knowledge of God’s Word and aren’t able to distinguish between good and evil.

Romans 1:21 states how easy it is for individuals to be led astray stating, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Hebrews 5:12 explains how many by now ought to be able to teach the Word to others, but instead they need someone to teach the elementary truths of it all over again to them. To grow in understanding, Hebrews 5:14 describes how “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

If you’re looking to grow in your knowledge and relationship with God, don’t be afraid of the Lord but fear Him. When you do, you will bring wisdom and understanding to your life ( Proverbs 9:10).

A Prayer for Restored Faith...By Kristine Brown

 A Prayer for Restored Faith

By Kristine Brown

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12 ESV

There are many things that can trigger a faith-struggle in our lives. Tragedy, extended seasons of suffering, and hopelessness hit without warning. In those desperate times we may wrestle with where God is, or if He hears us. Thankfully, when the difficulties of life pile on us, we have this truth from our faithful Father.

Hardships may cause our faith to wane, but God is ready to restore that faith when we ask.

Restoration can be defined as the act of returning something to its former condition. The Bible has a lot to say about restoration. God loves to restore us— and His restoration promises apply to our physical bodies, our minds, and even our faith.

King David knew the precious gift of God’s restoration. After his infidelity with Bathsheba, David cried out to God with these words recorded in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

David knew only One could cleanse him from unrighteousness, restore his spirit, and renew his hope. Only God - the Master Restorer.

So whatever hard season you're going through that has caused you to lose faith, take heart. God is faithful, and He will provide the restoration you need. Let’s begin with this prayer for restored faith.

Let's pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lately, I’ve felt my faith weakening. So much is going on in the world that has caused me to question where you are in all of this. Yet I know in my heart you hear our cries for help. You are always with us, ready to offer restored hope when we ask.

Your Word reminds us you are a God of restoration. You love making things new. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Lord, renew my faith right now, just as you have done before. Help me trust in your steadfast Word instead of what I see happening all around me. Your promises are powerful, even when circumstances seem hopeless. I know you desire to restore my spirit and my faith. You are my Healer, Provider, and Deliverer. I put my trust in you alone.

Thank you, God for forgiving me for letting my faith wane instead of holding onto you. You are forever faithful, and I give you praise today. Even as I call out to you in prayer, I sense my faith being fully restored.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Great Worth in God’s Sight...By Emma Danzey

 Great Worth in God’s Sight

By Emma Danzey

1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

What Your Beauty Should Not Come From
If we are not careful, it can be easy to get caught up in a worldly view of beauty and acceptance. When we are used to filtered pictures and fad diets, it can be very countercultural to resist the temptation to try to be beautiful in the world’s eyes. The Scriptures give the example of beauty that does not come from outward appearances. This can include hairstyles, jewelry, and nice clothing. A worldly mentality says, “I need to cover my flaws and pretend to be perfect.” A godly mentality says, “I am not perfect and I need to bring my flaws to Christ so He can beautify me.” 

This particular topic of beauty in 1 Peter was directly written for the women of the church, however, the concept of identity goes across the board for males and females. When we place our identity in a trend, in success, in our looks, or in our lifestyles, we are going after temporary fulfillment and short-lived compliments. It is an unstable life of chasing after meaningless endorsements from a culture that does not care about our hearts and our eternal purposes. 

What Your Beauty Should Come From
If the world’s definition of beauty is not worth pursuing, what is? The Lord tells us in 1 Peter that beauty should come from our inner selves. This kind of beautiful heart is unfading. It is ever-growing. Where physical beauty will fade as we age, spiritual beauty can be cultivated and grow as we get older. Spiritual beauty is limitless. We are always being sanctified and therefore more beautified into the image of Christ. This can excite us that we do not have to “peak” spiritually but that we have the ability to continually be made into stronger disciples of Jesus. 

We see that unfading beauty is a gentle and quiet spirit. These are two qualities that often do not immediately come into our minds when we are contemplating what is beautiful. However, the Scripture says that this is great worth in God’s eyes. When Samuel was seeking the next King of Israel, God told him in 1 Samuel 16:7b “For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” It was tempting for Samuel to seek after a king who had a worldly appearance of royalty and strength. However, in God’s kingdom, he was looking not at the outward signs, but the inward heart. God cares about a beautiful heart. This can only come from Him. Our hearts are deceitful and we are sinful, but Jesus died for us to give us a new heart and cleanse us from all sin. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  

How Can I See Myself and Others through God’s Eyes
In knowing what is valuable to God, we can ask His Spirit to enable us to view ourselves and others from His perspective. We can break free from condemnation and judgmental attitudes. We can remember that no one is perfect but Jesus and He is the only part of us that is truly beautiful. He can help us to be gentle and quiet in our spirit. He can transform our thinking from unhealthy to healthy views of ourselves and others. He can remind us what is truly important and lasting. 

Intersecting Faith and Life:
In what ways have you sought the world’s approval in your appearance? How can you be growing in eternal beauty each day? How can you begin to see yourself and others through the eyes with which God sees you? 

Further Reading:

• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Ezekiel 36:26
• Romans 2:29