Praying in Faith...Craig Denison Ministries

 Praying in Faith

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: “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22-24

Devotional:

Prayer is our most powerful gift when done in faith. E. M. Bounds described the power of prayer in saying, “We can do nothing without prayer. All things can be done by importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles, overcomes every resisting force and gains its ends in the face of invincible hindrances.” God loves to move when we pray. He is not a God who forces his will on his people, but in love waits for us to capture his heart and ask him to move and work in our lives and the lives of others. There is no more important task before us today than to learn what it is to pray in faith.

Mark 11:22-24 says, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Jesus illustrates an important link between prayer and faith. When we have faith that God will move as he has told us he would and we pray in response to that faith, the impossible happens.

Conversely, James 1:5-8 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Where faith positions us to receive from God, doubt has the opposite effect. Scripture is clear that the prayers God responds to are prayers of faith. God has given us purpose here. He longs to co-labor with his people. Our job is to capture his heart by spending time in his presence and pray boldly in response to his faithfulness.

You and I have been given the incredible gift of conversation with a God who longs to move in response to our prayers. What obstacles stand in your way today? Where do you need a miracle? Who needs prayer around you? Spend time capturing the heart of your heavenly Father and praying with boldness. He waits to respond to your prayers and do the work only he can do.           

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the power of prayer in faith.

“Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” > Mark 11:22-24

“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:21-22

2. Reflect on your life. What obstacles stand in your way? Where do you need God to work? Who around you needs the power of your prayer today?

3. Ask God what he thinks about the situations in which you desire to pray and then pray boldly according to his will. Seek out Scripture and pray in line with God’s word. Have faith that God will move according to his word in response to your prayer of faith.

Often we are turned off to the idea of praying boldly when we feel God hasn’t answered our prayers in the past. Don’t let past experience stand in the way of living your life in total alignment with the word of God. We will never fully understand all of God’s ways. All we can do is live as he has led us and trust in him. Scripture is clear that God cares for you and longs to help you. He desires to move and work in your midst on a daily basis. Have faith in your heavenly Father and pray to him boldly today.

Extended Reading: Mark 11

Strength in Stillness..SARAH FREYMUTH

 Strength in Stillness

SARAH FREYMUTH

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

The afternoon sun streaks through my living room window, and I settle into my seat, finding just the right spot for the light to warm my body. On my windowsill, books bend into one another, and pens spill from their holder; my daily Bible verse calendar shows an image of majestic mountain peaks and a scriptural assurance of faith I cannot see.

The call to faith in the unseen resonates deeper than I wish it to.

I’ve spent these past six months fighting for my mental and physical health. I’m still wrestling with the lingering aftermath of COVID-19 and anxiety, comparing my state of exhaustion to where I was before I got sick.

When I see my life as it was, and I see the setbacks I’m battling, I can’t help but be tempted to spiral down the “why me?” rabbit hole. The daily battles leave me worn and wondering just how this will play out.

My camp is close to crumbling, and I need reinforcements. If I have the Lord of heaven’s armies with me, what is His tactic? What is His next move?

Is it to strengthen me supernaturally so I can take ground where I have loosened my hold?

Is it to storm my enemies and knock them down in one motion?

Is it to wait for me to say the right prayer or scripture and believe just a bit more for my faith to come to life and be “useful” in my healing?

Or is it possible God is calling me to something radically different? What if God’s will looks something like this: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)?

The more I meditate on this verse, the more I realize I’ve been carrying much more stress than I need to. I’ve hoisted the weight of my health on my shoulders, striving to learn answers, comparing what was to what is now, and holding heavy, unrealistic expectations in my heart and mind.

Maybe you are, too. Maybe we’ve all been holding on to our own designs of how life should be and having trouble wrapping our minds around reality.

What do we do with the vise grip we’ve put ourselves in?

Be still. Stop the swirling thoughts and expectations of where you should be and rest in where you are. Here is now, and God is present here. The gift of His grace overpowers any shame, guilt and disappointment we may feel about ourselves. And His grace extends to His command for us to release the effort and allow Him to do His deep, restorative healing in our hearts as He fights for us. In stillness lies our strength.

Take the burden off your shoulders and relax into the Lord. He is the One who will fight your battles. Our God has our best in mind, for our good and His glory. His love is making a way in our lives because the battle belongs to the Lord.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is be still with this truth and believe. We can turn over our trust to His capable ways, lift off what weighs us down and let Him do the heavy lifting.

Father, I have been holding on to so much. I cannot carry the weight of this worry any longer. I’ve been flailing and trying to fight this battle by using my strength. Will You take the weight off my heart, mind and body? Will You fight for me as I sit still and fall into Your arms? You are my salvation, and You offer me deep, abiding rest. Thank You for the grace You give; I trust You to guide and grow me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Standing Before God’s Open Door..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Standing Before God’s Open Door

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

The apostle Paul had passion and vision to reach the world with the good news about salvation. As he followed the Spirit’s leading, his determination proved effective. There’s no telling how many lives the Lord transformed through this man. And his influence is still impacting people today.

Paul knew that Jesus had instructed His followers to “make disciples of all the nations,” teaching them to observe everything He had commanded (Matt. 28:19). God led and enabled the apostle to do his part in carrying out this divine mission.

But think about life back then—that was a big task for a time when there was no mass communication. Paul could only teach, write, or train others to share the truth. In spite of limited means, however, he obeyed fervently and effectively.

God’s command is still relevant for us today. He has given us the work of telling all nations about redemption through Christ’s blood and resurrection. Compared to Paul, we have an abundance of communication capabilities—including radio, television, Internet, and cell phones—which provide easy access into countries all over the world. We could make more disciples by better utilizing these technologies. But how tragic if we get busy and fail to obey God’s command.

We stand at a critical moment in history for the church. The door of opportunity is wide open for us to share.

3 Lessons Gideon Teaches Us about Prayer..by Janelle Alberts

 3 Lessons Gideon Teaches Us about Prayer

by Janelle Alberts

“And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” - Judges 6:12

Our questions of faith often remain unanswered or confusing. Like our questions about prayer.

Prayer is somewhat a mystery, but there are still plenty of things we can know for sure about prayer. I’m especially grateful for what the story of Gideon (found in Judges) is currently teaching me about prayer.

1. Prayer Engages Someone Who is Already with You.

We know what it feels like when someone is with us, and a lot of the time God’s involvement in our lives can feel…unpredictable. But prayer reminds us that God is already always with us.

Gideon hit the Bible scene after the Israelites had been freed from Egypt (with the help of God), survived a stiff-necked wandering in the desert (with the help of God), dispossessed the bad guys and finally scored the Promised Land (with the help of God), and enjoyed years of peace, glorious peace (thanks to God)!

Then they blew off God.

Of course, their world came crashing in, and it was during that crushingly oppressive and lonely time that God visited Gideon. We read in Judges that an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said to him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6).

And Gideon, in one of the most under-excited-to-see-God moments in Bible history, wondered aloud: God? Where have you been?

2. Prayer is All about Honesty – Not Just Saying What We Think God Wants to Hear

Gideon takes some hits in church circles for this seemingly whiny response. I mean, God’s here! Buck up and be glad! Who wouldn’t respond that way?

Um, God.

God did not treat Gideon that way at all. Here was a man who had heard stories about God’s benevolent leadership and love, but where had God been all this time when Gideon needed him?

Seemingly absent. Gideon was wrong, of course, but God didn’t hold that against him.

If you have read the backstory, you know it was not that God left the Israelites, but the Israelites who had left God. After all, God had done to build a relationship with his children, they still had turned away from God. God said, “You have not listened to me” (Judges 6:10).

God could have justifiably gotten smoking mad at Gideon with an accusing “You’re not listening to me!”

However, it’s one thing to be obstinate, but another thing altogether to be unsure.

This is a God who cares about that difference.

Gideon was hearing God say great things, but Gideon did not know if God would actually do the greatest thing of all.

3. Prayer Teaches Us to Have Eyes that See God

God has a much greater mission than demonstrating his greatness. His mission is to demonstrate his love. His greatest challenge was getting his people to receive that from him.

“Don’t go away…” Gideon said to God. “And the Lord said, ‘I will stay here until you return’” (Judges 6:18).
So commenced a bit of fire that lit up a little meat and unleavened bread. There was later a bit of fleece and then later a big barley loaf in the middle of someone else’s dream.

Over and over, God reinforced how much he loved and cared about Gideon and the Israelites.

If the Israelites hadn’t listened before, Gideon was listening now. Intently. What transpired was a monumentally triumphant turn of events for Gideon and his people. And Gideon came to believe that the hiding place of God’s word was a place he could trust.

Expect that God is already waiting for you to spend time with Him. Be honest. He has told us from page one to page 700 plus in the Bible not to fear for one reason. He tells his children over and over, I am with you.

A Prayer for When You Feel Invisible..By Keneesha Saunders-Liddie

 A Prayer for When You Feel Invisible

By Keneesha Saunders-Liddie

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13

I was the last one standing yet again. When it came to sports, I was usually the last one chosen. At those particular times in my childhood, I felt invisible. Even though I knew I wasn’t good at sports, it was still a surprise every time I walked toward the last team by default, because I was the only one not picked.

There are many reasons why we can feel invisible in life. Maybe you feel invisible at your church, job or in your family. There is good news. God sees you. God knows who you are and he can see the longing of your heart to be seen and known.

He wants you to know that you are not invisible to him. He wants you to know that he has always seen you and will always see you. He isn’t looking at you as one would look at an outsider. He takes special interest in you and your concerns.

He has said in his Word that no creature is hidden from his sight. There is no place you can go that he won’t be with you. This is both wonderful news and terrifying news. One day we have to give him an account for everything we do here on earth, and he is watching you.

Everything is naked and open to him; that includes your heart, thoughts and emotions as you feel the burden of being left out and isolated. God your Father has chosen this time to observe you. Even if you haven’t voice how you feel, God knows and he cares. So the next time you feel invisible, pray and thank God for watching over you.

Let’s pray now:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for never growing weary or getting tired. Thank you for watching over me each and every day. Help me to remember that you are always there whenever I feel invisible. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to look to man for validation; all I need is given to me by you. You have promised in your Word that you will never leave or forsake me, and I will hold you at your Word. I turn my heart to you and chose to trust in your Word and your steadfast protection and provision. Help me to find comfort in the fact that no creature is hidden from you, but that I am naked and open before you as you allow the Holy Spirit to lead me in sanctification. Knowing I am seen by God causes me to release fear and to simply trust you will be there. During this time of uncertainty, help me to see others and let them know that I see them.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Peace beyond Our Understanding...By Emma Danzey

 Peace beyond Our Understanding

By Emma Danzey

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do Not Be Anxious about Anything
The Bible says, “Fear not” 365 times. This is significant when thinking about the normal year having 365 days in it. People take this as an encouragement to trust in God each day because He has told us not to be afraid. 

Reading or hearing, “Do not be anxious about anything” sounds like an extreme command. What about the difficult news we just got from the doctor? Or what about my child who is in college away from home? Or how about our financial struggle to pay rent next month? This is the great gift that we have been given as believers in Christ. We have eternal hope and confidence. We do not have to be worried about anything because the enemy has been defeated and we have eternal life through Jesus. This does not mean that our tough days and bad news moments will not be challenging. 

John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We will have troubles and trials in this sinful and broken world. We will feel real pain and experience death and suffering. However, we are to take heart because Jesus has overcome. When He tells us not to be anxious about anything. He means it. He is telling us that He is over everything and we can find rest in Him.

Prayer and Petition, with Thanksgiving
Philippians tells us how we can fight the temptation to worry. We can present our requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving. This means that we pour out our hearts to God and tell Him our requests and our desires. We do this with thanksgiving. Gratitude unlocks joy. When we are tempted to sit in our anxious thoughts, we can combat this with thankfulness. We can find the amazing blessings around us and praise the Lord. This resets our hearts in times of trouble and helps us to think on the many spiritual gifts rather than on the “what ifs.”

The Peace of God
When we have the Holy Spirit, one of the fruits that He gives us is peace. Do you ever wonder how people can have peace in a tragedy or how they can have peace in continual challenges? In these moments, the peace that could only come from God shines through. The peace that comes from God is spiritual. It is not about a temporary fix of a massage or a bubble bath. This is the kind of peace that does not have to leave us. It guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

There are good methods to have a peaceful moment, but only Jesus can bring true and lasting peace. We can have peace from God because we now have peace with God through Christ. We have the ability to tap into and receive His peace. When we know that we are not able to do something on our own, we can humbly ask the Lord to bring us His peace. I find it no coincidence that when sharing about the armor of God, Paul shares in Ephesians 6:15 that we are to put on the shoes of peace. The peace of God helps us to take steps forward when we would otherwise be paralyzed by fear. He gives us the strength to walk.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Are you anxious about anything right now? God tells us not to be anxious, go to Him with your prayer and requests with thanksgiving believing that His peace that is beyond your understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Through His gift of the Holy Spirit, you can walk in the shoes of peace today, knowing that God cares for you.

Further Reading:

• Isaiah 12:2
• Romans 5:1
• Galatians 5:22