At the Heart of Faith..Craig Denison Ministries;

 At the Heart of 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:“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

Devotional:    

As believers living our lives founded on the hope given to us by God, faith is our lifeblood. Without faith we have nothing. Without faith, all sense of purpose, value, and joy in present trials and circumstances scatters as dust in the wind. But with faith we discover a wellspring of life with its origins found in the faithfulness of our Creator God. With faith we experience the effects of promises made to us by our living, loving, active, and trustworthy heavenly Father. With faith the abundant life God desires for us is removed from a shroud of doubt, fear, and hopelessness and becomes our reality. So what’s at the heart of this incredible gift of faith? How do we as children of God access the life-giving fruits of faith?

The Bible defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews 11 continues in verses 2-7 saying,

For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is simply this: trusting in our God who is completely and altogether faithful. Faith is the natural response to a revelation of God’s faithfulness.

We are to live entirely by faith, or entirely in response to God’s faithfulness. Every action, thought, emotion, word, and perspective is meant to be founded on the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice because he had a greater revelation and trust of God’s faithfulness. Enoch was saved from earthly death because he pleased God with his faith. Hebrews 11:6 makes it abundantly clear: “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” We are to believe in the reality of God and to trust that he will reward us when we seek him. In other words, we are to live our lives entirely out of the revelation of God’s faithfulness. And Romans 4:20-21 says in reference to Abraham, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” We are to be children convinced of the overwhelming ability of God to move and work in our lives.

Where do you lack faith today? What areas of your life have you taken into your own hands? Where are you full of fear, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness today? Know that the path to faith in those areas is paved with fresh revelation of God’s faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” Your God will always be faithful to you. You can trust him with any problem you are going through. He longs to work in your favor.

Seek out a greater understanding of your God’s faithfulness and allow your heart to be transformed. Spend time in prayer meditating on the character of your heavenly Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to do a work in your heart on a level that would fill you with the ability and desire to live entirely in faith.           

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on how Scripture defines faith.

“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21

“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

2. Reflect on any areas in your own life where you struggle with faith. What areas do you seem to live out in your own strength? What anxiety or fear consistently comes against you?

3. Meditate on the faithfulness of your heavenly Father. Allow God’s faithfulness to wash away any fear or anxiety you struggle with. Allow his amazing character to fill you with hope, joy, and peace.

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

“For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.” Psalm 33:4

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5

The Scriptures declaring the faithfulness of God go on and on. All of the earth finds its life as the result of God’s faithfulness to his promises. We live and breathe by the goodness and love of our God. God longs to give you a tangible story of his faithfulness. He longs to work in your life specifically and uniquely. Open up your life to him, ask him for his help, and watch as he works faithfully in your midst. Your God loves you, cares about you, and is for you. May you experience the abundant life only faith can bring you today.

Extended Reading: Hebrews 11

Peace Found in the Unchanging One..Emily Rose Massey

Peace Found in the Unchanging One 
By Emily Rose Massey

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7, ESV

I learned very early in my childhood that not much in life would stay consistent, sometimes including drastic change. My parents divorced, my mom remarried a man she met on the internet, another sibling was born when I was in middle school, we moved homes every two years throughout grade school and middle school, my father constantly battled alcoholism, and my high school relationship of two and a half years suddenly ended with a complicated breakup. It did not take long for a heart of anxiety to form in my life because there was not much I could run to for security. 

So, as I got older, I ran to other things and other people. I quickly became ensnared by alcohol abuse and did many dangerous things, such as an adulterous relationship with a married man and countless one-night stands with random men I followed home from the bar. I was constantly anxious and depressed. But, after I graduated from college, my eyes were truly opened to my selfish, promiscuous existence and my deep desire to find something firm and secure. I hadn’t been to church for years, but one morning I went. During the worship service, God met me in my mess and convicted my heart of sin and rebellion. Immediately, I knew I needed to stop running away from Him and start running toward Him.

At that moment, I realized He was the security and peace I was searching for. I told Him I didn’t want to live this life alone anymore, and I repented for my rebellion and unbelief. I knew everything I was searching for could only be found in Jesus. I resolved to stand upon the secure foundation of the Rock, Jesus Christ, who never changes. After that moment, my whole world changed as God began transforming my heart. It was by far the best change I have ever experienced!

You may not have experienced difficult and often painful changes in your life exactly like I did, but I’m sure you have realized change is inevitable while we are here on this earth. Change is just a part of life. How we handle that change is where we will discover our hope and sense of security. If change is causing us to worry or stress out, we need not run to other things or people to try to fix our anxiousness. We will always be disappointed, left feeling empty and even more anxious. Instead, we must run to God. Philippians 4:6 tells us we must not allow anxiety to overwhelm us, but instead, we are to come to God in prayer and cry out to Him with our requests full of gratitude, knowing He hears us.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6, ESV

Nothing is too small when it comes to our prayers to God; He wants us to come to Him about everything! God not only hears our prayers; He responds with His peace and protection. 

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).

Intersecting Faith and Life:
God’s peace is like nothing else this world can offer; it is beyond all human logic or reasoning. He promises to protect our hearts and minds when we dwell on our position in Jesus as forgiven children of God. He is not only the Creator and sustainer of life but our heavenly Father that longs to protect and provide for us. 

If you are feeling anxious right now because of changes happening around you, is your fear based upon reality or worry about possible outcomes? When anxious, do you find yourself looking to other things or people to calm your heart? What are some common worries you experience regularly? Instead of allowing these worries to drive you to other sources to bring relief, list them and take them to God in prayer today. He hears every request. You can find peace, and rest assured He is the One who never changes. Even if everything around you feels like shifting sand, remember that Jesus Christ, the unchanging One, is firm and secure.

Further Reading:

• Matthew 6:25-34
• Luke 12:24-34

A Prayer for Restoration..Christine Perry

 A Prayer for Restoration

By Christine Perry 

“Come, and let us return to the Lord; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” - Hosea 6:1 NKJV 

The moment sin reared its ugly head, in the form of a snake, in the garden of Eden in Genesis 3, brokenness entered the scene. Undoubtedly, we live in a broken world full of broken systems, situations, and people. Sin leaves a ripple effect that continues year after year, generation after generation. It affects every individual. You cannot walk through life unscathed.

This is no different for Christians as it is for non-Christians. Matthew 5:45 says, "…He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we are exempt from trials and heartache. We Sometimes we've chosen a destructive path. Other times, God makes us dwell in darkness (Lamentations 3:6). It’s not uncommon to forget God can still restore you when you're in the muck and the mire of a trial. Our situations sometimes cloud our view of all God is. 

I don't know what you may be facing today, but I want to remind you God is still in the business of restoring! He can still restore a broken relationship, shattered marriage, limp body, prodigal child, tattered heart, and scrambled mind. With man, it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). God doesn't always restore the things we have in mind. Instead, He restores our peace, joy, hope, and contentment, despite our uncertain situations. Regardless of what God chooses, He still restores!

In addition to this, let's never forget God has the final say. When He speaks, the storm is silent, the seas part, the lame are healed, and the blind see. He has the authority over everything because He is the creator of all things. If you're going through a tough season, keep pouring your heart out to God. He is not weary of your tears. He knows the words you cannot seem to utter. He sees the pain no one else can see. But also remind yourself God can still do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). 

Let's pray:
Dear Father,

Thank You for Your fatherly care for us. Father, nothing is hidden from You. You know what each one of Your kids is going through. Father, when we are in the thick of a trial and feel too broken to be of use, would You remind us You still work all things together for good? Remind us You have good plans for our lives — that You are our hope and future. Please hold all our broken pieces together and keep us close to You. 

Father, You see everything. You see behind every closed door. You hear every whispered comment. You know what no one else may know. Please be our advocate. Please fight for us when we cannot fight for ourselves. Please be our shield and our protector. Please restore to us the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Father, I ask that You would make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil" (Psalm 90:15). I ask that if we are in a season of weeping, that joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Father, I ask that You would restore us to the joy of our salvation and uphold us with your generous Spirit (Psalm 51:12).

Father, we need You. We are lost without You. We know that apart from You, there is no good in us. Please do not forsake the works of Your hands (Psalm 138:8). the Father, help us to be patient during the season You have us in. I pray we will look more like You in everything we do and say. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for being a God who restores. Amen!