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Unity Forms When Transparency Flows

6/30/2021

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​Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NASB

Questions to Consider: 

1. Think of who you were before you were changed by Christ, will you take a few minutes and get on your knees to thank the Lord for His transformation?

2. Why do you think transparency and humility are such attractive spiritual attributes?  

3. How can we as a church, and you as an individual cultivate a culture of transparency and humility? 
Paul starts off chapter 6 speaking on the importance of unity in the church. This theme runs through the whole of chapter 6. It seems as if Paul changes course slightly when he lists ten different sin identities of people that will not inherit the kingdom of God, but it is still a part of the same theme of unity. He ends with the phrase, "such were some of you" referring to the believers that were a part of the Corinthian church. Why do you think this is? Because Paul was pointing out the fact that you may think highly of yourself and your feelings, but you need to understand that your position as a Christian is a product of grace and nothing more. This popular phrase in Christianity hits right at the issue of disunity that was inside of the Corinthian church. There was a neglect of a transparent and humble self-realization of who they were before Christ, and what they were after Christ. "When transparency is neglected, where who we were is not rightly understood and acknowledged, we cannot walk or minister in true humility or obtain authentic unity." 
​Paul is hitting them with a truth bomb that comes straight from the teachings of Christ in Matthew 20:26-28: but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The reason why you cannot have true unity unless there is transparency is because what you are uniting with is an image instead of the real thing. You are fastening yourself to a lynch pin made out of an aluminum can. It looks like metal, but it crushes under any sort of weight. You are uniting around an idea, a picture of what should be, but what isn't, in reality. That is not unity, that is an unequally yoked friendship or relationship which we are told to avoid. Our God is transparent and He has revealed Himself through His Son. He's not hiding who He is or what He is planning on doing, it has been revealed to us in scripture. He is an 'open book' so to speak. You can unite with someone like that because you know that they are trustworthy. We ought to be the same.  
'Leading with a limp' and ministering in brokenness is contagious and attractive to those who need the gospel the most. God trusts humble and broken people, but He cannot and will not trust prideful people to lead or minister. I heard this question posed to me years ago and it rocked me. "Can God trust you?" Think on that question for a minute. Can God trust you to make everything about Him and not you? Can God trust you to be true to His word and not waiver under pressure? Can He trust you to live a life that glorifies Him even if no one ever sees or acknowledges it? 
Let us be a people that God can trust with all of His kingdom.  
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When to Divide

6/29/2021

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​After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. Acts 15:36-39 NASB

Questions to Consider:

​1. If we have been in the church for any given time, most of us have experienced some sort of church division or split. What have you learned from those experiences? 

2. How can you and I strive to be like a Barnabas that speaks the truth over those who are still living or dwelling on their past life? 

3. Have you ever had a Paul and Barnabas situation in your life? What did that look like? 

Paul and Barnabas were missionary friends that went out to spread the gospel of Jesus together. But they came to a point where they separated from each other and we never see them doing missionary work with one another again. The role that Barnabas played in the life of Paul is exceptional. If it wasn't for Barnabas, Paul would have still been rejected by the disciples and the church at Jerusalem. The church wanted nothing to do with this man named Saul because of the persecution he brought against them; they thought he was still a dangerous man. Barnabas steps up in defense of Paul in Acts 9:26-30 and gets the church at Jerusalem to see that Saul was a changed man and that he had an encounter with Christ in Damascus. Surround yourself with people like Barnabas that come to your defense and speak truth of who you are NOW compared to what you used to be. 
But, Paul and Barnabas still come to a point where they separate from each other after a sharp disagreement. Is this a stain on the life of Paul or Barnabas that they had this division occur? Who was right and who was wrong in this instance? Isn't division or separation always wrong?
I think it is important to understand that this division was not based upon a doctrinal issue but more of a personal preference or opinion. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along with Paul to go visit the cities where they preached the gospel, but Paul did not want to take Mark because Mark had "deserted" Paul back in Acts 13. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement and they both felt that it was best for both of them and for the advancement of the gospel to separate at that point. This was not a massive church split; this was two mature men who loved one another and the Lord, that came to a point where they were being called to go in two different directions. There was no gossip from Paul or Barnabas that occurred, no slander or reviling of one another. There was a mutual decision to separate; and that is totally O.K! There will be times in our lives as we follow Christ that God will be calling us one direction and calling those that may be close to us in a different direction. The details of what that may look like will differ. But notice, the direction that Paul went and the direction that Barnabas went both were gospel centered directions. Both men went out and continued to preach and advance the gospel. It is one of the greatest examples of how to graciously separate without sinning and giving an opportunity to the devil. No matter where they went, they were still brothers in Christ.  
As a church, there will be times when the Lord is leading us in a certain direction and others that are a part of us, or that come in among us, do not feel called in that same direction. As long as it is not a doctrinal or gospel centered issue, we should not be offended if they were to separate from us in order to walk in what God is calling them to walk in. We should rejoice that the Lord is moving and speaking to His people in ways that we will never fully understand. Division or separation is not always a sinful thing if it is done with humility and in obedience to the word of God. The problem is that we have seen so much sinful, fleshly, worldly division and splitting in the church over the past 100 years that even using the word division is almost always negative. We must take a lesson from Paul and Barnabas that we always walk in humility and in love; and that we understand that no matter if we ever see each other again on this earth, we will one day be praising our Father together around His glorious throne. 
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The Value of Unity

6/28/2021

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Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? 2Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? 4So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? 5I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, 6but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? 7Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 NASB

Questions to Consider: 

1. How does pride creep into your life? What are the means that the devil uses in your life to insert pride? 

2. What value do you place on unity in your life and in the church? 

3. Slowly read Jesus' prayer in John 17 and share what the Lord reveals to you personally through that chapter. 
​​
Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.

Paul writing to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians would point out consistently the flaws that they had as a church. One of the main flaws was that of disunity. Where there is disunity present in a group of believers, pride is usually the culprit. There was division on who they followed and who they "were a part of", in 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.  There was disunity on the spiritual gifts where they would place people into 'sects' of "important" and "not as important" in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. There are many other examples of division that had crept in. Understand this, this was a spiritual bunch of people that Paul was writing to. The devil is crafty and sneaky in his dealings with humanity but especially with the church. 
"The devil does not always try to keep us in a low state; he will help us up the ladder so that when we get to the top, he can push us off." This is what we see with the Corinthian church.  A group of people who had outward manifestations but lacked the greatest gift of love. 
​In chapter 6 we see that the Corinthian church had actual issues that were taking place, legal issues for that matter. There were wrongs committed and defrauding of one another was happening to an extent that they were seeking outside legal counsel from lawyers and judges of this world. This confused and concerned Paul and led him to rebuke the church as a whole. Paul couldn't understand how believers in Christ, seemingly mature believers in Christ, could not solve simple or even complex issues amongst each other and instead went out and brought the worlds system into the church. How could this happen? Because unity was sacrificed on the altar of self-exaltation and self-preservation. If we pick out one glaring fault with the church in America today it would be the lack of unity because of the love of self. 
Personally, I struggle with the subject of unity, not because I don't desire it, but because I don't find it as important. But when I read the famous High Priestly Prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17, I realize that Jesus found it extremely important and even supreme at points in His prayer. In the 26 verses, Jesus mentioned the cry for unity amongst His disciples 4 times. 
..that they may be one even as We are.. John 17:11
..that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us.. John 17:21
..that they may be one, just as We are one.. John 17:22
..that they may be perfected in unity.. John 17:23
Unity is the theme and the cry from this prayer that Jesus prayed right before His betrayal and eventual crucifixion. He didn't pray that we would have success in ministry, He didn't pray for an absence of suffering, He didn't pray for us to have a happy life, He didn't pray for great manifestations of the Spirit; Jesus prayed for us to be unified with one another the same way that He is unified with His Father. That was His desire because He knew that if His disciples stay unified they will not give an opportunity to the devil and they will stay focused on the mission. 
What is keeping us from being completely unified with one another today? 
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Family Worship

6/25/2021

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Worship needs to become an everyday event!  In fact, starting each day with worship will have many benefits as you follow Jesus:
  1. It will fix your mind on Christ as you take on life.
  2. It will strengthen the spiritual person that is you.
  3. It will simply inspire you.
  4. It will be with you as you continue to sing and hum the truths of God.
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Eyes on Jesus

6/24/2021

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Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. [23] After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. [24] But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. [26] When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” [28] Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” [29] And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. [33] And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”
​Commentary: Are you afraid?  Do you like being afraid?  Has your sleep been interrupted by feelings of panic or anxiety?  Are your future hopes being suffocated by the negativity of current events?  If you have spent any time watching the news, you have been exposed to information that is probably chipping away at your sense of well-being.  It is probable that the culprit that has stolen your peace of mind is caused by your awareness of the current events happening in our country and around the world.  No doubt—it is a mess!
​      It is hard to “be anxious for nothing” when it seems as if the world has gone stark-raving-mad.  I keep waiting for cooler heads to prevail, and hoping for voices of reason to emerge…  I am still waiting…  I even find it challenging to post a meaningful message on Facebook for fear that my words will be ill-received, or my facts disputed because they do not line up with the current cultural narrative.

Free speech has never been this challenged in my lifetime.  I will admit it—I find myself intimidated, maybe even a bit afraid. 
      It reminds me of the story of Peter walking on the water. I am giving Peter top billing in this story, because it is not surprising that Jesus walked on the water, after-all He was God in the flesh.  Peter walking on the water?  Now that is worth taking note of.  So, here is the story in brief form: The disciples were about to drown as the storm on the Sea of Galilee was overwhelming their boat.  Jesus made an appearance, walking on the water.  The disciples were afraid of the storm and the “ghost” that was walking towards them.  Peter said, “If it is you Jesus, ask me to come to you.”  Jesus said, “come.”  Peter climbed out of the boat and started walking to Jesus across the water.  Jesus had everything in control, and as long as Peter was focused on Jesus, the miracle of walking on the water continued.
      For a moment, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and considered the dangers that surrounded him.  Crashing waves, pounding rain, forceful winds, strikes of lightning and the deep rumbling of the thunder.  It was hard to ignore.  Fear seized Peter and he cried out as he foundered and began to sink beneath the surface of the water.  Jesus reached out and pulled Peter out of danger.  There is something to be learned from this story.
      As a person of faith, it is essential that you keep your focus on Jesus, if you look elsewhere, you may feel your courage waning as you calculate the danger that surrounds you.  The dangers are real, but it does not change the fact that Jesus has overcome the world.  In times like these, try turning off the barrage of bad news; instead, focus on Jesus; celebrate His goodness, and start living the abundant life that is found in Him! 

Questions to Consider:
  1. Let me ask the obvious question: Are you the kind of person, like Peter, who would have climbed out of the boat and walked to Jesus?  (Why or why not?)
  2. What difference has having faith in Jesus made in your life?
  3. How can a person achieve the state of "being anxious for nothing?"
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Passing Down Our Faith

6/23/2021

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Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ​"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 
      This ancient admonition clearly establishes the highest priorities in the life of Believers that have children. The first priority is to love God, and the second is to pass that passion for God down to our children. This has to be the most important challenge that we face in life. Back in the time when this challenge was issued to the nation of Israel, the children were educated within the context of the family. A short time later the Hebrew male children were sent to the local synagogue for education and said education had one priority--that the children would know God's Word.
      In the post-modern era, the priority of education is not God-centric. That is true of all public education; but, even in private Christian schools and in our home schools, we would be hard-pressed to say that the reason for education is to more fully know God. I agree that Math, English, Science and Reading are all essential skills, but they have now become the priority of education. 
​It is a subtle switch, but there it is. In early American history, the reason children were taught to read is so that they could read and understand the Bible. The end game was not learning to read--it was learning to read the Bible.
      If passing our faith down to our children is to remain a high priority to Christian parents, we will need to start considering making it the visible priority in all practical areas of life. The question is "where do we begin?" Start with some "easy to do things" such as read the Bible together as a family at the dinner table. Also, pray as a family--not long prayer meetings, but praying on all occasions when a need arises that requires prayer. Put visible signs of your faith everywhere and play music that is glorifying God. Lastly, talk about God with your children whenever you get the chance.

Prayer: "Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever." Amen

Questions to Consider:
  1. How can you put "Faith" back into the center of your children's educational pursuits?
  2. What visible "signs" of your faith could you place in your home?
  3. What advise would you give a young family that wants to pass down their faith to their children?
​
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Dominion

6/22/2021

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1 Peter 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 
      From the time of Christ's ascension into heaven until the time of His return, Believers have lived in a cosmic tension created by an ongoing conflict between the Church and forces of spiritual wickedness. In this "real life" battle we take heart from some encouraging words spoken by our Lord.  When it comes to the Church He stated: "The gates of Hell will not prevail against it!" Above all else "we" need to believe Jesus and take His words to heart.
      In the cultural darkness of our time we often act as if the Church is losing ground.  Many point to current trends backed up by statistical data and conclude that our fortress is under siege and about to be overrun.  I am not of a mind to hang with the "We'll hold the fort until Jesus comes" crowd, because I believe the words of our God and King.  Perhaps the Church is losing ground--but maybe--just maybe things need to get bad enough, long enough, for the Church to wake up and get serious.
     I am reminded of a Psalm of David: "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." Let me remind you that this is God's dominion.  This turf does not belong to our enemy.  The usurper walks around like a roaring lion--which is rather intimidating; but, more often than not, Satan lulls the Church to sleep while seducing the world with hollow promises.  Let us not act as if the Church has already lost and throw in the towel.  Time to wake up--get up--be courageous--put on the full armor of God and fight passionately knowing that our effort will make a difference.  In the words of James: "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you."   God will ultimately win in this struggle and His dominion will endure forever!

Author's Note: I don't believe that "we" should give in or run scared even though we are living in a world hell-bent on its own destruction.  It is true that we live in crazy times and it seems as if this is the worst that it has ever been...  I'm guessing that Christians living in NY City probably felt that way back in the 1850's.  Children chained to machines and forced into labor; open prostitution on the streets; gang violence terrorizing neighborhoods; open hostility towards immigrants; drug dealers and addicts on every corner; and a country on the verge of civil war.  Maybe we need to take heart and simply be the Church!  RJD

Questions to Consider:
  1. From the viewpoint of history, the Church has generally prospered through times of persecution, why do you think that it?
  2. How can you more effectively engage "the Enemy" in spiritual warfare?​
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Good Cheer

6/21/2021

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      It almost seems naive, maybe even irresponsible to be of good cheer in the face of recent events, pop culture trends and the specter of the unknown.  And yet, there it is...a glimmer of hope on the horizon...true words spoken by someone that is infinitely truthful.  Jesus encouraged His disciples in the face of His own eminent death.  "In Me you may have peace."  "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
     Is peace even possible?  It is for the individual who puts their trust in God.  Can I be of good cheer when it seems like the world is falling apart?  You can, if you put your trust in God.  But, what about the crumbling world economy? What about the persecution of Christians in the Middle-East and Northern Africa?  What about the threats to our freedom?  What about the costs involved in just trying to make ends meet?  Just stop...in this world you WILL have tribulation!  That is a fact that you can take to the bank; but it isn't the end of the story.
     The end of our story does not even end with our time on earth.  This earth is not our home.  We are aliens and sojourners, just passing through on a journey to another place that is being prepared for us.  In the meantime...take a deep breath...let it out slowly...and trust in the giver of peace.  Take the words of Jesus to heart: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  John 14:27 (NKJV) 

W.D. Cornell penned the following words:

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

Amen and Amen!!

     Author's Note: In such a time of ugly political rhetoric, economic reversals, racial tension, random terrorist events, and a world that seems to be bent on its own destruction; I cling to THE SOLID ROCK!  It's true...all other ground is sinking sand.  Can I seriously lay claim to an optimistic outlook when all the data my brain is receiving is shouting negative things at me?  For me, I've had to turn off the television; refrain from watching the news; dig into God's Word; rejoice in the fellowship with my church family; and live in the "real" reality--that God is in control!  RJD
​
Questions to Consider:
  1. Is it somehow irresponsible to be unconcerned when obvious trouble is brewing in our world?
  2. How do we give up our concerns and worries to God?
  3. ​How would you define a peace that passes all understanding?  (Have you ever experienced it?)
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Good, Good Father

6/18/2021

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1 Corinthians 2:1-9 And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. [3] I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, [4] and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. [6] Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; [7] but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; [8] the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; [9] but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”
Questions to Consider:
  1. How has God demonstrated His good will towards mankind?
  2. Do you personally consider God to be a "Good Father?"
  3. What are some of the blessings of the Lord that you have experienced in your own life?
      I have a vivid imagination. I can look at blueprints and know what the construction will look like when it is finished. I see the future through optimistic eyes and stand convinced that life is going to offer great opportunities and possibilities. "OK...I'll admit, I am a die-hard optimist!" Never-the-less, even the greatest optimist cannot imagine "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him!"
      What can you imagine for yourself in this life? How about the life to come--what does the future look like to you? Christians should be people of hope. We are people of hope, because, of God's promises and the mighty work of Jesus. But, what if our fondest hope of what the future holds for us still falls short of what God has prepared for those who love Him? That in fact is the case. If we could indeed "see" what God has in mind for us we would all become optimists and be filled with unquenchable joy!
     That said, I enjoy speculating about my future with the Creator that is preparing my destiny. What are the possibilities this life holds as I press on in age--and what unimaginable blessings is God planning for me? I am aware that life can be difficult and is, at times, filled with tribulation and challenges; however, even in the worst of times I'm reminded of Christ's words: "Take heart for I have overcome the world."
   Prayer: "Dear Father of unimaginable blessings, I give You praise today! I declare that all glory, and honor, and power belong to You. Not only are You the Creator of everything that is, You are simply good. Thank you for the joy of life. Thank you for the hope of tomorrow. Thank you for unending provision and blessing. May I walk in the fullness of all that You have prepared for me. And may I be joyful in my daily service in Your Kingdom!" Amen
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Faith

6/17/2021

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Hebrews 11:1-3 
1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
 
Hebrews 11:6 
6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Questions to Consider:
  1. How would you define faith?
  2. What is the difference between faith and hope?
  3. One of the true signs of faith is obedience.  We obey because we believe.  Why do humans tend to resent the call to obedience?
       Here’s the problem when we exclusively use our intellect to “chase” after faith.  We have crossed a line making "our faith" a human construct rather than a gift that comes from God. We have now made faith into "something" that is dependent on our ability to manufacture what only God can create. The Bible makes it clear that faith is a gift of God.  We are saved by grace through faith; and that faith is "not of ourselves, it is a gift of God." This does not mean that we turn off our intellect, but the belief that we have the intelligence necessary to comprehend God’s miracle of faith might lead to confusion rather than enlightenment. 
      Author, Paul Prather makes the following observation: “Even apart from religion, life subsequently has since taught me too well that, no matter how high my IQ might be, I’m pretty much a moron. The number of things I don’t know and could never understand always outnumbers the things I do know and can figure out. The fact is, we’re all just ciphers. Indeed, I’d argue that in spiritual matters, human intellect is profoundly overrated and probably a hindrance. It easily becomes a graven idol that keeps us from God. If we’re not careful, we come to worship our own intelligence — and that’s the height of folly. We decide that if we can’t parse it, it must not be real. Sometimes — not always, but sometimes — the answer is to quit trying to out-think an infinitely superior being, which is to say, God, and simply surrender to him. Sometimes the answer is to humble ourselves before the grand mystery.
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