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Posts Tagged ‘faith’
Monday, February 8th, 2010
The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior . . . Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you? Judges 6:12, 14
God’s perspective is different from our perspective. When God sent an angel to call Gideon to save Israel from oppression, Gideon saw only his own weakness. Like Gideon, we often see ourselves through our limited viewpoint. Instead, we should look into the mirror of the Word to see ourselves as God sees us.
Gideon responded the way we are often tempted to respond when in the midst of a protracted battle. “If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about . . . But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian” (Judges 6:13). Gideon was basing everything on what he saw in the moment, while God’s amazing overriding perspective called Gideon to faith. God downloaded the deliverance of Israel to a man who, in the natural, did not look like a worthy candidate. That means there’s hope for all of us!
“Remember, God didn’t give us His Word so we could gather enough info to become theologians. He gave us His Word so we could undergo transformation and to overcome anything we face in this world with our faith.” Pastor Bill Anzevino
Even when our misery is self-inflicted, we can call on the Lord. His mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). “Fools, because of their rebellious way, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted . . . Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:17-20).
God can take a thimbleful of faith and stretch it as far as the universe. Even when we don’t have everything figured out, we have this figured out: God is faithful! He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So take courage in Jesus’ words, which ring true through time: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
God is faithful!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2010 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: faith, Gideon, God's faithfulness, mercy
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Monday, December 7th, 2009
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” And [he is] the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. Romans 4:1, 3, 12
I met a modern day prospector on the beaches of California. He had a metal detector and a fanny pack full of his precious-metal findings. Fascinated, I asked him, “What did you find?” He excitedly began to show me his treasure of gold rings, watches, and old coins. When we go to God’s Word, the same question is posed: What has Abraham found? What treasure did he find concerning God’s character, about coping, about overcoming when he failed? He found that his justification before God came through grace and not by works. Even when things look “as good as dead,” there is still hope! (Romans 4:19).
Abraham developed a lifestyle of listening to God and obeying Him. We are called to learn from Abraham and walk in his footsteps (Romans 4:12 NET*). This is not just a fanny pack full of gold; it’s far more significant for our lives.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8
Let God be your preoccupation. Abraham had such confidence in where God was leading his life that he let his nephew, Lot, take what seemed like a better land choice. Lot became so focused on the here and now that he lost out in the long run. Don’t be attached to the stuff of this world, because it’s stifling to the larger things God has called you to. Abraham knew he wouldn’t lose out, and neither will you as you follow God.
“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). I’ve found that the best times in my life are when I’m walking by faith and obeying God. So turn your eyes on Jesus. As you do, it will cause rightness to flourish in your life and help you to overcome wicked temptation and get up one more time than you fall. God is trustworthy. He will equip you to do His will (Hebrews 13:21). When we step out in obedience, He is there.
Press on!
Pastor Jeff
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. *New English Translation Bible (NET) Copyright © 1996-2009 by Biblical Studies Press (BSP), L.L.C. and the authors. All rights reserved.
Tags: Abraham, faith, grace, obedience, treasure
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Monday, November 16th, 2009
Without becoming weak in faith he [Abraham] contemplated his own body, now as
good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s
womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but
grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God
had promised, He was able also to perform. Romans 4:19-21
Even though Abraham was beyond what seemed like the proper time for the
fulfillment of God’s promise to make him a father of many nations, Abraham
remained “fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform”
(Romans 4:21). That God is our God! Let the mighty deeds God has done through
history generate hope for your specific situation.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Believers who have their roots in the truth of the Word have a foundation for their
hope. It’s not false optimism—it’s anchored on the faithfulness of God to His
people (Psalm 1:1-3). Renew your determination to seek God and read the Word.
Don’t back down, because that is where you find the strength and substance for
your hope!
If you feel like life has passed you by and you missed your time to see God’s plan
come to pass, take a stance like Abraham who “in hope against hope” believed
(Romans 4:18a). It’s not too late! God is looking to strongly support those whose
hearts are His (2 Chronicles 16:9). “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why
have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
the help of my countenance and my God!” (Psalm 42:11).
Press on!
Pastor Jeff
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: Believe, faith, God's faithfulness, God's promises, hope, seeking God
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Monday, October 26th, 2009
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The God of hope has solutions to your problems. I’ve walked into situations that did not look solvable. But after I had prayed and sought the God who is able, wisdom poured out and sufficiency came. God is able to do even more than we can think or imagine, so don’t limit God’s ability to provide an answer for the most impossible situations (Ephesians 3:20).
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Psalm 42:5
Put your hope in God’s faithfulness, which extends to all generations with no variation or shifting shadow (Psalm 100:5, 119:90; James 1:17). He is more faithful than the sunrise.
This is our time to roll up our sleeves and exhibit a steadfastness of hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). People love the sound of the starting gun, but it’s a whole different breed that makes it to the finish line. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9). With determined faith, keep holding to the conviction that God is going to bring to pass His purposes; and with your hope fixed on Him, dare to believe that you will see the good news message of Jesus permeate the world!
Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Tags: faith, God of hope, God's faithfulness, hope, Jesus, solutions
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Monday, July 27th, 2009
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2
God has called us to be seekers. He has hidden treasures not from us, but for us. Our disinterest, though, can hinder our finding. Our world of information saturation can numb us to our desperation and need for God. Even Uzziah, a great king in the Old Testament who prospered by seeking God, had a bad end because he stopped seeking (2 Chronicles 26).
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2
What’s bugging you right now? Seek God about it. “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things” (Daniel 2:22). Even if you seek God while feeling flat-lined, God is looking at the heart of faith. So dust off your Bible. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly now so you can draw upon the Word when you need it (Colossians 3:16).
Jesus promised that if you seek you will find (Matthew 7:7-8). Spend time alone with God. Set the Lord continually before you and you won’t be shaken (Psalm 16:8).
Keep Seeking!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: Bible, faith, seeking God, Uzziah, Word of Christ
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Monday, June 8th, 2009
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit . . . 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5a
This Thessalonica church impacted their world and became an example to all believers because of three things: their work of faith, their labor of love, and their steadfastness of hope. These people became imitators of Jesus and because of it the gospel went out in their city, in their region, and throughout their world.
For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia
and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth,
so that we have no need to say anything. 1 Thessalonians 1:8
The Thessalonians had their time, but now this is our time. We’ve received the gospel message not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5a). God has called us to take our moment we’ve been given and express the love of Christ.
What I like about the Bible is it shows reluctant people, flawed people, and people with issues who were lost, but God shone His light on them and the gospel went into their lives—not just in theory, but also in power. We are not left powerless either. When Jesus ascended into heaven we received the amazing advantage of the Holy Spirit to equip us for effectiveness (John 16:7).
“The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32b NKJV). God has called us in our daily life to have a heart and expectation for amazing exploits but with a willingness to serve in the daily grind in faithfulness, steadfastness, and obedience strengthened by the amazing Holy Spirit. Plug in. Stay connected. Pray. As you do that, you will be effective in spreading the good news of Jesus in this time!
Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: effectiveness, faith, hope, Love, power, serve, steadfast
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Monday, January 19th, 2009
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.] Mark 11:25-26
Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). Faith can’t work unless we let go of all bitterness and walk in love. Jesus said that, after loving God, the greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). There is no way around forgiveness; God has made it imperative for every Christian.
We all deal with offense at some point, but the greatest hindrance to faith is harboring resentment. When my prayers seem hindered, God reminds me to check up on my love walk. If even Jesus on the cross said “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34), how important is it for us to forgive in our daily lives—even one person several times a day!
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Don’t let your actions toward people be based on what they did to you. Instead, consider how great a debt of sin God has forgiven you. In comparison, every other offense is small (Matthew 18:21-35). You don’t have to be a doormat and let people take advantage of you, but you do have to forgive. Turn your hurt into a prayer and stir yourself up to walk in love.
We are called to impact our culture—don’t let the sabotage of unforgiveness cripple your effectiveness. Christianity has to work where the rubber meets the road. That’s how people will know we are followers of something real: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Don’t wait for your flesh to feel like forgiving—choose the path of love today.
Thank God for His forgiveness!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: faith, forgiveness, hurt, Love, prayer, resentment, unforgiveness
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Monday, December 22nd, 2008
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
When Jesus shows up in a rough situation He calms the storm. Fears that try to plague your life are not coming to you from God. God wants you to be filled with a victorious spirit. His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). He loves you not on the basis of deeds done in righteousness but because of His mercy (Titus 3:5). When you realize that God loves you completely, and that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39), fear can’t stay.
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad” (Prov. 12:25). God is calling us to better things than giving ourselves over to worry from the time we wake up till the time we go to bed. When I’ve been worried and discouraged, God has instructed me to go to the Word and read His promises and remember His great faithfulness.
To defeat fear, make the Word your confession:
• My God shall supply all of my need. Philippians 4:19
• No weapon formed against me will prosper. Isaiah 54:17
• Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
• The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. Proverbs 4:18
• Jesus became a curse for me so the blessings of God would come upon me. Galatians 3:13-14
• These blessings come upon me and overtake me. Deuteronomy 28:2
• My barn is filled with plenty. Proverbs 3:10
• My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5
• His grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Having done all to stand, I stand. Ephesians 6:13-15
Get in your A-game by getting in the Word. Some of you will have to stop the negative intake you have been allowing into your life. Some of you need to meditate on the scripture in Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6-7). Your situation may feel hopeless, but with God nothing is impossible. Give your worry over to Him and choose to step into the New Year with a spirit of faith.
God’s promises are true,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2008 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: anxiety, discouragement, faith, fear, God's Word, hopeless, Jesus, peace, prayer, worry
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Monday, December 8th, 2008
[I pray] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Ephesians 3:16-21
You can trip up in life if you don’t understand who God is and who you are in Jesus. You can’t get in faith on your own—only by hearing God’s Word can we get strong in faith. When you read that you have been freed from sin by Jesus’ blood (Revelation 1:5), when you see in the Word how God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4) and able to supply all of your needs (Philippians 4:19), faith rises up in your spirit and gives you an impenetrable advantage against the attacks of the devil.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Take hold of the promises in the Word concerning who you are in Christ and what He has made available to you and write them down on the empty pages in the back of your Bible. Don’t be afraid to take those truths and march into your career, your marriage, and your future. An understanding of the promises in the Word will break generational curses, eliminate inferiority complexes, and straighten out distorted thinking.
If you feel ripped off, take back what the enemy stole from you (1 Samuel 30). If your joy is gone, get back in the presence of God and ask Him to revive you. If you’ve fallen into a pit, meditate on this scripture: “The law of the Spirt of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:2). God knows how to lift us out of the miry clay and put our feet on the solid rock (Psalm 40:2). If you’ve been through a thing or two lately, you’ve gained credibility to speak encouragement into others’ lives. Your answer to any challenge is found in seeking God and reading His Word—don’t back down!
Receive God’s strength,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®
Copyright © 2008 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Tags: faith, God's promises, God's Word, grace
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