Saturday, November 30, 2013

November 30 | By Faith We Overcome the Devil

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Revelation 12:11, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Lesson 30 | By Faith We Overcome the Devil

When everything in this life is said and done, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  And the only ones who will given eternal citizenship in the Kingdom of God will be those people who have their names written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”  Plus, the Bible clearly teaches in Revelation 20:15 the fate for those not in the book, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Therefore, as Jesus stated in John 3:16-18 the only major difference between those who have everlasting life and those who perish is believing or not believing in the name of God’s one and only Son.  As a matter of fact Revelation 21:8 boldly declares, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, … they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”  So being “cowardly” and “unbelieving” is punishable with fire for eternity! 

I write these things humbly and with the fear of God to proclaim to all who read this lesson- if you think letting the devil defeat you and not walking in faith is an option, then please seriously think again.  All of us who are presently saved should consider the admonition Jesus gave the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:10, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” 

In other words, according to the verse mentioned above we are promised victory over the devil by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and not shrinking back from death (martyrdom).  Thus, I pray that you and I will keep our testimony to the end and not grow weary in doing good.  May all who read this lesson be numbered with in those in heaven who are given the eternal Kingdom of God.  Let us not be cowardly and unbelieving, but rather be courageous in our faith and live a life of total victory in Christ!    
 
Reflection | Are you going to overcome the devil?

Action | (1) Repent if you are cowardly or unbelieving in any way.  (2) Keep your faith and testimony unto the day of Christ. (3) Lastly, by faith, overcome the devil!  

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 7:1-28, 1 John 1:1-10, Psalm 119:153-176, & Proverbs 28:23-24. Click here to read online.

Friday, November 29, 2013

November 29 | By Faith Paul Fought the Good Fight of Faith

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Lesson 29 | By Faith Paul Fought the Good Fight of Faith

If there was anybody in the New Testament after Jesus who understood persecution, rejection, and abuse- it was Paul the apostle.  Read in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 the many hardships and sufferings Paul endured in his life as a result of simply “fighting the good fight.” 

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Paul listed the following twenty-three hardships he faced in the ministry, (1) prison time, (2) flogged severely, (3) exposed to death, (4) 5x whipped 39x, (5) 3x beaten with rods, (6) stoned, (7) 3x shipwrecked, (8) spent a night in the ocean, (9) constantly on the move, (10) danger from rivers in travel, (11) dangers from bandits, (12) danger from the Jewish people, (13) danger from the Gentiles, (14) danger in the city, (15) danger in the country, (16) danger at sea, (17) danger from false brothers, (18) laboring night and day without sleep, (19) suffering hunger and thirst, (20) times of being cold and without proper clothing, (21) the pressure of all the churches, (22) outward physical weakness, and (23) inward spiritual weakness in the form of temptation.

However, despite all his hardships, by faith in God Paul never gave up or quit.  The Romans eventually beheaded him during the time of Nero’s persecution, but nevertheless, Paul finished his race.  What was Paul’s “secret of success to endure suffering?”  He had faith in God that in his times of his greatest weakness, God’s grace was all sufficient and His power was made perfect. 

Be encouraged by what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 to finish your race and continue to fight the good of faith, “8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
 
Reflection | Do you have faith to believe that when you are weak, Christ is strong?

Action | (1) Repent if you’ve been having “pity patty parties” instead of having faith in God.  (2) Put your full faith and trust in God during your times of suffering. (3) Lastly, by faith, fight the good fight of faith and finish your race.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 6:1-28, 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152, & Proverbs 28:21-22. Click here to read online.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

November 28 | By Faith Phoebe Was a Great Leader

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Romans 16:1, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.”

Lesson 28 | By Faith Phoebe Was a Great Leader

The Bible only mentions Phoebe in two verses found in Romans 16:1-2.  Paul wrote, “1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”  However, from these two informative verses we can gain much knowledge about this female church leader.

First, she was a woman leader in the church.  The position that she held was that of a Deacon.  Accordingly, some scholars even believe that since Paul had not formalized the distinction yet between Elder and Deacon as he did in 1 Timothy, written many years later.  That by way of apostolic tradition found in Acts 6 a Deacon was the highest position a leader could have in the church, equivalent to that of an Elder in later times.

Thus, this clearly shows despite Paul’s temporary cultural restrictions found in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 we see that in fact he did allow women to be leaders in the church.  Plus, Paul mentioned many outstanding women by name in the ending of Romans 16 as well.  Such women as Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, are all commended for their hard work in the gospel, Romans 16:6,12.  Not mention he also cited Junia and Pricilla, who were great women of God that worked along side their husbands in the ministry, Romans 16:3-4,7.

Second, Phoebe is said to be a ‘benefactor of many people, including me [Paul].”  The Greek word for benefactor, “prostatis,” means to be “a helping leader.”  In turn, she not only served as a leader in the church but also rose up leaders.  And it is very possible that she could have been instrumental in Paul’s transformation from a Jewish leader to a Christian apostle because he includes himself in the receiving end of her leadership. 

Therefore, whether she was simply helping Paul’s current ministry or she was apart of his spiritual growth, nevertheless, she was a committed leader in the body of Christ that was instrumental in many people’s spiritual life.  On top of that, by being called both a deacon and a benefactor in the church she is given the highest accolades a woman in the New Testament church had ever received.

As a result, all people, especially women, can be encouraged by the faith of Phoebe because she was a great leader and helper of God’s people.  May we all desire to have the same faith she had to assist in the process of developing new disciples and leaders in the church of Christ!

Reflection | Do you have faith to believe that women can be great leaders in the church?

Action | (1) Remove the error of “gender exclusivity” from your life and ministry if you don’t believe women can have great leadership roles in the church.  Because just as Paul commended Phoebe as a Deacon to the church of Rome, many great Elders are presently commending great women leaders into today’s church. (2) If you are a woman, ask the Lord to raise you up to be a great leader. (3) Lastly, by faith, be the best leader and helper you can be in the local church.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 5:1-31, 2 Peter 2:1-22, Psalm 119:113-128, & Proverbs 28:19-20. Click here to read online.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

November 27 | By Faith Timothy Was a Spiritual Son to Paul

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Philippians 2:22, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

Lesson 27 | By Faith Timothy Was a Spiritual Son to Paul

The story of Paul and Timothy in the Bible is a remarkable story of discipleship and loyalty.  Paul most likely led Timothy to the Lord in his first missionary trip to Lystra and Derbe in Acts 14:6-7.  However, it wasn’t until after John Mark, Barnabas’ nephew, had forsaken Paul that Timothy was given the chance to be Paul’s traveling companion, Acts 13:13;15:38-16:3.  In other words, when one of Paul’s young disciples quit and turned back in the middle of a mission trip; God raised up a new partner for Paul to travel with.

Paul and Timothy’s relationship spanned for approximately 20 years and most likely started when Timothy was in his mid to upper teens, 15-19yrs old.  Paul considered Timothy a “son in the faith” or a “spiritual son,” 1 Timothy 1:2. The trust that Paul had in Timothy can be seen in his choosing to place him over the churches in Ephesus, which was where Paul spent the most time and most likely had the greatest fruit, Acts 20:13-38.

At one point in Paul’s ministry it seemed like many people were abandoning him but he states that Timothy never left his side.  He wrote in Philippians 2:19-23 regarding his love for Timothy, “19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.”

Then at the end of Paul’s life Timothy was the one to receive his last and final letter- 2 Timothy.  In this letter Paul started by writing, “Timothy, my dear son,” and ended by saying, “Do your best to come to me quickly… Demas has deserted me,” 2 Timothy 1:2,4:9-10.  Therefore, the life of Timothy is really only known by the things Paul writes about him because he himself never wrote any letters.  However, what we can learn from Paul is that Timothy had great faith in God and was willing to follow Paul (as he followed Christ), even when others forsook him.

No wonder Paul uses the imagery of a “father and son” relationship with Timothy.  Together they served God and fought the good fight of faith and never let anything break apart their love and commitment to each other.  And because of their work together some of the greatest books in the Bible have been written (1-2 Timothy, my personal favorites).  Plus, both young and old leaders alike have been inspired to work together for the Kingdom of God spanning the generational gaps and successfully passing the gospel torch.

Reflection | Do you enough faith to serve your local church leadership like Timothy did for Paul?

Action | (1) Repent if you have ever wrongfully forsaken your church leadership. (2) Ask the Lord to bring you into “family style” relationships with leaders in your church. (3) Lastly, by faith, be committed and loyal to the good leadership God has placed in your life. 

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 4:1-37, 2 Peter 1:1-21, Psalm 119:97-112, & Proverbs 28:17-18. Click here to read online.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

November 26 | By Faith Priscilla and Aquila Discipled Apollos in Their Home

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Acts 18:26, “He [Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”

Lesson 26 | By Faith Priscilla and Aquila Discipled Apollos in Their Home

Priscilla (wife) and Aquila (husband) were a power couple in the early church.  They were fellow coworkers in the gospel with Paul and even shared the same occupation of tent making, Acts 18:2-3.  They had a church that met in their home and together they won many souls and made great disciples, 1 Corinthians 16:19.

Just like how married couple Andronicus (husband) and Junia (wife) were outstanding apostles (church planters) in the early church; Priscille and Aquila were great shepherds and overseers in the local church setting, Romans 16:7.  Paul even wrote in Romans 16:3-4 about the great sacrifices they had made, “3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”

I believe two very important aspects of their faith can encourage us.  First, they had faith in God to use them together as a married couple.  In their culture women were not given the same status- especially among the Jews, but this did not prevent them from being equal partners in the teaching and preaching of the gospel.  Today, all married couples can be inspired by their faith to work together and make disciples in their homes for the glory of God.

Second, and most importantly, they were faithful to the work of God.  They didn’t quit when things got hard and they didn’t turn their backs on Paul when he got arrested.  Instead they were willing to “risk their lives” for Paul.  They were not ashamed of their leader and stayed committed to working together with all the churches under Paul’s care to make the name of Jesus great in their generation.

I pray that all married couples will be challenged and inspired by their faith to open your home and even risk your lives for the Kingdom of God to make new disciples.

Reflection | Are you willing to partner with your spouse to make disciples in your home? 

Action | (1) If you are married pray for God to use you and your spouse as a power couple for the Lord. (2) Pray together with your spouse to be given opportunities to make disciples in your home. (3) Lastly, by faith, whether you or married or not, determine to always be faithful to make disciples in your home.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 2:24-3:30, 1 Peter 4:7-5:14, Psalm 119:81-96, & Proverbs 28:15-16. Click here to read online.

Monday, November 25, 2013

November 25 | By Faith Philip Brought Revival to a City

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Acts 8:6-8, “6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.”

Lesson 25 | By Faith Philip Brought Revival to a City

After Stephen was martyred Philip, also a deacon, went to Samaria and displayed God’s power to the entire city.  Philip could have backed down and stopped publically preaching God’s Word.  However, Philip did just the opposite, he spread the gospel net even further to Samaria and boldly proclaimed the good news of Jesus for all to hear. 

Unlike in Jerusalem where they stoned Stephen, the Samaritans eagerly accepted the gospel and Luke records, “there was great joy in the city!”  Crowds of people came to hear the preaching and they were amazed as they witnessed the power of God drive out demons and heal the lame and paralyzed.

I don’t believe it was any accident that Philip picked Samaria to be the next major place to hear the gospel after Jerusalem because he knew that Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Therefore, the disciples started in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost and then after Stephen’s death they split between going to Judea and Samaria, Acts 8:1.

Philip didn’t let fear detour him from having faith in Jesus’ plan.  Because he was willing to walk by faith and preach to the Samaritans a great revival came and many people were saved, delivered, and healed.  The challenge for us today is to complete the last past of Jesus’ plan and preach “to the ends of the earth.”  We don't know what will happen when we go because it could be revival or riot.  But nonetheless, we should be encouraged by the faith of Philip and boldly declare God’s Word for all to hear and believe that God is able to both save and deliver all who call on the name of Jesus!        

Reflection | Are you willing to preach the gospel in your part of the world? 

Action | (1) Ask God to fill you with the fire of the Holy Spirit. (2) Begin to make times to regularly preach the gospel in your city and surrounding areas. (3) Lastly, by faith, preach repentance to sinners, pray for healing for the sick, and bring deliverance to the oppressed!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalm 119:65-80, & Proverbs 28:14. Click here to read online.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

November 24 | By Faith Stephen Gave His Life for the Gospel

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Acts 7:59-60, “59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Lesson 24 | By Faith Stephen Gave His Life for the Gospel

The death of Stephen as the church’s first martyr is very inspiring to all who take serving God serious because his life of courage challenges every disciple to give their all for Jesus, Acts 6:8-7:60.  Stephen was one of the first deacons to be chosen to serve the Apostles in the work of feeding the needing.  The standard of being a deacon (which in the Greek means, “to be a servant/waiter”) was to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom,” Acts 6:3.

Though much of Stephen’s life is not known before being appointed as a deacon, it can be safely assumed that for him to have been chosen at such an early stage of the church he probably was also part of the 120 in the upper room that received the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:15.  In turn, to have been apart of the original 120 he also most likely had either personally followed Jesus or was close to the ones who did.  Meaning, Luke records in his gospel that Jesus had at times 72 disciples following Him that He could send out in 2’s to preach, Luke 10:1.  Therefore, Jesus might have personally trained Stephen as a preacher.

We may not know for sure how Stephan was trained; but we do know without doubt that he was well regarded by the disciples and was a gifted preacher.  His street preaching was powerful, full of signs and wonders, and was irrefutable to Jewish opposition.  Acts 6:8-10 records, “8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen… 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”

Now consider this, Stephen was a great preacher, most likely trained by Jesus and was used in mighty ways, however, his life was cut short because of being martyred.  As a result, Stephen’s life serves as an example of boldness and courage in the face of opposition.  He chose to live a courageous life instead of a long life.  He could have back down, denied his faith, or just tried to compromise with those who hated him but instead he choose to lose his life for Christ’s sake, Matthew 10:5-42.

May we all have the faith and courage of Stephen to never stop speaking God’s Word even if it costs us our friends, jobs, or even our very lives.  Because of disciples like Stephen the Christian faith is stilling growing in persecuted countries around the world.  To God be the glory!  The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the gospel!   

There are three lessons we can learn from Stephen’s short, but inspiring life, (1) Be a devoted student and learner (disciple) of Jesus and His Word.  Because Stephen was able to extensively quote the Bible it is clear he was a devoted student of the Word, Acts 7:1-53.  (2) Be bold in preaching the gospel of Jesus even if it offends.  Stephen boldly chose to be loved by God and hated by man, Acts 7:54.  (3) Forgive all those who persecute you.  Stephen prayed like Jesus and asked for the forgiveness of all his enemies, Acts 7:59-60.  Saul of Tarsus, one of the witnesses, eventually became Paul the great leader of the church.

I pray if you ever face persecution like Stephen did you will choose a God filled life over a long life.  And may we all never forgot the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5:10-12, “10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Reflection | Are you willing to give your life for Jesus and His gospel? 

Action | (1) Ask God to remove all fear of persecution from your life. (2) Study the Word of God and prepare yourself to be a witness for Jesus wherever you go, 2 Timothy 2:15.  (3) Lastly, by faith, be bold in the face of persecution!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ezekiel 47:1-48:35, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, Psalm 119:49-64, & Proverbs 28:12-13. Click here to read online.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

November 23 | By Faith Barnabas Was a Giver

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Acts 4:36-37, “36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

Lesson 23 | By Faith Barnabas Was a Giver

Everyone loves to receive gifts.  And one of the easiest and most meaningful gifts to give someone is the “gift of encouragement.”  Encouragement literally means, “to give support.”  Joseph the Levite was so supporting of his local church that the apostolic leadership called him, “Barnabas,” which means in Aramaic, “son of encouragement.”

One of the ways that Barnabas encouraged the church was by being a generous giver and financial supporter.  Luke records that he sold a field that he owned and gave all the money as a gift to the apostles, who were then able to distribute it to the needs of the church.  Not much is said about how much wealth Barnabas had or how many fields he owned, but nonetheless, what sticks out is that by faith he was willing to sell something valuable and give it all to the church.

Some might think it would be easy for Barnabas to sell a field and give all the money away if he was rich and had many fields.  However, I know many rich people that don’t have enough faith to even give God their tithe faithfully, not to mention giving a generous offering! 

Others may wrongly assume that poor people are always generous givers because they know what its like to be in need so whenever they receive extra they joyfully give it away.  But that is not always true either, I used to work in the inner city of New Orleans with some of the poorest people in the US and I witnessed firsthand some of the worst cases of greed- some adults were not even willing to share the candy we gave them with their kids. 

Therefore, the amount of money a person has or doesn’t have does not determine their level of generosity; it is the heart.  Joseph the Levite from Cyprus had such a great big heart of giving and encouraging that even most Christians today don’t know his real name because his nickname (“son of encouragement”) has outlived him.  Also, for the last two thousand years his faith has inspired literally tens of millions of Christians to be encouragers and generous givers in their local churches!

Reflection | Are you willing to be a generous giver and encourage God’s people? 

Action | (1) Ask God to give you a generous heart, free from all greed and the love of money, Matthew 6:24. (2) Pray for the Lord to bless you to be a blessing to the church. (3) Lastly, by faith, give your best to the church you attend so that the leadership can reach people for Jesus!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ezekiel 45:13-46:24, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, Psalm 119:33-48, & Proverbs 28:11. Click here to read online.

Friday, November 22, 2013

November 22 | By Faith Peter Walked on Water

Series The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | Matthew 14:28-29, “28 Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

Lesson 22 | By Faith Peter Walked on Water

Twelve men were in the boat that day, but only one walked on water.  Besides Jesus, Peter is the only other person in history (that we know of) to have participated in such a miracle.  There are sad stories of those who tried and failed… some even to their death.  However, Peter not only stood on water, he walked on it and came to Jesus. 

Many ask, what made Peter’s reaction and experience so different than all the other disciples?  Didn't James and John believe in Jesus- why didn’t they get out the boat too?  Wouldn’t it be fair to say that whoever would have asked to come to meet Jesus on the water would have experienced the miracle?  I believe it was available to everyone present.  But the question remains, why was Peter the only one?  I believe the answer is found in just one word, “faith.”

Peter was the kind of disciple that had to put into practice what He saw Jesus doing.  He wasn’t satisfied with just being a spectator in God’s Kingdom; He had to be a participant.  His passion and love for God was something that couldn’t be “held in” or made to “conform” to those around him.  He was a natural leader among leaders and dared to be first.

Peter’s ability to walk on water wasn’t natural- it was supernatural. What made the miracle possible was Jesus’ command to, “Come.”  He could literally walk on the water because God’s Word was beneath his feet.  His faith came in agreement with what Jesus had spoke and so all things became possible!

Yes, it is true that when he took his eyes off of Jesus and started to look at the waves fear gripped his heart and he began to sink.  But Peter getting a little wet doesn’t change the fact that he walked on water.  Sometimes when we attempt great things for God by faith we may waiver and stumble in unbelief; but the same God who brought you out the boat is able to keep you safe and bring you back to the boat.  So step out of your natural and walk into God’s supernatural!

You have nothing to lose but fear so get up off your “holy backside” and walk with Jesus!  May we all learn from Peter’s bold and courageous faith to be quick to obey God’s Word- even if the surrounding circumstances seem impossible.  Let us walk by faith and not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7.  When we choose to live the life of faith we will experience God in ways that we could never of imagined and we will see His glory revealed upon this earth, Ephesians 3:20-21!

Reflection | Are you willing to “step out of the boat” and walk on God’s Word? 

Action | (1) Ask God to give you His promises for all the majors areas of your life; family, career, ministry, etc. (2) Prayerfully remove all excuses and confess all your fears.  (3) Lastly, by faith, live your life like Peter; walking on the water with Jesus!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ezekiel 44:1-45:12, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Psalm 119:17-32, & Proverbs 28:8-10. Click here to read online.