From Faith to Faith
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: Faith In God
One way to grow in your walk with God is to never allow the things you've learned in the Word of God to get away from you. When you are introduced to more truth from the Bible, take it and add it to what you're now walking in. What you already know is a foundation on which to build. Therefore, don't throw away or forget the old. New truth does not negate the old. It is but another brick to add to the strong foundation of your spiritual house.
To walk in the blessings of God you must have faith. Therefore, it is important that we hold on to our faith and not let it slip away from us. Let's read the text from the Amplified Bible: "Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths t hat we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away."
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." - Hebrews 2:1(KJV)
Now notice what Paul says here (I believe that Paul is the writer of Hebrews). He says we ought to give more earnest heed to the truths we have already heard. He said we ought to pay more attention to what we already know.
In other words, what we know, we don't throw away. We don't have to get a new revelation. I've heard people say, "I don't need all that faith stuff anymore. I don't need all that confession stuff anymore. I'm past that; I'm into a deeper revelation."
But you're always going to need faith. And you're always going to have to deal with the ramifications of the words of your mouth whether you know it or not. And let me tell you, when you let these things slip away - when you let them get away from you - you pay the price.
In fact, Paul said in our text that we ought to pay even more attention to these things.
So often people learn something, they move on to somet hing else and forget about what they've already learned. You should always be adding to the house, so to speak. This way, when the trials of life come they won't even be able to shake you. You'll stand strong in the Word of God.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." - Hebrews 2:1(KJV)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Fearless Faith
Fearless Faith
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
This week's topic: Faith In God
Anyone with sense at all would want to live without trouble in his or her lives. If we could, we’d live without disappointments, mistakes, mishaps or mix-ups. We would never see a dark day, dark side or a dark cloud in the sky.
We would love to live without ever having an argument or uttering a harsh word to friend, family or foe. There would be no stress, tension, tension headaches, worry lines, wrinkled foreheads, ulcers, or premature gray hair.
Imagine days where friends would always be friendly, lovers would always be attentive, spouses would always be considerate, parents would always be charming and children would always make you proud. If we could, we’d live without failure and regrets would always be few. Pain would permanently be removed from the vocabulary. Suffering would be a figment of someone’s imagination and heartache would be songs sung for fun.
In a perfect world, tragedy wouldn’t know where you live. Temptation would never call your name, sin doesn’t know you, and evil would never catch up to you. But this is not a perfect world. Upsets occur, disappointment knocks, problems come and go, and into this life some rain must fall. Yes, in this life, we shall have tribulation, says Jesus, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!
The psalmist didn’t live in a perfect world either. Psalm 27, traditionally attributed to David, is filled with crises. There are the wicked, enemies, foes, hostility, army, trouble and false witnesses who breathe out violence. He seems to be surrounded by intimidating people and events that threaten his existence.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27: 1 (KJV)
The psalmist is faced with a choice. He could choose fear or faith. The psalmist meets these issues with a confession of faith in God. God, who is my light, expels the darkness of fears and enemies. God, who is my salvation, can rescue and saved me, so whom shall I fear? God, who is my strength and refuge, thus whom shall I be afraid?
David overcomes fear with faith, by putting God first. He no longer depends upon others or himself. But he depends on a God who provides a triple shield of light, salvation and strength. In our daily walk, we are tempted to take the word of others over the Word of God. We seek first the media reports, and then seek the face God.
David overcomes fear with a personal faith. He uses possessive pronouns in his confession of faith, my light, my salvation and my strength. This is the same David who said the Lord is my Shepard. What lifts him is not a second hand faith, but a faith that grows out of a deep relationship with God. He overcomes fear with a faith that has a memory. In verse two, he remembers the triumphant of the past. In remembering, fear falls and faith rises.
Another songwriter sings “When I think of goodness of Jesus and all he’s done for me, my soul shouts hallelujah, I thank God for saving me.” We do not live in a perfect world. We would love to avoid crises, challenge and even change for the good. Fear is a real threat to our faith. Sometimes, we even make decisions based on what we are afraid of rather than on faith. We’re afraid this is going to happen, so we choose this direction. We’re afraid that someone will do this, and we choose another course of action.
In the face of financial foes, hostile job market, and a gushing oil well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico that continues to breathe out violence, our hand may become shaky on our shield of faith. David’s fearless faith gives us an example of how we can fight back. Put your personal faith in God into action by putting God first and remembering the victories of the past. The same God who got us through the last time is still able today.
Scripture Of The Day: So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God." - Mark 11:22 (NKJV)
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
This week's topic: Faith In God
Anyone with sense at all would want to live without trouble in his or her lives. If we could, we’d live without disappointments, mistakes, mishaps or mix-ups. We would never see a dark day, dark side or a dark cloud in the sky.
We would love to live without ever having an argument or uttering a harsh word to friend, family or foe. There would be no stress, tension, tension headaches, worry lines, wrinkled foreheads, ulcers, or premature gray hair.
Imagine days where friends would always be friendly, lovers would always be attentive, spouses would always be considerate, parents would always be charming and children would always make you proud. If we could, we’d live without failure and regrets would always be few. Pain would permanently be removed from the vocabulary. Suffering would be a figment of someone’s imagination and heartache would be songs sung for fun.
In a perfect world, tragedy wouldn’t know where you live. Temptation would never call your name, sin doesn’t know you, and evil would never catch up to you. But this is not a perfect world. Upsets occur, disappointment knocks, problems come and go, and into this life some rain must fall. Yes, in this life, we shall have tribulation, says Jesus, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!
The psalmist didn’t live in a perfect world either. Psalm 27, traditionally attributed to David, is filled with crises. There are the wicked, enemies, foes, hostility, army, trouble and false witnesses who breathe out violence. He seems to be surrounded by intimidating people and events that threaten his existence.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27: 1 (KJV)
The psalmist is faced with a choice. He could choose fear or faith. The psalmist meets these issues with a confession of faith in God. God, who is my light, expels the darkness of fears and enemies. God, who is my salvation, can rescue and saved me, so whom shall I fear? God, who is my strength and refuge, thus whom shall I be afraid?
David overcomes fear with faith, by putting God first. He no longer depends upon others or himself. But he depends on a God who provides a triple shield of light, salvation and strength. In our daily walk, we are tempted to take the word of others over the Word of God. We seek first the media reports, and then seek the face God.
David overcomes fear with a personal faith. He uses possessive pronouns in his confession of faith, my light, my salvation and my strength. This is the same David who said the Lord is my Shepard. What lifts him is not a second hand faith, but a faith that grows out of a deep relationship with God. He overcomes fear with a faith that has a memory. In verse two, he remembers the triumphant of the past. In remembering, fear falls and faith rises.
Another songwriter sings “When I think of goodness of Jesus and all he’s done for me, my soul shouts hallelujah, I thank God for saving me.” We do not live in a perfect world. We would love to avoid crises, challenge and even change for the good. Fear is a real threat to our faith. Sometimes, we even make decisions based on what we are afraid of rather than on faith. We’re afraid this is going to happen, so we choose this direction. We’re afraid that someone will do this, and we choose another course of action.
In the face of financial foes, hostile job market, and a gushing oil well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico that continues to breathe out violence, our hand may become shaky on our shield of faith. David’s fearless faith gives us an example of how we can fight back. Put your personal faith in God into action by putting God first and remembering the victories of the past. The same God who got us through the last time is still able today.
Scripture Of The Day: So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God." - Mark 11:22 (NKJV)
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, and serves as a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. For more on Bishop McKenzie, visit http://www.13thame.com or hear her messages daily at http://www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com.…
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Today's Battles, Tomorrow's Strengths
Today’s Battles, Tomorrow’s Strengths
By Steven Furtick
This week's topic: Faith In God
One of my favorite Southern Baptist preachers, Johnny Hunt, once said that the only time he ever gets headaches is when he finds himself trying to fight today's battles with tomorrow's strength.
I think Pastor Johnny was quoting another pastor when he said it. Come to think of it, the idea originated with Jesus:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34
God supplies all the strength we need to do all that He's called us to do.
But He rations this strength much in the same way He rationed manna to the children of Israel.
He provides sufficient strength each day for the challenges of that day...and that day only. This strength doesn't carry over from one day to the next. You either use it, or lose it.
And He will not give you enough strength today for the confrontations, obligations, and challenges of next week, next month, or next year. That strength will be deposited in your account precisely when you need it, and not a moment before.
If you're stressed and overwhelmed today, check your strength supply. I'll bet you have enough to get you through this day.
And that's all you need for now.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
Steven Furtick is Pastor of Elevation Church, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his passionate leadership, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. A devoted husband and father of two, you can find Steven blogging at http://www.stevenfurtick.com
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By Steven Furtick
This week's topic: Faith In God
One of my favorite Southern Baptist preachers, Johnny Hunt, once said that the only time he ever gets headaches is when he finds himself trying to fight today's battles with tomorrow's strength.
I think Pastor Johnny was quoting another pastor when he said it. Come to think of it, the idea originated with Jesus:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matthew 6:34
God supplies all the strength we need to do all that He's called us to do.
But He rations this strength much in the same way He rationed manna to the children of Israel.
He provides sufficient strength each day for the challenges of that day...and that day only. This strength doesn't carry over from one day to the next. You either use it, or lose it.
And He will not give you enough strength today for the confrontations, obligations, and challenges of next week, next month, or next year. That strength will be deposited in your account precisely when you need it, and not a moment before.
If you're stressed and overwhelmed today, check your strength supply. I'll bet you have enough to get you through this day.
And that's all you need for now.
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
Steven Furtick is Pastor of Elevation Church, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his passionate leadership, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. A devoted husband and father of two, you can find Steven blogging at http://www.stevenfurtick.com
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Where Does your Faith Lie?
Where Does Your Faith Lie?
By Tanya James
This week's topic: Faith In God
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
By Tanya James
This week's topic: Faith In God
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Subscribe to receive the SF Daily Devotional in your inbox each morning!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Daniel, Where Are You?
Daniel, Where Are You?
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Faith In God
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a huge fan of crime and mystery stories. I can remember the first time I ever picked up a Hardy Boys novel, and after reading just a few pages, I was convinced I could point out who the culprit was without reading the rest of the story.
Sometimes I was right. But most of the time, I was way off.
I must admit that despite all of my futile attempts of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes, there remains one mystery that I have yet to solve. No matter how many times I try, I have yet to put all the pieces together. I hope together we can do so on today.
I’m sure you will agree that story and life of Daniel is a remarkable one. Many scholars believe it was at the young age of 14 or 15 that Daniel, along with his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar (the ruler of Babylon) to serve in his palace.
(You may recognize Daniel’s friends by some other names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego)
According to the first chapter of Daniel, these four boys were wise and gifted beyond their years, and Daniel was the rarest of them all, because of his ability to interpret visions and dreams.
After impressing King Nebuchadnezzar with their knowledge and faith in the Lord, all four were promoted by the king to govern over the affairs of Bablyon. But Daniel, was given an even higher position as a ruler who sat at the very gate of the king (see Daniel 2:46-49).
And this is where it gets interesting.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar sent out a word to ALL of those who ruled under him to gather to dedicate a special golden image he had created. A decree when out to every governor, judge, and high ranking official serving within his kingdom, that at the sound of music, everyone would have to bow and worship the image he had created. EVERYONE.
The penalty for anyone who did not bow was death courtesy of a fiery furnace, not exactly the most pleasant of executions. So when the music was cued, every governor, judge, and high ranking official that was called to gather bowed before the image. Except for three.
Not four. But three.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to bow, but to rather stand on FAITH against the king. The penalty of their actions caused them to be thrown into the fiery furnace. Yet to the surprise of the king and all who gathered around to see them executed, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not being consumed by the fire. In fact, they were joined by another person: the Son of God!
Now this is the part of the story where most people jump to their feet and cheer. But it is here where the mystery begins. Have you ever stopped to wonder…where was Daniel?
Why were there only three that defied the king’s orders, and not four? There are many who would like to say that Daniel just wasn’t there at the time, but the decree called for EVERYONE to be present. There are others who just believe the king gave him a pass for the day, but for those familiar with the tyranny of King Nebuchadnezzar, that probably isn’t true either.
While the whereabouts of Daniel still remain a mystery to many of us, could it have been possible that our beloved young Daniel, surrounded by the pressures of life and his newly appointed position, took a bow for the first time in his life? As unpopular and uncomfortable as that may be to consider, there is a far greater lesson we all can pull out from this story. A far greater question must be asked.
To every Daniel reading this devotional today…where are you?
Where is the FAITH you once had in that job God told you to apply for earlier this year? Where is the FAITH you once had in your marriage, (you know) the one you now are looking for a way out of? Or what about the FAITH in God you once could not stop sharing with others, that now has been minimized to just an invitation for people to visit your church?
Daniel…where are you?
(I pray that question stays in front of you and I on today!)
Now is not a time to BOW out of what God has promised you. Daniel, no matter what the obstacles may look like, know that God will deliver you. And if you don’t believe me, maybe I should show you what He can do with some lions! (Daniel 6:10)
Scripture Of The Day: “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.” - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: Faith In God
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a huge fan of crime and mystery stories. I can remember the first time I ever picked up a Hardy Boys novel, and after reading just a few pages, I was convinced I could point out who the culprit was without reading the rest of the story.
Sometimes I was right. But most of the time, I was way off.
I must admit that despite all of my futile attempts of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes, there remains one mystery that I have yet to solve. No matter how many times I try, I have yet to put all the pieces together. I hope together we can do so on today.
I’m sure you will agree that story and life of Daniel is a remarkable one. Many scholars believe it was at the young age of 14 or 15 that Daniel, along with his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar (the ruler of Babylon) to serve in his palace.
(You may recognize Daniel’s friends by some other names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego)
According to the first chapter of Daniel, these four boys were wise and gifted beyond their years, and Daniel was the rarest of them all, because of his ability to interpret visions and dreams.
After impressing King Nebuchadnezzar with their knowledge and faith in the Lord, all four were promoted by the king to govern over the affairs of Bablyon. But Daniel, was given an even higher position as a ruler who sat at the very gate of the king (see Daniel 2:46-49).
And this is where it gets interesting.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar sent out a word to ALL of those who ruled under him to gather to dedicate a special golden image he had created. A decree when out to every governor, judge, and high ranking official serving within his kingdom, that at the sound of music, everyone would have to bow and worship the image he had created. EVERYONE.
The penalty for anyone who did not bow was death courtesy of a fiery furnace, not exactly the most pleasant of executions. So when the music was cued, every governor, judge, and high ranking official that was called to gather bowed before the image. Except for three.
Not four. But three.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to bow, but to rather stand on FAITH against the king. The penalty of their actions caused them to be thrown into the fiery furnace. Yet to the surprise of the king and all who gathered around to see them executed, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not being consumed by the fire. In fact, they were joined by another person: the Son of God!
Now this is the part of the story where most people jump to their feet and cheer. But it is here where the mystery begins. Have you ever stopped to wonder…where was Daniel?
Why were there only three that defied the king’s orders, and not four? There are many who would like to say that Daniel just wasn’t there at the time, but the decree called for EVERYONE to be present. There are others who just believe the king gave him a pass for the day, but for those familiar with the tyranny of King Nebuchadnezzar, that probably isn’t true either.
While the whereabouts of Daniel still remain a mystery to many of us, could it have been possible that our beloved young Daniel, surrounded by the pressures of life and his newly appointed position, took a bow for the first time in his life? As unpopular and uncomfortable as that may be to consider, there is a far greater lesson we all can pull out from this story. A far greater question must be asked.
To every Daniel reading this devotional today…where are you?
Where is the FAITH you once had in that job God told you to apply for earlier this year? Where is the FAITH you once had in your marriage, (you know) the one you now are looking for a way out of? Or what about the FAITH in God you once could not stop sharing with others, that now has been minimized to just an invitation for people to visit your church?
Daniel…where are you?
(I pray that question stays in front of you and I on today!)
Now is not a time to BOW out of what God has promised you. Daniel, no matter what the obstacles may look like, know that God will deliver you. And if you don’t believe me, maybe I should show you what He can do with some lions! (Daniel 6:10)
Scripture Of The Day: “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.” - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
Monday, July 5, 2010
Frontliners Men's Retreat 2010
Frontliner's 2010 Men's Retreat:
"MASTERING YOUR EMOTIONS"
June 11-13th
FRONTLINERS Retreat 2010 "Mastering Your Emotions"
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