Developing Faith & Trust

As we seek first God’s Kingdom, we continue to develop our faith and trust in Him. Faith is the standard in our relationship with Jesus! We all have put our hope or trust in something, but where we put our faith matters most. In Luke 2:52, the Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature. As Jesus progressed and grew during His time on earth, it is important that we continually grow and develop as well! There is always room to grow in our faith and trust in the Lord. When we put our faith in Jesus, we partner with God in believing what we cannot see. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 as “being sure of what we cannot see.” When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we do so on faith! We trust in the Word of God and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Faith becomes the standard of knowing God and seeing Him transform our hearts and lives. We not only have faith in our salvation but also trust in knowing that God is all-powerful and above all things in our lives. As we grow in our faith and trust, we take a moment to remember all that God has done to get us here. Every day is a fresh opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness and trust Him more. We pray for increased faith and trust as we seek God first.

Application/ Reflection:

How has God been faithful in your life?
In what areas of your life do you need God to increase your faith?
What are practical ways you can develop your faith and trust in God?
Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for your Son, Jesus. Thank you that, through faith, I am saved. I repent for times when I have confined my understanding of your power or ability to transform my life. I pray that you remind me of your faithfulness and goodness in all things. I pray that you expand my comprehension of your power. Thank you for being all-knowing and sovereign and reigning above everything in my life. I pray that as I encounter others today, I can encourage and uplift them through my faith in you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Transform My Mind

Our minds are transformed as we surrender our lives to God and mature in our faith. We all experience thoughts, situations, and events throughout our lives that challenge and stretch us. As we walk out our faith, our minds are constantly bombarded by thoughts, lies, and worries that come against the truth of God. Our experiences and feelings can shape patterns and behaviors as we respond and react to our environments. The Bible says we have authority in Christ over our present circumstances. We have the authority to react in agreement with the Holy Spirit. We are transformed as we intentionally discern truth from lies and redirect our thoughts to what God has to say about us. It takes intentional prayer, but the Holy Spirit is always with us to help us in our thoughts. As we yield to the Holy Spirit and embrace the process of God’s transforming love, we pursue progression and not perfection. As you continue to walk in your God-given authority, your minds and emotions are renewed. As we mature in our relationship with Christ, we declare the promises of God over our lives, and we are transformed!

Application/ Reflection:

What areas of your mind, thoughts, and emotions require fresh surrender to God?
What is God speaking to you about transforming your mind?
Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for inviting me daily to a fresh surrender to you. I praise your name, that your ways are not my ways and that you are higher than all of my thoughts, emotions, and circumstances. I invite you into my heart and mind today. I pray you change me, renew me, and transform my mind. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen!

Words That Build

Have you ever been a representative for someone or something? When you belong to a group of people, or you represent someone, what you say and how you say it matters. Anything you say is a reflection of the person or thing you’re representing.

As Christians, we are representatives for Jesus. Paul says that we are ambassadors or representatives of Christ because He is no longer physically on earth ministering to people (2 Corinthians 5:20). Instead Jesus is working through His people to accomplish what He wants done on earth.

Since everything we say and do is a representation of Jesus, we need to choose our words wisely. When we use words to gossip and slander, hurt or damage—we don’t represent Jesus’ heart and character. But when our words are used to encourage someone, what we say has a lot of potential for good.

You’re probably familiar with the power words can have. Has someone ever said something to you that was painful? Or can you remember the last time someone complimented you? You might still remember how each of those situations made you feel.

You might not have been able to control what was said to you, but you can control what you say to others. So take a few moments to think about the things you’ve said recently. Is there anything you’ve said that you need to seek forgiveness for? Choose today to represent Christ and His character by intentionally speaking words that are good and helpful.