Welcome Back! This month we will take a deeper look at what the Bible says about Faith.
Do you believe in God but struggle at times to trust Him? Do you ever wonder why worshiping the Lord is so important? Do you have reservations about evangelizing? Are you certain that you know Jesus?
If you’ve been a Christian for some time, my questions may feel uncomfortable or even unorthodox. Every human encounters feelings of doubt. The Bible is filled with stories of believers learning to trust God.
Would you like to experience freedom and abundance like you never imagined? By reading these Scriptures, allowing yourself to be honest, and coming to God transparently, you will gain a growing measure of faith that will transform every area of your life.
Are you ready to get started growing closer to God and improving your life?
Let’s go…
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about a dad and his tormented son. The father brought his child to Jesus, asking for healing. But his request came with doubts - he asked Jesus to heal the boy if He is able. Jesus challenged the man’s disbelief; and immediately, the dad cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Faith has a couple of meanings. There’s a decision to believe and there’s the experience of trusting.
Christ-followers have chosen to accept Jesus’ claims of being the Savior of the world and the only way to be reconciled with God, the Father and spend eternity with Him in heaven. In this way, Christians put their faith in Jesus.
Believers then live out their faith by daily trusting God as demonstrated through obedience to His commands and divine leading.
Faith, belief, trust…it’s not an all or nothing. At various times in life, faith ebbs and flows.
Wherever you are in the journey of putting your faith in Jesus and walking in trust, these readings will remind you of or introduce you to Jesus, encourage you to rely on God, help you worship the Lord, and inspire you to share the message of salvation with unbelievers.
Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah sent to die for our sins so everyone who believes can be forgiven and reconciled to God. [To learn more, check out: 3 Essential Beliefs All Christian Churches Share.]
This week’s Scriptures are especially powerful in that they speak directly to who Jesus is and what it means to be a Christ-follower. If you (or someone you know) are unsure if you are a Christian or are exploring faith, read (and share) How to Become a Christian in 2 Life-Saving Steps.
As you read these historical and holy accounts of Jesus’ time on earth, reflect on the sacrifices He made because of His great love for you. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
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Aug 1 |
Who is Jesus |
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Aug 2 |
Jesus’ Authority |
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Aug 3 |
Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven |
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Aug 4 |
Mark 16 & Luke 24 & Matthew 28 |
Jesus’ Resurrection |
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Aug 5 |
Believe in Jesus and Have Eternal Life |
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Aug 6 |
Be Careful of False Prophets |
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Aug 7 |
Grace Through Faith |
God’s Word defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Scripture also says that “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Trusting in something invisible to the human eye can be difficult.
That is why it is important to seek inspiration from the experiences and knowledge of those who have gone before you. It is also essential to make a habit of recalling and reflecting on the times in your life when God’s presence was most evident.
In this week’s Bible passages, be encouraged by the stories of how God took care of His children, and ask God to increase your faith.
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Aug 8 |
Rahab believes God |
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Aug 9 |
Paul’s Prayer |
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Aug 10 |
Jericho’s Wall Falls |
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Aug 11 |
God Saves David |
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Aug12 |
Parables About Faith |
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Aug 13 |
Faith Leads to Character Development |
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Aug 14 |
Will You Trust God or Your Own Strength? |
The Bible tells us that the whole earth worships God. Even people that choose to reject God bring glory to His name without even trying because we are all made in the image of God. In due time every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
As our Creator, God knows that the only way to experience the fullness and goodness of life is to be devoted first and foremost to Him. Wherever your eyes are focused is the direction in which you will move. Wealth, marriage, family, beauty, achievements…are all good things God can give, but allowing them to become idols will bring destruction into your life.
It is out of love that God tells us to worship Him. He is the Good Shepherd that leads all who focus on and follow Him into an abundance of soul satisfaction.
Every day, you have the opportunity and privilege to worship the Lord of lords. And when you do, you will experience a greater sense of His presence in your life.
As you read the Holy Scriptures this week, spend some time praising God in your mind and heart. You could even put on some worship music.
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Aug 15 |
Choose Whom You Will Serve |
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Aug 16 |
Orderly Worship |
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Aug 17 |
Praise the Lord |
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Aug 18 |
Solomon Leads the Israelites in Worshiping God |
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Aug 19 |
Worship & Obey Omnipotent God |
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Aug 20 |
God is Worthy of Praise |
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Aug 21 |
All Creation Praises God |
Without the Saviour, Jesus Christ, we all are destined to eternal separation from God. Let’s think about that for a moment.
Every good thing comes from God. Believers and unbelievers alike are benefactors of the Lord’s generosity toward them. Unbelievers don’t realize that without God, there is no goodness. So while they may not be bothered by the thought of being separated from God, I can guarantee that if they understood that the absence of God is the absence of good (and presence of only evil and suffering), they would be impacted.
What a person believes is a matter of life or death. While you cannot make someone choose God, you can (and should) explain their need for a Savior. This is evangelism. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is always about conveying the Gospel message through words and actions.
Be inspired by these Scriptures and pray that God will give you compassion and understanding of unbelievers' hearts so you will know how to express God’s love and salvation.
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Aug 22 |
We are the Aroma of Christ to the World |
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Aug 23 |
Ambassadors for Christ |
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Aug 24 |
Don’t be ashamed of your faith |
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Aug 25 |
Preach the Gospel |
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Aug 26 |
Right Living is a Good Witness |
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Aug 27 |
Be Willing to Evangelize Even People You Dislike |
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Aug28 |
Peter’s Vision that God is for Gentiles too |
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Aug 29 |
The Lost Sheep & Coin |
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Aug 30 |
Paul evangelized to Thessalonians |
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Aug31 |
Jesus’ prayer for believers when sending them out |
By openly expressing your doubs, fears, and reservations to God, worshipping Him as the Lord of your life, sharing the message of Salvation to unbelievers, and reflecting on times in your life when God answered prayers and made his presence and care clear, you will enjoy an increasing measure of faith.
How have you seen God working in your life? Share it with us in the Comment section below!
Join me again in September when we will learn about some valuable principles of finances found in God's Word. He has a lot more to say about money than just "tithes and offerings", despite any impressions you've received from ministers asking for money.
See you tomorrow!
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