6-17-18 The First 15

DONATE

​

Message From the Author   Dear Reader, Happy Father's Day! May we allow this celebration of fatherhood to produce life in us, to change us, to help us see God as Jesus encourages us to. And may our lives be filled with the overwhelming joy of real, close, familial relationship with our incredible Father.    May God meet with you powerfully today as you seek him,

The Weekly Overview Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father. The Scripture “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” -  Hebrews 11:30 The Worship Experience Artist: Tasha Cobbs feat. Will Reagan Song: Break Every Chain The Devotional The Holy Spirit loves to move with power in response to faith. Hebrews 11:30 tells us, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:32-33 says, “For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” As we conclude this week on living by faith, I believe God would fill us with a fresh revelation of his power. Let’s open our hearts and minds to receive all that God would reveal to us about his power and invite him to work in our midst in faith today. We serve the Creator of all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” And throughout Scripture we see God using his power in response to the faith of his people. Whether it be the walls of Jericho tumbling down into rubble or the lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful jumping to his feet, God clearly moves in powerful ways when his people live by faith. Jesus even promises in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” If we have the smallest amount of faith, Jesus says, “Nothing will be impossible” for us. The God who formed every mountain, valley, river, ocean, and person has told you that he will fight on your behalf in response to your faith. David was an incredible example of a child of God filled with the faith and powerful work of God. David was constantly in need of God’s help. From stepping up to slay Goliath in faith to escaping pursuers, he exemplified what it was to live constantly in the power of faith. David wrote in Psalm 3:1-6, “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” David knew of the power of God when he asked for God’s help. So great was his faith in God’s ability and desire to come to his aid that he found rest and security in the face of thousands of enemies. You are the child of the Most High, all-powerful God. May your life be marked by the power of your faithful heavenly Father. The Prayer 1. Meditate on the power of faith. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 “For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets– Who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” Hebrews 11:32-33 “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of 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 2. Where do you need the power of God in your life? Where do you need the help of your heavenly Father? 3. In faith ask God to move in mighty, specific ways. Come before your heavenly Father boldly and ask him to make his reality, power, and love known in your life. There is no pride in living your life in line with God’s word. It isn’t haughty or selfish for you to have faith for God to work in your midst. God loves you and longs to help you. He has perfect plans to work in and through every circumstance in your life. Have faith in the love, mercy, and power of your God today. Extended Reading: Psalm 3     How Do You See God? Almost two years ago I entered into the crazy, wonderful, life-changing reality of being a Father. The love I feel in my heart toward my boy brings tears to my eyes, even in this moment. And yet, I so often struggle to see God as good and loving Father. On this Father’s Day, what if we focused our attention on... Reflect on the love of our good Father by reading Craig's new blog post! READ THE FATHER'S DAY BLOG     CRAIG DENISON is the author and founder of First15, a daily devotional guiding tens of thousands of believers into a fresh experience with God's presence every day. He writes, speaks, and he and his wife, Rachel lead worship to help believers establish a more tangible, meaningful connection with God.