The Daily Dose

How does faith come?

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”     Romans 10:17

I don’t want to skip over this scripture which has been pivotal in my faith walk. I think of it often and used to believe that it was talking about growing my faith.  I thought that in order to have stronger faith it was all about getting more of God’s Word (the Bible) on the inside of me.  It is true that taking in and knowing more of the scripture enables me to know more of who God is, what He is like and trust Him more, but that isn’t a true relationship with God.  A relationship with God grows from personal interaction with Him.  Knowing that He hears me when I talk to Him and me purposefully listening to what He is speaking to my heart.  This is also where faith comes from.

I want to explore faith in this context because faith is all about our relationship with the Father through our Savior Jesus with the help or empowerment (ability to hear God’s message) from His Holy Spirit.  Faith is not believing for what God can do, it’s acting on what God has said He will do.  (This explains the phrase “God’s will”.)  Making decisions based on what God can do isn’t wisdom or faith.  Let’s look again at the clear biblical definition of how faith comes.  The true biblical meaning of how faith comes is found in today’s scripture that says faith comes by hearing.  It’s as simple as that.  Purposefully seeking God for what to believe and how to pray for a specific problem or circumstance is where we place our faith.

Again, I’ll use the illustration of Peter stepping out of the boat when acting on the Word Jesus gave him.  If Jesus hadn’t told Him to come, Peter would not have had any reason to have faith to step out of the boat.  Peter’s faith was based on Jesus’ word or permission to come to Him on the water (see Matthew 14:28).

The point is that if God hasn’t said it, there is nothing to have faith in.  Faith doesn’t begin with you or me, faith begins with God.  If God has said it, we can have faith for it!  Faith isn’t about us, it’s about God and His Words.  Faith is less about what we can do and more about what we can hear.  This is good news because it takes all the pressure off us and the mystery out of the circumstances.  It also gives a vision and a hope of what God says the outcome will be.  We don’t have to imagine how God will get us there, we just have to believe that He showed us the end result and has the power to make it happen.  If you can hear it, He can do it.  A faith life realizes that God-given faith is powerful and can move mountains and that you don’t need a lot of it for impossible things to happen.  Jesus said if you have faith even the size of a mustard seed (Matt. 17:20) you can move mountains.  That means a faith life has little to do with what you contribute to it and a lot to do with what God is speaking into it.   Faith is about trusting the One who is speaking not trusting your own ability to perfectly believe.  Glory to God!

Today I want to encourage you to get a “Word” from God to hang on to in faith.  Faith is like a hanger you hang on the “rod” of God’s Word.  If there isn’t any Word from God (rod) your hanger just falls to the ground.  Realize that faith isn’t about believing for whatever you want, it’s about believing God for what He has said.  Our Heavenly Father has the answer and solutions for all our trouble, and He desires to get us to the best results. It’s up to us to take the time to hear from Him.  If we know we’ve heard Him, whether through scripture or His still small voice, we can have mountain moving faith as we believe Him to accomplish His Word and promises!  Thank Him every day for the words He has given you through scripture or speaking to your heart and every time you are tempted to worry about the situation, just thank Him some more that He has spoken the answer and is working on it, even right now.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 10:14-21

Beautiful feet

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

Do you have beautiful feet?  Do you proclaim the gospel of peace?  I am talking about the good news that Jesus came to pay our debt and be our Savior, but I am also talking about bringing peace with you wherever you go?  The message of peace can be many things and you do not need to be a preacher to share it. 

Yes, the message of peace is salvation, but the starting ground is to bring peace with you.  Bring peace into every relationship you have.  Bring peace into every conflict you come upon.  Instead of taking one side or the other, find a peaceful solution that brings both sides into agreement.  Now that’s wisdom that will open the hearts of all those involved to God’s great gift of eternal life with Him.

Here in Romans 10, Paul is quoting an old testament scripture, so it was actually written before Jesus came.  The gospel of peace was bringing glad tidings (news) about good things.  It is choosing to focus on the good side of everything.  Anyone can pick out the problems and complain about the rules, and most do, but true wisdom comes when you can see the good in every person and every situation.  When you do this, you will truly have beautiful feet that carry goodness and good news wherever you are.  Soon everyone will be glad to see you coming because you have a reputation of bringing good news and peace into every conflict.  Your counsel will be sought after and your feet will be blessed.

Today I want to encourage you to have beautiful feet by spreading peace continually.  Do not try to fit into a conflict on a side, bring the solution to every situation by bringing peace and goodness with you always. When you don’t know what the answer is, simply pray a short prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a peaceful resolution to you. Then look and listen on the inside for what He gives you. It isn’t hard, it just takes a heart and feet that are set on the eternal love of God. Make your feet beautiful today by bringing the good news of God’s love and peace continuously.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 10:14-21

Your faith words

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): Romans 10:8

The beginning of Romans 10 is a continuation of the apostle Paul’s heart ache for the nation of Israel.  Again, he talks about his desire to see them receive their Messiah.  He goes on to talk about how they are clinging to the law and their own righteous acts to get them to God.  Then he begins to talk about how different it is to live by faith instead of by the law. He says you don’t have to raise yourself high above others or go down to the abyss.  The word of faith is right where you are: in your mouth and in your heart.  He goes through a few well know phrases such as confession with your mouth and believing in your heart to be saved.  He finishes this first section of the chapter by saying: Anyone, whether Jew or Greek can call on the name of the Lord to be saved!

This is great news, and I am so thankful that salvation is available to all.  The Jewish people of Paul’s day where not so excited about it.  They liked having their exclusive righteousness that could only be obtained by fulfilling the law.  The only problem with that was they were unable to fulfill the law.  Only Jesus fulfilled the law and in doing so, we are no longer required to.  We only need to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him up from the dead, then we are saved! This is the entrance to salvation in Jesus.

This is not to say that we no longer need laws.  The law is important and is in place for our protection.  However, if we live by the new commandment that Jesus gave in John 15, to love one another, we would automatically keep the law.  In loving others and loving God, we always consider others ahead of ourselves and therefore we will not hurt others in any way.  The law is not just a list of rules to control people, it is a standard of government to protect people from being hurt by other people.

God’s law of love supersedes everything else.  His love works through relationship, and it is God greatest desire to have a Father – child relationship with all His family.  He wants to care, provide and love each of us the way we do our families here in our world (but better).  If we love our Father the way He desires us to love, we will be more concerned about doing what is helpful in growing the kingdom, not worried about lying, stealing and killing.

Today I want to encourage you to speak the word of faith that is in your heart.  Begin by calling on the name of the Lord to be saved.  Strengthen and reinforce your love for your Heavenly Father by loving those around you.  Follow His example by putting other’s needs above your own.  In this way you will never be put to shame (vs. 11).

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 10:1-13

Live your unique life

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” Romans 9:20

Who were you created to be?  What is your purpose?  As a born again, child of God, He created you especially for some significant reason.  He has gifted you with talents and abilities that are intended to be used to glorify God by bringing others to Him to be part of His family.

If you are anything like I was, you may not know what you can be doing to lead others to your Father.  Maybe you have even tried to fit into someone else’s calling.  Maybe you are of the mindset that there are only 5 different ministries and you have to fit into one of those categories.  Yet as hard as you try, you just cannot seem to find your planned place.

Today’s scripture talks about this idea that God created each of us for His purpose and to accomplish His works here in the world while we are here.  He doesn’t want us to try to be like others or try to do ministry that fits into the pattern of the religious.  He wants us to glorify Him right where we are.  By submitting to Him each day and offering up our lives as a living sacrifice, we make ourselves available for His plan and His glory.  We are not born into this world to be a child to grow up, get a career and work for 50 years to make enough money to survive until we die.  We are here to impact the world around us. Yes, we go to work and yes, we earn a living, but that is not the purpose for our existence.  Our purpose and God’s plan is to be His child that loves, honors and glorifies Him by loving and serving the people He places around us each day.  This is good news!  You no longer need to wonder where do you fit and what should you be doing?  Love and serve the ones God brings your way and new doors will open each day as you submit your gifts and abilities to Him before you start.

Today I want to encourage you to submit your life and your will over to the plan and purpose of God for your life.  Don’t try to copy or imitate other ministries that appear to be successful.  Do the unique thing God has planned for you.  Then you will find true freedom and  satisfaction in life and then you will have joy and contentment in knowing that you are living the life you were created to live.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 9:6-33

Don’t miss it

I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race. Romans 9:2-3

If you look around today at what is going on in the world, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and become disappointed or even depressed.  It looks like the whole earth is going down hill fast.  From politics to climate changes, it certainly looks like all of creation is groaning for the children of God to be revealed. (see Romans 8:20) Yet the greatest tragedy is the lack of regard for God or any concern for eternity. Everywhere you go, you can hear people talking about the latest controversy, but forget that there is more to it all.

The apostle Paul knew something about how that feels.  In his day all of the people of Israel were waiting for their Messiah, they had been praying for generations for Messiah to come.  How disappointing it must have been to the New Testament church when He was so widely rejected by His own people.  Especially the religious sect who knew the scriptures and prophecies of Messiah’s coming better than anyone else.  Jesus even said when He was here “How hypocritical those are that can predict the weather but cannot discern the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3 my paraphrase)

In today’s reading, Paul talks about the great burden he had for the Israeli people.  He was willing to do anything for them so they would believe that Jesus was their Messiah.  He knew they were missing out on the provision Jesus made for a secured eternity with Him and help for this life too.  He wanted them to understand the magnitude of the love of God for them, but their pride held them to their traditions and the law.  They completely missed it.

Today we face a similar dilemma.  How many times do we see people in the church turn all the focus to religious acts or worldly ways instead of their relationship with the Heavenly Father.  How many angry people do we see fighting against political leaders and generally everyone around them.  Pride is rampant in the church and so many people can see things are bad, but don’t even realize that we have been looking for this time all our lives.  The time of Jesus’ return to get His people before that great and terrible time of judgement.

Today I want to encourage you: Don’t miss it!  Don’t miss out on the end time harvest that is taking place even right now in our world.  Things may look bad, but God is doing great and mighty things too.  Determine that you are going to be as productive as possible for Kingdom progress.  Jesus is coming back soon, so don’t miss out by being part of the complaining church full of criticism and condemnation.  Instead, be part of HIs glorious church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). 

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 9:1-5

More than conquerors?

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:37

More than conquerors?  How could the apostle Paul say they were more than conquerors?  What does that even mean?  He goes through a long list of things that they have been up against and then he says, even though we have gone through all these things, we are more than a conqueror.  So who is the conqueror that we are more than? Even though they have been through tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword, he is confident that these things cannot separate them from God’s love. 

How can Paul be so sure that they will overcome these things and still be connected to our Heavenly Father?  The answer is in Jesus.  He already conquered all these things, so we no longer have to.  We only need to believe that we are more than a conqueror now that we are in Christ Jesus and nothing that comes against us will be able to keep us from God’s love.  He is eternally holding us through our Savior Jesus.

Now we can be as convinced as Paul was that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of our Father.  We are truly more than a conqueror because Jesus did all the hard work and gave us His victory when he defeated the enemy at His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven.  He fought the battle and then gave us all the benefits of that achievement!  We get the prize, and we get His success as our very own.  There just isn’t any way to truly get this supernatural truth into our  natural way of thinking, but with His help we can begin to grasp the extent of this great conquest and we will celebrate with Him for all eternity!

Today I want to encourage you to take a few moments to think about what it means to be more than a conqueror.  Consider what it would be like in the natural world to have someone fight the hardest battle ever fought and then give you the prize and reward they fought for.  Then transfer that over into the supernatural and think about all Jesus did for us so we wouldn’t have to go through that battle.  Now spend some time rejoicing that you are more than a conqueror because you get to enjoy the victory over all created things and you never had to go to battle, all you need is to receive life in Jesus as your Savior and Champion.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 8:31-39

Reinforced Promises

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Romans 8:31-32

I love this passage.  I would have to say it is one of my favorites for sure!  I could do a dose on each individual verse coming up to the end of the chapter here in Romans 8.  Each one is so powerful! 

I combined verse 31 and 32 as today’s key passage because we often use one without the other, but when put together in context, the message is expanded beyond what we normally consider.  Let me explain.  Verse 31 is a common scripture to share when someone is in a struggle or up against opposition.  You want to be an encouragement so you offer: “If God is for you, no one can stand against you!”  You share this message with the intent to not only encourage, but for the person to take hold of these words to propel them through the barriers coming against them.  However, when you put it together with the very next verse, it packs a double punch!

Now you say: “Hey, I just want you to know that God is for you, so there is nothing that can stand up against you.  He didn’t even spare His very own Son, Jesus, but gave Him up for you!  That is proof you can hold on to that He will freely give you all things, whatever you need to get you through this battle!” 

See what I mean?  The second verse totally reinforces the thought and promise of verse 31.  It is the confirmation that the statement in verse 31 is absolutely truth and you can depend on it.  So this is what I want you to do the next time one of your family members or friends are up against it.  Don’t just offer them the promise, give them the proof that goes along with the promise and then it will become something they can sink their faith into that carries them on to victory.

Today I want to encourage you to get excited about the scriptures.  Romans 8 is one of the most powerful chapters in the entire Bible and definitely one you can get stirred up about.  As you read through it again today, take some time to look for each promise given and then for the reinforcing proof that goes along with that promise.  Don’t stop there, do it with every promise you find in His Word.  God keeps His Word, but you can only depend on Him keeping the parts that you know.  Get to know more of God and His promises today by learning more of His Word.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 8:1-32

Put your trouble to work

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

This is one of our favorite verses because no matter what we are going through, we know God is working along with the circumstances for good because we love Him, and we know we are called to His purpose.  That doesn’t mean it applies to just anyone or any situation.  The passage is very specific in saying who God is working in behalf of . . . those who love Him and are called to His purpose.  A lot of stuff happens that God has no part of, but our prayer of faith brings Him on the scene immediately.  Glory to God!!

I like how this was evident in the Apostle Paul’s life.  He said in 2 Corinthians 4:17  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.  First of all, LIGHT AFFLICTION?  What was Paul talking about?  His afflictions, in my opinion, were not light.  He was beaten, stoned, buffeted by a messenger from Satan, (2 Cor. 12:7) imprisoned for years and brought before Caesar.  Oh, and don’t forget shipwrecked and snake bitten!   I don’t know about all of you, but I have never faced any of those things.  However, notice how he says these things were working for him.  One version says “troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”  If we could only get this mind set as we go through life.  Life is short and the things we go through in this world are working glory (God’s goodness) that is greater than any problem we face here, provided we choose to go through them trusting and following God.  I believe this takes a kingdom mind set, becoming so filled up and preoccupied with the kingdom of God and the eternity we will spend with Him.  

Today I want to encourage you to begin filling up your life with the things of God.  Everything you know about God right now is a good place to start.  Make a list of the things you know about Him and the things He has done and touched your life with.  Then ask Him to reveal more of Himself and His goodness to you that will draw you even closer to Him. Everyone is going through something, the key is how you go through the trials that come your way.  Are you trusting God and following Him through, or are you complaining, fighting, and blaming everything and everyone around you?  The choice is yours. When the pressures of life come your way, remember that these stresses are working for you because you love God and are called to His purpose and trusting Him to turn them around for good!

Today Scripture reading: Romans 8:26-30

His Spirit helps us

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Romans 8:26

Have you ever had trouble knowing just how to pray about a situation?  You tried to pray the way that made sense to you, but just didn’t receive any peace about it?  Maybe it was about a family member who was struggling with a decision they needed to make or a friend that was given a bad report from the doctor?  Maybe it was something you were praying about in your own circumstances, but no matter how you prayed about it, you just couldn’t stop thinking and worrying about it.

This happened to me recently and it was a good reminder about the prayer of faith that gets results.  Someone close to me was wrestling with a decision that they needed to make.  It was difficult for them to step away from a relationship that had been a part of their life for so long.  I felt the stress of the problem on them and hated to see them having to deal with this at such a young age, but knew that when they got through to the other side, they would be stronger and the relationship would be in a better place.  I prayed about it for quite a while, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about all the possible outcomes.  I was definitely worrying, but I kept taking it back to God and in my heart I knew He had a great solution.  Praying in my understanding brought no resolve, so I began to pray in the Spirit.  From that point on, every time I was tempted to worry about it, I resumed praying in the Spirit and believing for the answer.  The Spirit of God helped me when I was be weakened with worry and stress.  I didn’t know how I should pray, I just wanted it to work out right.  I know the Holy Spirit was taking my petition before God and bringing back the answer to me, so that I could pray out the perfect will of God.  It didn’t take long at all before I suddenly knew the right response and the answer to the problem.  Of course, the Holy Spirit reminded me what the scripture says and what the right decision was to make.  Now I began to pray this promise over the situation in my underestanding.  I felt peace almost immediately.  I still didn’t know if the situation was going to work out this way, but I did know how to pray about it.  Glory to God!  I now believe that by knowing the answer, I can pray this over the situation to open the door for God to come in and work out all the details!  He is so good!!

The very next verse here in Romans 8 says that the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us which because He knows the will of God.  Paul continues in verse 28 to say that God works all things, including people and problems together for good, but only for those who love God and His purpose. (This doesn’t mean that everything that happens is God’s will)  So no matter what you are up against, when you get the plan and will of God on the situation, you can be sure He is working it all out for your good because you love Him!

Today I want to encourage you not to worry but to pray!  Whatever you are stressing about, believe that God has a perfect solution and plan and He wants you to know what it is.  Begin by praying and asking God to show you how He sees the situation and what His desired results are for the outcome.  Ask for scripture to reinforce the will of the Father and then pray in the Spirit for godly wisdom and understanding.  Your heavenly Father has the answers and He has sent His Spirit to help when you don’t know how to pray about it.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 8:26-30

Glory revealed

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

There is no question about it, the apostle Paul suffered in his lifetime.  I think it is safe to say he suffered more than any other minister of the gospel throughout all of history.  He lists some of the things he suffered in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.  He said:  

1. labors more abundant
2. stripes above measure
3. in prisons more frequently
4. in deaths often
5. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one
6. Three times I was beaten with rods
7. once I was stoned
8. three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep
9. in journeys often
10. in perils of waters
11. in perils of robbers
12. in perils of my own countrymen
13.  in perils of the Gentiles
14. in perils in the city
15. in perils in the wilderness
16. in perils in the sea
17.  in perils among false brethren
18. in weariness and toil
19. in sleeplessness often
20. in hunger and thirst
21. in fastings often
22. in cold and nakedness
23. besides the other things that come upon me daily

That’s quite a list and there were even more that he didn’t list here.  I’m sure most of us would have to admit that we have never suffered like the apostle Paul did.  If I’m being honest, my biggest complaints would consist of: I had to go to work everyday, sometimes I didn’t have air conditioning, I missed lunch, breakfast or snack once.  I couldn’t watch my favorite television episode. Someone didn’t like my post on facebook.  How ridiculous is that?  Yet some would consider the things they complain about as suffering?

Paul’s sufferings were real, yet in today’s key verse, he says they cannot compare with the glory that is coming.  He was not focused on his current circumstances.  Paul had come to realize that circumstances and situations change, but the things he accomplished for God were eternal.  He knew that when he finished his time in the world, there was glory and crowns waiting for him.

You may say:  That’s great for Paul, but how does that relate to my life today?  First of all, the glory that Paul was looking to was not a result of his suffering, it was the result of his completing the call on his life.  Paul listened and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit in his life and he determined to complete each mission regardless of the opposition around him.  Everywhere he went, he pretty much knew there was going to be some discomfort involved, but he didn’t let that deter him from his assignment.

Thankfully, we will never have to suffer like the apostle Paul did, but we can expect the glory that will be revealed as we compete our assignments.  The key is determining that no matter what comes against you, you are going to follow the leading of God’s Spirit to complete the mission He has for you.  We are laboring for the hope that is planted on the inside and now we eagerly wait for it by working with perseverance until the mission is completed. (vs. 25)

Today I want to encourage you to look to the glory that will be revealed in you, not because you suffer, but because you obey.  Yes, the glory is in eternity, but there is also glory here in the world in what you accomplish.  As you follow each step the Spirit of God leads, that glory is revealed in knowing that you are doing what you were born to do in this world.  There is no greater earthly fulfilment than when you are doing what you were created to do.  Seek that out today and begin to have God’s glory revealed in your life right here and now.

Today’s scripture reading: Romans 8:18-25