Daily Devotional Hope 2020 Vision Walk By Faith Campaign.

Transcription

1 48 Daily Devotional Hope 2020 Vision Walk By Faith Campaign.

2 Strengthen Our Faith, O Lord. Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Through faith in Christ we can do anything that God asks us to do because He is the One who empowers us to do it. The question is will we trust Him or not? There are a lot of great prayers in the Bible, but one of the best is when a man came to Jesus and asked Him to rescue his son. He said, If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. Jesus said, If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy s father exclaimed, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:22-24 NIV) What an honest prayer. Jesus never rebukes an authentic prayer. He is not looking for you to come to Him with perfect faith. He wants you to just come to Him in faith. Ask Him to strengthen your faith and then act on your faith. Reflection Question: What is Jesus asking you to do that requires greater faith in Him? 2 47

3 My Study Notes Prayer: Lord God, I believe. Help my unbelief. Through the reading and studying of Your Word, grow and deepen my faith that I believe more and more. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Scripture: Matthew 9:29b Then he touched their eyes and said, According to your faith let it be done to you. 46 3

4 Trusting God s Promises Romans 10:17 NIV Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Isaiah 40:31 NIV But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. with them. By Faith, we will try new initiatives and bold endeavors with a purposeful plan to extend the Gospel well beyond the walls of Hope. By Faith, we will keep in step with the movement of the Holy Spirit, to be increasingly known as the Church that Cares. By Faith, future generations and most importantly, God will say of us, Well done, good and faithful servants. It is not always easy to trust in God s promises. The world is broken, our bodies get broken, our hearts get broken and it is so easy to be discouraged and even want to give up on our hopes and dreams. How do you keep from throwing in the towel? Go back to God s demonstrated faithfulness in the past, both from the Bible and from your past, and be reminded of His faithfulness. He hasn t changed. Remember that just like all who trusted God were rewarded, so your faith will be one day as well. Reflection Question: What were some of the ways God was faithful to you in the past? Praise Him! Prayer: Lord, when I face difficult situations in the 4 45

5 Weekly = Monthly = 2 Years $1,000 $4,333 $104,000 $500 $2,167 $52,000 $400 $1,733 $41,600 $300 $1,300 $31,200 $250 $1,083 $26,000 $230 $997 $23,920 $200 $867 $20,800 $150 $650 $15,600 $115 $498 $11,960 $100 $433 $10,400 $58 $251 $6,032 $50 $217 $5,200 $25 $108 $2,600 $23 $100 $2,392 $15 $65 $1,560 $10 $43 $1,040 present or worry about the future, help me to remember the faithfulness and love you have always provided, and that you will never change. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through him the Amen is spoken by us to the glory of God. By Faith, we will see Jesus fulfill His promise, I will build my Church and not even the gates of hell will prevail against it. By Faith, we can equip generations to come because we are equipping families today. By Faith, we can let those who have nothing, know that in Christ they have everything and they will trust us, if we show up, find out who they are, and walk, by faith, 44 5

6 Trusting God s Plan Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Proverbs 19:21 NIV Many are the plans in a person s heart, but it is the Lord s purpose that prevails. In the field of logic they have what is called deductive reasoning. God is good. God has a plan for your life. Therefore God s plan for your life must be good. We are called to trust His plan. So often we make our plan and work the plan, never thinking to seek God s plan until our plan is not working! We want to seek the Lord s plan for our life, making sure our plans are aligned with His plan. Because it is His purpose that will ultimately prevail. Pledge to give: 1. A 24 MONTH GIVING PLEDGE You can refer to the My Giving Potential chart on the next page and you will be amazed at the total of your potential weekly or monthly giving over two years. How to give: 1. GIVE ONLINE: Go to our website: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on GIVE. 2. GIVE USING ENVELOPES: Special envelopes are available in the foyer; take as many envelopes as you need. MY GIVING POTENTIAL Reflection Question: What are you planning right now that you need to place before the Lord? Whatever it is, make sure it is aligned with His will. Prayer: Lord God, though I don t always see how your good plan for my life is unfolding, help me to trust in you until I do. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age [heaven] so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:18-19) Get ready for miracles! Scripture: Matthew 6:10 Heavenly Father, Your 6 43

7 6. Celebrate your commitment. Pray something like this: kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, this is a big step for us. We re asking you to stretch our faith, strengthen our faith, and deepen our faith through our commitment to be generous. We thank you for Jesus Christ who gave everything so that we would be saved, please use our gifts so that others may be saved. We thank you for this time and give you all the glory. In Jesus name. Amen. OUR COMMITMENT 2 Corinthians 8:3 We ask that you prepare to make your commitment by filling out your Commitment Card and bringing it with you or mailing it in to Hope Lutheran Church. How is this different from my tithe? Please continue to give your weekly tithe, so we can continue to do the vital ministry of Hope. When there is an opportunity like Walk by Faith, God asks us to go above and beyond our normal weekly gifts to the Church. PLEDGE TO GIVE After praying about your Walk by Faith Campaign commitment please follow these steps: 42 7

8 Trusting God s Provision Acts 14:17 NIV Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. 1Timothy 6:17 NIV Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Ann Voskamp wrote a book called One Thousand Gifts. It helps the reader better recognize all that God so richly provides for us and the power of gratitude to live fully and joyfully right where we are. A good exercise is to inventory in your mind or on paper all of the blessings God has given to you. As you do, you ll notice that most of the things that you put on that list, as wonderful as they are will be temporal gifts. Now start at the foot of the cross and list out every eternal and spiritual blessing God has provided for you that will never be taken from you. If He has provided you with all of those eternal gifts, you can surely trust Him to provide the temporal things. Reflection Question: When you inventory your life, do you look more at what you have or what you lack? sacrifice to the Lord an offering that cost me nothing. (2 Samuel 24:24) 4. Decide whether you will give by reason or by revelation. When I give based on reason, I simply look at how much I have, figure out a reasonable amount to give, and then commit to give that amount. This method is the most common way people give to charities. It is an act of unselfishness, but it requires no faith, and no sacrifice, so there s no room for a miracle. Reason simply asks, What can I afford to give? In contrast, when I give based on revelation, I pray, Lord, what do you want to give through me? I allow my faith to lead the way. The Bible says, Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) That s why God honored the people of Macedonia: They gave not only what they could afford, they gave even more than they could afford! (2 Corinthians 8:3) God moves in powerful ways to demonstrate His faithfulness to us. 5. If married and/or have family be sure to discuss and pray together. Be in agreement with your spouse and teach your children about faith and the blessing of sacrificial giving to the Lord. Ask everyone to suggest creative ideas for reducing expenses, increasing income, or selling personal items in order to contribute more. Read these Bible promises and instructions together and make a list of what you learn from reading God s Word. Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-12, 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, Matthew 6:

9 A GUIDE TO DISCERNING GOD S WILL According to your faith, it will be done to you. (Matthew 9:29) The most important decision you or your family will make during our Walk by Faith campaign will be your own giving commitment. How will you know what God wants you to give? As you pray about it, remember that giving is about Equal sacrifice, not equal gifts. Don t compare your commitment with anyone else s. This is between you and God. Prayer: Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see all the gifts He has provided spiritually, relationally and materially. Scripture: Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Here are some practical steps to help you to seek clarity and wisdom in your decision. 1. Pray this every day: Lord, show me how to give in a way that stretches and builds my faith more than ever. I trust you for a miracle. God is more interested in you trusting Him than in the amount you commit to give. As you pray daily, God will reveal the amount that you can give. 2. Don t rush your decision. Spend time alone with God each day so you can hear what He is telling you. As you seek His will, God will grow your faith and you will come closer and closer to what He wants to do in your heart. 3. Remember equal sacrifice, not equal gifts. Obviously, everyone in our church family doesn t have the ability to give the same amount. God doesn t expect that. However, God does want all of us to make a genuine sacrifice for Him. which will be different for each of us. King David said: I will not 40 9

10 Trusting God s Peace Acts 10:36 NIV You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Colossians 3:15 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. While they were still talking about this (the resurrection appearance of Jesus), Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. Luke 24:36 We live in a world that is anything but peaceful. Just recently we saw the horror of Las Vegas shootings. The peace Jesus gives is an inner peace that a sinful world can never take away. Jesus died on a cross so that our sins are forgiven and we can have peace with God. Jesus rose from the dead and conquered the grave so that we can have absolute peace that on the other side what awaits us is not hell, but heaven. Jesus gave us a calling and a purpose so that we can have peace that our lives don t have to be futile, but fruitful. Peace of forgiven sin, peace of eternal life, peace of God s perfect plan...these are just some of the promises of peace that God gives through Christ. Reflection Question: What peace from God do you 10 39

11 Reflection Question: What promises from God do I need to hold on to today so as to stay faithful? Prayer: Lord God, keep me in the faith and help me to always keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith. To God be the glory. need most today? Prayer: Lord, how I need you, every hour I need you. When storms and fears rage all around may I know it is well with my soul. Scripture: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4 The righteous person will live by his faithfulness

12 Trusting God Through Pain 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NIV We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. James 5:11 NIV As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. If you are born into this world you will suffer in this world. Everyone will experience criticism, loneliness, discouragement, pain and possibly even worse forms of suffering. Why does God allow for these things to happen? An important reason is to build in us faith and character. Did Jesus suffer? In every way human beings can suffer! God brought infinite good through His suffering. Through your suffering God will teach you to: 1. Rely on Him This happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 2. Help others He comforts us through all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble 2 Corinthians 1:4. 12 some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor s crown. God promises blessings in this life and the next when we walk by faith. 3. Faithful people are hard to find: Proverbs 20:6a Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? We walk by faith not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7 Trusting God to Live Faithfully for Him Psalm 12:1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. A lot of people say they have faith in God, but when things get tough in their finances, health or their job, instead of seeking God, they doubt or blame God for their troubles. 4. Those who walk by faith have the ultimate victory: 1 John 5:4-5 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Stay faithful to the Lord because He has given you the victory! 37

13 Trusting God to Live Faithfully for Him 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 3. Draw closer to other believers. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:11 So in faith refuse to be discouraged for God is with you, He is for you, He is working in and through you. Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The Bible says some important things about those who walk by faith: 1. The Lord looks for faithfulness: 2 Chronicles 16:9 God is actively looking for people who walk by faith so that He can use them. If we make ourselves available God will use us for His glory. 2. The Lord rewards faithfulness: 1 Samuel 26:23 The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord s anointed. Matthew 25:23 His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master s happiness! Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put 36 13

14 Trusting God Through Pain Reflection Question: What is God teaching you through your suffering? Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I experience suffering, keep me focused on you and the strength you promise to give. Reflection Question: Have you received God s gift of grace? Do you live in it each day? Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I receive your gift of grace to save me from my sins, to hold me in your love, to mold me to be more like Christ and to show me your glory. Scripture: Hebrews 12:5 See to it that no one misses the grace of God. Scripture: James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all

15 Trusting in God s Grace Alone Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. John 1:16 NIV Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. Grace is what we need most. Deep down in the quiet dark of night we know we have not lived up to our own standards of goodness, love and holiness let alone God s standard. Because of our brokenness, weakness and lostness, we can t come to God, so God came to us in Christ. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. And because Christ lives, grace lives. Grace for your every wrong, grace for your everyday, grace for your every fear, grace for your every challenge, grace for salvation, grace for living, grace for dying, grace for eternity Grace equals Jesus. Jesus equals grace. Grace lives because He does, works because He works and matters because He matters. To be saved by grace is to be saved by Him not an idea, not a creed, not a doctrine, not a church membership, not by good deeds, but by Jesus Himself who will enfold into His arms anyone who will receive His gift of grace through faith

16 Trusting God Is at Work Colossians 2:15 NIV And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Romans 8:25 NIV But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. work of Jesus death and resurrection for me, or am I still trying to save myself to be acceptable to God? Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith I ask that you would receive and accept me not for anything I have done, but because of everything Christ has done for me. Scripture: Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. When you look at the evil and suffering in the world and you experience suffering in your own life it is easy to doubt that God is working at all. No matter how bad the situation may seem, the Bible says God is still in charge and working for the good of all who love Him. If you want to see God at work remember these truths: The Holy Spirit is praying for you. Romans 8:26 God is always for you. Romans 8:31 God works in all things for your good, including suffering. Romans 8:28 God will give you what you need. Romans 8:32 Anyone can say they have faith and love God when it is nothing but sunshine and rainbows, but only a strong faith can declare through your darkness and rain, Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him. Job 3:15 Reflection Question: When you experience trials do 16 33

17 Trusting In Christ Alone 1 Timothy 2:5 NIV For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,... John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Deep down we all think we can be our own Savior. Ever since Adam and Eve bought into Satan s lie that they could be like God. Mankind s default mode is to save himself. We must recognize that our main sin, the sin underneath the rest of our sins, is our self-salvation project. That through our good deeds, our moral goodness, our achievements, our family or career, even our diligent involvement in church we can earn our salvation, but Jesus says, you must lose your life (pride, ego, yourself) in order to find it in Him. Receiving salvation as a gift requires humility. We must admit that we can t save ourselves. That is humbling to admit. We must repent of our pride in order to see the necessity and grace of Christ. To believe in Christ is to receive Him, His finished work, His grace, His complete forgiveness, His eternal life, His perfect life, to believe that He has done it all and you do nothing but receive it all through faith. It is a gift that is both exclusive only Jesus can give it, yet all-inclusive because it is a gift offered to all. you focus on the trial or your God? Prayer: Lord God, please take this cup of suffering from me, but not my will be done but yours. Scripture: John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Reflection Question: Have I trusted in the finished 32 17

18 Faith Is Confidence In God Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. When you get into an airplane you trust that it s going to fly and not drop out of the sky. You can t see all of the forces and power that make an airplane fly, forces like thrust, drag, lift and gravity. We can t see them but trust that they are at work. We have seen that they have worked in the past. The planes were faithful in the past. That s a little bit like faith in God. We can t see all of His forces at work. We may not see heartache that He has protected us from, future success that He is currently pruning us for or doors He is preparing to open for us. God is bigger than any force there is and He controls them all, so we put our confidence in Him. Faith isn t just a far away wish that God will take care of us, provide for us, protect us, fulfill His promises to us, faith is confidence and assurance in what we don t see. Reflection Question: What can t you see right now, but know is true? 18 31

19 Prayer: Dear God, help us to have confidence in you, faith in what we can t yet see. Scripture: Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded

20 Trusting God to Grow You God s inspired Word to us and the only authoritative truth to build our life and salvation upon. For the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation deliver to us our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. 1 Corinthians 3:7 NIV So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. John 15:4-5 NIV Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. When you look at all of the rest of the created order, growth takes time. From trees to babies, nothing gets tall and strong overnight. Spiritual growth is no different. It takes time. Jesus said that if we abide in Him we will bear fruit but fruit ripens slowly, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Reflection Question: Am I submitted to the authority of God s Word? We walk by faith not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7 Trusting God to Make a Stand Prayer: Lord God, may your Word be a lamp for my feet and a light for my path that I may always follow Christ no matter what the cost. Scripture: Acts 5:29 Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than human beings! If you are not seeing as much fruit as you like, here are things that are essential to your growth: 1. Abide in Jesus by taking in God s Word. When you read God s Word, it gives essential nutrients to your spiritual life so you can trust that God will bear fruit. 2. Cooperate with God as He prunes. Praise God for the work He is doing in your life pruning the dead, sinful things and cutting back the 20 29

21 Trusting God to Make a Stand Acts 4:18-20 NIV Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, Which is right in God s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. good things so you can have the best. John 15:2 3. Pray through the produce. The Holy Spirit bears the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Galatians 5:22-23 Ask God to bear these more and more in you. Psalm 119:114 NIV You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your Word. On April 18, 1521 Dr. Martin Luther stood before Emperor Charles V and other officials of the church, which in that day, had the power of life and death over Luther. They wanted him to recant of his writing which identified numerous errors in the official teaching of the Roman Catholic Church at that time. The errors violated the very essence of the Gospel which is, that a person is saved only by God s grace alone, through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Knowing that he could very well be burned at the stake for his profession of faith, Luther said, Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen. Paul warned for the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine...they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 May we also always stand on the truth that the Bible is 28 21

22 Trusting God to Grow You Reflection Question: When and where have you seen the greatest spiritual growth that God has produced in you this past year. Prayer: Lord God, feed my soul through your Word and produce more fruit of the Spirit in my life. Reflection Question: Where is my heart with regards to generosity? Prayer: Lord God help me to receive everything as a gift from you and let it overflow into the lives of others. Scripture: Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing

23 Trusting God to be Generous 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. What an amazing promise! People often misrepresent this verse as a promise to get rich quick monetarily. First and foremost, God wants to make you rich in faith so that you can give generously to others your witness, time, kindness, love and yes, material blessings. You give to others because you are grateful God first gave Jesus to you. God doesn t bless us so that we can be greedy. He blesses us so that we can be a blessing. We want to be a river not a reservoir. God gives to us so we can give away, so He can give, so we can give away, so He can give and on and on it goes. When you give (and serving is a great way of giving), you are expressing your love for God and for others. And your generosity results in people being thankful to God. To give ourselves away does not make sense in the kingdom of this world, but in the Kingdom of God, with the cross of Christ at the center, it makes perfect sense. For God so loved the world that He gave. John 3:

24 Trusting God for More Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,... John 14:12 NIV Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. God, who is at work in you, to do more? Prayer: Lord God, you are able, I am not. Please do a mighty work in me and give me faith to step out in obedience. Scripture: Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. God is eternal. God is infinite. With Him there is always more. More love for you, more grace for you, more power for you, more peace for you, more life for you. How do you receive God s more for you? First, trust Him enough to ask for it. You do not have because you do not ask, the Bible says. This doesn't mean that God is a divine vending machine to get anything we want. It means when we are in God s will, abiding in Christ, we will know what to ask for and God will answer. Second, believe God s Word and promises. He says, I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 Third make sure it is beyond what you can do in your own strength. That way God, who is at work within us will get all the glory and not us. You will not want to take any credit for it, but humbly give God all the praise. Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need 24 25