Faith & FAITFULNESS

Hello Friends,

Last Sunday we were reminded that it’s one thing to know a lot about the Bible and another thing to actually live out what it teaches. That’s why the Christian life isn’t just about knowledge. It’s when our acts of faith intersect with God’s faithfulness that our faith grows.

I had several New Hopers approach me after the services this weekend and ‘confess’ that their problem isn’t ‘knowing a lot about the Bible.’ Their challenge is reading the Bible. Personally I have found YouVersion to be very helpful. YouVersion offers countless Bible translations, forums, a super sweet one-year Bible reading plan, and it uploads nicely onto my iPhone.

Let me encourage you to keep moving forward in your faith and don't get discouraged about what you haven't covered--the real goal is to have consistent time in God's Word every day. From Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders, this past weekend we discovered that hearing, reading and even learning are not enough. The value is in the application, because, in the end, it’s obedience that makes all the difference.

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We throw the "grow" word around a good bit. Specifically, we talk about a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. But what exactly does that mean? What exactly is growing?

Your faith in God matters to God. In fact, God is most honored through your living, active, death-defying, out-of-the-box faith. God is committed to growing your faith — BIG. The premise of our current weekend series is that there are five things God uses to grow our faith.
• Practical Bible Teaching
• Providential Relationships
• Private Disciplines
• Personal Ministry
• Pivotal Circumstances

This weekend Pastor Ray will be continuing our FIVE THINGS series by looking at the role Providential Relationships play in our spiritual growth. If you are like most people, you can't tell your life story without referencing people who played significant roles along the way.

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How do we step out in faith when the future seems so uncertain? Recently I read an article by Pastor Rick Warren where he suggests the Bible gives three timeless principles for facing uncertain times.

1. Set goals according to God’s direction. It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future – and he’s eager to guide you through it.
The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do?”

2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! In addition to writing the song IMAGINE, John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34).

3. Don’t procrastinate. Do it now! “Don’t boast about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days.” But “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans … to give you a future and a hope … You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest” Jeremiah 29:11, 13.

No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next few days or week, let alone next year. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses. But, as we continue to TRUST God’s faithfulness and plan for our lives, His words and promises come alive, we experience His presence personally, and our faith continues to grow.

Peace,

Pastor Brent

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