Day 180: Gotta Have Faith

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Mark 11:24

I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.

Matthew 21:22

You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."

Sometimes the only thing we can do is have faith, sometimes our faith is all we have to lean on. As christians our entire “belief system’ is set up by faith, we choose to believe in what we cannot see. We choose to believe in a God that never fails and a God that remains faithful. It is through faith that we are able to connect with and have a relationship with God. It is through faith when we pray that we receive what it is we are asking for. Our faith is what moves God, we cannot pray empty prayers, when we pray we must believe in who we are praying to, and believe that everything we pray for God will answer. We can pray but if we don’t have faith then what’s the use. The bible says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (matthew 17:20). I don’t know if you’ve seen a mustard seed before, but it’s tiny, it’s like the size of a chia seed. Jesus isn’t asking for a lot, I believe that Jesus is telling us, you don’t have to have all the faith in the world but just have some faith. Have a little bit of faith, that’s all you need and I’ll take it from there.

I truly believe that in order for our faith to grow we must exercise it. We have to take a chance on God and trust that He is who He says He is and watch how everything unfolds. We just have to believe, we have to step out say ‘God I don’t know what you’re doing but I have faith in you, I trust you.’ Because He is the one true God. I’ve experienced God’s faithfulness and I know it to be true, but I couldn’t experience God’s faithfulness if I didn’t choose to have faith in Him and His word. Each time I put my faith in God He has come through, every single time. He has never failed me. The more I put my faith in Him, the more my faith grew. I’ve also learned not to use my faith as a last resort. I’ve learned to have faith from the very beginning, to go in with faith. Not waiting until I’m all out of strength and at my wits end, and then go to God. No God has taught me to have faith in Him in every season of my life, not just when I need Him to really come through for me. Now don’t get me wrong, there will be times in our life where we have to exercise our faith more, but don’t ever lose it. Have faith in God even when things are going good. Faith isn’t just for the moments when we’ve lost all hope. Faith in God is what gives us hope.

All this to say, sometimes you just gotta have faith. Many times it’s the only answer. There have been many times in my life when the only way I can explain things that have happened is by saying that I have faith in God. You just, gotta have faith.

Reflection

1. Do you have faith in God?
2. At what times in your life do you find yourself exercises your faith the most?
3. Has God ever failed you? Explain.
4. If your answer to the above question is yes, I want you to know that God never fails, Even when it feels like it, even when it feels like He has turned His back. He will never leave nor forsake you, and God does not fail. Everything He does, He does for a reason. Give Him another chance.

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above questions guide your prayer today. Talk to God about faith and ask Him to help you strengthen your faith.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 181!

Day 176: One Heart, One Soul, One Love- Day 6

Deuteronomy 7:21

You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.

Recently there was a terrorist attack at the venue where Ariana Grande was having her concert. The attack claimed the lives of many people including an eight year old. THe attack was the deadliest UK attack since 2005. It devastated and scared a nation, and was devastating all over the world. However what Ariana Grande did to give back to this country was nothing less than beautiful. Although one performance seemed to take the cake, and that is Justin Bieber’s performance. Where he reassured the people of this country that God is always in the midst. He stood on the stage of a stadium and declared that even in all this havoc and trouble, he won't let go of God. And i quote,

“God is good in the midst of the darkness. God is good in the midst of the evil. God is in the midst, no matter what’s happening in the world. God is in the midst and He loves you. He’s here for you.”

-Justin Bieber

In all the craziness that goes on in the world we should be reminded that God is in the midst. Even when darkness seems to take over, God is the light that breaks it up. There is a hope in Jesus that we must hold on to. We can’t let go of hope because sometimes it’s the only thing getting us out of bed in the morning. I know things are crazy and people are suffering all over the world. One of the most conflicting questions I get is, “If God is so good why do bad things happen?” or “Why are there children starving all over the world.” “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s conflicting because sometimes I honestly have the same questions, but I know that God is good I know that even though bad things happen God is in the midst. I know that He has a plan. I know that all the bad in the world is a result of the fall, when sin entered the world through man. With that being said, bad things happen, and they happen to good people. But, whatever happens God is in the midst. I am reminded of Jesus and the disciples and how they suffered for the gospel. How they were martyrs and find hope because there is satisfaction and peace in eternity with Christ. So all we have to do is survive the world all we have to do is thrive here now through the good, bad, and the ugly and eternity will be more peaceful and fulfilling than we could ever imagine. We must have faith in that, and find comfort in knowing that even though the world can be evil and corrupt, we serve a good and incorruptible God.

Response/Prayer Time

Respond however you feel led, and pray through that response. Talk to God about what we discussed today. Take the time to open your heart to Him and talk to Him. As this series comes to a close, pray for the world, pray for humanity and pray for yourself.

I love you and I want you to have an amazing day or evening. Keep me in your prayers and I will pray for you. I love you. Make sure you come back tomorrow for Day 177!

Day 161: The Beauty of Unity

Psalms 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One of my favorite things in the world to see is when people come together. It is a beautiful sight and a beautiful feeling, from church to concerts and music festivals, and peaceful rallies and protests. There is nothing like people coming together for the greater good. There is power in numbers and there is beauty in unity. There is nothing more beautiful than when God’s people come together in worship. This is why I love attending conferences where people of all ages, races, lifestyles, shapes, and sizes come together under one roof to glorify God, to worship together and build relationships, praying for one another. It’s beautiful.

There is also something beautiful about the smaller crowds, the scripture says that when two or three come together there He is. We don’t always have to be in big rooms and huge crowds. Some of the greatest moments I’ve had is with a few people in a room, where we’re praying together and worshipping together, pouring into one another. It is such an amazing feeling and sight to not only see it but to be a part of it.

I remember about a year ago, going to a new church, meaning not only was I new to the church, the church was just starting. A few of my friends from my school also attended this church. But the same group of us also attended the same small group and one evening started out as a bible study and turned into a night of prayer, prophecy, crying, and worship. There were about ten to fifteen of us in this room, from all over the world and country, there were two people from Africa, 5 people from London, two from California, and three from New Jersey, and a few more. What was so amazing about this night was seeing how God brought us all together from around the world for that specific night. I felt like I was in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. That night, lifetime friendships and bonds were formed. That night lives were changed and hearts were turned. It all happened because we decided to come together as one and be with God. I would love to share the full story of what happened that night but it is too much to write at the moment.  

When God’s people come together wonderful things happen. I’ve heard so many people talk about the division in the church or the division amongst Christians. But when I see the church I do not see division, I see people who are all a part of one body, serving one God. I see people loving each other unconditionally, and coming together every Sunday around the world to worship Him. There is no division in that. I see people coming together throughout the week to learn more about the word of God and tell people of His love. I see people loving like Christ, living like Christ. I see unity. Yes, there is are some division in the church but the unity of God’s people overpowers the division that tries to separate us.

I go to school in Philadelphia the city of brotherly love, a city founded on biblical principals. We as Christians are called to live a life full of love, we are called to love our neighbors. We are part of one body and we work better together, There are many things we can do on our own, but there is nothing like coming together as a united front. The body of Christ cannot be separated and still function as one. If anyone needs to live in unity right now it is us, It is Christians, followers of Christ, it is the people who know that there is a hope beyond what we can see. It is pleasant to God when He sees His people living in unity. So let’s not just come together on Sundays but let’s live in unity with our brothers and sisters every day of our lives.

They say music is the one thing that can bring the world together. Let’s change that, let us, as the church and body of Christ bring people together. Whether it be through music, art, or any outlet we have. We can use what we have to bring unity to this world.

Prayer Time

Take the time today to pray for unity amongst the body of Christ. Pray for someone other than yourself today. Pray for the church, and that division will cease amongst God’s people.

I love you, I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 162!