The Importance of Faith

Nov 8, 2014 The Importance of Faith by Rick Warren “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”  (2 Chronicles 16:9a NLT) The Bible tells us three things about the importance of faith. God is looking for faithful people.God is physically, visibly, actively, taking the initiative to look for faithful people that he can bless. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (NLT). This has been one of my life verses, and I’ve learned that if you make yourself usable, God will wear you out. If you get blessable, he will bless your socks off! (That’s why I don’t wear socks.) God is looking for faithful people that he can use. Faithful people are hard to find.The Bible says in Proverbs 20:6, “Everyone talks about how faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (GNT) A lot of people talk the talk, but they don’t really trust God. They trust their credit card instead. They say they believe in God, but they don’t really trust him when it comes to their finances, health, or job. Psalm 53:2-3 says this: “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!” (NLT) Faithfulness is the key to blessing and victory. 1 John 5:4-5 says, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” The Bible says in Proverbs 28:20, “A faithful man will have many blessings”(HCSB). I want your life to have many blessings. But in order for you to have that blessing, you’re going to have to learn faithfulness. God tests your faithfulness in different ways. Will you let him grow you in this area so that you can be a man or woman of faith? Talk About It What do you think are some ways that God tests our faithfulness? Who are the people you look up to because you consider them faithful people — people who are full of faith for the Lord? What attributes do they have in common? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFtOEzVU1UI Don't Give it Up! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22, ESV TODAY'S WORD: Throughout life, there will always be something that will try to take our joy. If it’s not a grumpy sales person, it’s a family member aggravating you, traffic is backed up, your flight got delayed, or your spouse is taking too long! Don’t go the next 20 years allowing the same people and same circumstances to frustrate you. Change your approach. What’s upsetting you now doesn’t have to upset you anymore. You can choose to keep your cool and stay calm and steady. Remember, a relaxed attitude is going to lengthen your life. The next time you’re tempted to be upset, ask yourself, “Is this really worth me giving up my joy?”  If you’ll make this decision to not give away your joy, to live each day happy, God promises you’ll be strong, you’ll have better relationships and you’ll accomplish more. He says a joyful heart is good medicine! Hold on to your joy and move forward into the abundant life God has in store! PRAYER FOR TODAY: Father, today I will hold on to joy! I choose to live each day with peace and happiness. I choose to rely on Your strength and Your Word which guides my every step. I love You and thank You for loving and directing me in Jesus’ name. Amen.