Speak to your challenge

“Every problem, enemy, trial or obstacle we face is a mountain that can be overcome by our faith.” Pastor Wendell Smith

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17

• Hearing the Word Initiates Faith
• Speaking the Word Activates Faith
• Doing the Word Demonstrates Faith – Pastor Steven Furtick

Here’s a great Bible study to help you pray and in prayer learn the value of speaking with faith to your challenges.

Please pause to look up and read each passage listed and glance at my summary or questions. Make your own observations. Ask yourself about how you can apply that truth. Then set out a plan to do one thing about it.

Here’s a few questions to ask:

What do you hear? What do you see? What do you think? How do you feel?  …about what you’re reading.

What truth do you see/hear? What is being said? What principle can be used?  …in what you’re reading.

How does this make a difference? Why does this matter?  …in your life.

  Below the verses listed you will find a couple more questions to consider.

Proverbs 18:21  My tongue can bring death or life. What I say will bring consequences, good or bad.

Psalms 19:14  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to God, my redeemer.

Matthew 12:33-37  My words come from my heart. They will either acquit me or condemn me.

Romans 10:8-10  With my heart I believe and with my mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2 Corinthians 4:13  I believe in God so I speak. This is the same kind of faith that David had.

Isaiah 21:6  God wants me to be alert and to speak about what I see.

Daniel 4:2  It’s a good idea for me to speak about the good things that God has done for me.

Mark 11:22-25  Having faith in God, I can say to my mountain, “Move!” and it will happen. I must not doubt and I must forgive anyone I’m holding a grudge against so that my Father God will forgive me too.

Matthew 17:20  Even with a little faith, I can speak to my challenge and see change because nothing is impossible for God!

Ezekiel 36  I can speak to my challenges and enemies. Father God will restore His faithful children.

Zechariah 4:6-7  As I speak blessing to God’s work, He will declare it finished not by force of strength but by His Spirit. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in my way.

Joshua 14:10-12  There is a time for me to claim what God has promised, to ask for it, and to take action.

Romans 12:21  I will not be overcome by evil, but I will overcome evil by doing good.

1 John 5:4  Every child of God defeats the evil in this world, achieving this through our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:57  I thank God! He gives victory over sin and death through Jesus.

From Pastor Wendell Smith we have the following advice about facing a challenge that looks like a mountain:

1. Get in shape for mountains. Make certain you are walking in right relationship with God and others, with holiness and love. 1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 11:25  Be a faithful believer, giver, church member, intercessor, and lover of others.
2. Consult the mountain guide. Guard your confession and align it with the Bible. Matthew 7:24; James 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15
3. Identify your mountains. Speak words from the Bible to your obstacles. Mark 11:23; Joel 3:10  Mountains of poverty, debt, sickness, weakness, division, bitterness, grief, confusion, difficulty, rebellion, or unbelief will move by faith!

Declare: “Mountain of _______ I come to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and command you to obey God’s Word which says, _______! I forbid you to interfere with my life anymore. From now on, you will move out of my way and the will of God shall be done in my life.”

Pray for the end of slavery

• I believe that slavery must come to an end.
• I believe that as a Christian I am not allowed to shrink back from taking action on this issue.
• I believe that nothing is impossible with God.

Today an estimated 29.8 million people are held in slavery, more than ever before in human history, 72% live in Asia and 99% never rescued.

Trafficking in women is the 2nd largest global organized crime. Average age of each slave is getting younger. 1 in 100,000 European Traffickers are ever convicted. Convictions for the trafficking of children for the purpose of sexual slavery is 2nd only to illegal drug convictions, in the USA.

What can we do? This is a problem that seems huge. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. We need to break it down to small bite size pieces, live in Christian community such as small groups, stand with our local church and the church at large, and take hope that we serve a BIG God! Then we need to ask God what He is asking us to do.

From that point we can consider a variety of different responses.

1. Learn – if we become more aware of the issue we will find ways to get involved. Watch the Freedom Film or Call + Response. Did you know that India has 14 million slaves? Did you know that 20% of the population of Mauritania lives in slavery? Did you know that there are children in your city forced into sexual slavery? Did you know that the Super Bowl is consistently the weekend grossing the most profit from sexual slavery? Did you know that human trafficking generates more than $32 billion a year? Did you know that the average international cost of a slave is $90? How many slaves work for you? Slavery Footprint can tell you. They have an app for your smart phone or you can go to Slavery Footprint

2. Be Alert – if we are watching for at risk children and/or victims in our daily life, it will help. Some recent cases of trafficking rings broken up started with a citizen noticing something amiss.

3. Volunteer – the non-profits listed above are just a few of the many places you can volunteer to help end slavery. You may also be able to help deliver some of the content they provide to schools to educate kids on safety measures. They may need help restoring a house to be used as a shelter. You may find that stuffing envelopes is a need. There are countless ways to volunteer. You can also support the effort of the A21 Campaign, End Slavery Now, Araminta Freedom, Polaris Project, and the IJM.

4. Pray – the easiest and most effective thing you can do to bring change is to ask God for an end to slavery. Below you will find suggestions for how to pray from our friends at The A21 Campaign.

Pray for the Victims, for their:

•Strength & Salvation Ps 138:7, Is 40:29

•Freedom Protection Justice Ps 82:3, 103:6

•Hope & Healing Ps 40:1-2 Jer 30:17 31:17

Pray for the Traffickers:

•Conviction Repentance Salvation Is 55:7, Rom 5:6-8, 2 Tim 2:25

•Dismantled Criminal Networks Ps 7:9      Ps 37:17, 37:20

•Arrested & Prosecuted Is 16:4 Jer 22:3

Pray for the Governments:

•Corruption to Cease Dt 16:19 Amos 5:12

•Just Legislation Prov 8:15, 29:4 Neh 9:13

•Wisdom in Alliances 1Ki 3:12 Prov 3:21

Pray for the Church:

•To Prevail Is 60:1-2 Mt 5:13-14, 16:18

•Advocates & Workers Ps 94:16 Prov 31:8

•Unite against Injustice Ps 133 Jn 17:23

Pray for the Organizations:

•Favor Ps 5:12, 90:17 Lk 2:52

•Wisdom Prov 4:7, 16:16 James 1:5

•Provision Dt 28:12 Ps 111:5 2 Cor 9:8

Pray Against Root Causes:

•Poverty Prov 14:21 Is 58:7, 61:1

•Greed Joel 3:3-6 Lk 12:15  1Tim 6:10a

•Prejudice Gen 1:27 Ps 45:9 Gal 3:28

Pray for Increased Awareness:

•Reality of Trafficking Unveiled Mk 4:22 Lk 12:2 Eph 5:13

•Strategies to Raise Awareness Ps 25:4 Prov 3:5-6 Is 55:9

•People Stirred to Action Is 58:6-7 James 1:22, 2:16-17

In closing, I would strongly suggest that you read these verses aloud and take great faith in a great God who can do anything!

• Thank God, who gives victory over sin and death through Jesus. 1 Cor 15:57
• I will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph 6:10
• I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
• God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
• I will overcome my enemies because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

“Our lives begin to end the day that we become silent about things that matter.” – Pastor Dr Martin Luther King Jr

“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Pastor Dr Martin Luther King Jr

God is our strength

God is our source of strength. When we need energy and endurance our God supplies it. Our God does not have a limited supply. Our God is not weak. We can draw from Him every day. We can rely on our Father God without fail. When we are weak He is strong. Life changing joy is available through Jesus. True staying power can be found in our God.

Here’s a great Bible study to help you say, “God is my strength!”

Please pause to look up and read each passage listed and glance at my summary or questions. Make your own observations. Ask yourself about how you can apply that truth. Then set out a plan to do one thing about it.

Here’s a few questions to ask:

What do you hear? What do you see? What do you think? How do you feel?  …about what you’re reading.

What truth do you see/hear? What is being said? What principle can be used?  …in what you’re reading.

How does this make a difference? Why does this matter?  …in your life.

  Below the verses listed you will find a couple more questions to consider.

2 Timothy 2:1 I can be strong through the grace that God gives me in Jesus.

Habakkuk 3:19 God is my strength.

Isaiah 40:29-31 God gives strength to the powerless. Those who trust God will find new strength.

Isaiah 41:10 God will strengthen and help you.

Isaiah 45:24 God is the source of my strength.

Isaiah 58:11 God will guide you and restore your strength.

Psalm 138:3 God encourages me by giving me strength.

Haggai 2:4 Be strong for I am with you.

Daniel 11:32 People who know God will be strong.

Psalm 29:11 God gives His people strength. He blesses them with peace.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So I will not fear.

Psalm 73:26 My health may fail, and my spirit grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart.

Psalm 71, 61 God is my strong tower of refuge.

Psalm 105:4 Search for the Lord and for His strength continually seek Him.

Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Romans 8:11-13 If the Spirit of God lives in me, He will give life to my body through Jesus.

Hebrews 11:34 Our weakness can be turned to strength.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 When I am weak, then I am strong.

How do you apply that to your life? What can you do about that this week?

Faith Yes Fear No

Did you know that the Bible has 365 mentions of either “Don’t Worry” or “Fear Not”? That’s right one for every day of the year!

Here’s a great Bible study to help you say, “Faith Yes! Fear No!”

Please pause to look up and read each passage listed and glance at my summary or questions. Make your own observations. Ask yourself about how you can apply that truth. Then set out a plan to do one thing about it.

Matthew 9:18-29 Jesus rewards faith

What do you notice? How can we apply that?

1 Peter 5:8-9  I know that I am not alone, while standing in faith.

2 Chronicles 20:20  When I have faith in God I will be able to stand firm and succeed.

James 2:23  What can we learn about faith from this? How do we apply that to our lives?

I believe God, and it will be a credit showing that I am in right relationship with God & others. I will be called a friend of God.

 

2 Timothy 1:7  What do we learn about fear from this? How do we apply that?

God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 

Psalm 23:4  What do we learn from this? How do we apply that?

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me,

Psalm 56:11  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can people do to me?

 

Mark 9:24  A conflict within faith is to be expected and we are to ask for God’s help. “I believe. Help me in my unbelief.”

 

2 Thessalonians 1:3  What can faith do? My faith can grow, “growing”

 

Jude 1:20  We can build each other up in faith.

Hebrews 12:2  I’m looking to Jesus, who started and will complete my faith, because He is now with the Father.

I will be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or discouraged. For God is with me wherever I go. Joshua 1:9

He will cover me. I will take refuge. I will not be afraid. Psalm 91:4-6

I will not fear bad news; I will confidently trust God to care for me. I will be confident and fearless. Psalm 112:7-8

I will follow the example of the faith of my spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:7

I will follow the example of those who inherit what God has promised, through faith & patience. Hebrews 6:12

Jesus wants me to have faith for big change. Removing doubt and unforgiveness is a must. Mark 11:22-25

Coffee faith and dangerous prayer

Ask God for BIG action on issues beyond your reach. Then plan at least one simple step of action that you can take toward the solution. “God bring my friend to salvation.” …then buy them coffee, ask questions, listen, & be a good friend. Offer to help them in some way.

“If I ask for others, but want to wait until God has made me so rich that it is no sacrifice or act of faith to aid them, I will not receive an answer. My prayer will be heard if I can say that I have already asked for help for a needy friend. Even though I don’t have what I need, I have already begun the work of love, because I know I have a Friend who will help me. We do not know how effective this plea is. When the friendship of earth looks in its need to the friendship of heaven, ‘He will give him whatever he needs.’

But we do not always get what we ask for all at once. The one way in which man can honor and enjoy his God is through faith. Intercession (praying for others) is part of faith’s training school. There our friendship with men and with God is tested. It is seen whether our friendship with the needy is so real that we would sacrifice our rest and go even at midnight to obtain what they needed. Our friendship with God should be so clear that we can depend on Him not to turn us away, therefore continuing to pray until He answers.” – Andrew Murray “With Christ in the School of Prayer”

This well describes much of our experience in Baltimore.

It’s time for each of us to Dream Big and Think Small.

What can God do in any seemingly hopeless situation?

What can God do?

Whatever He wants! There is nothing to hard for our God!

How does God want me, or you, involved in the situation?

What would God have you do today?

It’s time to ask the question, listen for the answer, and take action.

It’s time for coffee, faith, and a dangerous prayer.

Faith is

“Faith is the steadfast courage, confidence, and assurance that what we believe is true.”

Faith is the…substance, confidence, assurance of things hoped for, the conviction/evidence of things not yet seen. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1

Faith is not:

•Fantasy

•Superstition

•My Ideas

Our faith must be focused on God alone.

Our faith helps us confidently put our trust in a huge God who can handle any obstacle. Read Proverbs 3:5-10 I will not rely upon, focus on, live by: my thoughts, feelings, understanding of circumstances.  “I trust YOU with all I’ve got.”

Hope is a desire. Faith is a demonstration.

•See the invisible.

•Believe the impossible.

•Overcome the obstacles.

In other words:

1. See what God sees.
2. Agree with what He says.
3. Act on it.

Faith is diligently seeking Him, knowing that He is a good God and a wonderful Rewarder of those who do.

Generating more faith in your life, growing, increasing, ..a faith that really works:

1. Word – read the Bible until it pops out at you, rhema. Rom 10:17
2. Trust – Trust God Prov 3:5 whatever He says to you, do it. Jn 2:5
3. Confess – Speak the Word of God to your situation Rom 10:8-10 James 3:2 Prov 18:21 Mk 11:22-25
4. Reward – He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him with faith! Heb 6:12; 10:36; 11:6

Building a case in prayer results in this:

• Changing your heart
• Activating your faith
• Developing your confidence in God’s Word and character

You will learn to pray with: Patience & Persistence in Practical & Specific ways and then you will expect answers to prayer…and you will recognize them when you see them!

“Hope is a wonderful thing; it is vision for the future and expectation of good for our lives. But some of us never move from hope to faith. Faith alone creates substance out of our hopes and dreams.”

“Faith is what pleases God, believing that He exists and is presently and actively involved in our lives or situation.”

“Faith is diligently seeking Him, knowing that He is a good God and a wonderful rewarder of those who do.”

“…by simply focusing on His nature and attributes instead of our problems and obstacles, the bigger God became in our eyes, the smaller our predicaments were, and the quicker we found fulfillment in His purposes.”

– Pastor Wendell Smith “Great Faith”

…without it, we find it impossible to please God. We must instead believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6  God rewards faith. “because of your faith,” Matthew 9:22,29; 15:28

Recommended Books:

Great Faith – Wendell Smith

The Circle Maker – Mark Batterson

Crazy Love – Francis Chan

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire – Jim Cymbala

Sun Stand Still – Steven Furtick

The Hidden Power of Undefeatable Faith – Glenda Malmin

The Blessed Life – Robert Morris

With Christ in the School of Prayer – Andrew Murray

Faith 101

Here’s some source material for our on-going Bible study on faith, this year:

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1

“Faith is the steadfast courage, confidence, and assurance that what we believe is true. Hope is a wonderful thing; it is vision for the future and expectation of good for our lives. But some of us never move from hope to faith. Faith alone creates substance out of our hopes and dreams. Faith is what pleases God, believing that He exists and is presently and actively involved in our lives or situation. Faith is diligently seeking Him, knowing that He is a good God and a wonderful rewarder of those who do.” Pastor Wendell Smith

…without it, we find it impossible to please God. We must instead believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6  God rewards faith. “because of your faith,” Matthew  9:22,29; 15:28

You’ve probably heard Paul’s statement, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” from Romans 10:17

Steven Furtick wrote:

• Hearing the Word Initiates Faith
• Speaking the Word Activates Faith
• Doing the Word Demonstrates Faith

I have faith, so I speak. “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 2 Cor 4:13

Our faith must be focused on God alone.

Jesus wants me to have faith for big change. Removing doubt and unforgiveness is a must. Mark 11:22-25

Jesus wants us to ask for big things. John 14

We live by believing and not by seeing. I walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

People in right relationship with God & others, live by faith. Hebrews 10:38

Faith without works is dead James 2.

Mountain-moving faith without love is pointless. 1 Corinthians 13

God has given each of us faith. “measure” Romans 12:3

I know that I am not alone, while standing in faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Our faith is overcoming. 1 John 5:4 esv

The responsibility that God has given us is to believe in Jesus. John 6:29

When I have faith in God I will be able to stand firm and succeed. 2 Chronicles 20:20

As a believer & follower, when I have faith in God and ask within His will nothing is impossible. Matthew 17:20; 21:22 Mark 9:23

If I will believe in Jesus then I will do the same things that Jesus did, and even better. John 14:12

I believe God, and it will be a credit showing that I am in right relationship with God & others. I will be called a friend of God. James 2:23

Through our faith, God is protecting us by His power until we receive the fulfillment of salvation. 1 Peter 1:5

A conflict within faith is to be expected and we are to ask for God’s help. “I believe. Help me in my unbelief.” Mark 9:24

My faith can grow, “growing” 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 10:15

We can build each other up in faith. Jude 1:20

I’m looking to Jesus, who started and will complete my faith. Hebrews 12:2

I will follow the example of the faith of my spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:7

I will follow the example of those who inherit what God has promised, through faith & patience. Hebrews 6:12

Testing shows that faith is genuine. Faith has a great reward in the end. 1 Peter 1:7

Even though I don’t see Jesus in body now, I believe. I rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of my faith – the salvation of my soul. 1 Peter 1:8,9

We are the faithful ones whose souls are and will be saved. Hebrews 10:39

Testing of my faith produces patience, endurance. James 1:2

I will not be afraid or be of little faith Matthew 8:26

My faith does not need to weaken, even if my body weakens with age. Romans 4:19

I will not waver in believing God’s promises, but instead my faith will grow and this will bring glory to God. Romans 4:20

Even in aging, I will be convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. Romans 4:21

I will fight the good fight of faith, finishing my race, and keeping the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

God has chosen those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. James 2:5

“great faith” Luke 7:9; Matthew 8:10, 15:28

Pastor Wendell Smith would often say:

“There is nothing too hard for our God!

There is no:

•             Problem He cannot solve.
•             Question He cannot answer.
•             Disease He cannot heal.
•             Demon He cannot cast out.
•             Enemy He cannot defeat.
•             Difficulty He cannot overcome.
•             Stronghold He cannot bring down.
•             Bondage He cannot break.
•             Prison He cannot open.
•             Need He cannot meet.
•             Mountain He cannot move.”

“We can approach God with confidence, honestly confessing our need and heart condition. At the same time, we can learn to speak faith and align our heart, emotions, and confession with the Word of God. We can learn to pray the prayer of faith.” – Pastor Wendell Smith “Great Faith” (available on Amazon)