How to REFRESH Others in Prayer

Discover ways to uplift others through prayer, offering comfort and renewal. Learn practical steps to make your prayers impactful and refreshing.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Prayer with Community Churches

I don’t know how it started. I only was told “It would never work”. When I was a young pastor I got it in my head to connect the churches in the area by inviting them to gather for prayer. I thought if we rotated where we met for prayer, and used the form of prayer that each location was familiar with, it might be a good way for us to connect.

And enough area churches thought prayer together was a good idea. So for two years we met regularly.

We met in churches and knelt by wooden chairs and prayed silently until someone spontaneously lead out in a prayer. We walked around a church sanctuary marked out with prayer markers. We met in a church that had their worship team lead us in prayer. We met and read the liturgy for the World Day of Prayer. We had different language groups praising God at the same time. We prayed in several different languages—and sometimes it was tongues.

Each place was unique. Each church were wonderful hosts. It was amazing.

Celebration Service

We ended it with a joint service at our church. A more liturgical church opened with a reading.  The community church led the singing, the E-Free had a special, the nuns choir was rocking out.  The lutherans led us in a  responsive reading and I preached—I think we called it a homily.

And it was wonderful. We laughed, we worshiped, we celebrated, we reflected. We prayed for each other.

The next day the retiring pastor of a more mainland church came tme. He asked me if I believed what I said about Jesus was true. I told him, “I wouldn’t be doing anything I do if it wasn’t”.

In tears he told me “I tried to help people for 45 years and never told them about Jesus.” I think he got saved in that service. I told him. “It’s good you’re just retiring and not dead. You have the rest of your life to tell people about Jesus.”  He was relieved and told me that is what he’s going to do.

When we pray togethers we are made together

What I learned in this process is that  When we pray together we are made together.

We celebrate with people we’d not normally celebrate with. We have concern for people we don’t naturally connect with. We value the values those we pray with value. When we pray together we are made together.

Prayer is the common space grace flows feely. Grace from God to us and from us to others. When we pray together we are made together.

Can I pray?

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you?

It’s in what we call his high priestly prayer

John 17:20-24 NLT

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!"

What if our prayer together is the answer to His prayer for us?

I think that’s what the disciples thought, because it’s what the disciples practiced.

After being with his disciples for 40 days following His resurrection, Jesus ascended. With Jesus away the book of Acts tells us “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer” (Acts 1:14)

And then ten days after Jesus ascended the Day of Pentecost had fully come.

Acts 2:1-4 (NLT)

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

Later in Chapter 2 …

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

When we learn together we are amazed together. Acts 2:43

When we agree together we share together. Acts 2:44-45

When we eat together we rejoice together. Acts 2:46

When we pray together we are made together. Acts 2:47

Have you noticed…

My Experience with Prayer

My most intimate times prayer—for me—have been alone with Him. Lately He’s called me to seek him, and I’m answering that call. It’s been amazing. My most intimate times of prayer have been alone with him. But my most powerful prayer times have always been together with others because:

When we pray together we are made together.

You make space to learn. You make space to greet. You make space to eat. How do you make space to pray together?

What I used to tell people who had to move away from the city with work…

When I was a young pastor the economy was in an uptick. I noticed it with all the “good”—not just cleaned, but pre-packaged—Christians  who came to our church who came from other cities.

You can’t get too excited when the population of your city is growing, if all your growth is transfer growth of pre-packaged Christians—not newly planted.

On the other hand—as companies grew people got transferred to other parts of the companies, so we had people moving away. Again, don’t get too sad when people are being blessed and have to move away.

But I always had the same advice for people, whenever they asked about finding a new church in their new location:

My Advice for Praying with a New Church

Don’t worry about the programs. Don’t even worry too much about the preaching—as long as it as it’s not terrible or heretical—the first thing you need to do is  Pray with the people and listen to how they pray.

Can you say “Amen” to their prayers?  Does their heart line up with yours (and God)?

A lot happens when you pray with others.

You’ll  want to know:

Are they praying to perform or praying in His Presence?

Do they pray with faith or in  fear?

Do they pray for each other or at each other?

Do they pray God’s will or their personal agenda?

Do they pray for each other or do they ignore each other’ needs and families?

Do they pray for people not in their church?

Do they pray fervently and effectually for prayers they’ve undoubtedly been praying for a long time?

You should want to know they pray for healing and salvation and help and comfort.

If you can say “Yes” and “Amen” to the prayers of people you just met, it connects you in a way no program or preaching ever could.  It’s a short cut to know if that is where God wants you to be planted.

I thought that was great advice. But I didn’t follow my own advice.

When I didn’t follow my own advice about prayer.

When we moved to New Zealand I sort of forgot about this short cut.

We had visited New Zealand before and I was really impressed with a pastor I had connected with and so when we moved to the town he was in, we just started going to his church.

He introduced me to the ministerial and all the pastors in town. He brought me to gatherings with his denomination. He wanted me to teach in the training they had going on for the church.

I started to go to an early morning prayer meeting at another church. Karen would be home with the kids and I’d usually be back before they woke up. The prayer time was fantastic. Someone would have a guitar, someone would read a psalm, someone would sing the psalm, we’d all sing the chorus that would spontaneously come. It was refreshing, it was encouraging. I was there often enough to know while the rhythm was the same, every morning was unique. Intercession, Thanksgiving, petition, praise, praying scripture, singing scripture. I really felt completely at home there.

I was attending the prayer meeting at the church we were attending and at the first time I went the chairs where put away and I was asked “In Canada does good pentecostal praying mean walking around, like it does here in New Zealand?”

I responded. “The Bible says they were sitting in the upper room when Holy Spirt fell the first time so…I think it’s more the condition of the heart, not the position of the body.”

A question came up

Amazingly, not long after. I was asked  if I was interested in joining their denomination. I said “Sure”—at the time I thought I could get along with anyone. I thought I was that pleasant to get along with.

But they had a lot of paperwork to join the denomination and I got started on in—paperwork doesn’t scare me— but I got to a question that made me stop and think:

“Why do you want to join our denomination?”

That’s a great question.

I spoke Karen and then I spoke with the pastor. I  told him I didn’t have an answer and needed time to find one. So we started checking out other churches.

We went to a few services at other churches and they were fine but… we definitely felt like a project at most of them.

I really wanted to check out the church I was going to early morning prayer at.

The Sunday we went the pastors were away…as was everyone I met in the prayer times. The hard wooden benches were at chaotic angles—they hadn’t been straightened. Have you ever sat too long with no leg room? It was uncomfortable. It put me on edge. The creche—where the kids were supposed to go—looked hazardous, so we didn’t send them.

And admittedly I was in my phase when someone who couldn’t preach-their-way-out-of-a-wet-paper-bag was not only wasting my time but the time of God’s people that Jesus died for…and I knew that for most of the people there—this is all the time they make for Jesus. There’s a special place in heaven—and it’s not up front with the throne and elders and the cherubim and seraphim—for people who can make Jesus boring.

So we went back to the first church and made that our church home.

Interestingly enough…

A few months later, the church I was still going to for early morning prayer had a prayer summit. They opened up their new building—that I knew nothing about—and invited people in their denomination to come and bless it in prayer. And someone came up with idea that it would be fasting and prayer summit. So people came from across  New Zealand to fast and pray—and I heard about it after the fact— I only caught the days-after afterglow. God showed up powerfully.

I didn’t think about prayer connecting us each other. I forgot my own advice. I went to an open door and a warm welcome. And I was only adjacent to something amazing, not part of it.  And I knew I didn’t listen to my own advice.

The Problem with Practicing Prayer Together

We all think prayer is a great idea.

We can all think of excuses not to pray together. It interrupts our own rhythms.

We’ve all had times of prayer with others that seemed more harmful than helpful.

Most of won’t admit, but come on…have you ever fell asleep in a gathered prayer meeting?

Maybe it’s just me. I’ve come to spiritualize it. I call it sloaking. - Soaking in his presence and sleeping on His lap.

But in spite of all these problems of praying together, it does not negate the truth:

When we pray together we are made together.

Have you ever wondered about why people gathered to pray in the Bible?

I did so I looked it up.

12 Reasons People Gathered to Pray in the Bible

1. Seeking God's Guidance Acts 1:24-26

2. Worship and Praise Acts 2:42-47

3. Intercession for Others James 5:16

4. Expressing Gratitude Philippians 4:6

5. Repentance and Confession of Sins  Nehemiah 9:1-3

6. Seeking Deliverance and Protection…or strengthening Acts 12:5

7. Praying for the sick  Acts 28:8

8. Guidance in Times of Crisis or Decision-Making 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

9. Unity and Fellowship  Acts 4:31

10. Spiritual Empowerment  Acts 2:1-4

11. Preparation for Ministry  Acts 13:2-3

12. Praise and Celebration of God's Acts  Psalm 22:22

Why? Because…

When we pray together we are made together.

Have you ever wondered about happens when we pray together?

When we pray together at least 4 things happen.

4 Things that Happen when we Pray Together

We get

1. Unity  Matthew 18:19-20

2. Empathy and Understanding  James 5:16

3. Shared Faith Acts 1:14

4. Support and Encouragement  Philippians 4:6-7

Because…

When we pray together we are made together.

People coming for prayer to our place

Our kids were small when we lived in New Zealand. And we didn’t have anyone to watch them.

Karen went for an evening prayer time and I went to the early morning prayer but we missed praying together, so we decided to open our home to prayer.

One of us would be putting the kids to bed as the other welcomed people in.

We had wonderful times in prayer with people who prayed our hearts. We had good interactions with God and essentially strangers. We’d always have someone—that after everyone left—Karen or I would ask about.

I’d just assume she knew they from her prayer times. She’s assume I knew them from mine. Often they were unknown by either of us. Then they started bringing friends.

Eventually we got to know some of them. It was amazing how God connected us all.

Maybe God’s leading you to open up a prayer time in your home?

Remember…

When we pray together we are made together.

Does this really matter?

Does unity matter? Oh boy. Unity within God’s family is essential for becoming who God created you to be.

7 Reasons We Need Unity

We are…

1. One Body in Christ  Romans 12:4-5

2. Reflecting God's Nature John 17:21

3. Strengthen in Unity Ecclesiastes 4:12

4. Witness to the World  John 13:35

5. Have Harmony and Peace Ephesians 4:3

6. Have a Shared Purpose 1 Corinthians 1:10

7. Grow towards Spiritual Maturity Ephesians 4:13

Remember:

When we pray together we are made together.

Imagine

What it would be like to be united in Spirit?

What would it feel like if none of us did anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit?

What if we considered others better than ourselves?

What if we all had the same attitude of Christ who did not consider equality with God something to be grasp, but made himself nothing taking on the very nature of a servant?

We can experience that—by refreshing each other with prayer.

How do we REFRESH others in prayer?

That’s a great question. I’m so glad you asked.

Remember - Prayer is the common space grace flows feely.

Solution - The Rhythm of Refreshing

The Rhythm of Refreshing is to regularly meet together with others for prayer. Maybe it’s Sunday before the service with others, Maybe it’s when GAP Prayer meets online. Maybe Holy Spirit is prompting you have people over to pray. It needs to be a regular rhythm in our natural rhythms.

However it’s part of your regular rhythm, you may need to be reminded how to REFRESH Others in Prayer.

Because prayer needs to be the common space where grace flows feely.

When we pray together we are made together.

HOW to REFRESH others in Prayer

R - Recognize God's Presence

E - Express Gratitude while Avoiding Worry

F - Focus on the needs expressed

R - Remember to look to see what God is doing

E - Encourage others

S - Spend time Praying God’s Heart

H - Harmonize to Pray and never Give up

Let's unpack that..

R - Recognize God's Presence

Matthew 18:19-20 NLT  “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

When we recognize God is with us, we realize the moment is holy. It’s not words that move the hand of God, it’s eyes to see what He’s doing. Words of knowledge or Words of Wisdom or Gifts of healing can we activated when we have faith to notice and create space to realize GOD is with us.

My mistake has been that I pray good theology so that I get God’s attention. Unfortunately, I’ve seen more people healed from bad theological prayers than I have from me trying to impressive God and those listening with how correctly I interpret Scripture.

I’ve come to learn that if I can hear one word from God for this moment, a lot more good gets done than if I’m theologically impressive.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I praying to preform or I am aware He is near?

E - Express Gratitude while Avoiding Worry

Philippians 4:6 NLT Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

When you pray with others, you need to pray in faith and not fear. You know the difference don’t you? You feel the difference, right. We’ve probably all prayed in fear against fear. No? It’s just me then.

Praying in faith encourages you. Praying in fear convinces you of your worries.

My mistake is that I’ve prayed my worries around people of waning faith, and I’ve not obeyed the command to let nothing come out of my mouth that isn’t for the building up and encouragement of others. I’ve prayed against the enemy instead of praying to my loving Father.

Have you been there?

The easiest way I’ve learned to pray out of faith is to pray with thanksgiving. Gratitude is the guardrail for our prayers and our faith.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I praying in faith or in fear?

F - Focus on the needs expressed

James 5:13-16 NLT Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Together we can pray

Petitions—that is our requests, asking God to help

Intercession—that is the needs of others

Scripture—that is agreeing with God about the truth He’s revealed

God’s will - Includes salvation, healing, for our leaders, thanksgivings

When we pray with each other, these are tools to use to pray for the needs expressed.

Example of how I pray to the level of faith

I went to bedside of someone on his deathbed and his family was there and I picked up right away most of them didn’t have much experience with Church. When they asked for prayer, I asked “How do you want me to pray?” and realized I should explain I was asking if they wanted him healed and raised up or if I should pray he could die peacefully. Before I could explain myself the his son said, “Pray with humour, he’d like something funny.”

So I prayed at the level of faith they had. I can’t remember what I prayed but it got a laugh with everyone who wasn’t unconscious.

My mistake is that I have used my prayer to try to raise up someone’s faith. It is Holy Spirit gives the gift of faith, not me.

I want to pray at the level of faith the person asking for prayer has. If their faith is not in line with the will of God expressed in Scripture, I don’t want my prayer to chastise their lack of faith. People need to know they are loved. What I’m trying to say is I want to pray for the person, not at the person.

That being said. When I’m praying with other Christians, their faith will increase my faith as they pray in faith and my faith should increase their faith as I pray in faith.

That’s the way God has designed it. Since Holy Spirit is going to finish the good work He’s started in me, He’ll finish the good work He’s started in you. Prayer is the common space grace flows feely.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I praying for this person or at this person?

R - Remember to look to see what God is doing

Psalm 46:10 NLT “Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honoured by every nation.  I will be honoured throughout the world.”

When we pray for someone for healing, it’s good to pray with our eyes open, pray short prayers and pay attention to what God is doing.

In the same way, when we pray for each other as we pray together, it’s good to pay attention to what God is doing. If you can say Amen to their prayer and continue on, do it. We build off each other and together see what God might be saying.

My mistake is that I have tried to pray my agenda or stand on my own soapbox. I’ve prayed at people and not for people. I’ve prayed good theology, not praying God’s heart. Have you ever been the one to suck the faith out of the room with your prayers? I’ve done that. I don’t want to ever do that again.

I’ve learned I need to say yes and amen to what I  can say yes and amen to.  Build off the prayers until Holy Spirit moves us on to pray for something more.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I paying attention to what God is doing?

E - Encourage Them

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

People need to know that they are seen, they are heard, and they are loved. When we gather together to prayer, these things should be a natural by-products. We need to think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, every time we meet.

Whenever we come together, we should come together to encourage each other

My mistake is I have gathered without any expectation to encourage or be encouraged. Sometimes—by God’s grace—I am surprisingly encouraged when I gather in prayer for others.

I’m learning when I regularly pray for people in my own personal prayer time—I’ve made a list of all my family members and their families and all the people I work with and pray for them daily—the times we meet together to pray are more meaningful.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I praying God’s love over them?

S - Spend time Praying God’s Heart

2 Peter 3:9 NLT The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I’ve never met a newly planted Christian who didn’t have someone pray them into the kingdom. Sometimes it took time to figure out.

But even when people who were raised in Muslim communities have dreams about meeting Jesus, we need to remember we’ve been praying for the 10-40 window since 1987. It’s the geographical region on the globe between 10 and 40 degrees north where there is a large population with limited access to the Christian message. 82% of the poorest of the world’s poor, 84% of those with the lowest quality of life.

I find it amazing that Christians lament the shift of Christianity from the historical north to the emerging south and forget we prayed it into being.

Praying until answer comes

We’ve prayed—and should continue to pray—for the salvation of people in the most densely populated areas of the world. We can’t forget to pray for the promised Holy Spirit for us and our children and all who are far off.

My mistake is I’ve prayed for some people for such a  long period of time, I functionally lose faith in God’s will to see them saved.

I’m learning when I pray with others for the salvation of others I get encouraged to keep on praying for the ones God has given to me to pray for.

I’m learning testimony encourages me to keep praying.

When I remember stories of people who I’ve helped pray into the Kingdom—the last couple I baptized, married and dedicated their children—either the same Sunday or over two Sundays—was the grandson of a couple I prayed with for his salvation for YEARS.

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I praying for salvation of people they care about?

H - Harmonize to Pray and never Give up

Matthew 7:7-8 NLT  “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the mount that we shouldn’t pray like hypocrites who stand on the corner to pray so people see them, instead we should pray to our Father in private, away from any pretence of show. Also that we shouldn’t pray like the pagans who thought they’d be heard with there many word. He said our good Father knows what we need even before we ask Him. (Matthew 6:5-14)

Then later on—in the same message—he says to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking and knock and keep knocking.

Has that ever bothered you?

In context He tells us to not judge or else we’ll be judged and to not worry about the speck in someone else’s eye when we have a log in our own and to not waste the holy on the unholy and then to keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking.

Here’s what I think is happening…

For our needs we are bring them before God knowing he already knows about them and is ready to meet them. We cast our cares on Him because He cares for us. We don’t need to convince him of our needs. We exchange our problems for His peace.

For who we are becoming—humility and self-evaluation, Wisdom and how to apply it—we need to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking and knock and keep knocking.

When we are praying for God’s expressed will—Salvation, Healing, Relationships—that asking and seeking and knocking should be present. Jesus told us parables so that we would always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1)

Now I’ve experienced times when I prayed and know the answer came before I saw the answer come. Elijah’s servant saw a cloud the size of a man’s hand and Elijah knew it was time to run because his answer was on the way. That can happen to us to as well.

My mistake is I have prayed like the pagans, thinking I’ll be heard with my many words AND I have given up  the ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking and knock and keep knocking without knowing the answer was on it’s way.

It’s easier to know the answer is coming when we pray together and agree together that the answer is on the way.  Together we have the mind of Christ.

Will you hold on and agree with others until the answer comes or God tells you the answer is on the way?

If you want to REFRESH others in Prayer ask yourself:

Am I willing to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking and knock and keep knocking for this answer to come?

***

When we pray together we are made together.

The Rhythm of Refreshing —regularly have a rhythm to meet with others for prayer.

HOW to REFRESH others in Prayer

R - Recognize God's Presence

E - Express Gratitude while Avoiding Worry

F - Focus on the needs expressed

R - Remember to look to see what God is doing

E - Encourage Them

S - Spend time Praying God’s Heart

H - Harmonize to Pray and never Give up

Remember : Prayer is the common space grace flows feely.

Challenge

Pray together…make space.

Wait on God Expectantly

Join with 3 - 5 people

Ask: How Can I Pray for you?

Don’t leave without everyone knowing they are loved.

Pray and REFRESH

R - Recognize God's Presence Matthew 18:19-20

Am I praying to preform or I am aware He is near?

E - Express Gratitude while Avoiding Worry Philippians 4:6

Am I praying in faith or in fear?

F - Focus on the needs expressed James 5:13-16

Am I praying for this person or at this person?

R - Remember to look to see what God is doing Psalm 46:10

Am I paying attention to what God is doing?

E - Encourage Them Hebrews 10:24-25

Am I praying God’s love over them?

S - Spend time Praying God’s Heart  2 Peter 3:9

Am I praying for salvation of people they care about?

H - Harmonize to Pray and never Give up Matthew 7:7-8

Am I willing to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking and knock and keep knocking for this answer to come?

How to GROW Faith

How to GROW Faith - This message looks into inspiring stories of individuals who overcame challenges by relying on their spiritual beliefs. Learn how faith can empower you to break through limits and achieve what seems unattainable. Explore the transformative power of belief and action. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of spiritual growth.

Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Introduction

Hebrews 11 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead. It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau. It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff. It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned. It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

Can I pray?

Faith is so important

Faith is so important to us—it is foundational to who we are and what we do because it’s based on who God is and what He does.

Because it’s so foundational we assume everyone knows what we mean when we say it. Assumptions brings death. Knowledge can bring overwhelm—but it does set the table for revelation.

Revelation brings life.

Today I’m going to risk the overwhelm

The Problem

We can talk about faith in so many different ways. We can think we know faith, but unless we do something with the faith we have, we fool ourselves into thinking we know faith. We can put faith in a box and either put it in a closet and avoid it or put it on the mantle and never do anything with it. We can’t talk ourselves into faith, but we can even talk ourselves out of faith.

Does it really matter?

Peter tells us

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8  (NIVUK)

Faith is foundational in keeping you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To not be ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus it all starts with faith.  Faith is foundational—it’s not one and done and it matters who and what you have faith in.

Faith that matters

You have faith that there is a God. Great, you have the same level of faith as demons.

James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.

We just read:

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

We need to believe God exists AND that He rewards those who sincerely seek him. —In other words we need to believe God is Good and in a good mood.

That is the foundational faith

Faith is a foundation that needs to be kept strong. Faith is a fruit that naturally grows. Faith is a gift we need to eagerly seek.

And faith is incredibly important for healing

When it comes to faith in healing that faith is needed for healing – but faith can come from the person being prayed for(Matthew 9:22, Mark 10:52) or needing healing (Acts 5:15-16) , or the person praying (Acts 3:16), or the parent of the one needing healing (Mathew 8:13) , or the friends of the one needing healing (Acts 14:9-10). Faith can come from the spoken word (Acts 14:9-10) and sometimes faith can even speed up God’s timing (Matthew 15:22-28). So it’s good to be persistent and always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1-8).

So How should I  talk about Faith today?

Faith is one of those words that is so all-encompassing. Here’s

Almost Everything you need to know about Faith

• Faith pleases God – Hebrews 11:6
• Faith is confidence – Hebrews 11:1
• Faith as small as a mustard seed is all we need – Matthew 17:14-20
• Faith is belief – Romans 10:9-10
• Faith is belief in the nature of God – John 14:1
• The righteousness of God is revealed from faith and for faith. Romans 1:17
• Faith is belief in the promises of God – Romans 4:20-21
• Faith is lived belief – Matthew 7:21
• Faith is a fight – 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
• Faith without works is dead – James 2:17
• He empowers us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith 2 Thessalonians 1:11
• Faith is how we overcome the world – 1 John 5:4
• Faith lived out over time is faithfulness – Matthew 25:21
• Faith that is faithfulness needs to joined with love – 1 Corinthians 13:2
• Faith and love is armour for us to be clearheaded – 1 Thessalonians 5:8
• Faith expressing itself in love is the the only thing that matters – Galatians 5:6
• We are saved by grace through faith, but not our own. – Ephesians 2:8-9
• We are to live by faith. – Habakkuk 2:4
• Faith also explains what we believe – Ephesians 4:13 (+21 times)
• Faith that explains what we believe needs to be contended for – Jude 1:3
• Faith will be tested, and that’s a good thing – James 1:2-3
• People can become obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7
• People can remain true to the faith. Acts 14:22
• While faith is personal, it can be passed from one generation to another. 2 Timothy 1:5 or one person to another  1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
• Churches can be strengthened in the faith. Acts 16:5
• People can be weak in the faith – Romans 14:1
• People can fall away from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1
• So we need to be on our guard and stand firm in our faith – 1 Corinthians 16:13
• Faith is a fruit that grows. Galatians 5:22-23
• Faith is a gift we need to seek. 1 Corinthians 12:9
• Faith is a gift that activates and expands the others gifts. Romans 12:6
• Faith seems necessary for healing See the Gospels and Acts

Faith is my natural response

But faith is not something we can work up in ourselves. It’s not something we work to convince ourselves of.  The best definition for faith that I’ve found is

“Faith is my natural response to His revelation”.

How do I put all that into one message?

I left you notes so you can research all of that yourself.  You can find my notes on the website a little later today if you’re watching online.

But as I was wondering about how to talk about faith being a key to the Kingdom, I thought about Silly Putty.

Silly Putty has several distinct features that make it unique and fun.

Silly Putty is a lot like faith

Warning - don’t push an illustration too far. It’s a metaphor—to help you remember—and metaphors can be pushed too far.

Silly Putty is a Substance - Silly putty is somethings tangible, so is faith

Faith is a Substance: Faith provides tangible confidence in what we hope for.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Silly Putty has Elasticity: Just as Silly Putty stretches without breaking, faith allows individuals to endure challenges.

Faith is a Journey: It develops over time through experiences and trials.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Silly Putty Bounces Back: Silly Putty bounces when dropped, symbolizing resilience in faith.

Faith is Perseverance: It involves enduring hardships while maintaining trust in God.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”(Isaiah 40:31)

Silly putty is Moldable: Silly Putty can be shaped into different forms, similar to how faith shapes character.

Faith is Obedience: True faith results in action and following God’s commands. Bold faith stands on the shoulders of quiet trust.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

Silly Putty is Safe for Children: Silly Putty is non-toxic and safe for kids, paralleling how faith nurtures spiritual growth.

Faith is safe for Children and a Shield: It protects against fear and doubt.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

Silly Putty has Variety: The many colours of Silly Putty can represent the diversity in faith expressions. (I found an add for glow in the dark)

Our faith journey is personal to us.

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘“As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.”’ So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. (Romans 14:10-12)

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28)

Silly Putty can together become more. Silly putty can combine and make more. the same way our faith can combine and be more.

My story about getting Silly Putty.

Faith combined with others become more.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Our future daughter in law seeing it snow for the first time = we need newly planted and people of peace and the trustable with wisdom together.

Silly Putty can Transfer: Silly Putty can pick up impressions, much like how faith reflects God’s image.

Faith is transferable

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:5

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.  1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Do you have someone to look to for their faith? Do you have someone who looks to you for your faith?

Silly Putty has a Slow Flow: Like Silly Putty's slow flow, faith grows gradually over time.

Faith is a Fruit :grows gradually and naturally over time.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22)

Silly Putty needs to be acted upon to work: Like Silly Putty’s need for action

Faith is a gift: that needs to be sought.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NIVUK)

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIVUK)

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:17 (NLT)

Silly Putty has been tested/will be tested. Temperature Sensitivity:

Faith will be tested.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT

When I first thought of this illustration I wondered if I should put some of it in the freezer and use an open flame to show you what happens. But I have used open flame for a sermon illustration and that’s probably not a safe thing.

Every kid who picks up Silly Putty will test it to its limits. I remember freezing it and it coming back…I’m not sure what open flame would do. AI told me it would become more liquid and potentially catch on fire. I don’t know how to connect that to faith.

WARNING

Silly Putty Warning I bought some Silly Putty from Amazon to use as an illustration and it was hard, and difficult to take out of the case. I could mould it slightly, but when I tried to stretch it, it crumbled. It was perfectly useless to use for this illustration, so I sent it back.

But when I thought about it, it was like when we have faith in anything else but God. We can persevere in anything we believe in. We can slightly change our perspective to make it fit. But as soon as it stretches it crumbles. Be careful you don’t put your faith in anything but God and His goodness.

• People can be weak in the faith – Romans 14:1
• People can fall away from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1
• So we need to be on our guard and stand firm in our faith – 1 Corinthians 16:13

Don’t be content with bad Silly Putty.

Don’t be content with faith that not growing, isn’t a foundation, can’t be stretched or doesn’t bounce, isn’t obedient to God, can’t be transferred, you’re not seeking more of, or or you think you have enough on your own.

Now Silly Putty is not the equivalent to faith, it’s only a metaphor. Knowledge puffs up. It can’t be about information it has to about transformation.

How do I practically grow in faith?

Faith is a foundation that needs to be kept strong. Faith is a fruit that naturally grows. Faith is a gift we need to eagerly seek.

How do I seek faith? How do I make conditions conducive to grow my faith? How do I make my foundation secure?

Those are great questions, I’m so glad you asked.

How to GROW in Your Faith Tool

G -  Get rid of striving Philippians 4:6-7

R - Recognize where your trust is placed Romans 15:13

O - Open up space to hear from Him  James 2:17-18

W - Weld good works to your faith Romans 10:17

G -  Get rid of striving

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

Peace is quiet joy. Joy is peace out loud.

Great faith doesn’t come from great striving. It only comes from great surrender.

We yield our way into faith. We don’t work our way into faith.

He’s not asking us to adopt His principles. He’s revealing Himself as Lord. One of the biggest obstacles to a life of growing faith is busy-ness.

If you want to GROW in your faith you need to get rid of striving. His grace is sufficient for you. He has given you everything you need for life and godliness. He will finish the good work He’s started in you. Your good Father takes care of birds and flowers, He will take care of you.

We need to eagerly desire the gift of faith, but that’s not the same as striving. Seeking and striving are not synonymous. Seeking brings life. Striving produces stifling.

Tip: 

Prayerlessness invites temptation. (Mathew 26:41) Often the temptation is to be busy. When we’re busy we invite prayerlessness. We don’t cast our cares on Him because He cares for us. We don’t exchange our problems for His peace through prayer

Is busy-ness stifling my faith?

R - Recognize where your trust is placed

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Hope becomes the birthplace of faith. Hope is the joyful anticipation of good.

Our faith is in who He is and what He does. We believe that He is and that he rewards all those who seek Him. He is good and in a good mood.

How can people of faith trust their problems more than their God? We all can at times.

Faith Hope and Love are the foundation of the Christian walk. You need faith. You need hope. You need love. These will always remain and always be true.

Tip:

Rhythm of Remembering - Remember Testimony regularly. Make it part of your regular rhythms.

Remember the blessings he’s entrusted to you.
Remember the times he’s brought you through.
Remember the miracles you’ve seen in yourself and others. 
Remember those moments you became so aware HE IS GOD.
Remember the good emotions and you can be right there again.

Am I growing in joy and peace?

O - Open up space to hear from Him

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Word  is Rhema in Greek- It’s the spoken word of God. It’s the spoken word of God that we hear that brings faith.

The written word of God can bring the spoken word of God, but you can study the scriptures about Christ and never see Jesus in them. Holy Spirit needs to illume truth to you.

Since He is always with us, it’s up to us to be with him

Since Faith is my natural response to His revelation I need to make sure I make space to hear His Revelation.

Read Psalm 46 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046&version=NLT

Tip: 

Gratitude is the gateway for us to be aware of His presence. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. see https://revtrev.link/thanks

Do I make space to be still and know He is God?

W - Weld good works to your faith

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:17-18

Jesus said “ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIVUK

Obedience to God shows faith in God.

Bold faith stands on the shoulders of quiet trust.

Tip:

Trust God with your questions.

You can’t develop trust without questions. There’s no need for trust when there’s no questions. They are essential for developing trust.

Questions raised in the attitude of trust lead to revelation, questions raised in the attitude of mistrust lead to unbelief.

Does what I do show He is Lord?

G -  Get rid of striving

Philippians 4:6-7

Is busy-ness stifling my faith?

R - Recognize where your trust is placed

Romans 15:13

Am I growing in joy and peace?

O - Open up space to hear from Him 

James 2:17-18

Do I make space to be still and know He is God?

W - Weld good works to your faith

Romans 10:17

Does what I do show He is Lord?

Response

What does God want you to grow in?

An area touch on today? Maybe it’s a lie you’re believing replaced? Maybe you need to make space for him in the day to day of everyday? Spend some time listening to Him.

Can I pray?

How to LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained

In this How to LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained, we explore the importance of operating out of who God says you are. Many struggle with identity and purpose. Join us as we uncover biblical truths that affirm your worth in Christ. Learn how understanding your identity shapes your decisions and influences your life. We’ll discuss practical steps to embrace your God-given purpose.

Trevor Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen. Don’t miss the full training at http://revtrev.link/LiveLOVED

Listen to How to LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained

Listen to more episodes and subscribe where you listen to podcasts ~ https://revtrev.com/radio

Watch How to LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained

Read the notes of How to LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained

If you’ve confessed with your mouth “Jesus is Lord, and believed in your heart God raised him from the dead—you have been miraculously transferred from the dominion of darkness into the Kingdom of Light and….

You ARE a child of God

Does it make a difference in your everyday life?

How often have you heard a message about your identity in Christ?

How often does it make a difference Monday morning?

Why not?

Because your identity is based on a relationship and good relationships take work and they take trust.

The Bible tells us to work at whatever we do with all our heart.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Remember again, our heart is the seat of our decision, the seat of our action and the seat of our emotion.

You need a revelation from God about being a Child of God in every  part of your heart. In your thoughts. In your actions. In your feelings.

The work is to create space for the revelation to occur…and re-occur…and re-occur. It’s for the realization of His grace—that is always present and ever sufficient—is there for you in that moment you become aware that you need it desperately.

We’re going to create space for the revelation to occur today.

Can I pray?

Philippians 2:1 - 3:16 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence.  If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.  But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

You and I need to live up to what we’ve already attained.

How often do you scratch your head at God?

How many of you have ever come across something in the Bible that seems to contradict something else in it?

Do you see it as an invitation to go deeper?

You can’t assume it’s a contradiction.

You should it’s assume it’s a chance to learn something.

Let me give you an example.

Jesus said,

And he said:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

And he also said,

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of God has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.  Matthew 11:12 (NIV84)

“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. Luke 16:16

Does this really matter?

If you’ve never scratched your head over this, it might not seem like it really matters. But I’m here to tell you that it does.

We need to understand what is going on because we need to trust Jesus knows what He’s doing.

What’s going on?

Do we enter the Kingdom as a child or do we enter being forceful?  Is Jesus contradicting himself or is he showing a deeper truth?

The deeper truth is both are true.

Yes, you’ll always have your identity as a child of God. Yes, you’ll always have access to your authority that comes from Jesus, but there are different seasons of your life when one or the other will be emphasized. It changes how we pray. It changes how we’re to act. It changes how we feel.

Different Seasons

There is season when Kingdom of God advances forcefully and the forceful lay of hold of it.  It’s a season God is emphasizing your authority He’s wanting you to come face to face with how he’s equipped you to be continually victorious over the powers of darkness. Your prayer life will be to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking.

It’s interesting to me that Jesus told them to do this after talking about the need to forgive someone else. Who we are and who we are becoming needs to be sought out and brought about. We need to ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking to become who God created us to be.

There is also a season when unless you receive the Kingdom as a  child you can’t enter the Kingdom. It’s a season to emphasize your identity You’re in a place of rest where answers are brought to you. Your prayer life will be to stop babbling like the pagans because you have a Father who loves you and takes care of you. You never have to ask again and again for your needs. Your Father knows what you need and will provide.

You can’t do both the asking and the receiving at the same time. You need to know when to use the tools in one or the tools in other.

Today we’re going to look at our identity and how to live up to what we’ve already attained.

Our identity is as a child of God.

You are a child of God.

God is your Father and He is a father you can trust. You’re His child that He delights in.

The God of all hope fills you with peace and joy and joy AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, so that you’ll overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). He’s given you everything you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

That is what you have attained— you’ve attained everything you need by His grace that empowers you.

What would it be like to feel like you’re a child of the Almighty One?

You’ve experienced it at some point. It could have been the first time you knew He is Lord. Or maybe it happens when you’re in worship.

You CAN FEEL like you’re a Child of God.

You need to. I don’t know how you can walk this life without it.

When you can’t feel you’re a child of God, you can’t stop from worrying; you hardly ever have peace; it feels like you’re always striving; you have a hard time forgiving; you feel like you’re always lacking; you give problems a place of influence in your life.

And yet, you are a child of God. That is who you are.

You can live up to what you’ve already attained.  We do that as we seek the Kingdom. This is what Jesus told us in the sermon on the mount. Matthew 6:25-34.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

You have a good Father who takes care of you. So to LIVE UP to what we’ve already attained, we seek the His Kingdom and righteousness first in all we do.

I’ll explain this more as we go through the tool

LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained Tool

L - Look to Jesus  - Philippians 2:3-11
I -  Invite Joy  Philippians 3:1
V - Value your Identity Philippians 3:10-11 
E - Expect Progress Philippians 3:12-14
U - Understand Holy Spirit Teaches and empowers you    Philippians 3:15
P - Pray Fervently and Effectually   Philippians 3:16

Let’s unpack this.

L - Look to Jesus

Philippians 2:3-11 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Self ambition is saying or thinking “I need to look good or I need to avoid looking bad.” Vain conceit is saying or thinking,  “I deserve this”

Set your sights on the ultimate goal: knowing Christ more deeply and becoming more like Him. This helps to keep your focus aligned with God's purpose.

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need to have the same mindset as Christ.

We receive the Kingdom with humility.

Luke 18:14 Right before the children come to Jesus, Luke records Jesus saying, “the one who humbles himself will be exalted” . In Matthew 5:5 During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says it is the meek who will inherit the earth  and in Matthew 5:3 the poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of heaven . Then in both Luke’s and Mark’s account, right after the story of the children is the story of a man with great wealth and power who missed the way of the kingdom. God’s kingdom is not like the world’s. Entering is not about power, money or influence. We receive the Kingdom with child-like humility.

In humility do I value others above myself?

I -  Invite Joy

Philippians 3:1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you

Remember Paul wrote this letter while he was in jail.

What excuses do you use to not have joy?

The God of hope fills you with peace and joy as you trust in Him, so you can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.

Giving thanks with your whole heart—deciding to give thanks, feeling grateful for what you give thanks for and showing appreciation for what you feel grateful for—opens to door back to joy. Check out the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need to have His peace, hope and joy.

By the way…

We receive the Kingdom with joy.  In Matthew 13:44, Jesus tells the story of a man who joyfully sells everything to buy land that has hidden treasure. The kingdom is of priceless value, so our inheritance  and our future and what Jesus did for us already should bring us great joy. Remember the Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). We receive the kingdom with child-like joy.

Do I invite God’s peace and hope and joy into my life?

V - Value your Identity

Philippians 3:10-11  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

As a child of God, we need to grow into our identity in Jesus. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and people. You need to do the same.

How do you live up to what you’ve already attained?

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need to know what you’ve already attained.

We have a tool for you to help with knowing what you’ve already attained. It’s only going to work if you work it.

Go to https://MyKWC.ca and click on your Identity in Christ; It will take you to https://revtrev.com/realme where you can type in your name; press go; and print off your personalized Identity in Christ.

This is not just repetition or memorization, it’s creating space for the revelation of the truth to come to you.

In Christ you are Valuable.

You are God's Child (John 1:12) 
You are a part of the true vine, and a channel of Christ's life. (John 15:5) 
You are a friend of Christ. (John 15:15) 
You are a joint heir with Christ, you share Christ's inheritance with Him. (Rom. 8:17)
You are God's co-worker. (I Cor. 3:9) 
You are God's temple. (I Cor. 3:16)
You have been adopted by God as His child. (Eph. 1:5-6) 
 You have an inheritance in Christ. (Eph. 1:11)
You have been made alive with Christ and you are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:5-6)  
You are God's workmanship, His handiwork. (Eph. 2:10)
Christ Himself is in you. (Col. 1:27)
Your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)

In Christ you are Loved.

You have eternal life in Christ. (John 3:15-16) 
You are not judged by God, because you are in Christ. (John 3:18)  
You cannot be separated from the love of God. (Rom. 8:35-37,39)
You may approach God with boldness and confidence. (Eph. 3:12) 
You have been rescued from the domain of Satan's rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. (Col. 1:13-14)
 You may come boldly before the throne of grace through Jesus Christ to receive mercy. (Heb. 4:16)

In Christ you are Victorious.

You have been set free. (John 8:31-32)
You died with Christ and you died to the power of sin's rule over your life. (Rom. 6:1-4)
You are more than a conqueror in Christ. (Rom. 8:37)
You are led triumphantly by Christ. (II Cor. 2:14) 
You were crucified with Christ. (Gal. 2:20) 
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Phil. 4:13) 
You have been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. (II Tim. 1:7) 
You have overcome the world. (I John 5:4-5)

In Christ you are Complete.

You are joined with Christ, and you are one spirit with Him. (I Cor. 6:17)
You are a new creation. (II Cor. 5:17)  
You are the righteousness of God in Christ. (II Cor. 5:21) 
You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. (Eph. 1:3) 
You have Christ's mind. (Phil. 2:5-7) 
You are firmly rooted in Christ and you are being built up and established in Him. (Col. 2:6-7) 
You have been made complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10)

In Christ you are Chosen.

You have been chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. (John 15:16) 
You have been established, anointed, and sealed in Christ. (II Cor. 1:21-22) 
You have been reconciled to God and you are a minister of reconciliation.( II Cor. 5:18-19) 
 You have been chosen by God to be holy. (Eph. 1:4)
You have been given a holy calling. (II Tim. 1:9) 
You are washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5) 
You are a member of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. (I Peter 2:9) 
You have boldness and are not ashamed. (I John 2:28)

In Christ you are Forgiven.

You have passed from death to life in Christ. (John 5:24) 
You have  been justified through grace. (Rom. 3:24) 
You have been justified, completely forgiven, made righteous, and have peace. (Rom. 5:1) 
You are forever free from condemnation. (Rom. 8:1-2)
You are free from any condemning charges against you. (Rom. 8:31-34)
 You have been redeemed and forgiven and you are a recipient of His rich grace. (Eph. 1:7-8)
 You have been forgiven in Christ. (Eph. 4:32)
That is what the Bible says about you. That’s what you have attained as a child of God.

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need to know what you’ve already attained.

We do what we do because we have God’s favour on us, not to curry God’s favour for us.

I listen to Lee Strobel on TikTok this week. Lee Strobel wrote “The Case for Christ” He said out of all the 4200 religions in the world that he’s studied, all of them say what you can DO to maybe have an in with god. They have things you can do so maybe (or maybe not) you can earn your way into whatever is next. Christianity should not spell it D-O, because Jesus said, it is D-O-N-E. It’s done.  It was finished at the cross. What we do isn’t to curry God’s favour on us, but in response to having God’s favour on us.

As a reminder…

We receive the Kingdom with innocence. Matthew 5:6-8 that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled and the pure in heart will see God. We trust in our good, good father and that he’s taking care of us.  We receive the Kingdom with child-like innocence.

Do I value my identity in Christ?

E - Expect Progress

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I had a friend tell me, “I wish I had your start”. To which I instantly reply “Why? The finish is more important. “ God is going to finish the good work he’s stated in me, just like he’ll finish the good work He’s started in you. His good work is to make us more and more and more like Jesus. So you’ll look like Jesus they why Jesus wants you to look and I’ll look like Jesus the way Jesus wants me to look.”

BTW comparison is not from God. Look at how Peterson transliterates Galatians 5:25-6:1a:

Galatians 5:25-6:1a Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Live creatively, friends.

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need know He will finish the good work He’s started in you.

Remember to receive the Kingdom with expectancy.

We receive the Kingdom with expectancy.  Hebrews 11:6 says that faith requires knowing that God rewards those who seek him. Did you catch that? God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. We don’t have to babble our prayers like the pagans who think they’ll receive because of their many words. We have a Father who loves us and delights in us. We receive the kingdom with child-like expectancy.

Am I expectant for the good things of God?

U - Understand Holy Spirit Teaches and empowers you

Philippians 3:15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

The Holy Spirt teaches you all truth (John 16:13) and empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. What did Paul say?

…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

It’s not fear and trembling that we’ll do something wrong, it’s fear and trembling that it’s GOD—creator of all, outside of time and space, who is present in your time and space—who will and act in you to make you more like Jesus. For a Christian “being in the moment” is being aware of GOD in the moment.

How do we become aware of God in the moment?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need to be in the Word.

We receive the Kingdom by seeking first the Kingdom Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We seek God with our whole heart (Psalm 119:10) . We are to seek Him always (1 Chronicles 16:11). We seek Him and live (Amos 5:4). He has promise we will seek him and find him when we seek him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13-14).  Prioritizing God's kingdom in your life is essential for receiving it.

As we seek Him we’ll find Him. As we ask for wisdom He’ll give it generously.

Am I in the word and do I let it read me?

P - Pray Fervently and Effectually

Philippians 3:16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

To live up to what we’ve already attained, we need to get this prayer thing right. I’ve learned there are different seasons in my life, so my prayer life has changed over the years. When our kids were small and I thought sleep was for wimps, I’d get up early and be back home to drive the to school. I need more sleep now, so I have to figure out how to carve it into my day, and since I have meetings some mornings, every day is different.

But I hear him calling me back to fervent, effectual prayers.

James 5: 16 says in KJV -

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

The NLT puts it this way:

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

If we’re in a relationship and a good relationship takes work and trust. How do we show we trust God?

I know I’m trusting home when I have peace and joy and hope because the God of hope fills me with peace and joy as I trust him so I can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit, but how do I show I trust God?

I show I trust God in prayer.

I show I trust He cares for me because I cast my cares on Him because HE CARES for me. I exchange my problems for His peace in prayer.

If you want to live up to what you’ve already attained you need prayer as the centre of your relationship with God.

Why? Because

We receive the Kingdom with trust.  In Luke 18:9 Jesus’ parable, told immediately before the children coming, about the two men praying. It says, “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous…” . This is a season of trusting God and not relying on ourselves. In kids, trust leads to boldness, like the blind beggar in Luke 18:38 who cries out to Jesus for healing as he passed by. We receive the Kingdom with child-like trust.

I’ve been studying up on prayerlessness.

Billy Graham “A prayer less Christian is a powerless Christian”

FB Meyer “The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayers but unoffered prayers.”

Bill Hybels “The most common cause of unanswered prayers is prayerlessness.”

Prayerlessness…

….invites temptation - Mt 26:14 
…prevents receiving help from God - John 16:24
…results in lack of wisdom - James 1:5 
…fosters self-reliance over God-reliance - Proverbs 3:5-6
….impacts peace of mind - Phil 4:6-7
…leads to weakened relationship with God - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 
… creates lack of spiritual strength - Luke 18:1
…hinders spiritual growth 1 Peter 2:2 
 …is a sin against God 1 Samuel 12:23 - Matthew 26:4 - 1 Thess 5:1

And Jesus told His disciples parables so that they would- Pray always and not give up (Luke 18:1)

Do I pray fervent, effectual  prayers?

Will you LIVE UP to what you’ve already attained?

Will you seek first His Kingdom and righteousness?

Will you?

L - Look to Jesus   In humility do I value others above myself?
I -  Invite Joy  Do I invite God’s peace and hope and joy into my life?
V - Value your identityDo I value my identity in Christ?
E - Expect progressAm I expectant for the good things of God?

U - Understand Holy Spirit teaches and empowers you    Am I in the word and do I let it read me?
P - Pray Fervently and Effectually Do I pray fervent, effectual  prayers?

Next steps

Maybe you just need to hear from God today? Maybe you need to cuddle up on your daddy’s lap or sit in awe of his majesty. Let’s take a few minutes to hear what he has to say….

Close in prayer.

Reflection.