How to Align to Abide

AbideExplore what it means to Align to Abide in the presence of God. We discuss how this impacts our daily lives. Join us as we examine scripture and share personal stories of hope and renewal. Discover practical ways to embrace faith and let the resurrection guide your journey.

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 salign abideubscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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Do you know that we become like what we worship?

Maybe it’s better said “We become more like what we put our trust in.”

Look at where I get this from

*Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

It’s a spiritual principle that we become like who we worship, or become like those we trust in.

The more we spend time with God, the more we become like Him. Technically, God makes us more and more like the Son He loves—who is the exact representation of the Father.

If you want to grow any fruit of the spirit, you need to spend time with God, who will grow Holy Spirit’s fruit in you.

What does living in the light of His resurrection mean to you?

For me, it’s abiding with Him, so I become more and more like Him.

When do you spend time with Him?

How do you spend time with Him?

I’ve noticed for me, it changes over time.

In this current season of you’re in what does it look like?

Before we get into all that…

Can I pray for you?

Pick a Rhythm to Abide

Seek Him Always, Seek Him and find Him, Seek Him and Live

Over the better part of the last year I have felt Holy Spirit drawing me to seek Him always, to seek Him and find Him, to seek Him and live.

What did that look like in the day-to-day-of-my-everyday?

Options for Rhythms to help Abide

Was it remembering Him in the times-between-times? The monks in the Middle Ages called this Statio. They’d come early to events just to have time to be aware God was already there.

Maybe that was how I could seek the Lord?

Maybe it was to have to praise breaks? Moments of Selah. David wrote he will praise God seven times a day. Seven is the number of completeness so it’s a poetic way to say “I will always praise you”. But I did have a time in my life where I set 7 alarms up on my watch and whenever they sounded I’d praise the Lord…it led to awkward and interesting conversations.

Maybe that was how I should seek the Lord?

What about Exemen? Exemen is a Jesuit prayer rhythm where at the end of the day you think about how you’ve been with God. Be thankful for that, but figure out where you failed and confess and repent so you can do better tomorrow. There may have been some mental flagellation—or self-flagellation for that matter—involved, but I didn’t think I needed to go there.

What I decided to try to Abide

I set my Reminders for different times in the day to remember to do all of these rhythms…

But I knew He wanted me to set the best part on my day apart for Him.

So my main focus was on—what I started calling—the Align to Abide Prayer. I developed it over that time. I found a prayer wheel that had 12 sections of 5 minutes each to make up a complete hour and I worked my own out of that.

Pick a time to Abide

I found I needed to do the prayer wheel first thing in the morning—after I stretched and took my morning meds. So I started getting up earlier so I’d have time on days I have early morning meetings. I’ve had to set my clock to 5:45 AM—I’ve trained myself so most days I can be up by then.

While I have the structure of twelve five-minute sections for one hour, some have permanently lengthened and others rarely take that long. On mornings I don’t have meetings, I can go longer than an hour. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not set, it’s a fluid time. I need to have grace for my self and commitments.

I’ve taken to calling this the Align to Abide Prayer Rhythm because it helps times of Selah and Statio and Exemen to naturally happen. I find when I align in the morning, it’s easier to be aware of His presence throughout the day and I naturally use those tools when I’m do.

The difference between religion and relationship

You can do what you do out of religion or relationship - motives matter. Maturity determines where you naturally default to…but all of us can slip anytime. Don’t think when you start doing something out of relationship that you don’t start doing it religiously.

I’ve often found the people who pride themselves on not being religious are the ones to act the most religiously. They hate it when I point it out to them. So I’ve learned to ask questions and tell my own stories.

For example:

It’s easy for me to tell when I’m doing something religiously or when I’m doing it to build my relationship with God.

When it doesn’t fit into my schedule to do something—that I’m doing religiously—I feel like I’ve failed, that I’ll never get it right, that I’ll never measure up.

However, when I use that same form to enhance my relationship with God—and I can’t do it for a day or even a season—I simply make space to do it or look forward to next time I can do it. It doesn’t matter if I do everything on the list or focus on a particular piece on any random day.

It’s like this—I need to stretch everyday. When I don’t have time to stretch or forget a particular stretch, I will feel it in my body at some point in the day. When I feel it in my body, I make sure to stretch as soon as I can. Like this morning I forgot to stretch my shoulders and arms, so I did it in the office before the service. I don’t beat myself up about not stretching.

In the spiritual, I need to spend my best and first time of my day with God. When I miss it, or rush through part of it—like I forget to exchange my problems for his peace—I will notice it. I will feel it in my spirit and make sure I do that as soon as I can. I don’t beat myself up about it. His grace is sufficient. I apologize—sometimes confess and repent—and move on.

Working out of religion brings shame. Working out of relationship brings life.

Don’t get overwhelmed with Align to Abide

What I’m going to share today please realize I’m not saying, “This is what you need to do”.

I’m offering you tools to help you Seek Him Always. Seek Him and find Him. Seek Him and live!

Please don’t get overwhelmed by everything I’m going to tell you today. What I’m sharing with you has grown over the better part of a year.

I started with a this form and realized I’ve been in this dance with God for several years and was so excited to see how this piece fit that piece and how that tool supported this discipline and how this element really was that rhythm.

And my prayer lists have turned into praise and thanksgiving organically over time—if I showed you my petition and intercession lists you might think it’s ridiculous. But again, they’ve grown organically, over time as I’ve spent time with God he’s turned my heart towards people and situations. They get on the list.

My walk is not your walk, your walk is not my walk. We walk together the same path, but He directs our steps different.

And so in your notes you’ll find a lot of links. Please don’t get overwhelmed with them. These are available for you to fit into any part of your own rhythm.

So how do you walk in the light of His resurrection?

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

Let’s get into Align to Abide

Prepare to Abide

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Prepare your space

I start with music. I use an app…options…option coming

Why? See 2 Kings 3:15 Elisha said: "But now bring me a harpist." And while the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon him.

Prepare your mind

Never forget

Every Kingdom movement starts with prayer. —John Smed “Prayer Revolution”

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1. Centring prayer

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1–2

My prayer

Lord give me the capacity to do the things that need to get done, the awareness of your presence to know I’m doing what you have for me to do, the assurance to know you empower me to accomplish every good work prompted by faith.

And the grace for myself if I can’t see everything I’d like to get accomplished in the time I’d like it to be done. I know and trust Your purpose for me will be fulfilled, so help me act and pray like I trust that you will finish your good work in me.

And help me have the grace for others—knowing that since you’ll finish the good work in me, you will finish the good work you started in them—so I can think of them ahead of myself. Thank you that You do all things well.

This ending piece is what I’d recommend:

My eyes are open and expectant for every treasure you have for me to find today. Thank you for being God with Us. Help me be with you today.

2. Daily Reflection

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4

Random reflections https://revtrev.com/reflections/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that when I call on you that you answer me and show me remarkable things I do not know Jeremiah 33:3

3. Give thanks and praise

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 104:1

Give thanks with your whole heart

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Give thanks with your whole heart Tool https://revtrev.com/feel-gratitude/

Turn your thanksgiving to praise:

Thank you that you are worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you I can always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for me because I belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

4. Be Still and know He is God

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23-24

To Abide you need to be still. Here’s a the BE STILL Tool https://revtrev.com/be-still/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that you understand so I can say: But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? Psalm 56:3-4

5. Confession and Repentance

* Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,O God of Israel. Psalm 69:6

Two questions

Is there anything I’ve done or not done that would make those closest to me ashamed or humiliated—more than them just rolling their eyes?

Is there anyone I need to forgive?

TURN https://revtrev.com/turn/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you for your promise that you will give me a new heart and put a new spirit in me; that you will remove from me my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh Ezekiel 36:26

6. Pray Scripture

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10b

Lectio Divina Tool and Verses https://revtrev.com/pray-scripture/

Thank you that the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

7. Ask Petitions

Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4:2b

Pray from Identity Matthew 7:9-11

Your identity is that you have a good Father who knows what you need, so you don’t have to keep babbling like the pagans because He enjoys giving good gifts to his children, but he wants you ask for what you eat and drink and wear because He wants you to know He takes care of you like the flowers and birds.

A. Remember to ask for…

If I have to work for it, I need to pray for it.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5

The possible stuff done His way is path the feeling his presence and pleasure.

B. Family’s Future

God’s will - have not because you ask not.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Example:

Health and strength for myself and all my family members—may we all have strength for all of our days.

Give us hearts to know you and your hope and our inheritance in Christ and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, which is available to us. May we always learn to know you better and better.

Bless the work of our hands. Empower every good work prompted by our faith. May all our plans succeed for your glory. Lead us in your ways.

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. Draw them to Yourself. Cover them in the shelter of Your wing. May our children and their children return to their own borders. Settle them back in their own lands. May they find their boundaries lines are in pleasant places. Turn what the enemy meant for evil for good. Redeem them—they are yours. They have been bought with a price. They belong to you. The promise of the Holy Spirit is for us and our children and all who are far off. Don’t let them ignore your promise.

May our children and their children and their children—and all who believe because of them—receive the inheritance of our father and mother. You are with them in their coming and going and in their sitting and rising. Thank you that Your kindness to them will lead them to You.

May they seek Your face always. May they seek You and find You. May they seek You and live!

C. Commit my Plans

Dream with God, Stay on track with what He’s prompted me to do and for what I’m responsible for.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalms 57:2

This verse realigned my perspective. I knew God would fulfill his purpose for me…He’s God. But that means I need to cry out to Him

My books, courses, resources, websites, social media strategies, book marketing strategies… He directs my steps - for example. I know I need to get the courses done first and then the books will help market them.

D. Commit my Commitments

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Kingdom Way

5 Prayers to Praying For....

1. Believers would have a passion for the lost Luke 19:10
2. Believers would have a desire to return to Church Hebrews 10:24-25 and corporate times of worship ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
3. Believers would experience the release of God’s glory in their personal, and corporate times of worship ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18, Psalm 22:3
4. Pre-believers would be drawn into the church because they feel God’s presence
   1 Corinthians 14:24-25
5. Believers would passionately desire to serve Matt 9:37-38

MCare

1 million souls by 2030

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that you gave us parables so that we’d always pray and never give up Luke 18:1

8. Cast Cares

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

CAST Your Cares Upon Him Tool https://revtrev.com/cast/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that You promise that You will rescue those who love You and that You will protect those who trust in Your name. Psalm 91:14

9. Intercession

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

Pray from authority Matthew 28:18-19

Our Authority comes from Christ having all authority and teaching us to pray His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven

A. Our Family

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1

Our family, extended family, all the kids and significant others and future spouse, by name and by need.

Helps me remember names and conversations. Absolutely a benefit I didn’t expect.

B. Who God puts on my heart…

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. Colossians 1:9

For friends, work, and church by name and by need

C. For our Country

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

I will pray God helps them. I will intercede for them. And give thanks for them.

Nations - Nation - Province - City

And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that the prayer of someone—you’ve made righteous—is powerful and effective. James 5:16

10. Meditation

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psalm 119:15

Soul time app https://www.soultime.com/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart can be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 19:14

11. Bible Reading

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

100 Promises of God https://revtrev.com/promises/

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank you that your promises are my my armour and protection Psalm 94:1

12. Journal with God

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Habakkuk 2:1

Journal with God Tool https://revtrev.com/journal

Abide with thanksgiving:
Thank You that You make known to me the path of life and you fill me with joy in your presence. Psalm 16:11

Final Abiding with Thanksgiving

Thank you I can be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. For you have enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to Your people, who live in the light. Colossians 9:11b-12

Conclusion of Align to Abide

I know this works. I feel His presence and want to be in His presence and have His peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation.

They were getting me ready to leave the ward after my Cardiac Ablation Surgery and two nurses—I had gotten to know—were changing the dressing on each side. The one on the right was done and left. The one on the left was holding pressure on a possible hematoma when he noticed I had sprung a leak. He asked Karen the leave, put pressure on the right side and called the other nurse back. She took over and pressed harder and I started to feel like I’d be sick or pass out. They put me back on a drip and gave me some orange juice, so I started feeling better.

And I felt appreciation for this nurse. She was working overtime to make sure I could make it home as soon as I could. So I thanked her—she had been holding pressure the whole time. She replied “You’re far too positive for the situation you’re in right now.” I was lying in a pool of my own blood. I laughed and said, “I’m just glad it happened here and that you could help me rather than at home.”

It wasn’t a delusional laugh. I was at peace. I had His joy. I knew He was going to use this for His good.

It’s not my natural state...but is my supernatural state

I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily. I do that because I’m learning to abide in Him. Every day I’m making space to be with Him and hear from him.

It was the Wednesday before the procedure and in my quite time with God I had to confess I was concerned about “complications” from it all. I was asking AI about what to expect and asking God why I so concerned about such low numbers.

It turns out I had to confess I was trusting in a whole lot of other things instead of trusting in him. He reminded me of other times I have been through the fire and not been burned and through the flood and not been swept away and through deep waters and not been drowned because HE was with me. I felt him ask me if I would trust him regardless of complications? I decided I would—with his help. I think prayed “When I am I afraid, I’ll trust in you.”

I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily.

I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily. I need his presence always, so I seek His presence intentionally. I do it in the morning and it’s easier to feel His presence all day.

Since we live by the Spirit we need to keep in step with the Spirit. How do you let love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and gentleness and self-control grow in you? We cannot keep this as an idea in our head or a sentiment in our heart, we need to work out its implications into every area of our lives.

We can’t spout truism if it’s not true in our lives. Bumperstickers telling people the hope we have can be real pretentious if people don’t see the hope we have. Bible verses on walls are great, but if those promises aren’t lived out it becomes religion. Religion brings rules. Relationship brings life.

Our relationship with the resurrected Jesus means we need to abide in him.

People need to see the hope that we have. In His presence is fullness of joy. The God of all hope fills us with peace and joy as we trust in Him so that we can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. I don’t get to that place naturally but I’m learning to get to it easily.

The time I spend with Him—every morning I can with Him helps me to seek Him in the time between times. And praise Him in the moments of awe I see every day. It helps me to put all my plans into His hands. And keeps me on the path he has for me.

What will you do to be more aware of His presence in your life?

Has your heart said “Seek His Face”?

Have you replied, “Your face, oh Lord I will seek”?

Do you now how you’ll seek him in this season?

He’s is seeking for hearts that are totally devoted to him.

Application to Abide

Maybe there’s something you can add to your prayer time that will revive it for a season?

Maybe you’ve already thought “I used to do that, why did I stop?”

Maybe you heard something exciting you’d like to try.

All the tools are at all the links I gave you in the notes. If you go to the church webpage—after I have this message posted—all those links will be live. If you book mark it on your phone, you can work through whatever tool you’d to use.

Challenge to Abide

You really need to hear what God is saying to you. Don’t do what I’m doing because I told you about it.

Maybe God wants you to spend an hour each day?

Maybe you should set a time?

Maybe it’s a season to go deep in one aspect we’ve talked about.

If you ask Him, He will tell you. You will feel His pull. He’s seeking for you.

Seek Him always. Seek Him and find. Seek him and live.

Can I pray for you so you can Abide?

Lord give us ears to hear, hearts to know and hands to obey what you’re telling us to do. In the next few moments speak clearly and speak live.

Thank you you’re always with us. Help us be with you.

Listen to Holy Spirit’s voice.

What is He calling you to?

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.

Listen to How to REFRESH Others in Prayer

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

Watch How to REFRESH Others in Prayer

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Read How to REFRESH Others in Prayer

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?