Deliberate Faith: Transforming Lives Through Intentional Connection

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Connection with Jesus

Deliberate faith is not merely about being in the vicinity of Jesus; it is about making a conscious decision to reach out and hold onto Him. This intentional act of faith allows individuals to experience God's transformative power in their lives. The story of the woman who touched the fringe of Jesus' robe exemplifies this concept. Her healing was not a result of mere proximity but of a deliberate and intentional act of faith. This kind of faith requires us to actively seek a deeper connection with Jesus, trusting that He will meet us in our need and transform our lives in ways we cannot imagine. [50:12]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally reach out to Jesus today, seeking a deeper connection with Him?

Day 2: Beyond Transactions to Relationship

Faith is not a transaction; it is a relationship. Jesus desires more than a simple exchange of needs and answers; He seeks a personal and intimate relationship with each of us. The woman in the crowd sought healing, but Jesus offered her something far greater—a restored identity and dignity as His beloved daughter. This relational aspect of faith invites us to move beyond seeking God only for what He can do for us and instead embrace a deeper, more meaningful connection with Him. In this relationship, we find our true identity and worth as children of God. [58:57]

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking God's hand to seeking His heart in your daily life?

Day 3: Faith as a Catalyst for Transformation

The woman's healing was not just a physical miracle; it was a profound spiritual transformation. Her deliberate faith led to a change in her identity, from an outcast to a beloved daughter of God. This transformation is available to all who reach out in faith. When we choose to trust in God's power, we open ourselves to a transformation that goes beyond our circumstances and changes how we see ourselves and our relationship with God. This kind of faith challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's ability to do the impossible. [01:08:25]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God for transformation, and what step of faith can you take today to begin that process?

Day 4: Taking the First Step in Faith

Deliberate faith involves taking the first step, even when the entire path is not visible. Like the woman who reached out to Jesus, we are called to trust in God's power to do the impossible in our lives. This kind of faith requires courage and a willingness to step into the unknown, believing that God will guide us and provide for us along the way. It is not about having all the answers but about trusting in the One who does. [56:01]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith, and how can you take that step today?

Day 5: Faith that Leads to Breakthroughs

Our deliberate faith can lead to significant breakthroughs, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. By stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to God's miraculous work and become a testimony of His power. This kind of faith is contagious and can inspire others to seek God and experience His transformative power in their own lives. As we continue our journey of faith, let us be encouraged to take deliberate steps, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [01:07:19]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from witnessing your faith journey, and how can you share your story of God's work in your life with them today?

Sermon Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the concept of deliberate faith, emphasizing its transformative power in our lives. We began by acknowledging the breakthroughs happening within our community and the importance of intentional prayer and fasting. Deliberate faith is more than just a casual encounter with Jesus; it requires a conscious decision to reach out and cling to Him, much like the woman who touched the fringe of Jesus' robe and was healed. Her story illustrates that deliberate faith is not just about proximity to Jesus but about a deep, intentional connection that transforms us from the inside out.

We reflected on the significance of deliberate faith being relational. Jesus desires more than a transactional relationship; He wants to connect with us on a personal level. The woman in the crowd sought healing, but Jesus offered her a deeper relationship, calling her "daughter" and restoring her dignity and identity. This transformation is not just physical but spiritual, as deliberate faith leads to a profound change in how we see ourselves and our relationship with God.

Furthermore, deliberate faith is transformational. It moves us beyond our current circumstances and challenges us to take bold steps, even when we cannot see the entire path ahead. Like the woman who reached out in faith, we are called to step forward, trusting that God will work in our lives in ways we cannot yet imagine. This faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God's power to do the impossible.

As we continue our journey of faith, let us be encouraged to take deliberate steps, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Whether it's through prayer, fasting, or acts of service, our deliberate faith can lead to breakthroughs that not only change our lives but also impact those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Deliberate Faith Requires Intentionality: Deliberate faith is more than just being near Jesus; it involves a conscious decision to reach out and cling to Him. This intentional act of faith allows us to experience God's power in new and transformative ways. [50:12]
2. Faith is Relational, Not Transactional: Jesus desires a personal relationship with us, not just a transactional one. When we reach out to Him in faith, He calls us into a deeper connection, restoring our identity and dignity as His children. [58:57]
3. Transformation Begins with Faith: The woman's healing was not just physical but also spiritual. Her deliberate faith led to a transformation in her identity, from an outcast to a beloved daughter of God. This transformation is available to all who reach out in faith. [68:25]
4. Faith Takes the First Step: Deliberate faith involves taking the first step, even when we cannot see the entire path. Like the woman who reached out to Jesus, we are called to trust in God's power to do the impossible in our lives. [56:01]
5. Faith Leads to Breakthroughs: Our deliberate faith can lead to significant breakthroughs, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. By stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to God's miraculous work and become a testimony of His power. [01:07:19]
** [67:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:45] - Prayer for Breakthroughs
[40:39] - Testimonies of Change
[43:02] - The Call to Deliberate Faith
[44:04] - Personal Story of Faith
[45:15] - The Wrong Apartment
[46:47] - Importance of Deliberate Faith
[47:54] - Key Verse: Matthew 17:20
[50:12] - More Than Bumping Into Jesus
[52:42] - The Power of Deliberate Touch
[53:39] - Understanding 'Haptomai'
[55:05] - Faith Beyond the Physical
[56:01] - Faith as the First Step
[58:57] - Relational Faith
[63:49] - The Significance of the Tzitzit
[67:19] - Evidence of God's Work
[68:25] - From Outcast to Daughter
[72:34] - Invitation to Respond

Sermon Clips

"You know, deliberate faith doesn't wait for your wife to wake up the next day. And she says, yeah, good. Let's talk tomorrow. 2012, we welcomed Mason into our home. Seven weeks old, six pounds. The caseworker puts him in our arms and says, I hope you're willing to adopt this one, because that's where it's going. He's 12 now. He's not six pounds. And it's just that one deliberate step. My wife and I are saying, yeah, we're called to do something about the orphans in our world." [01:10:27] (40 seconds)

"Deliberate faith is intentional. Luke chapter eight, verse 47 says, when the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, I think she is an introvert, right? It's like, I just wanna blend in. When she realized she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed." [00:57:28] (30 seconds)

"Deliberate faith must go beyond the proximity. You can't just hang out here at church and get this power. You've gotta reach out and cling to Jesus. You can hang out with us every single Sunday. And if you're just bumping into Jesus and going back to business as usual, you will miss it. Deliberate faith must go beyond proximity into intentionality." [00:56:45] (33 seconds)

"She wanted to anonymously go get what she needed from Jesus and go about her work, go about her day. She wanted to go. He turns toward her because he wants to connect on a deeper level than transactional. She kind of planned on, I get what I need from Jesus and then when I need him again, I'll come back. But when Jesus turns around and faces and looks at you face to face, you cannot go back to business as usual." [00:58:21] (31 seconds)

"Powerful, deliberate faith that moves mountains first moves you. Deliberate faith must go beyond the proximity. You can't just hang out here at church and get this power. You've gotta reach out and cling to Jesus. You can hang out with us every single Sunday. And if you're just bumping into Jesus and going back to business as usual, you will miss it." [00:56:45] (33 seconds)

"Deliberate faith is more than bumping into Jesus. Taking notes is a great way to make sure you don't forget this. Deliberate faith is more than bumping into Jesus. Now here in America, we don't really get into this situation very often, where you can be in a crowded space, and people are pressing on you from all sides." [00:50:12] (26 seconds)

"She was transformed from outcast to family member. Her identity was transformed. Her dignity was restored. That transformation externally only happened because of the transformation internally. She first had to make a decision out of internal, deliberate faith. I'm going to step forward on that first step, even though I can't see the staircase. And she did it." [01:08:34] (26 seconds)

"Deliberate faith is more than bumping into Jesus. Taking notes is a great way to make sure you don't forget this. Deliberate faith is more than bumping into Jesus. Now here in America, we don't really get into this situation very often, where you can be in a crowded space, and people are pressing on you from all sides." [00:50:12] (26 seconds)

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