Living a Life Better Than Ever Through Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Faith and Positive Confession

Description: The story of a father who declared he was "better than ever" despite severe health challenges serves as a powerful illustration of faith and positive confession. This declaration was not based on his physical condition but on his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. John 10:10 promises an abundant life through Christ, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from worldly circumstances. This kind of faith and positive confession can transform our perspective and help us see beyond our immediate challenges to the greater reality of God's promises. [03:07]

Bible passage: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you begin to declare God's promises over this situation, trusting in His provision and care?

Day 2: Dependence on God

Description: To live a life of faith, one must be determined to depend on God in all areas. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. This dependence on God leads to a life that is better than ever, as exemplified by biblical figures like Daniel and David. Daniel's unwavering faith in the face of adversity and David's dependence on God when facing Goliath are powerful examples of how trusting in God can lead to victory and fulfillment. [12:37]

Bible passage: "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: Identify an area of your life where you have been relying on your own understanding. How can you begin to trust God more fully in this area today?

Day 3: Renewing the Mind

Description: Romans 12:2 calls for the transformation of our minds by renewing them with God's Word. This involves daily engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. A resilient mind, continually renewed by God's truth, leads to a life that is better than ever. The process of renewing the mind helps us to align our thoughts with God's thoughts, enabling us to live in accordance with His will and experience His peace and joy. [21:29]

Bible passage: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to begin renewing your mind with God's Word? Consider setting aside a specific time for Bible study and prayer.

Day 4: Investing in Yourself

Description: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Investing in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is crucial for living a life better than ever. This includes proper self-care, healthy habits, and spiritual disciplines. By taking care of ourselves, we honor God and position ourselves to serve Him more effectively. [36:48]

Bible passage: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to invest in your physical, mental, or spiritual well-being? How can this step help you to better serve God and others?

Day 5: Embracing Change and Growth

Description: Isaiah 43:19 assures us that God is always doing a new thing in our lives. Embracing change and growth, and letting go of past hurts and failures, allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. This involves forgiving others and continually seeking God's will. By embracing change and growth, we can live a life that is truly better than ever, filled with joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit. [02:18]

Bible passage: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a past hurt or failure that you need to let go of? How can you begin to embrace the new things God is doing in your life today? Consider praying for the strength to forgive and move forward.

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's message centers on the profound truth that a life of faith in Christ is a life "better than ever." This concept was illustrated through the personal story of my father, who, despite severe health challenges, consistently declared he was "better than ever." This declaration was rooted in his unwavering faith and understanding that true life and fulfillment come from a relationship with Jesus Christ, not from worldly circumstances.

We explored the biblical foundation for living a life of faith, focusing on key scriptures such as John 10:10, which promises an abundant life through Christ. The message emphasized that faith must be accompanied by love, as love conquers all and never fails. To live a life of faith, one must be determined to depend on God, resilient in renewing the mind, inspired to invest in oneself, and have a vision of walking in faith while vaulting negative thoughts.

The story of the Shunammite woman, who declared "It is well" even when her child had died, was used to illustrate the power of faith and positive confession. Similarly, the story of Daniel's unwavering faith in the face of adversity and David's dependence on God when facing Goliath were highlighted as examples of living a life better than ever through faith.

The message also addressed the importance of not conforming to the world's standards but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation involves daily engagement with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It also requires investing in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, as our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the message called for embracing change and growth, understanding that God is always doing a new thing in our lives. This involves letting go of past hurts and failures, forgiving others, and continually seeking God's will. By doing so, we can live a life that is truly better than ever, filled with joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

###

Key Takeaways

1. 6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. This dependence on God leads to a life that is better than ever, as exemplified by Daniel and David in the Bible. [12:37]
3. Renewing the Mind: Romans 12:2 calls for the transformation of our minds by renewing them with God's Word. This involves daily engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. A resilient mind, continually renewed by God's truth, leads to a life that is better than ever.

4. Investing in Yourself: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Investing in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is crucial for living a life better than ever. This includes proper self-care, healthy habits, and spiritual disciplines.

5. Embracing Change and Growth: Isaiah 43:19 assures us that God is always doing a new thing in our lives. Embracing change and growth, and letting go of past hurts and failures, allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. This involves forgiving others and continually seeking God's will.

### [12:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:07] - Introduction: Living a Life of Faith
[04:04] - My Father's Story: Better Than Ever
[05:18] - The Shunammite Woman: It Is Well
[06:12] - Faith and Love: The Foundation
[07:15] - Redefining "Better"
[08:24] - Worldly Success vs. Godly Fulfillment
[09:34] - Choosing Christ Over the World
[10:39] - Twice Saved: Salvation and Sanctification
[11:33] - Determined to Depend on God
[12:37] - The Hummingbird and Bumblebee: God's Ways
[13:41] - Daniel's Determination
[14:40] - Resilient in Renewing Your Mind
[15:41] - Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
[17:08] - Bringing People to Christ
[18:11] - David and Goliath: Dependence on God
[19:12] - The Importance of Peace
[20:11] - Better Than Ever: A Personal Testimony
[21:29] - Renewing Your Mind: Practical Steps
[22:41] - The Lord's Prayer: Daily Bread and Forgiveness
[23:38] - The Woman at the Well: Revelation and Forgiveness
[24:49] - Acts 2:42-47: Community and Fellowship
[25:43] - Favor with God and Man
[26:45] - Investing in Yourself: Spirit, Soul, and Body
[27:30] - The Tractor Analogy: Renewing Your Mind
[28:21] - Joseph's Resilience
[29:04] - Speaking Faith into Existence
[30:41] - Create in Me a Clean Heart
[31:20] - Integrating Godly Values
[31:56] - The Amazon Story: Faith Over Fear
[32:45] - The Chief's Revelation
[33:31] - Inspired to Invest in Yourself
[34:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[35:31] - Vision of Walking in Faith
[36:07] - Vaulting Your Thoughts
[37:35] - Honoring God with Your Body
[38:20] - The Remington Shotgun: Investing in What Matters
[39:33] - Practical Self-Care
[40:14] - Entering God's Presence
[41:12] - Daily Thanksgiving
[42:07] - Proverbs 31: Investing in Yourself
[42:59] - Marinating in God's Word
[44:14] - Jesus' Example: Rest and Rejuvenation
[44:58] - The Importance of Rest
[45:43] - God's Provision
[46:58] - Jesus' Miracles: Feeding the 5,000
[47:44] - Resting in God's Presence
[48:27] - My Father's Example: Better Than Ever
[49:45] - Pursuing Peace and Mutual Upbuilding
[50:42] - Fixing Your Thoughts on God
[51:30] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
[52:32] - Serving God with the Right Heart
[53:14] - Vision of Faith: My Father's Story
[54:19] - Speaking Faith: Out of the Heart
[55:20] - Repenting and Correcting
[55:43] - Doing Everything in Jesus' Name
[56:45] - Practical Applications of Faith
[57:20] - Using God's Mighty Weapons
[57:47] - Acting from Faith
[58:12] - Abraham's Example: Vision and Faith
[59:01] - Rejecting the Lies of the Enemy
[59:40] - Daily Choice: Choosing Christ
[59:59] - Staying in the Light of God
[60:31] - Focusing on Growing in Faith
[61:04] - Infinite Value of Knowing Christ
[61:21] - Righteousness Through Faith
[61:34] - Embracing Change and Growth
[62:18] - God Doing a New Thing
[62:44] - Streams in the Wasteland
[63:26] - Embracing Change: Practical Examples
[64:50] - New Life in Christ
[65:17] - Reconciling People to God
[66:02] - Overflowing with Joy and Peace
[66:39] - The Thief's Agenda vs. God's Plan
[67:31] - Overcoming with God's Word
[68:14] - Resting in God's Promises
[68:41] - Healing the Brokenhearted
[69:01] - Better, Not Bitter
[69:24] - Entering God's Rest
[70:07] - God's Promised Land
[70:32] - Releasing Bitterness
[70:47] - Embracing Change and Growth
[71:05] - Driving into a Better Life
[71:46] - Prayer and Invitation
[72:02] - Living a Life of Abundance
[73:32] - Confession and Reconciliation
[74:09] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[74:24] - Sharing the Good News
[75:02] - Closing and Invitation for Next Week

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does John 10:10 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming? How does this relate to the concept of living a life "better than ever"? [03:07]
According to Romans 12:2, what is required for the transformation of our minds? How does this transformation contribute to living a life of faith? [21:29]
In Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do instead of leaning on our own understanding? How does this instruction align with the sermon’s message about dependence on God? [12:37]
How did the Shunammite woman respond when asked about her situation, and what does this illustrate about faith and positive confession? [06:12]

Interpretation Questions

How does the promise of an abundant life in John 10:10 challenge the worldly definition of success and fulfillment? [08:24]
What practical steps can believers take to renew their minds daily, as instructed in Romans 12:2? How does this renewal impact their faith journey? [21:29]
How does trusting in the Lord with all your heart, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, influence the way you handle life's challenges and uncertainties? [12:37]
The sermon mentioned the importance of positive confession, as seen in the story of the Shunammite woman. How can positive confession shape a believer's outlook and faith during difficult times? [06:12]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you apply the principle of positive confession to similar situations in the future? [06:12]
What are some practical ways you can engage in daily mind renewal through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship? Identify one specific action you will take this week to start this practice. [21:29]
Think about an area in your life where you have been relying on your own understanding. How can you shift to trusting God more fully in that area? [12:37]
The sermon emphasized the importance of investing in oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually. What is one specific way you can invest in your well-being this week? [36:48]
How can you embrace change and growth in your spiritual life? Identify a past hurt or failure you need to let go of and a step you will take to move forward. [02:18]
Consider the story of Daniel's unwavering faith. How can you demonstrate a similar determination to depend on God in your daily life? [14:40]
The sermon highlighted the importance of community and fellowship. How can you actively seek and contribute to a supportive faith community? What steps will you take to engage more deeply with fellow believers? [24:49]

Sermon Clips

1. "When you understand that without faith it's impossible to please God another scripture says if you don't do it out of faith it's sin and the only way faith works the word also says is by love and also the word says love conquers all love never fails so if you put it all together how can you not have a better life than ever because you live a what a life of faith." [04:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The world consistently pressures us. Everybody to strive for more, bigger, and better things. And what happens is you can easily be consumed by this pursuit of worldly success, worldly possessions, keeping up with the Joneses. What happens is it leads to an emptiness, a dissatisfaction. And not just keeping up with the Joneses, it's keeping up with how people think about you and how people act around you and how you act around you and how you act around you and how you act around you." [08:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Now, as Christians, you're called to live a different life. Yes, we're called to live a different life. Yes, we're called to live a different life. We're in this world, but we're not of this world. We're called to have a life that is a better life in Christ. We're going to explore this journey of what it looks like and how to obtain for say a better life and how it begins with choosing Christ over the world." [09:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You got to be determined to live with your faith. So the D in this drive to a better life, a life better than ever, you have to be determined to depend on God. How determined are you to depend on God? Proverbs 3, 5, and 6 says, trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Sometimes you got to tell self, shut up. Say self, be quiet." [11:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When you're determined to depend on God, you're going to have a life better than ever. You got to depend on him in every area of your life. Look at, the determination of Daniel. Daniel in the Bible, despite facing adversity, and the pressures to compromise, Daniel remained determined to depend on God. Throw me in the lions den, do what you want, but I'm determined to depend on God. And he's going to stay what? True to his faith." [14:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The abundant life, the better than ever, the better life is not dependent on the world's circumstances. It's not dependent on the worldly success. But it's dependent on your relationship with your Lord and Savior. It's dependent on the obedience to his will, as it says earlier in Romans. At the same time, when I understand of the obedience, when Jesus even said, hey, when you pray, pray this way. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." [22:41] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You have to be inspired to invest in yourself. Spirit, soul, and body to have a life better than ever. 1 Corinthians 6. 19 and 20 says, Do you not know that your bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. You have to invest in yourself, your body that God has blessed you with. You have to invest in it." [36:48] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You have to be inspired to invest in yourself. We're not going to read the whole verse or the whole chapter. But I challenge you. Go read Proverbs 31. I know a lot of us read Proverbs every month or every day. And sometimes we don't get to read Proverbs 31 because there's only 30 days in the month. Well, maybe you double up that day. Hopefully you do. But go read Proverbs 31. You're going to see a woman that invested in herself." [41:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You have to have a vision of walking in faith. Trusting in God's plan for our lives. When we cannot see the outcome. Not spiritually or physically see it. But we can spiritually know it. That I know I'm going to be at the feet of Jesus. I know I'm going to be at the feet of Jesus. I know I'm going to be up in heaven with my father God. You know what? Is it going to be a bonus? I'm going to see my dad? But am I serving God to see my dad? Or am I serving God to be with Jesus?" [52:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Embrace the change. The change with the knowledge that God is doing a new thing in your life. A new thing in your families. In our community. In the church. There's growth happening. There's a transformation happening. Embrace the change and growth. I think about people that start going to the gym. My wife is like member of the gym and she's like doing all this sweating stuff. And I did that long enough in my younger life. And I let that go." [03:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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