Steps of Faith: Embracing Gratitude and Wholeness
Summary
Taking a step of faith is a powerful act that can transform our lives. In Mark 11, Jesus curses a fig tree for giving a false sense of hope, and then He speaks about the power of faith. This passage challenges us to examine our own faith and to take bold steps towards God, trusting Him to move mountains in our lives. What mountains are you facing today? Whether it's doubt, health issues, or a barrier to a closer walk with God, Jesus invites us to bring these challenges to Him. He is the one who speaks life into what is real and true.
In Luke 17, we see the story of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. They took a step of faith by calling out to Him, and as they obeyed His command to go to the priests, they were cleansed. However, only one returned to give thanks, and he was not only healed but made whole. This story illustrates the importance of gratitude and how it can lead to a deeper relationship with God. Gratitude is not just about saying thanks; it's about living a life that reflects the goodness of God. It transforms our perspective, turning obstacles into opportunities and filling our hearts with joy and hope.
As we enter this season of thanksgiving, let's move from simply giving thanks to living thanks. Let's be the one who takes the first step, who rushes to respond to God's goodness, and who reciprocates with heartfelt gratitude. In doing so, we open ourselves to receive more from God—not just physical healing, but spiritual wholeness and a closer walk with Him. Let us build altars of gratitude in our lives, marking the moments where God has brought us through, and let us live in a way that reflects His faithfulness and love.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith in Action: Faith is not just a belief but an action. Jesus challenges us to have faith that can move mountains, urging us to take steps towards Him even when circumstances seem unchanged. This act of faith invites God's power into our lives, transforming our challenges into testimonies of His goodness. [16:15]
- The Power of Gratitude: Gratitude is more than a feeling; it's a transformative practice that changes our outlook and strengthens our relationship with God. By living a life of gratitude, we open ourselves to God's blessings and cultivate a heart that sees opportunities rather than obstacles. [46:46]
- Be the One: In the story of the ten lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus. This act of gratitude led to his complete healing. We are called to be like this one, taking the first step of faith and responding to God's goodness with heartfelt thanks, which leads to deeper spiritual wholeness. [01:06:39]
- Living Thanks: Moving from thanksgiving to thanks-living means embodying gratitude in our daily lives. It involves recognizing God's hand in our past and present, and allowing that recognition to shape our future. This lifestyle of gratitude wards off negativity and sin, keeping our hearts aligned with God's will. [01:24:37]
- Reflect and Respond: Taking time to reflect on God's past faithfulness strengthens our faith and gratitude. By building altars of remembrance, we acknowledge His goodness and prepare our hearts to receive more from Him. This reflection is not about dwelling on the past but about fueling our faith for the future. [01:32:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Opening Prayer and Scripture
- [02:30] - The Fig Tree and Faith
- [05:15] - The Power of One Step
- [10:00] - Miracles in Our Midst
- [16:15] - Taking a Step of Faith
- [33:43] - Praise and Thanksgiving
- [41:55] - From Thanksgiving to Thanks-living
- [46:46] - The Benefits of Gratitude
- [55:33] - Jesus and the Ten Lepers
- [01:01:19] - The First Step of Faith
- [01:06:39] - The One Who Returned
- [01:11:16] - Gratitude and Wholeness
- [01:24:37] - Living a Life of Gratitude
- [01:32:25] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 11:12-25
- Luke 17:11-19
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 11, why did Jesus curse the fig tree, and what lesson did He teach His disciples afterward? [16:15]
2. How did the ten lepers in Luke 17 demonstrate their faith, and what was the result of their obedience to Jesus' command? [55:33]
3. What was unique about the one leper who returned to thank Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him? [01:06:39]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of taking a step of faith, and how does it relate to the story of the fig tree and the lepers? [01:03:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of cursing the fig tree in Mark 11 symbolize the importance of genuine faith in our lives? [16:15]
2. In what ways does the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrate the power of gratitude and its impact on our spiritual well-being? [01:06:39]
3. Why is it significant that only one leper returned to thank Jesus, and what does this teach us about the nature of true gratitude? [01:07:48]
4. How can the concept of "living thanks" transform our daily lives and relationships with God and others? [01:24:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a "mountain" you are currently facing in your life. How can you take a step of faith to trust God with this challenge? [16:15]
2. Think about a recent situation where you experienced God's goodness. How did you express gratitude, and how can you cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude moving forward? [46:46]
3. Identify a moment in your life where you felt like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus. How did that experience deepen your relationship with God? [01:06:39]
4. Consider the concept of "living thanks" as discussed in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to embody gratitude in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:24:37]
5. How can you build "altars of gratitude" in your life to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness? What specific events or moments would you include? [01:32:25]
6. Reflect on a time when you struggled with doubt or negativity. How can gratitude serve as a tool to shift your perspective and align your heart with God's will? [01:20:42]
7. In what ways can you be the "one" who takes the first step of faith and responds to God's goodness with heartfelt gratitude in your community or church? [01:28:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Catalyst for Transformation
Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active force that can transform our lives. In Mark 11, Jesus demonstrates the power of faith by cursing a fig tree that gave a false sense of hope. This act challenges us to examine our own faith and take bold steps towards God, trusting Him to move mountains in our lives. The mountains we face—be it doubt, health issues, or barriers to a closer walk with God—are opportunities for us to exercise our faith. Jesus invites us to bring these challenges to Him, trusting that He can speak life into what is real and true. By taking steps of faith, we invite God's power into our lives, transforming our challenges into testimonies of His goodness. [16:15]
"For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific "mountain" in your life that you need to bring to God in faith today? How can you take a tangible step towards trusting Him with this challenge?
Day 2: Gratitude as a Transformative Practice
Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it is a transformative practice that reshapes our outlook and strengthens our relationship with God. In Luke 17, the story of the ten lepers illustrates the power of gratitude. While all ten were healed, only one returned to give thanks, and he was made whole. This story teaches us that gratitude is not just about saying thanks but living a life that reflects the goodness of God. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to God's blessings and begin to see opportunities rather than obstacles. Gratitude transforms our perspective, filling our hearts with joy and hope. [46:46]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to feel grateful. How can you intentionally practice gratitude in this area today, and what impact might that have on your perspective?
Day 3: The Call to Be the One
In the story of the ten lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus, and this act of gratitude led to his complete healing. We are called to be like this one, taking the first step of faith and responding to God's goodness with heartfelt thanks. This response not only acknowledges God's work in our lives but also leads to deeper spiritual wholeness. Being the one who returns to give thanks is a powerful testimony of faith and gratitude. It is an invitation to live a life that reflects God's faithfulness and love, opening ourselves to receive more from Him. [01:06:39]
"And he said to him, 'Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'" (Luke 17:19, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing or answered prayer in your life. Have you taken the time to thank God for it? How can you express your gratitude to Him today in a meaningful way?
Day 4: From Thanksgiving to Thanks-living
Moving from thanksgiving to thanks-living means embodying gratitude in our daily lives. It involves recognizing God's hand in our past and present and allowing that recognition to shape our future. This lifestyle of gratitude wards off negativity and sin, keeping our hearts aligned with God's will. By living a life of gratitude, we not only honor God but also cultivate a heart that is open to His blessings. Thanks-living is about more than words; it is about living in a way that reflects God's faithfulness and love. [01:24:37]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a practice of gratitude into your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to ensure that gratitude becomes a defining characteristic of your life?
Day 5: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Taking time to reflect on God's past faithfulness strengthens our faith and gratitude. By building altars of remembrance, we acknowledge His goodness and prepare our hearts to receive more from Him. This reflection is not about dwelling on the past but about fueling our faith for the future. As we remember the moments where God has brought us through, we are reminded of His faithfulness and love. This practice of reflection helps us to see God's hand in our lives and encourages us to trust Him with our future. [01:32:25]
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:12, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a time when God was faithful in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with your current challenges? What "altar of remembrance" can you build to honor His faithfulness?
Quotes
1. "I want to challenge you today to take a step of faith. One step, take one step of faith and believe God to do what no one else can do, but only what God can do. I'm looking at some miracles right now. I could go around naming. Martin, you're a miracle. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah. There's a miracle right there. Hallelujah. David Rainey is a miracle this morning. Chris, you're a miracle this morning. Amen. Hallelujah. Eddie Vick, you're a miracle this morning. You might even be a double miracle, Eddie. Amen. Hallelujah. But it all started with one step of faith." [00:15:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's been proven that practicing gratitude can change one's mood. It can reduce. It can reduce stress. It can provide better health and well-being. It can give one a stronger immune system. It can lower one's blood pressure. Come on. I was waiting for somebody to help me. Amen. It can cause one to get more restful sleep. Did you know when you go to bed with a grateful heart, you sleep better at night? Come on. Help me tonight, this morning. Do you know, listen to me, listen to me, it has been proven that when you live a life and model a life of gratitude, you have less aches and illnesses?" [00:45:51] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "That a life of gratitude, watch this, gives you more energy. That when you live a life of gratitude, you have more energy. You know what really happens in your life? When you, inside of your body, when you start living a life of gratitude, this has been proven scientifically. You start, your brain starts releasing endorphins inside of your body. Not dwarfs like Santa Claus. That's not what I'm talking about. Endorphins, a chemical substance starts flowing through your body that actually starts releasing endorphins. It starts healing your body. It starts changing the makeup of things that are going on inside of your body." [00:46:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I'm going to just tell you right up front, it will shift everything in your life. And I'm already working on a message for New Year's. And I want us to do, and New Year's is going to be around a Wednesday night this year, and we're going to do another empowerment service. Another service. Another service here in the sanctuary that night. And FYI, staff, in case y 'all didn't know that one, you just did now. And so we're going to change that Wednesday night to where we're going to focus it on shifting some things in our life as the new year rolls in. And we're going to carry forth a different disposition." [00:48:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God has a track record of showing us this throughout the Old Testament. Every time he brought the Israelites through a difficult time, whether it was the Red Sea or whatever it was, he said, I want you to stop right here. Amen. And I want you to build an altar so that generation after generation after generation can see the goodness of God. And I'm going to just tell you right now, church, it's time we build some altars again in our families and in our lives. And we declare to our children, God brought me through." [00:52:13] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Those who live a life of genuine gratitude are known by statistics to have a healthier relationship with God. That dog will hunt right there. So let me ask this question real quick. How many of you want to grow closer to God today? Anybody in the house? Am I just preaching to preachers? Amen. I'm going to give you a key right now, right out of the gate. Start living a life of gratitude far beyond what you've been doing. You say, well, I've already got a life of gratitude. Take it to another level. Come on. Amen. Everything can get better. We all can get better." [00:53:29] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Oh, did you catch that? It's one thing to give it. It's another thing to live it. Hallelujah. So I want to talk to you about the power of one step. Luke 17 verses 11 through 14. NIV today. It says, Now on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. I want to point something out right now that this was considered to be undesirable territory. Don't miss that. Don't miss that. Because when I think about how Jesus worked in my life and in the lives of many of you, he had to come into some undesirable territory to get me. Amen. Jesus has a way. He has a way of being where others are afraid to go." [00:54:40] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I'm talking about faith today. I'm talking about a faith that is willing to do more than to just talk. But a faith that is willing to say, I will make a step. Hallelujah. The lepers did it. Peter did it when he came to the boat. And I'm just going to tell you, God begins to reward radical faith. Maybe we sit in church too long. Maybe we've been around too long and we've come accustomed to not getting what we're praying for. But I've got news for you. I find in the Word over and over and over that faith still moves mountains." [01:02:46] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And they were shouting, we are healed. Years of misery and years of pain and scars on their body and emotional helplessness all replaced with new eyesight and hope and joy and gratitude. And what it started from was somebody willing to take one step of faith and cry out, Jesus, have mercy on me. Hallelujah. Whoo. And then something amazing happened. They start heading to Jerusalem. And these guys are checking out. They want what we call pat and turn. Y 'all know what pat and turn are, right? Amen. That's before you get your car. And you want to go somewhere. And you look at daddy and say, daddy, can I buy the car? Can I borrow the car tonight? And he looks at you and say, you can go on pat and turn. Pat down the road on your feet and turn around the corner." [01:06:05] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Apparently the nine were absorbed with their new happiness so absorbed with their new happiness that they could not spare a thought for the source from which it came. The one except this foreigner, a man who did not even belong showed great gratitude. Number four this morning here's what I want you to be the one. I want you to be like the one look at your neighbor and tell them be the one, be the one, be the one. here's what the one received he received more let me tell you what his gratitude produced his gratitude may not have produced it but it's a sure indicator that what he received was real and genuine watch this now in verse 19 powerful verse with much insight then jesus said to him this man this one who had fallen at his feet he said rise and go rise and go watch this your faith your faith your faith has made you well" [01:14:02] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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