SeeKing Holy

Is there someone in your life that has hurt you so terribly, that you can't even wrap your mind around how they could do this to you?

It may be to the seriousness of traumatic, yet it doesn't have to be a dramatic offense to hurt deeply.

How do we genuinely get to a place where we can let it go? How do we prepare ourselves to deal with it? One of the hardest parts of forgiving a heavy offense, is having to face it - but there's freedom on the other side! God WILL BLESS your forgiveness and bring you peace.

• Forgiveness is strength - given to you by God, His strength
• In forgiving there's finally true, genuine freedom from the pain
• It doesn't matter anymore... can we get to a place where we can say "it wasn't okay what was done, but I'm letting it all go." (We'll separate forgiveness and trust in the next episode 5.c)

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Is there an area in your life where you've been hurt or wronged, and you've pushed it down ... and yet it creeps up once in a while?

Jess shares gives part of her story of childhood abuse and rejection to share how God teaches us:

• The necessity of forgiveness 
• That we've been duped into thinking that withholding forgiveness makes us strong
• We behave as if forgiveness is a choice
• Withholding forgiveness causes US to suffer, not the offender
• The depth, majesty, and love God forgives us

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Chapter A: The Necessity of Forgiveness: choosing to deal with it over pushing it down

Is there an area in your life where you've been hurt or wronged, and you've pushed it down ... and yet it creeps up once in a while?

Jess shares gives part of her story of childhood abuse and rejection to share how God's word reveals:

• The necessity of forgiveness 
• How we've been duped into thinking that withholding forgiveness makes us strong
• That behave as if forgiveness is a choice
• Withholding forgiveness causes US to suffer, not the offender
• The depth, majesty, and love God forgives us

Chapter B: The Benefits of Forgiving those that you can't understand how they could hurt you in such a terrible, ugly way

Is there someone in your life that has hurt you so terribly, that you can't even wrap your mind around how they could do this to you?

It doesn't have to be a dramatic offense to hurt deeply.

How do we genuinely get to a place where we can let it go? How do we prepare ourselves to deal with it?

• Forgiveness is strength - given to you by God, His strength
• In forgiving there's finally true, genuine freedom from the pain
• It doesn't matter anymore... can we get to a place where we can say "it wasn't okay what was done, but I'm letting it all go." (We'll separate forgiveness and trust in the next episode 5.c)

Chapter C: Discerning Forgiveness and Trust

Just because you forgive someone, should you also let them fully participate in your life as if nothing happened? How do you separate forgiving and forgetting?

In this episode we look at the definitions of forgiveness and trust, and explore the different ways we can genuinely obey God, trust Him and forgive and love others; even if it means from a distance.

Chapter D: The Rejoicing Father: Discovering once and for all God IS PERSONAL

Praying the most terrifying prayer of my life exposed my character and lead me slowly down a miserable road of disobedience.

When the Holy Spirit indwells you, the darkness cannot fit and you feel the battle within yourself. It is nothing short of madness. 

God WILL come for His sheep. He will either return with you on His shoulders rejoicing or give you over to the adversary.

Also, if you think "God loves me, but He loves everyone so what's special about that." I share how without a doubt how He loves YOU the person, with intimate and specific detail to who He created you to be.

Chapter E: Changing the Legacy and Walking in Pursuit of Holiness

Titus 3: 3-7 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

When we recall... we remember... where we once were, we’re reminded that fallen nature is not that far from us, and we need reminding to stay on course, we can ask for His help. 

We have everything we need in Jesus - we only need to seek Him. 

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Perhaps instead of needing more faith, may we utilize the measure of faith we’ve been given, say by using our talents God has equipped us with. 

There is another illustration of how we will be held accountable by putting faith in action by using the talents God has given.  Jesus shares a parable in Matthew 25 beginning in vs 14.  

The parable illustrates different levels of faithfulness with different amounts of talents, which a man had given each one of his slaves.   

Let’s not miss a perhaps even greater truth here however. The parable is also saying, when we do possess a true saving faith, we will find a way to utilize what measure God has given to us. The wicked slave was not condemned for his failure to invest the talent, rather his lack of good works showed he lacked genuine saving faith. 

Do we believe in God’s ability to move unmovable mountains?

That His Promises are for us to grab ahold of?

We can read them today, in 2020 in our bibles. We can read His will We can read His promises, We can hold them up and say Lord I read this and I believe this. "I trust You! You WILL fulfill your promise!"

WHO CARES about the obstacle?! WHo cares about the obstacles in your way? Is your God not greater? Did He not create ALL things? Even our greatest adversary, the devil, is God’s creation.

I often think “Lord WHO IS YOUR EQUAL CONTENDER?"

Why aren’t we getting fed up with this: There are enemies of your God - your PRECIOUS GOD Who loves you, died for you, gave His Son - most of us have a home, have some food and clothing. Has He been good to you? He’s certainly given me more than I deserve. 

Why aren’t we angry, with a godly, heavenly fire over the injustice that’s being done in our lives by the adversary? Aren’t you tired of the chipping, the accusing the wearing down -... your enemy studies you and takes that chipping hammer to you and those you hold precious. He accuses you, and mocks your God. This should light a fire in us! Yet so many of us are hiding out in caves, waiting to be rescued and unwilling to fight. 

Has God not given us His mighty armor?

His weapons of protection:

• His belt of truth- we are one of the fortunate ones to have direct and easy access to truth
• His helmet of salvation - it is a gift
• His breastplate of righteousness - another gift paid for with your Messiah’s blood
• His shoes for you - to spread the gospel in peace. They’re gripped for running swiftly or standing firm
• His shield of faith - another gift. Our faith is being worked out in us daily. I love a message from the late Dr. Walter Martin and it’s stuck with me so much that I pray this almost everyday if I remember: He said “Lord Jesus, You have said that You have conquered the world. I believe you. Therefore, conquer this day through me. Give to me the victory. 

Give to me the measure of faith I need for TODAY. Nevermind tomorrow, nevermind next week - I might not be here. Give me the measure of faith I need for today.”

I love this prayer because it puts right now into frame. For today. I can do that. Furthermore it motivates me to seek Him again tomorrow to pray and ask for the same measure. He always generously blesses. 

God is good at accomplishing His will. To view our problems with fresh eyes, new lenses, which are focused on the object of our faith, which is God - those mountains ;they won’t seem so big.

Verses Sighted:

Psalm 89
Exodus 23:22
1 Samuel 7:3, 14:9, 17:9, 20:21, 26:19
2 Samuel 15:25
1 Kings 18:21

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What do we do when we don't understand what God is doing?

How can we continue to wait on Him when we're worn out and weary?

Often In times of stress and difficulty, we learn our greatest lessons, for that is often when God breaks through in our lives and shows us something new for His purposes.

If you were to examine your faith, would you say it’s a little faith, a struggling faith, or that you’re just stepping into great faith? Do things that used to shake you up no longer ruffle you up - you immediately give it over to the Lord trusting He’s going to take care of it.

Habakkuk wrestled with God in deep theological issues, but embraced God with a life that was in tune for His purposes for him. Habakkuk had a burden - not only in the sense of a message from God, but also in the sense of a heavy weight. It was heavy in its content, because Habakkuk announced his coming judgment on Judah. It was also heavy in its source, because Habakkuk deals with tough questions he brings to God and God's answer to those questions.

There will certainly be opportunities for our faith to be tried and tested in it’s resolution.  It’s not if, it's when situations and storms are sifted through the powerful, sovereign hands of God our Father and allowed to seep into our lives.  When they do, faith responds, “how can I respond to this in such a way and by doing proves my faith and belief in God to be true, and my Savior to be tremendously present in my time of need, in the end bringing His beautiful purpose into and out of this hard thing, placing His glory and ultimate goodness on display?”

References:

Notes taken from Aleister Begg’s sermon “Faith that is Taught” http://blb.sc/00920p
Notes from Sermon Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpy
Notes from David Guzik's commentary on Habbakuk 2: https://preview.tinyurl.com/ybwq8v5c

Verses Sighted:

2 Timothy 1:12
1 Peter 1:3-9
James 2:17-26
Habakkuk 2:1-4
Psalm 22:1
Romans 1:17
Hebrews 10:38
Galatians 3:11

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Did you know the Bible talks about there being different “measures” of faith? We read statements like “ye’ of little faith, faith as small as a mustard seed(Mt 17:20)., the tiniest of seeds(Mt. 13:32).  Jesus himself tells a woman you have great faith, and to another (Centurion Mt. 8:10), I haven’t found anyone in Israel with such great faith!   

God has saved each of His children by grace through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is Gods’ gift --not from works, so that no one can boast. We previously addressed how God really is pleased by us living and exercising our faith, evidenced by acting and moving in obedience to all He has commanded. Perhaps you’ve felt as the disciples did when they boldly yet humbly stated, “increase our faith”. 

God gifts each of us a certain “measure” of faith which He empowers us to exercise in the operation of our spiritual gifts.  But, we all don’t receive the same allotment, however. 

We also spoke about the fig tree earlier this week and why Jesus performed this remarkably destructive miracle of cursing this tree having the pretense of fruit but not possessing it, and now we’ll focus on some of our favorite parts:

Casting mountains into the sea, powerful faith without doubt, and as verse 22 continues: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

This gets us excited as we ponder: what is the potential of faith? God is limitless! So - can our prayers be limitless? 

Verses Sighted:

Matthew 17:20, 13:32, 7:7, 8:10, 21:23
1 Corinthians 12:9
Jeremiah 29:11
1 Timothy 6:8
2 Corinthians 1:8-9, 12:7-10
Romans 12:1-8

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God Himself has given His stamp of approval regarding the faith of some. We have many examples we can glean from in the scriptures.  You’ve heard of the Hall of Fame right?  Most would love their name to be found there.

Have ya heard of the “Hall of Faith”? It's kinda like the “honor roll” of faith listed by God Himself. 

Shouldn’t the highest, most coveted accolade be to please God? To bring Him pleasure? 

There is an entire list of heros and even a couple heroines of faith found in Hebrews 11!

This is such a special passage, and it’s no wonder that our research on faith leads us here, right to the very heart of the christian life; for there is no christian life without faith. 

These examples of faith in hebrews 11 is a spiritual faith so deep and abiding in God, that natural man cannot comprehend.

These all walked by faith and not by sight. They all desired a better place--a heavenly one.

Verses Sighted:

Hebrews 11 & 12
Hebrews 11:16, 24, 12:1-2
1 Peter 3:20
Exodus 33:18-20
2 Timothy 1:4-7
Genesis 12:1-5
Acts 7:2-4

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In this series on faith, we’re going to define faith, hold it up to the light so-to-speak, and examine it from multiple angles. 

Is “having more faith” something you wrestle with? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try to believe, doubt and anxiety overwhelm you?

Have you prayed for something, and yet it hasn’t come. Are you weary from the fight - the earthquake that shakes you - do you feel cracks in your foundation beginning to form? 

To what will you hold on to - to what shall you cling?

...or are you one of those who feels strong in their faith? You feel that often you’re the one encouraging others to remain strong. Well who encourages the encourager? What can you do to remain steadfast when everything chips away at you?

Verses Sighted:

Isaiah 11:10, 53:2
Romans 10:17, 15:12
Revelation 5:5, 22:16
Ephesians 3:17
Colossians 2:7
Jude 1
Luke 8
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6
John 5:38-39
Matthew 21:18-20

Additional References:

Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpy

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In this series on faith, we’re going to define faith, hold it up to the light so-to-speak, and examine it from multiple angles. 

Is “having more faith” something you wrestle with? Does it feel like no matter how hard you try to believe, doubt and anxiety overwhelm you?

Have you prayed for something, and yet it hasn’t come. Are you weary from the fight - the earthquake that shakes you - do you feel cracks in your foundation beginning to form? 

To what will you hold on to - to what shall you cling?

...or are you one of those who feels strong in their faith? You feel that often you’re the one encouraging others to remain strong. Well who encourages the encourager? What can you do to remain steadfast when everything chips away at you?

Chapters:

3a. Am I Trusting in Real Faith?

3b. Stepping Out onto the Hand of God

3c. Measures of Faith/ Casting Mountains into the Sea

3d. Walking in Faith: Tested, Tried, True 

3e. Advancing Forward in Faith: Our Faithful God

References:

• Notes from Sermon Mountain Moving Faith - Bill Foote http://blb.sc/005vpy
• Notes taken from Aleister Begg’s sermon Faith that is Taught http://blb.sc/00920p
• Study Guide on Hebrews 11: Commentary from David Guzik Examples of Faith to Help the Discouraged via Blue Letter Bible https://preview.tinyurl.com/y7lexev6
• Paul Washer series on Faith:
  • It Comes Down To Faith, (1 of 4) http://blb.sc/008nbz
  • God is a Rewarder (2 of 4) http://blb.sc/008mdh
  • Faith Obeys (3 of 4) http://blb.sc/009fu8
  • Childlike Faith (4 of 4) http://blb.sc/008q14

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There’s an insinuation these days that the Christian life is boring. 

But make no mistake: 

To follow Christ is the most scandalous, exhilarating, terrifying, paradoxical - as we find peace amongst discomfort - the greatest testing of self, the most challenging, qualifying, fire burning - hanging onto the very edge of the human experience.

When we place our trust in Christ and turn away from the old life, we are sealed with a guarantee of eternal salvation. 

When we pray for wisdom or discernment from a pure heart of obedience, then God will give us the answers. Sometimes He’ll test us to apply that answer to our lives. Therefore knowing the answer is only half the battle. We must live it. 

What makes obedience bearable? The promises we have from God. Knowing He’s faithful, he’s not a man who should lie, He is true to His promises! 

What are the promises of God?

First off - the direct, bank-on-it unchangeable, unmoveable, unshakable promises are in His Word. The Word of God is His will revealed to us. 

In each promise, God pledges that He will either cause or not cause something to pass and He is faithful! He will do it. 

There are hundreds of biblical promises. Possessing and living in peace, rest, and joy reflect the character of God.

If our life isn’t displaying peace and joy much or rest at all, it gives a false witness to the lost world. 

The evidence of true peace, joy, and rest demonstrated in our lives offers others a transparent, true testimony reflecting the real nature of our God and Savior. We are His representatives. 

Verses Sighted:

Romans 10:9
Proverbs 1:33
John 14:27
Romans 8:37-39
Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 40:29-31
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Mark 16:15
Isaiah 43:2-3
Jude 1:24-25
Jeremiah 29:11-12
2 Corinthians 4

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