Return to Bible Devotional > Scripture Prayer > Mini-Worship

Mini-Worship

Nov 5 - 10, 2024

Take a few deep breaths and center yourself and quiet down

Entering the presence of God

(From Psalm 19: 7-10(HCSB); James 3:17-18 (NLV) (HCSB); 1 Peter 1:25(TNIV))

(M) 7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous.

... the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. Then it gives peace. It is gentle and willing to obey. It is full of loving-kindness and of doing good. It has no doubts and does not pretend to be something it is not. 18 Those who plant seeds of peace will gather what is right and good.

(All) The word of the Lord endures forever. 10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb.

Adoration:

Lord of word of life, we praise your written word the Bible and your living word Jesus. We thank you for the life-cleansing and life-giving power from them. Yes, we all carry various kinds of sins, small or big, obvious or subtle. They distort our visions and pollute our living.We even do not recognize them. O, Lord, we need your word of life. Please help us to hide your word in our hearts and minds. Search our hearts and enlighten our minds with your word of life. We love the moment when you talk to us and experience the living and working power in our lives. Speak to us, we are here. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 11:1-2; 29-31 11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

Thoughts to share and to ponder

Faith is an amazing thing. It has an amazing power. It removes mountains. It parts sea water. It knocks down obstacles. Faith instills courage. It generates confidence and assurance. It inspires obedience and action. It enables the incapable to be the capable. It turns the impossible to the possible. It turns a dead end to a living way. It envisions what is to come.

But what is in this kind of faith? I see a few elements in it-

Firstly, there is an object. In all three cases we read, people had a faith toward God, who was the source and object of their faith. This God had revealed to them who He was and what He did. He held a covenant of blessings with them.

Secondly, there is a content. In all three cases, people heard what God instructed them and what God did for them.

Thirdly, there is an action. In all three cases, people were inspired to act.

True faith is not a daydream. It is not an imagination. It is not a blind believing. It is not a stubborn persistence. These people mentioned in the scripture had rather solid substance in their faith.

Yet, faith is not originated from ourselves. In all three cases, people faced unbelievable impossibles.They were between life and death. Were they not afraid? Did they not worry? Were they not timid? Were they not doubtful? Maybe they were. Yet, during the most difficult and impossible time, a gift of faith from God was given to them. They were strengthened to the extent that they could not resist believing and acting upon. They came out in victory. They did not boast what they did. They couldn't help but give glory and praises to God. They knew that their victory was from God.

In our life journeys, what impossibles, obstacles and challenges are we facing? Where will our hope come from? It comes from our faith. Our faith comes from our waiting upon the Lord. Do we meditate on God's character, nature, his works? Do we appreciate those witness around us? Just like those Israelites who passed through the Red Sea, those who wait upon the Lord and are strengthened in faith will pass through all, even if others cannot do it.

Prayer Suggestion

Check where is your faith from? Is it solid enough? Have you heard any testimonies lately? Do you find who God is and what God has done? Be encouraged. Be inspired. Set time apart from your busy schedules for God and yourself.

Lord, the beginner and finisher of our faith, we are here. Please lead us, guide us, help us in this life journey. We cannot boast that faith is from oursleves. It is from you as a gift to us. May you be real and living to us as we come to be with you. We cast out our mountains, seas, obstacles before you. May your Spirit strengthen us with that genuine faith. We love you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

Benediction

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.

Prayer Request

- Current Month

Devotional

- Daily

- Mid-Week

-Bible Books

News

2024-01-3
Free Training Mental Health Initiative for church by Light University

2024-01-3
-info on 2024 Christian Ministry Learning and special grant Opportunities

2024-01-3
-EFC educational workshop

2024-01-3
-Rev.Dr. Samuel Tang Bookroom

2024-01-3
-Church Leadership Podcast

2024-01-3
-free courses at Our Daily Bread Christian University for edifying and serving