Faith Unleashed: Week Three

Faith Unleashed: The Church Beyond The Walls

In this week-long devotional, "Faith Unleashed: The Church Beyond The Walls," We are focusing on discovering God’s hidden wonders. This week, focus on deepening your relationship with God by embracing His wisdom, valuing the message of the cross, and living out your faith with authenticity and compassion.

Weekly Focus: Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God

Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Fasting  

Matthew 6:16-18 (NLT) “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

As you think about prayer and fasting, remember that these practices are not just rituals but opportunities to humble ourselves before God and seek His guidance. Reflect on how prayer and fasting can deepen your relationship with God and align your heart with His will.

Action Step: Set aside a specific time each day this week for focused prayer and fasting. Use this time to seek God's guidance and listen for His voice.

Lord, help me to approach this week with a heart open to Your leading. May my prayers and fasting draw me closer to You and reveal Your will for my life. Amen.

Day 2: Unity in Christ  

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)  “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

In a world full of division, Jesus is the only One who can truly unite us. Reflect on how you can be a peacemaker in your community, standing in the gap and believing that nothing is impossible for God.

Action Step: Reach out to someone with whom you have had a disagreement or conflict. Seek reconciliation and unity through a conversation or a kind gesture.

Father, use me as an instrument of Your peace. Help me to bring unity where there is division and to reflect Your love to those around me. Amen.

Day 3: The Simplicity of the Gospel  

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NLT) “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.”

Paul chose to preach the simple message of Christ crucified, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than human wisdom. Consider how you can share your faith plainly and authentically, focusing on the story of Jesus rather than your ability to tell it.

Action Step: Share your testimony with a friend or family member, focusing on what Jesus has done in your life.

Holy Spirit, empower me to share the gospel with simplicity and sincerity. Let my life be a testament to Your power and love. Amen.

Day 4: The Mystery Revealed  

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (NLT)  “Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit.”

God's plan, once a mystery, has been revealed through Jesus Christ. Reflect on the privilege of knowing God's deep secrets and how this revelation impacts your daily life.

Action Step: Spend time in Scripture today, asking God to reveal more of Himself to you. Write down any insights or revelations you receive.

Lord, thank You for revealing Your mysteries to me through Jesus. Help me to live with a heavenly mindset, always seeking to know You more. Amen.

Day 5: The Wisdom of God vs. The Wisdom of the World  

1 Corinthians 2:13-15 (NLT)  “When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them, and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.”

The wisdom of the world is ever-changing, but God's wisdom is eternal and true. Evaluate the influences in your life and ensure that your beliefs are grounded in Scripture.

Action Step: Identify one area of your life where you may be influenced by worldly wisdom. Seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture to align this area with His truth.

God, grant me discernment to distinguish between worldly wisdom and Your eternal truth. Let Your Word be the foundation of my life. Amen.

Day 6: Valuing the Message of the Cross  

Matthew 13:44 (NLT) “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.”

The message of the cross is of immeasurable value. Reflect on whether your life demonstrates the high value you place on your relationship with Jesus.

Action Step: Perform an act of service or kindness today that reflects the love and sacrifice of Jesus to someone in need.

Jesus, help me to live in a way that shows the world the value of knowing You. May my life be a reflection of Your love and sacrifice. Amen.

Day 7: Compassion and Prayer for Others  

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”

When others find the cost of following Jesus too high, respond with compassion and prayer. Spend more time talking to God about them than talking to them about God.

Action Step: Make a list of people in your life who do not yet know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily, asking God to reveal Himself to them in powerful ways.

Prayer: Father, give me a heart of compassion for those who do not yet know You. Use my prayers to draw them closer to Your love and truth. Amen.