Such Great Faith
Our faith must recognize who God is.
I'm sure you've read the story - A Centurion (not a jew) who approaches Jesus with a request for his servant to be healed.
And Jesus must have seen into his soul. When else can you think of Jesus responding with, "Shall I come and heal him?" Talk about a leading question.
You know the story. The Centurion explains his own authority and uses that to recognize Jesus' authority. And Jesus responds with one of arguably the three highest compliments of his lifetime on earth -
Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith...
The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of faith in chapter 11, verse 6 -
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
And yet, Jesus' brother added an important caveat in the second chapter of his epistle -
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
What does all that mean?
- Our faith must recognize who God is.
- Our faith must be more than words.
- Our faith must believe God responds.
The third week of Experiencing God is faith. God moves through His Word, prayer, and through faith.
Remember
Look through the names of God.
- How has God been that for you?
- How have you stepped out in faith and seen Him move with you?
Live Now
Using the names of God -
- How do you want to live differently this week because of who God is?
- How is God inviting you to experience Him this week?
Take notice when God moves - rejoice in the Lord, encourage your neighbor, and add it to GodSpeaks so that we can remind you, perhaps when you need it most.
Extras!
There are a few songs that have come out over the past few years that powerfully emphasize the names of God.
Shepherd - UPPERROOM
There are two sections of the song. It first walks through a list of the names of God and then sings through a section of Psalm 23. Simple, but beautiful.
Shepherd Lyrics
Oh Lord, my God
You are my Shepherd, my Rock
You are my Fortress and my Shield
You're the Defender of my heart
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
Even in the presence of my enemies
You prepare a table
Jireh - Elevation Worship & Maverick City
This song is a collaboration from Elevation Worship and Maverick City that emphasizes one of the names of God - Jehovah-Jireh, which means, The Lord Provides.
Jireh Lyrics
This is a small subset of the lyrics.
You are Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough
And I will be content in every circumstance
You are Jireh, You are enough
Always enough
More than enough
Forever enough
Always enough
More than enough
Forever enough
Jehovah - Elevation Worship (& Chris Brown)
I updated this article specifically because this song came out.
Jehovah Lyrics
Again, this is just a subset of the full lyrics.
He shames every idol, He reigns without rival
He goes by the name of Jehovah, Jehovah
He speaks into nothing and darkness goes running
He goes by the name of Jehovah, Jehovah
Jehovah Nissi, fight your battles
Jehovah Jireh, meet your need
Jehovah Rapha, heal your body
Jehovah Shalom, be your peace