Foolishness or Reality?
Basilea Schlink teaches that faith anchored in God's promises, expressed through praise and obedience, unleashes His mighty power to accomplish the impossible in believers' lives.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink encourages believers to cultivate a bold and obedient faith anchored in the promises of God. She emphasizes the power of praise and thanksgiving to activate God's mighty help, even in seemingly impossible situations. Through scriptural insights and heartfelt exhortation, Schlink inspires listeners to live expectantly, trusting in God's faithfulness and the victorious power of Jesus Christ.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. He longs to help us and especially enjoys doing things that are impossible for us to do, just like a great lawyer is challenged by a difficult case. Today's meditation by Basilea Schlink tells us what we must do to bring down His wonderful help.
In Matthew 9 we read, It will be given to you according to your faith. Yes, God expects a daring, a mountain-moving faith. However, daring ventures of faith can only be undertaken in obedience to God.
He doesn't want our faith to be vague or aimless. Our faith must be in His Word. This is a strong anchor to which faith must be attached.
The believer who's been given a promise from God has an I-O-U in his hand, which he can hold up to the Lord time and again. God's promises come true, whatever He says, He'll do. My heart no doubt can hold about what He has taught.
I know Your Word is sure, it is a rock secure. What You say comes about, of that there is no doubt. What is decisive is that we claim with childlike faith all the promises according to the power and glory of the Father.
We must begin to reckon with these special promises and give thanks and praise for them. If I receive a check that I can cash, I'm happy, for I know that I can receive the money for it. And if I get a promise from God, shouldn't I sing songs of victory and rejoice all the more? He's waiting for us to praise His almighty power, to thank Him and worship Him, especially if we find ourselves in a hopeless situation.
The mighty arm of the Lord is moved when we praise and glorify His almighty power. His help He may delay on dark or dreary way, but then He will impart faith to my fearful heart. So I from day to day in love and trust will pray, and in my heart perceive one day I will receive all I believed.
When I look in faith to God, my present need can never depress me. He is my loving and strong helper. When I behold Jesus, my crucified and resurrected Lord, it's impossible that any sin could depress me.
Jesus rejoices when we, who is redeemed, trustingly begin to sing the songs of praise. Then the enemy has to give way, and our Heavenly Father rejoices when we sing of the fact that He is our almighty and good helper. Through prayer all faith can bring, all can be done, yes, everything, and miracles will happen, like waxen mountains melt away, and foes be scattered like the spray, and fortress walls will crumble.
You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address.
God bless you.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Nature of Faith
- Faith must be daring and mountain-moving
- Faith requires obedience to God
- Faith must be anchored in God's Word
-
II. Holding on to God's Promises
- Believers hold God's promises like an I-O-U
- God's promises are sure and trustworthy
- Claim promises with childlike faith
-
III. The Power of Praise
- Praise moves the mighty arm of the Lord
- Thanksgiving and worship invite God's help
- Praise overcomes fear and the enemy
-
IV. Living in Expectant Faith
- Faith removes depression and fear
- Jesus' resurrection empowers believers
- Prayer and faith bring about miracles
Key Quotes
“God lives and works today. He longs to help us and especially enjoys doing things that are impossible for us to do.” — Basilea Schlink
“Our faith must be in His Word. This is a strong anchor to which faith must be attached.” — Basilea Schlink
“The mighty arm of the Lord is moved when we praise and glorify His almighty power.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Anchor your faith firmly in the promises of God's Word and claim them with confidence.
- Cultivate a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving to invite God's powerful help in your life.
- Persist in prayer and trust, knowing that God works even through delayed answers to bring about His perfect will.