Faith Focus

Greetings friends,
I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below) If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. We focused on Sunday on the final part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” A more literal translation says, “deliver us from the evil one.” You might be wondering why we are stopping with this phrase and not continuing on with the traditional Protestant ending of “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” The reason is because that phrase is not actually in the Bible! Catholics have a tradition where they end with “deliver us from evil,” but Protestants typically have the additional phrase, considered a doxology or praise of God. The phrase is in the King James Bible, but the oldest manuscripts do not have the phrase. Most of the newer versions of the Bible, therefore, do not have that phrase included. It is believed that the early church added it, as it was found within some writings from the first centuries. It was a customary practice in worship with the early church to end prayers with a doxological phrase. So using the Lord’s Prayer in the liturgy of worship the early church did what was customary practice. So, the Catholics are more Scriptural on this and the Protestants more liturgical- nothing right or wrong with either. Personally, I love the ending doxology, and the connection to the early church!
The passage used on Sunday was from the book of Romans, which was written by Paul from Corinth or nearby Cenchreae. It is the first book in the section of the Bible that contains the letters because it is the longest, though it is believed that Paul wrote it after his other letters, around AD 55 to 58. The culture of the church was mostly Gentile believers who had continued to worship Christ in Rome, and Jewish believers that had returned to Rome after about five years of having experienced expulsion. The letter was brought to the Roman church by Phoebe, a leader in the early church whom Paul describes as “our sister,” “a deaconess,” and “a helper of many and of myself.” The term “deacon” during the first century is believed to mean “minister,” or leader of a congregation. The custom would’ve been for Phoebe to read the letter aloud to each home church, and likely would’ve expounded upon areas where there were questions on behalf of Paul.
Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even to answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this it to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!
Scripture:
Romans 12:1-3 (NIV)
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Other Scriptures referenced:

James 1:12-15
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does God tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Ephesians 6:16b (vv. 10-18 is about the Armor of God)
…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (especially 5b)
3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Proverbs 23: (NKJV)
For as a person thinks in his heart, so they are.

Proverbs 4:23 (CEV)
Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.
Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Ephesians 3:20
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.

Character from the Old Testament- Joshua, whose name means “the Lord is my Salvation” or “the Lord is my Deliverer.” The story of the 12 spies is found in Numbers 13:1-33, and also in Deuteronomy 1:22-40 (with slight variations). The story about the Tent of meeting is in Exodus 33:7-11. “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.” (Exodus 33:11). The story of the battle of Jericho is in Joshua 6:1-20 (the rest of the chapter is the pretty gruesome end to it).

Jesus’ ministry of deliverance of people from demonic oppression (oppression is the correct translation, not possession) is throughout all four of the Gospels.
DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:
Monday: v.1 “Therefore” is in reference to the first 11 chapters which highlight how wonderful, powerful, holy, and grace-filled Christ is. There is the experience of God that we encounter in Scripture, and there is the experience of God in our own lives. Sometimes we can become so focused on the practice of religion and busyness of church (and life!) that we don’t take the time to reflect upon and rejoice in the wonders of our Almighty God. Take some time to pray with thanksgiving, declaring who you know God to be with praise. Praising God is a key element in prayer, and usually the way we would want to start a prayer. Grow in the practice of speaking the praises aloud, because it helps to build your own faith (you can be alone when you do it!). You may want to start a list of qualities or characteristics of God, of the wonders God has done, and your positive experiences with God. When in a spiritual battle of any kind, this will help! “I urge you”- other versions say “I appeal to you,” “I exhort you,” “I beseech you,” yet “urge” gets to the heart of it, implying an intensity, an urgency. The original Greek translation even offers the term “beg.” It’s in reference to our response to God with the way we live. Have you ever considered that offering ourselves in surrender to God, following God’s will for our life and being transformed into Christ’s image, would carry an urgency? Consider not only the benefits of making that choice, but the incredible detriment to ourselves and the witness of Christ through us if we linger as our old self. To not have that urgency suggests complacency, which is spiritually dangerous. It’s a call for us to go “all in.” Take a moment and reflect upon whether you experience the urgency for transformation. If so, what are you doing about it? If not, ask God to renew within you a sense of urgency, a desire that permeates your entire life. Ask God for wisdom and guidance to follow his direction. Ask God if there are any areas of your life where God would want you to “get on fire” with urgency for the call and mission of God in your life.
Tuesday: v.1 “brothers and sisters” is really just “brothers” in the original Greek, but the understanding was that it was indicating the body of believers, which is why many modern translations include both genders in familial terms. It’s a call for everyone in the church body to live as Paul would prescribe, based upon Jesus’ teaching, modeling, sacrifice, and resurrection. It’s a call for us to remember that our spiritual journey is community-based, not an independent, solo seeking venture. We are encouraged to seek alone, privately, but we also must commune with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This call of Paul indicates that we need to be mindful of the church body, our family of faith- that we are in this journey together, for support, but also accountability. Ask God to show you if there is anyone in your church family that God would want you to give support in their spiritual walk. If someone comes to mind, pray for that person and then ask God what he would want you to do in support. Ask for the words and the opportunity. Ask God if there is someone that God would want you to reach out to in grace-filled accountability. If someone comes to mind, pray for that person and ask for specifics, ask for the words, ask for opportunity, and ask for an abundance of grace. Finally, ask God if you should be seeking a mentoring relationship with someone else in the church- to give and receive support and accountability. If so, pray for that person to be revealed, and for that person’s heart to also be touched to do the same. Pray for wisdom, guidance, grace, and listen closely to the Holy Spirit about any next steps.
Wednesday: v.1 “in view of God’s mercy,” – an interesting word choice of “mercy,” which can also be translated as “compassion,” and even “pity.” Mercy is when we are not given the judgement we deserve. Why do you think Paul chose the term “mercy” instead of “grace?” In view of the fact that we deserved… earlier in this book Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (6:23). We can often think about God’s grace, the unmerited, abundant love for us, but it’s also necessary to reflect upon God’s gift of mercy. To not do so is like skipping Good Friday and heading straight to Easter. Mercy makes us look in the mirror and examine ourselves, taking note of our sin and our need for mercy. That reflection likely intensifies our understanding and experience of grace. “In view of”- as we look at, reflect upon, God’s compassion, God’s mercy upon us, what does that make you feel- toward yourself, toward God, and toward others? Ask God to reveal to you where the message of mercy needs to grow in your life. Is there someone in your life for whom God is calling you to be merciful? “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice”- to “offer” can also be translated as “to present.” Consider how sacrifices in the Old Testament were brought to the Temple to be presented, offered, to God. What do you think Paul meant that we are to offer our bodies?- what exactly is he wanting us to do and how? Ask God for revelation- how does God want you to step into this offering? Is there something that you need to change, and if so, what? Ask God for power, enabling you to do what God wants you to do. Ask God what else is needed in order to do what is being asked. “Bodies” recalls flesh, which is sometimes how sin is described- that something is “fleshly,” or “of the flesh,” and we have “fleshly desires.” Does that change your perception of what is being asked to do, or does it solidify it? Assuming you have offered yourself to God already, ask God if there is anything in your life specifically that God would want you to “sacrifice.” As words or images come to mind, ask God for further revelation. Take time for reflection- in what way would doing so honor God? “Living sacrifice”- sacrifices in the Old Testament were animals that were slaughtered on the altar, sometimes burned away, sometimes cooked to serve the poor and those who served in the Temple. In the end, the animal was obviously never still living. Other than the fact that Paul would like you to remain alive, consider it on a spiritual level. How would doing what is being asked bring life to you? How would it breathe new life into you? Ask God for clarity, and the courage and the power to make the choice(s) God is asking of you. (Check out Galatians 5:24- Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.)
Thursday: v.1 “holy and pleasing to God”- “holy” means to be set apart, consecrated for divine use. Consider why this would be pleasing to God. When considering, what feelings come forward? Excitement, fear, disappointment, shame, frustration, etc.- if it is a negative emotion, ask God to reveal to you why these are the feelings you are experiencing. Is there healing needed in your spirit? If so, ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you with healing power as you reflect on the truth of God’s love for you- no matter what! “This is your true and proper worship”- Consider that worship is more than the Sunday morning service. If so, in light of this passage, what is worship, and how should it be lived out? What would it look like? What would it feel like? How would it be different? When you reflect on it, how does that make you feel? Why? Do you feel inspired to worship in this way? If not, reflect upon why, and ask God for revelation. If so, ask God to move through you to live that out! V.2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world”- the definition of “conform” from the Greek is to be identified with, or assuming a similar outward form (expression) by following the same pattern, model, mold (from biblehub.com). How would you describe the “pattern of this world”? What are you basing that definition on? To not conform- think of yourself as clay- who is the potter, and what shape are you being formed into? Imagine if the world is the potter- what shape would you be formed into? Why did that image come to mind? Why would conforming to the pattern of the world be something God would not want for you? Ask God if there are any areas in your life where you are conforming to the patterns of the world. When something comes to mind, ask God for re-shaping. What would that entail? Are there ways that you believe God wants to shape you, based on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, that you are hesitant about? If so, why? Pray about it, confess if needed. Ask God to bring deliverance from anything from the world that has formed your life- pray aloud- forgiving others, renouncing and repenting from sin, and then cast out any and all demonic forces in Jesus name. Ask God to break any chains, any strongholds, anything that has been oppressing and keeping you in spiritual bondage. Pay attention to what comes to mind and address it with God, using the same process. Thank God for being your deliverer, and ask that the Holy Spirit fill any empty areas of your life with God’s light and love.
Friday: v.2 “but be transformed”- the original Greek word for “transformed” is where we get the word “metamorphosis” from. On biblehub.com there was an interesting definition- metá “to change after being with,” and morphóō “changing form in keeping with inner reality”- in other words, after being with God, our inner reality changes, which then changes our “form,” or our whole being. This is what God wants for us. In prayer, envision yourself as being shaped by the Master Artist’s hands. Imagine yourself being molded into whatever beautiful design God is creating. What do you envision it to be? Why- what does that image say to you? Thank God for loving you so much, for the care and compassion God is giving in wanting to shape you. “By the renewing of your mind”- this is the inner reality. Nothing will be transformed until we first have our minds renewed. This is primarily done through hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and internalizing God’s Word. We can even pray Scripture. Consider how becoming so familiar with God’s Word would bring transformation to your mind- what types of changes would you anticipate occurring? Why? What are you basing those ideas on? How do you believe the transformation of your mind would manifest in your daily life? In your relationships with others? In your relationship with God? “Then you will be able to test and approve” – test and approve in the original Greek is one word- dokimazein- which describes something being tested for authenticity, and once proved genuine, it is approved or accepted. In other words, as our minds are renewed and we are transformed, then we will more easily be able to discern God’s will. We recognize more and more God’s voice, the nudging of the Holy Spirit, the checks in our spirit when things are not the way God would have it. This is not only for big stuff- the large decisions in our lives, but for every moment- listening for God’s voice, knowing it, and responding by following. “His good, pleasing, and perfect will”- God’s will is based on God’s character. The ESV translates it “good and acceptable and perfect”- between “acceptable” and “pleasing” which do you prefer, which makes the most sense to you, and why? Have you ever believed that God’s will for you was not good? Or perfect? If so, was that because it didn’t align with what you wanted? Or perhaps you didn’t understand it? Looking back, were you able to discern how God’s will was actually good, pleasing, and perfect? If not, ask God to reveal what was really going on, for God to open your eyes to the spiritual reality of the bigger picture of God’s will in your life. If you’ve never discerned God’s will in an area of your life, ask God to show you! Be open to receive revelation, pay attention, listen for God’s voice, for feelings that are evoked when thoughts and images come to mind, and talk to God about all of it.
Saturday: v.3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” “More highly than you ought,” as in, don’t have an over-inflated ego. That view of self tends toward the idolatry of self. The reason this is a problem, a sin, is because we are falsely exalting ourselves so high that it diminishes our view of God. Ask God if there are any areas of your life where you have exalted yourself higher in your own eyes than appropriate. Are you someone who finds it difficult to forsake pride and lean on God? If so, why? Ask God to reveal to you the damage that is done in relationships- with God, with others, and even with ourselves, when we are self-focused. What do you now understand the damage to be? One of the deceitful schemes of the enemy is to encourage us to be self-focused instead of God-focused. Ask God to show you how to have an appropriate, God-centered, esteem of self. Instead of “self-esteem” based a worldly standard, Paul is wanting us to view ourselves as we really are- on the one hand, a dearly beloved child of God and co-heir with Christ, victorious, with power and authority through Christ. On the other hand, we are also still sinning, needing to become more and more sanctified. A balance is needed. We need to have “sober judgement” as in, a reality check about who we really are based on who God knows us to be. Between thinking of yourself too highly and not thinking of yourself well enough, which do you tend to gravitate towards more? Why? Ask God to reveal to you anything in your life that is contributing to a distorted view of self. Confess if necessary, and ask for healing if needed. “In accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you,” recognizing that everything good, including faith, has been given from God. We partner in faith, choose to accept the faith that God distributes, and in doing so, we are positioned to do mighty kingdom work for God’s glory. Everything we can do is because of God. Praise God for loving-kindness, goodness, and love!

Other items:

R- Recognize (spiritual warfare)
E- Evaluate (discern if the experience is from you, the Holy Spirit, or demonic)
N- Navigate (decide what needs to be done- if it’s demonic, it needs to be cast out!)
E- Express (express the truth found in God’s Word to cast out)
W- Worship (declaring truth and seeking to live in God’s will- building relationship with God)
A- Action (we have to be an active participant, make choices continually)
L- Love (lean on the love of God who is stronger than any battle you may face!)

Responsive Reading:
Leader: Lord, You answer us when we pray
People: When we cry out to You in distress
L: We look to You for deliverance
P: For You are our refuge and strength
L: You free us from strongholds of the enemy
P: Free us from our doubts and fears
L: We look to You for help
P: For You are our protector and shield
All: Our fortress in whom we trust

Unison Prayer:

Lord, break through and open doors
to new hopes, dreams, and possibilities
for our church and in our lives,
and we will surrender
and faithfully follow Christ
into the adventure
of Your new and unknown future.
May Your will be done. Amen!

Song Lyrics:
A Mighty Fortress (hymnal #110)
1. A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2. Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right man on our side,
the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name,
from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.

3. And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4. That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.
Great I Am (Phillips, Craig, and Dean)
I wanna be close, Close to Your side
So Heaven is real, And death is a lie
I wanna hear voices, Of angels above
Singing as one
Hallelujah, Holy, Holy
God almighty, The great I am
Who is worthy, None beside thee
God almighty, The great I am
I wanna be near, Near to your heart
Loving the world, Hating the dark
I wanna see dry bones, Living again
Singing as one
Hallelujah, Holy, Holy
God almighty, The great I am
Who is worthy, None beside thee
God almighty, The great I am
The great I am
The mountains shake before You
The demons run and flee
At the mention of Your name king of majesty
There is no power in hell
Or any who can stand
Before the power and the presence of the Great I am
The Great I am
The Great I am
Hallelujah, Holy, Holy
God almighty, The great I am
Who is worthy, None beside thee
God almighty, The great I am
Chain Breaker (Zach Williams)
If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles
If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies
If you’re trying to fill the same old holes inside
There’s a better life, There’s a better life!
If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost, He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breaker
We’ve all search for the light of day in the dead of night
We’ve all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight
We’ve all run to things we know just ain’t right
And there’s a better life, There’s a better life!
If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost, He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breaker
If you believe it, If you receive it,
If you can feel it
Somebody testify
If you believe it, If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify, testify
If you believe it, If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify
If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost, He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker
Oh, if you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker!

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):
Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.
For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).
Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)
Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)
I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!
At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.