Today’s Reading: Matthew 16:5-12
Today’s Verse: Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. Matthew 16:12 KJV
From an early age we begin to learn things.
The more we read and listen to a teacher, we gain knowledge.
The Father wants each of us to grow in this area, To grow in faith.
That is why He sent the Savior.
Part of His mission was to teach His disciples.
The Savior teaches by the Spirit of wisdom in the heart.
He needed to build their faith for the mission ahead.
For over three years, the disciples attended a school of faith.
As their teacher, He instructed them using the Scriptures as the textbook.
There were times when He would use verbal instructions.
But many lessons were taught using demonstrations.
The Savior healed the sick, cast out demons, fed thousands, and calmed the sea.
The disciples training even included tests.
The ones that revealed if they honestly believed Jesus, was the Messiah.
In what His divine purpose was.
Ther were times when the Lord questioned their understanding.
He expressed disappointment when they showed a lack of trust (Mark 4:40 KJV).
But the Lord never gave up on them.
He would acknowledge them when there was signs of progress (Matthew 16:15-17 KJV).
His desire was to firmly establish their faith.
All so He could fulfill His work in and through them.
Before His return to Heaven, He commanded the disciples to spread the gospel.
To spread the Word regarding salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.
We know that without faith, they would have failed.
He has the same goal for us.
Opening our understanding to the Spirit of revelation in the Word.
Increasing our faith so we can do the work He has planned for us.
When our faith is great, He will entrust us with challenges.
Achieving amazing things through us.
Remember that small faith limits God’s activity in a believer’s life.
He can only use us based on how much we trust Him.
The Father has two primary ways of building our faith in Him.
First, the Scripture tells us what to believe about Him.
Secondly, we have tests that place us in difficult situations.
Situations that stretch us to believe in God.
To rely on Him instead of our own understanding.
The more we learn, the wiser we become.
There will be something to test our faith.
But because of His wisdom we will pass the test.
Our mission will end victoriously.
That is why faith building is essential in a believer’s life.
Never let go of your faith.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, it was Your desire that the Savior taught the disciples by the Spirt of Wisdom. You wanted them to know how important it was to grow strong in faith. The lessons taught in the Scriptures is what we need to apply in our lives. It is the only way we can pass any test that comes our way. Amazing things will always happen. We believe and put our trust in You. Striving not to lean on our own understanding. Always acknowledging You. Thank You for the wisdom and guidance You give us.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen