The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Friday, April 23, 2004
6 Phases Bible Study Calendar
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Read your Bible more in 2004!
My Prayer Today
Dear God, You are the only omnipotent One. I acknowledge that your power is greater than anything that I could ever imagine. Forgive me for times in which I have relied upon my own strength rather than yours. Your purpose, plan, and vision for my life will only come about because of your power at work in me. I trust that you know what you are doing. I dedicate my life to you and ask that you would help me to trust in you in every circumstance. I want to live in the full fruition of your dreams for me. I ask this in Jesus' name. . . Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Ephesians 3:20
"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope for."
Reflecting on God's Word
According to Ephesians 3:20, who's power accomplishes everything?
What is the adjective used to describe God's power?
According to this verse, where is God's power at work?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Name an example in the Bible where God's power exceeded a person's expectation.
Why did God demonstrate his power in this case?
Understanding God's Purpose
Is God's power able to make your dreams and visions come true? Why?
What does faith have to do with the demonstration of God's power?
Does God's power produce faith, or does faith produce God's power?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Name a time in your life where God's power exceeded your expectation?
Do believe that God will perform in your life what he has promised? Why?
Have you given up on your dreams? Why? (Re-read Ephesians 3:20)
Thoughts...
This week we have been going through the first phase of faith called "the dream." Dreams are something that we ourselves desire and also something that God himself gives us. The challenge for all of us is to take all of our own dreams and conform them into God's perfect dream and desire for us. God's design for our lives will always exceed what we ourselves would be able to accomplish on our own. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." It says in this passage that it is because God's power is at work in us that all of His purposes in us will unfold. It is not by our own will power, dedication, study, strength, ability, or power that His plan will be accomplished. God's purposes and dreams for us will only be accomplished by His power at work within us.
God's power is beyond anything that we could ever imagine. Our ability to ask God for something in prayer will never go beyond God's ability to demonstrate His power. In fact, God loves it when we ask big because it gives Him the opportunity to reveal His power so that He will be glorified. Faith is what produces God's power in our lives. Without faith we cannot please God. When we have God-given dreams, it takes faith to believe that what He has spoken and revealed will come about. Do not give up on what God has promised! He is true to His Word. God will perform His mighty acts in ways we cannot imagine -- and ways we do not expect. If you have a big dream, you should at some time expect pain, but God will perform what He has promised. He finishes what He starts!