This week we focused on the Fruit of the Spirit, Faithfulness. I was reading about the importance of faithfulness. Here is a quote on that point. “Faithfulness is the quality of being loyal, trustworthy, and true to one’s promises. Faithfulness is important because it gives us a sense of trust, confidence, and certainty in our relationships with others and with God. Faithfulness is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a virtue that God desires in his children.”
When we look to the Father to see how we should be faithful, He demonstrates the perfect example of being faithful.
One of my favorite verses about God’s faithfulness is 2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
God’s character is not altered by us when we are faithless. He does not change; He is always good.
Since God’s faithfulness never changes shouldn’t we look to Him not only during the good times but also when we suffer because we carry the name, Jesus? God’s faithfulness should create a greater level of trust in Him that leads us to turn to Him in all situations, even during suffering. 1Pet. 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
And He knows that we could be tempted beyond our ability to endure it. So, He does not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability, and then through His grace, He provides the way out.
1Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Devotional
This week, I want you to start your prayers by thanking God that we can trust Him because of His faithfulness.
He deserves our faith in return.
Jesus told a parable about being faithful to what God gives us. In the parable, we see what happens to those who are faithful and those who are not faithful.
Matt. 25:22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
Matt. 25:24 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 ‘And I was afraid and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
We see that when we are not faithful with what we have been given, even what we have will be taken from us. And, when we are faithful with what we have been given, God will give us more and we enter into the master’s joy.
Which one do you want to be? Faithful or Faithless
Think About It: God’s faithfulness creates a greater trust in Him in us.
Group Questions:
1. What is faithfulness?
2. Is God faithful even when we aren’t?
3. Does God provide a way out of the temptation?
4. When should we trust God in our suffering?
God Encounters:
During VBS week, we had God-sighting bracelets. The bracelets were supposed to remind us to look for God in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Several times a day, I had kids tell me that they saw God or that they heard from Him.
One girl said that during prayer time with Ms. Madison she heard God say that she needs to stick up for a kid. She did not know what that meant, but she faithfully intervened when she saw the event unfold in her neighborhood.
Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all the unfortunate.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy
– Prov. 31:8
There are many rewards in God’s Kingdom. There are rewards in the kingdom of heaven for the good works we do here on Earth. However, there are also rewards that we can have here on Earth when we follow His commands.
How many can you think of? I will give you a dollar for each one you tell me on Sunday.
Upcoming Events
Movie on the Lawn: August 23rd. 7 pm -God’s Not Dead-
Lads & Ladies Laser Tag: September 1st 12:30-3:00
Movie on the Lawn: September 20th. 7 pm -God’s Not Dead 2-
Royal Ball: TBD
Christmas Cookie Decorating: December 14th. 10am-12:30pm
Testimonies
I wanted to share a testimony that happened during VBS this year. On Thursday, Salvation Day, at VBS we had a sweet encounter with Holy Spirit.
It culminated when Madison and I kneeled before the cross of our Savior. The kids began to come to the cross to worship with us. Everyone ended up kneeling before the Cross of Christ.
The kids were so reverent during this time the Holy Spirit had to be encountering them.
One child told me that when she was kneeling she felt this energy going through her body like waves hitting her.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the children of God.
– Rom. 8:14
$5 Memory Verse:
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
– 2 Timothy 2:13
Parents:
You are the most important person in your child’s life. – Proverbs 22:6 Spend time helping your child understand the lesson and the devotional.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please email me at CurtW@ECDenver.org or call me at 720.900.7385.
