Created To Dream Week 5 Devotionals (With Scripture)

Monday, November 18, 2024, Read Matthew 16:15-16 '“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah. You are the Son of the living God.”'
It’s important that as Christ-followers, we know why we believe in Jesus and can discuss it in a clear, concise way. In Matthew 16, Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am? In 1 Peter 3:16 Peter clearly stated his belief about Jesus and who he was — the Messiah whom they were told about. In Perhaps you’ve never thought about what you might say if given the opportunity to defend your hope in Jesus. Challenge yourself to create an answer that represents you and what you believe today.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Read Genesis 15:4-6 'Then a message from the Lord came to Abram. The Lord said, “When you die, what you have will not go to this man. You will have a son of your own. He will get everything you have.” '
Abram is childless and does not yet believe that God will give him a son. Knowing this, God still makes a promise to Abram that he will be given an heir. What difference does belief make? Oftentimes, we lie to ourselves about our beliefs. We say that we trust God, but do we really? Belief is powerful, and our actions demonstrate what we truly believe.  Genuine belief in God will cause us to take bigger risks. Choose to cement our belief with tangible action. Allow the love of God to shine through us and allow him to be glorified.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Read Mark 9:23 ‘“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” Right away the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!” '
These verses remind us that even when we have faith, we can still struggle with unbelief. It’s okay to admit that we don’t have all the answers and that we need God’s help to believe more fully. Failure to believe that Jesus is just who he said he is doesn’t give him an opportunity to do his best work, or any work for that matter. If we are intentional in our pursuit of God, confessing that at times we need help with our unbelief, Jesus is able to work with that confession. After he works on us, he can highlight opportunities for us to share our faith and serve those around us.

Thursday, November 21, 2024, Read Mark 9:22-23 '“The spirit has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us. Please help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” '
Jesus has a mountaintop experience with his disciples. After this experience, they return to a crowd. A man from the crowd brought his son for healing, but the disciples could not cast the spirit out of the boy. In Mark 9:22, the man says to Jesus, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us’” When we believe in Jesus, we are able to tap into his power and accomplish great things. This crazy belief should follow us into our workplaces, schools, and other environments. Our unyielding belief will allow us to serve others in a way that truly honors God.

Friday, November 22, 2024, Read 2 Timothy 2:23-24 “Don’t have anything to do with arguing. It is dumb and foolish. You know it only leads to fights. Anyone who serves the Lord must not be hard to get along with. Instead, they must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach. The one who serves must not hold anything against anyone.”
Do you ever feel like you had an opportunity to explain your faith to others but couldn’t explain it well? Oftentimes, Jesus prompts us to do inexplicable things that will help bring others closer to him. Our study of the Word of God allows us to better understand Christ and his nature, giving us leverage in conversations when we are asked to explain our belief. Paul also tells Timothy that there’s a difference in talking about your belief in confidence and getting involved in foolish arguments about faith (2 Timothy 2:23).