Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 1, 2014
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20
Sometimes in our spiritual life, work life or relationships the Lord wants to do something further, faster. In His sovereignty, He may have blessed us with a church focused on the inner growth of our soul, so we are able to have a significant outward impact on lost souls. By faith, Jesus can take us further, faster in our faith. Every day is God’s gift for us to move forward in obedience. Spirit led, we resist the temptation to spiritually plateau, but trust Christ to move mountains.
Further faster for the follower of Jesus is based on His power at work within us. Gimmicks are shallow and temporary, but the work of the Spirit is deep and lasting. God’s work within human hearts can accomplish more in a short period of religious revival than a lifetime of mediocrity. For example, when we pray and fast we are positioned to move faster as the Lord leads. We deny our physical appetites, so we can feast on soul food from our heavenly Father. Our affections are heightened to be thoroughly loved by the Lord. His quiet assurance propels us further, faster.
“Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings” (1 Kings 3:13).
Does the Holy Spirit want to do something further, faster in your faith and love? Is work begging for a much bigger vision based on the efficiency of Christ? Are critical relationships around you hungry for your influence in a much larger, more intentional manner? It’s new ideas and individuals we have yet to meet that the Spirit brings to mind or invites into our company. As we focus on the depth of our relationship with God and people–He will expand the breadth of our influence. We go further faster in our work, when we do not care who gets the credit for the accomplishments.
Above all, lean into the Lord and learn His ways. What’s intuitive to Christ is counterintuitive to the world’s ways. Remain a lifetime learner of the next best practices in your industry and grow into a humble leader. Replace striving for status by surrendering to Almighty God. He opens doors that go further, faster for His glory. It is out of our gratitude for His favor that His favor continues. Where does the Lord want you to go further, faster? Trust Him to get you there!
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust You to move me further, faster in Your way and in Your timing.
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 29:36; Psalm 118:23; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:7
Post/Tweet today: Spirit led, we resist the temptation to spiritually plateau, but trust Christ to move mountains. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: Andy Stanley leadership podcast: http://bit.ly/1qYDYeg
Order our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, just out October 1st! Boyd’s one minute book video- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt
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I’ve been reading your daily comments for a little over a year. Today’s post really touched me. I felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit in your words.
Thank you!
Thought provoking, scripture based!
Thank- you Boyd, that was very timely and encouraging to me.
Dear Kinya~
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are thankful that you were blessed by the devotional and give all the Glory to God! Isn’t is just amazing how He reaches us in His Word, people in our lives, the words of others, and circumstances? Goodness, His Faithfulness is never-ending!!
Have a wonderful day, Kinya. We are so very thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
Blessings,
Gwynne
” I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”
Psalm 89:1,2
Dear Billy~
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us regarding the devotional, “Further Faster”. We always enjoy hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters.
After reading this devotional, I too, felt it was very timely. It is good to be reminded of God’s work in our lives; “Every day is God’s gift for us to move forward in obedience.” Amen!
Have a wonderful day, Billy, as you and I move forward in obedience….
Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” 2 John1:6
Dear Leabeth~
Thank you! We appreciate your encouraging words and we are thankful that you were blessed by the devotional. We give God all the glory!!
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you felt. We always enjoy hearing from our Wisdom Hunter’s family.
A couple of the sentences in the devotional that really spoke to me were:
“Every day is God’s gift for us to move forward in obedience.” Goodness, do I hear an AMEN?! and…
“As we focus on the depth of our relationship with God and people–He will expand the breadth of our influence”. Gracious, what a “call to arms”!
Leabeth, we are thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again. Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting (and moving forward in obedience…)
Gwynne
“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever’.” Amen.
Could someone send me the Thought for the Day of Oct. 2nd? Mine was erased by mistake..
Dear Vicki,
Thank you for reaching out to us. I will be happy to email the daily devotion for October 2nd to you. You can expect it sometime today. In the meantime, let me thank you for being a fellow wisdom hunter. If there is ever anything else we can do for you, please let me know.
Blessings to you and yours.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18