Today’s Bible Verse
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (ESV)
Greater Dependence on God
What are you depending on? Nowadays, we have come to depend on many things. We depend on running water, electricity, electric appliances, our paychecks, and our cell phones, amongst other things. What happens when we misplace or lose our cell phones? Many people go crazy, grow anxious, and don’t know what to do without it. What happens when we don’t have enough money to pay the bills? We look for ways to get the money we need to pay them.
To depend, according to the dictionary, means to be able to trust, to rely on. We rely on people and things; however, many times these may fail us. Now, who you depend on can make a difference between you being stressed and anxious or being at peace. The only person we can completely rely on 100% is God. Why? Because He is faithful. He will not leave us, nor forsake us. Depending on Him means that we have faith in Him. How can you strengthen your dependency on God? Good question! Here are three practical ways that can help you to develop your complete dependence Him.
1. Fast – Fasting and praying can restore and strengthen your intimacy with God. Ezra 8:21 states, “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
If you cannot fast eating food, fast anything that you may indulge in. When you fast you also have to make sure to pray. Fasting shuts down the influence of the flesh and strengthens your spirit. You will become more sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and His voice.
2. Pray – Beth Moore once said, “A prayerful life is a powerful life.” According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary prayer is an “earnest request or wish.” However, prayer is so much more than just asking the Lord for our requests. It is spiritual communion with God. You can come before Him and share your thoughts and feelings. It is not a one-sided conversation. You will learn to listen and hear Him more clearly. It is during this time that you have an opportunity for your faith to grow as you cultivate a prayerful life. As you maintain a prayer life, you are depending on God to hear and answer your prayers.
3. Obey – The Word of God is alive and full of power. It can help you to change and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. However, many times people decide to do things their own way and not listen to what God has said. Yes, obeying may be difficult at times, because it may not be what you would like to adhere to. However, when you do obey and do what God says, you will find fulfillment and a life of peace, because you begin to be fully dependent on Him and His Word.
(Pastor Patti Matanza, Word of Life Yokohama)
An Uncommon Life
My family and I have been at Word of Life Yokohama for two years now, and God has done some incredible things in our lives. In November of last year, God placed it in our hearts to have a Women’s Devoted Conference. In fifteen years, our church had never had a women’s conference. We were believing for at least 100 women to be present. Well, through fasting, praying and obedience to God, on June 4th, we were able to host 115 women! We have received praise reports of how many of the women were blessed by the speakers and all that Word of Life Yokohama offered to them. God is faithful! We are conquering Japan and the world for Jesus when we obey His Word. An uncommon life is someone completely dependent on the anointing, the wisdom, and the grace of God.
Today’s Declaration
Lord, help me to have a heightened awareness of my need to be dependent upon You in everything that I do. I choose to develop a greater dependency on You! I seek Your wisdom through prayer and Your Word. Thank You, Lord, that You have given me ears to hear what You are speaking into my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: 2 Kings 8-9; Psalms 119:129-136
- New Testament: Luke 5:17-26; Philippians 2:1-11
