{"id":22172,"date":"2018-08-13T03:00:29","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T10:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiahproject.org\/?p=22172"},"modified":"2020-03-16T23:20:35","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T06:20:35","slug":"faith-thinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/faith-thinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Faith \u201cThinks\u201d","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PASSAGE: Luke 16:1-8 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\u201d<\/em> \u2013\u00a0Luke 16:8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever felt stuck? Or felt unsure of how to get out of a hard spot? In this passage, the Bible shows us a dishonest manager who used his God-given intelligence to think his way out of a difficult situation. This man had just lost his job, was exposed for fraud, and was facing a bleak future. So what did he do? First, he reasoned that he needed to find friends to help him out after it all came crashing down. Then, he quickly reduced the bills of his master\u2019s debtors, buying their favor. Even his master applauded his shrewdness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus says, \u201cFor the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\u201d Now, Jesus does not promote his dishonesty but uses this parable to call believers to strategically manage their lives through intelligent faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, you may have faith. You may trust in prayer. But the Lord also wants you to trust your thinking. Contrary to popular opinion, \u201cFaith thinks!\u201d Faith doesn\u2019t just \u201cwait\u201d; faith doesn\u2019t just \u201canticipate\u201d; faith doesn\u2019t just \u201cexpect,\u201d Faith thinks! It isn\u2019t enough to wake up each day and say, \u201cLord lead me,\u201d without any strategic thinking about where God might lead. Let me ask you, where is your shrewdness, your prudence, and wisdom in expanding the Kingdom of God on earth? Intelligent faith leans on intentional thought, bringing trust and wisdom together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s my question to you. What is it that you have been praying about and still waiting on for an answer? What if I told you that no answer is coming outside of your thinking? That on this occasion no miracle is coming: no rescue and no divine results. Someone may be praying \u201cLord get me out of debt!\u201d but you really want God to just send you money. But God says, \u201cNo!\u201d He says there is an answer, but you\u2019re going to have to think your way out of how you can stop paying those high-interest credit card payments. In order to reach your goals, you need to make up your mind that you can\u2019t eat everything, wear everything, drive everything, and enjoy everything right now! Instead, devise a strategy to use what God has blessed you with today in order to make a difference in your life tomorrow. Intelligent faith requires the courage to manage your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of us don\u2019t need more prayer; we need better management. God has answered the prayer, but we are not working the plan. You can maximize your God-given opportunities by matching them with intellect and prudence. God may be opening a door for you, but you are going to have to think your way through turning the key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflective Minute<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a minute, and consider what part of your life you need to manage more shrewdly. What God-given plans or strategies are waiting to be activated? Be honest with yourself and write down your convictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditative Minute<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proverbs 2:1-5<\/a>
Those who seek wisdom find the knowledge of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer Minute<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Father God, I desire to live as child of a light who lives with a shrewd mind and intelligent faith. Give me the courage to manage my life well, in a way that brings You glory. In Jesus\u2019 name, amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PASSAGE: Luke 16:1-8 \u201cThe master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-devotionals","pmpro-has-access",""],"spectra_custom_meta":{"sbg_selected_sidebar_2":["a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"0\";}"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_2_replacement":["a:1:{i:0;s:0:\"\";}"],"_edit_last":["1"],"sbg_selected_sidebar_replacement":["a:1:{i:0;s:0:\"\";}"],"sbg_selected_sidebar":["a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"0\";}"],"_wpas_done_all":["1"],"_wp_old_date":["2018-08-14","2018-08-08","2017-10-30"],"_dp_original":["22148"],"pyre_page_title_line_height":[""],"kd_featured-image-2_post_id":[""],"kd_featured-image-3_post_id":[""],"kd_featured-image-4_post_id":[""],"kd_featured-image-5_post_id":[""],"pyre_page_title_bg_parallax":["default"],"pyre_sidebar_sticky":["default"],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_retina":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_full":["default"],"pyre_wide_page_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_page_title":["default"],"pyre_page_title_breadcrumbs_search_bar":["default"],"pyre_page_title_text":["default"],"pyre_page_title_text_alignment":["default"],"pyre_page_title_custom_text":[""],"pyre_page_title_text_size":[""],"pyre_page_title_custom_subheader":[""],"pyre_page_title_custom_subheader_text_size":[""],"pyre_page_title_font_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_100_width":["default"],"pyre_page_title_height":[""],"pyre_page_title_mobile_height":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_borders_color":[""],"pyre_page_title_bar_bg":[""],"pyre_page_bg":[""],"pyre_page_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_page_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_wide_page_bg_color":[""],"pyre_wide_page_bg":[""],"pyre_wide_page_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_demo_slider":[""],"pyre_display_header":["yes"],"pyre_header_100_width":["default"],"pyre_header_bg_color":[""],"pyre_header_bg_opacity":[""],"pyre_header_bg":[""],"pyre_header_bg_full":["no"],"pyre_header_bg_repeat":["repeat"],"pyre_displayed_menu":["default"],"pyre_display_footer":["default"],"pyre_display_copyright":["default"],"pyre_footer_100_width":["default"],"pyre_sidebar_position":["default"],"pyre_sidebar_bg_color":[""],"pyre_page_bg_layout":["default"],"pyre_page_bg_color":[""],"pyre_slider":["0"],"pyre_wooslider":[""],"pyre_revslider":["0"],"pyre_elasticslider":["0"],"pyre_slider_position":["default"],"pyre_avada_rev_styles":["default"],"pyre_fallback":[""],"_progressally_certificate":["a:2:{s:8:\"max-cert\";s:1:\"0\";s:4:\"cert\";a:0:{}}"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["47"],"avada_post_views_count":["1483"],"_wp_old_slug":["fruitfulness-in-midst-of-the-storm","the-power-of-prayer"],"pyre_show_first_featured_image":["no"],"pyre_fimg_width":[""],"pyre_fimg_height":[""],"pyre_portfolio_width_100":["default"],"pyre_video":[""],"pyre_image_rollover_icons":["default"],"pyre_link_icon_url":[""],"pyre_post_links_target":["no"],"pyre_related_posts":["default"],"pyre_share_box":["default"],"pyre_post_pagination":["default"],"pyre_author_info":["default"],"pyre_post_meta":["default"],"pyre_post_comments":["default"],"pyre_main_top_padding":[""],"pyre_main_bottom_padding":[""],"pyre_hundredp_padding":[""],"pyre_slider_type":["no"],"_progressally_post_meta":["a:10:{s:12:\"selected-tab\";s:9:\"objective\";s:13:\"max-objective\";s:1:\"0\";s:15:\"objective-error\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"objective-order\";a:0:{}s:12:\"complete-tag\";a:0:{}s:16:\"completion-popup\";s:0:\"\";s:19:\"checked-enable-quiz\";s:2:\"no\";s:4:\"quiz\";a:20:{s:16:\"select-quiz-type\";s:5:\"score\";s:20:\"correct-message-html\";s:8:\"Correct!\";s:11:\"result-html\";s:92:\"

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auto;}}\";s:2:\"js\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"current_block_list\";a:3:{i:0;s:14:\"core\/paragraph\";i:1;s:10:\"uagb\/image\";i:2;s:10:\"core\/image\";}s:8:\"uag_flag\";b:1;s:11:\"uag_version\";s:10:\"1776749704\";s:6:\"gfonts\";a:0:{}s:10:\"gfonts_url\";s:0:\"\";s:12:\"gfonts_files\";a:0:{}s:14:\"uag_faq_layout\";b:0;}"]},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"post-thumbnail":false,"gform-image-choice-sm":false,"gform-image-choice-md":false,"gform-image-choice-lg":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"EC Admin","author_link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/author\/ecmembersadm-2\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"PASSAGE: Luke 16:1-8 \u201cThe master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their\u2026","comments_count":0,"content_native":[{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

PASSAGE: Luke 16:1-8 <\/a><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"

PASSAGE: Luke 16:1-8 <\/a><\/p>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"center","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{},"align":"center"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

\u201cThe master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\u201d<\/em> - Luke 16:8<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"

\u201cThe master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\u201d<\/em> - Luke 16:8<\/strong><\/p>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{},"backgroundColor":"#eeeeee"}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Have you ever felt stuck? Or felt unsure of how to get out of a hard spot? In this passage, the Bible shows us a dishonest manager who used his God-given intelligence to think his way out of a difficult situation. This man had just lost his job, was exposed for fraud, and was facing a bleak future. So what did he do? First, he reasoned that he needed to find friends to help him out after it all came crashing down. Then, he quickly reduced the bills of his master's debtors, buying their favor. Even his master applauded his shrewdness.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Have you ever felt stuck? Or felt unsure of how to get out of a hard spot? In this passage, the Bible shows us a dishonest manager who used his God-given intelligence to think his way out of a difficult situation. This man had just lost his job, was exposed for fraud, and was facing a bleak future. So what did he do? First, he reasoned that he needed to find friends to help him out after it all came crashing down. Then, he quickly reduced the bills of his master's debtors, buying their favor. Even his master applauded his shrewdness."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Jesus says, \"For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\" Now, Jesus does not promote his dishonesty but uses this parable to call believers to strategically manage their lives through intelligent faith.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Jesus says, \"For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.\" Now, Jesus does not promote his dishonesty but uses this parable to call believers to strategically manage their lives through intelligent faith."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Now, you may have faith. You may trust in prayer. But the Lord also wants you to trust your thinking. Contrary to popular opinion, \"Faith thinks!\" Faith doesn't just \"wait\"; faith doesn't just \"anticipate\"; faith doesn't just \"expect,\" Faith thinks! It isn't enough to wake up each day and say, \"Lord lead me,\" without any strategic thinking about where God might lead. Let me ask you, where is your shrewdness, your prudence, and wisdom in expanding the Kingdom of God on earth? Intelligent faith leans on intentional thought, bringing trust and wisdom together.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Now, you may have faith. You may trust in prayer. But the Lord also wants you to trust your thinking. Contrary to popular opinion, \"Faith thinks!\" Faith doesn't just \"wait\"; faith doesn't just \"anticipate\"; faith doesn't just \"expect,\" Faith thinks! It isn't enough to wake up each day and say, \"Lord lead me,\" without any strategic thinking about where God might lead. Let me ask you, where is your shrewdness, your prudence, and wisdom in expanding the Kingdom of God on earth? Intelligent faith leans on intentional thought, bringing trust and wisdom together."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Here's my question to you. What is it that you have been praying about and still waiting on for an answer? What if I told you that no answer is coming outside of your thinking? That on this occasion no miracle is coming: no rescue and no divine results. Someone may be praying \"Lord get me out of debt!\" but you really want God to just send you money. But God says, \"No!\" He says there is an answer, but you're going to have to think your way out of how you can stop paying those high-interest credit card payments. In order to reach your goals, you need to make up your mind that you can't eat everything, wear everything, drive everything, and enjoy everything right now! Instead, devise a strategy to use what God has blessed you with today in order to make a difference in your life tomorrow. Intelligent faith requires the courage to manage your life.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Here's my question to you. What is it that you have been praying about and still waiting on for an answer? What if I told you that no answer is coming outside of your thinking? That on this occasion no miracle is coming: no rescue and no divine results. Someone may be praying \"Lord get me out of debt!\" but you really want God to just send you money. But God says, \"No!\" He says there is an answer, but you're going to have to think your way out of how you can stop paying those high-interest credit card payments. In order to reach your goals, you need to make up your mind that you can't eat everything, wear everything, drive everything, and enjoy everything right now! Instead, devise a strategy to use what God has blessed you with today in order to make a difference in your life tomorrow. Intelligent faith requires the courage to manage your life."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Some of us don't need more prayer; we need better management. God has answered the prayer, but we are not working the plan. You can maximize your God-given opportunities by matching them with intellect and prudence. God may be opening a door for you, but you are going to have to think your way through turning the key.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Some of us don't need more prayer; we need better management. God has answered the prayer, but we are not working the plan. You can maximize your God-given opportunities by matching them with intellect and prudence. God may be opening a door for you, but you are going to have to think your way through turning the key."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Reflective Minute<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Reflective Minute<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Take a minute, and consider what part of your life you need to manage more shrewdly. What God-given plans or strategies are waiting to be activated? Be honest with yourself and write down your convictions.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Take a minute, and consider what part of your life you need to manage more shrewdly. What God-given plans or strategies are waiting to be activated? Be honest with yourself and write down your convictions."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Meditative Minute<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Meditative Minute<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Proverbs 2:1-5<\/a>
Those who seek wisdom find the knowledge of God.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Proverbs 2:1-5<\/a>
Those who seek wisdom find the knowledge of God."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Prayer Minute<\/strong><\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Prayer Minute<\/strong>"}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}},{"type":"core\/paragraph","render":"

Father God, I desire to live as child of a light who lives with a shrewd mind and intelligent faith. Give me the courage to manage my life well, in a way that brings You glory. In Jesus' name, amen.<\/p>","content":[{"type":"text","data":"Father God, I desire to live as child of a light who lives with a shrewd mind and intelligent faith. Give me the courage to manage my life well, in a way that brings You glory. In Jesus' name, amen."}],"data":[],"style":{"textAlign":"left","color":"","dropCap":false,"parent_style":{}}}],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"bb_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"app_access":{"can_access":true,"restrict_message":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22172","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22172\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}