How to Use This Challenge:
Igniting Faith in 40 Days* has two major components. The first is the daily devotional teaching, which will strengthen you through its biblical principles of faith. The second is the speaking forth of the declarations mentioned in #2 and #3 below - “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). Even though there is benefit in just reading this book, consider this radical format to maximize its contents:
Read a teaching (devotional) each day for 40 days.
Boldly speak the declaration for the devotional.
Boldly speak one of the declaration lists from the back of the book (do both morning and night).
Read Mark, Galatians, Proverbs, and chapter 4 from Romans, Philippians, and Hebrews during the 40 days.
Go on a NEGATIVITY FAST (also called a POSITIVITY FEAST) during the 40 days. This book is an ideal re- source to use during this kind of fast. Ideas for your negativity fast are available in the appendix in the back of the book.
Finally, and most importantly, find one or more others to join you in this experience.
* The message of this book is not a single formula of suc- cess, but a necessary ingredient to add to a life of intimacy with Jesus. Use the checklist that is on most pages to help you. The abbreviations of the checklist are: • BR (Bible reading) • RD (read devotional) • DD (spoken devotional declaration) • OD (other declarations spoken from back of book) • NF (negativity fast)
Day #1
Legal vs. Experiential Ownership
Every place . . . I have given you (Joshua 1:3)
Joshua chapter one is the place to go for those ready to leave wilderness Christianity. Joshua was called to lead the new generation into the Promised Land. In verse two, God says, “Go to the land I am giving you.” He adds in verse three, “Every place your foot treads, I have given you.” Then verse four gives the boundaries to what was theirs. It’s fascinating that they are told what is legally theirs before they experientially possessed it. Legal ownership was no guarantee of experiential ownership. It was called the Promised Land so that they would confidently proceed to possess it - no matter what obstacles they encountered. It is no different for us today. We have our own promised land. It’s not a geographical area, but it is specific blessings. For instance, every person has the legal ownership of eternal life, but that must be possessed experientially through faith in Christ. Also, God promises us health, favor, spiritual power, protection, abundant provision, wisdom, and much more. Peter refers to the “exceedingly, great and precious promises“ which were given to us “to participate in the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). We may have to overcome many challenges to experience these promises, but we can. Let’s persevere and keep seeking to possess what is already legally ours. Declare: I am who the Bible says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. I increasingly possess in my experience the promises of God. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF The abbreviations are: BR (Bible Reading), RD (Read Devotional), DD (Spoken Devotional Declaration), OD (Other Declarations spoken from back of book), NF (Negativity Fast)
The biggest thing that stands out to me is how we need to have the faith and confidence to believe that those “exceeding great and precious promises” are ours to experience, and not to get discouraged and doubt.
it’s easy to doubt, especially during life’s challenges, but we have to believe and accept what God says is already ours.
I like the correlation between the Promised land to Joshua and the promised land in our lives. Joshua was told that everywhere he walked would be his. We also need to walk in the promises of God in our lives. We can walk in the promises before we even experience them, while also being careful to stay within the boundaries God has given us.
One word keeps coming to my mind when thinking of what to write. “Blessed.”
It’s really easy to focus on what you don’t have and not on what God has already given you. God has blessed me beyond measure and I do not spend enough time thanking Him for that. I can already see how this helps to pull me away from a negative mindset by taking ownership of what the Lord has given me.
I don't know that I've ever thought about the verbiage of "legal" and "experienced" promises, but I LOVE that. It causes me to leave the victim way of thinking and cross over to the accountability side of thinking. It is my responsibility to take what God has promised and claim it! He already did the work. It is in my hands now.
I really like the explanation between legal and experienced promises. "It’s fascinating that they are told what is legally theirs before they experientially possessed it." Today, I want to replace every negative thought or struggle with the legal promise of God from His word.