IGNITING FAITH IN 40 DAYS by Steve & Wendy Backlund

************************************************* 2006 - Steve and Wendy Backlund (ignitedhope.com) All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All emphasis within Scripture is the authors own. Please note that the authors publishing style capitalizes certain pronouns in Scripture that refer to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and may differ from other publishers styles. ISBN 978-1-59872-758-6 **************************************************************************** Many thanks to the following for their input in the writing of these devotionals: Elaine Smith, Dale Kaz, Jeanie Sandahl, Michelle Alderson, and Maureen Puddle. ****************************************************************************

This book is dedicated to:

our children Joel, Kyle, and Heidi We also dedicate this book to the congregations at Desert Oasis Christian Center in Round Mountain, Nevada, and Mountain Chapel in Weaverville, California. Thanks for loving us, pouring into us, and believing in us as we have sought to be all that God has called us to be. Finally, we also dedicate this book to Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton. Thank you for following your dream and paying a price so we could find God and His goodness in a way we never thought we could.

Table of Contents
DAY Legal vs. Experiential Ownership 1 A Lying Apple Tree? 2 Bringing Life to Dead Places 3 Praying in Faith 4,5 Dealing With Uncertainty 6 Cut Off From Grace 7 Rose Colored Glasses 8 Who Do You Think You Are 9,10 Non-Negotiable Convictions 11 Do Not Say . . . 12 Where Am I 13 Kratos Power 14 Never Enough? 15 End Times Theology 16 Remember Your Benefits 17 Presumptuous Faith 18 Repenting From or Repenting To 19 Saints or Sinners 20 Something Greater Than Character 21 The Crucial Moment 22 Faith Makes a Difference 23 Walking Off a Two Story Spiritual Roof 24,25 Valuing Joy 26 What About Job 27,28,29 Judging the Faith of Others 30 Faith and Medicine 31 Wrestling for What 32 Dont Withdraw Your Faith 33 Are We There Yet 34 Escaping Into God 35 The Goal: Becoming Fully Convinced 36 The Cause of Disasters 37 Influencing the Economy, Weather & Public Health 38 Attracting Favor or Rejection to Our Lives 39,40 Declarations List Appendix One Negativity Fast Appendix Two Cracks in the Foundation Info Appendix Three

Introduction
I invite you on a forty-day journey to change the way you think. Transformation starts with our thoughts (Romans 12:1,2). The quality of our lives and the advancement of Gods kingdom depend on renewing the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:22- 24). Wendy and I have learned that true faith is built on hope; a confident, optimistic expectation about the future based on Gods promises & a revelation of His goodness. This book is filled with hope for you, your family, your church, your city, & your nation. Get ready to grow. Get ready to declare Gods promises. Get ready for transformation. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. We bless you as you Ignite Your Faith.

Steve Backlund

How to Use This Book

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: 1. Read a teaching (devotional) each day for 40 days. 2. Boldly speak the declaration for the devotional. 3. Boldly speak one of the declaration lists from the back of the book (do both morning and night). 4. Read Mark, Galatians, Proverbs, and chapter 4 from Romans, Philippians, and Hebrews during the 40 days. 5. Listen to one or all of these CD series during the 40 days: Relentless Mind Renewal, Victorious Faith, or Framing Our Future. Available at http://store.ibethel.org/ 6. Go on a NEGATIVITY FAST (also called a POSITIVITY FEAST) during the 40 days. This book is an ideal resource to use during this kind of fast. Ideas for your negativity fast are available in the appendix in the back of the book. 7. 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 success, 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. Its 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. Its 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. Lets 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)

 Day 2

A Lying Apple Tree?

Calling those things that are not . . . (Romans 4:17) An apple tree will produce apples because of what it is. When it is young, it will have no apples; but it still must say, I am an apple tree. When it is winter and there are no apples; it still says, I am an apple tree. Is it lying at those times? No. It would be lying to say anything different. Many Christians have a hard time saying who God says they are when no fruit is manifesting in that particular area. Could they be too young in that truth to be fruitful? Could they be in a season where that dimension of the Christian life is being pruned back for future growth? Either way, it does not mean they are lying when they say, I am anointed, prosperous, delivered, healed, righteous, strong etc. Joel 3:10 says, Let the weak say I am strong. We dont deny the fact of weakness, but we focus on the greater truth that we are strong in Him. Again, because the Word says we ARE these things, we would be untruthful to say anything different. Lets not lie against the truth. Indeed, we ARE what the Bible says we are. Declare: I am who the Word says I am. I have a sound mind. I have great favor with God and man. People love me. I am a happy person. I love life and enjoy every day. I walk in divine health. I have abundant provision. I am blessed and protected. I increasingly know who and what I am in Christ. I make a tremendous difference for Christ wherever I go. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF Check out ignitedhope.com to find extra insight concerning the power of declarations and for a list of the declarations that are at the back of this book.

 Day 3

Bringing Life to Dead Places

Let the weak say I am strong (Joel 3:10) God has called us to make dead things alive. In Ezekiel 37, the prophet was asked if the dry bones could live. In the dialogue and events that followed, God showed Ezekiel and His people a powerful principle that is vital for us today. Gods method of bringing life to these very dry bones was through Ezekiel prophesying life to the whole situation. Ezekiel had to speak to the bones. He had to prophesy to the wind. As he did, things changed and life came. You and I also must continually speak to dead areas in our lives and circumstances. A main method of God bringing change to a situation is for one of His children to speak His promises over people and circumstances. And God who gives life to the dead and calls those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:17). NOTE It starts with each of us prophesying life over ourselves. Joel gives us a good place to start in Joel 3:10, Let the weak say I am strong. Start now a life long habit to call those things that are not as though they are in your life. Declare: Even though I feel weak at times, I am really strong. I am very strong to accomplish Gods purposes in my life and to be a strength to others. I prophesy daily over my circumstances, my future, and over the dry areas of my life. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF If you dont understand something written in this book, just set that aside and continue on your journey. Most things will be clarified in the 40 days.

 Day 4

Praying in Faith (Part I)

Mary has chosen the best part (Luke 10:42) Often people spend much effort and time praying over a circumstance hoping that time and quantity of prayer will bring the desired result. The hope is that perhaps faith will increase through this effort and thus the prayer will be answered. This kind of thinking implies that faith is built by the amount of time and energy expended. We need to understand that faith does not come through our effort. Faith is a result of what we know. Our measure of faith (Romans 12:3) will increase in proportion to the revelation we have of Gods character, His love, and His promises toward us. Often we do not realize the value of spending time with God when we are not praying for needs. The reason we worship, quietly wait in His presence, and search the scripture is mainly to build a relationship and to learn about the character, power, and love of God. Our intimacy and relationship with Him will have a direct correlation to our level of faith; not because it earns us more authority, but because it gives something for our faith to stand on. Declare: My trust and faith in God grows in proportion to how much I know His character, goodness, and trustworthiness. I therefore spend much time in His presence developing intimacy with Him. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF Never become satisfied with a mere theology of Gods presence in your private life or church life. Pursue His manifested presence!

 Day #5

10

Praying in Faith (Part 2)

Prayer . . . avails much (James 5:16) As we battle spiritual forces, it is important to distinguish between the burden of the Lord and the weight of unbelief. We must take inventory of our emotions as we pray. Is a spirit of fear, anxiety, or hopelessness present? Do we feel under the circumstance that we are praying about? Are we consistently begging for Gods help? If so, the heaviness we are feeling is probably not about the circumstance we are facing, but from our own beliefs about God and life. These emotions are not going to go away just by praying longer, fasting, or praying harder. We also cannot pretend these emotions are not there. We need to confront them and rebuke spirits of unbelief, fear, and hopelessness. We can start this by repenting of wrong core beliefs that hinder confidence in the power of our prayers. Then we must turn our eyes to Gods faithfulness and worship Jesus until we get a revelation of His goodness and love toward us. The battle is first in us and then in our circumstances. Declare: Fear and doubt are my main enemies. I am not a victim to these emotions. I replace the lies fueling them with the promises of God. I trust in the goodness of God. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 6

11

Dealing with Uncertainty

Do not be anxious about anything (Phil 4:6) 2 Peter 1:4 says Gods great promises empower us to participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. What a statement about the power of promises! Here are five promises to get into your spirit to blast away uncertainty about the future: I Can - Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever is needed from me, I can do it. There is a Way - I Corinthians 10:13 reveals there is a way for every person (whether to get out of a tough time or to get into Gods purpose). Ive Prayed - James 5:16,17 tells us that our prayers are powerful and effective. Things will be different because we pray. God Will Finish What He Has Started - Philippians 1:6 tells us to be confident of Gods finishing power. It Will Be OK - Romans 8:28 says that all things will work for good in my life as I focus on two things: 1) Gods call for me, and 2) loving Jesus Christ first in my life.

Declare: Gods exceedingly great and precious promises help me to wage war in my mind against lies about the future. I therefore cannot be defeated in Jesus name. I am more than a conqueror. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 7

12

Cut Off From Grace

. . . miracles . . . by the hearing of faith? (Gal 3:5) Does God supply His Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5). This is probably the second most important question in the Bible. [Only Who do you say I (Jesus) am? would be more important.] The Apostle Paul asks this penetrating question in the book of Galatians, which is a must read and must study for the advancing saint. He was rebuking those in Galatia for returning to a performancebased religion instead of keeping a faith based relationship. It is a strong book with strong words such as, You who seek to be justified by the law have been cut off from grace (Galatians 5:4). Grace is the empowerment to do Gods will. Most people probably think that persistence in sin leads to a cutting off of graces flow; but, in reality, we are cut off from Gods power when we believe that God is more concerned with our behavior than He is with our beliefs. Heres a truth that will keep us in grace: What is believed about something is more important than what is done about it. Good works are important, but they primarily result from a proper belief system in our lives. Declare: I reject a works-based Christianity. I declare I have faith to receive all of Gods blessings and power to change my life and the world. I now receive a new measure of grace through faith. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 8

13

Rose Colored Glasses

. . through . . . Scriptures . . . might have hope (Ro 15:4) Sometimes optimistic people are accused of seeing life through rose colored glasses. Their vision supposedly is affected by an unrealistic perspective that blinds them to lifes negatives and accentuates only the positives. All Christians have predispositions that influence how the Bible is interpreted, and thus how life is viewed. These unconscious inclinations are often influenced by the traditions of men which limit positive expectancy for the future (see Mark 7:13). Romans 15:4 tells us that hope results from proper Bible learning. Later in verse 13 we are told that joy, peace, and abounding hope come from believing. There should be a corresponding increase of hope in our lives that is proportional to the amount of the Bible we consume. Unfortunately, many church teachings limit hope. For example, most end times teachings decrease positive expectation for lives, families, cities, and the nations of the world. As a result, many dont live with hope and faith because of a predisposition that believes the world is getting worse (and not better). This hopelessness indicates we need an alteration in our interpretation of Scripture. Truly, hope grows with each encounter with Gods Word and with the God of hope. Declare: I see the Bible and life through blood colored glasses (seeing through the finished work of the cross). I therefore abound in hope for my life and for every- one connected to me. Gods promises are true. My prayers are powerful and effective. My hope helps release Gods kingdom in our midst. Checklist to Ignite Faith ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD___ NF

 Day 9

14

Who Do You Think You Are! (Part 1)

. . . but your name shall be called Abraham (Gen. 17:5) Abram received a promise that his descendents would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand of the seashore. The problem was that he was very old, and his wife was past childbearing years and had been barren all of her life. The prophetic word concerning his innumerable descendents was laughable to the landlocked mind. Well, after more than two decades of no manifestation of the promise, it seemed even more impossible. Although Abrams faith grew, there was still no baby for Sarah and him. Finally, at 100 years old, they had their promised son, Isaac (which means laughter). What made the difference? The key change was this: Abrams name was changed to Abraham (which means father of a multitude). As Abram called himself by the promises of God, he was strengthened in faith and saw the promise come to pass. (See Romans 4 for insight on this process.) So who do you think you are? Is your identity shaped by your past or by the promises of God? Your answer will largely determine whether Gods seemingly laughable promises over your life will come to pass. Declare: I am who God says I am. I can do what He says I can do. I will see His promises come to pass in me as I speak His promises over my life. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF We wont have it just because we say it, but saying it is a big part of having it.

 Day 10

15

Who Do You Think You Are! (Part 2)

Calling those things that are not, as though they were (Romans 4:17) Here is a major life question: Does our experience create our identity, or does our identity create our experience? The answer is . . . (drum roll please) . . . our identity creates our experience. Remember, those who think they can, and those who think they cant, are both right (consider the spies in Numbers 13 and 14). What we believe about ourselves will either bind us or launch us. When it comes to who we think we are, God is calling us to believe His Word instead of negative experience. He says Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God . . . (Romans 6:11), and Let the weak say I am strong (Joel 3:10). Abraham did not consider his own body, already dead . . . (Romans 4:19). Satan, on the other hand, wants us to focus on our failures and lack. A battle rages in our souls concerning what to believe about ourselves. Do we call ourselves by our negative experience or by Gods promise. Proverbs 23:7 declares As (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he. Lets think Gods thoughts about us, and not anything else. Declare: I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away. All things are new. I am strong in Christ. I am who the Bible says I am. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF As a man thinks in his heart so is he.

 Day 11

16

Non-Negotiable Convictions
Daniel . . . three times a day . . . prayed . . . as was his custom since his early days (Dan 6:10) Daniel was a man of conviction. Even the threat of the lions den did not move him away from his godly habits. He built his life around life-producing priorities. In contrast, the prophet Malachi rebuked the people of his day for giving their leftovers to the Lord (see Malachi chapter one). Unlike Daniel, they began to view God as a burden rather than a delight. Two things cause convictions that burn in our hearts which become non-negotiable: 1) loving Gods presence, and 2) a strong vision for the future. Without these, we will only give God our leftovers. Here are areas for your convictions to develop in: time with God and His Word, fellowship and worship, serving in ministry, financial giving, speaking Gods promises, prioritizing our family, having strong accountability relationships, and putting ourselves in places where Gods power can touch our lives and the lives of others. Like Daniel, do you have spiritual non-negotiable convictions? Or are you fighting the leftover battle as the people in Malachis day? Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Build your schedule around Gods priorities like never before. You wont be sorry. Declare: I give God the first portion of my life and He takes care of all my needs. I am a person of conviction. I have dominion over my life and my time. I burn with a personal vision that leads me to sacrifice for God and His presence. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 12

17

Do Not Say . . .
Do not say I am only a youth (Jeremiah 1:7) Has anyone ever told you, Dont say that? Probably. Weve all been guilty of speaking something we shouldnt have. Well, Jeremiah experienced someone calling him on what he said. That someone happened to be God. He challenged Jeremiahs self-restricting statement, I am only a youth. God had already told him, Before you were born . . . I ordained you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah however focused on his apparent limitations rather than on the word of the Lord. He uttered an I cant do that proclamation that many in the church today would have applauded as true humility. God said though, Do not say that. Remember, those who say I can and those who say I cant are both right. Now is the time for us to take another look at what we speak, especially when we declare what we think we cannot do. Our words are either a rudder to direct our lives into Gods prophetic will (James 3:5) or a curse that puts fences around our potential. We must believe before we see (not the other way around). One of the main truths we are to believe is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ . . . Declare: I renounce every curse I have spoken over my life through declarations of what I thought I could not do. I will not limit God, but will release Him by joining the Apostle Pauls positive declaration in saying I CAN! Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF Weightlifters build muscles by pressing against resistance. Faith muscle is increased the same way by pressing against old thought patterns.

 Day #13

18

Where Am I
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:33)
If you want to know where you are and where you are going in your spiritual life, listen to your own words. Jesus said, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things (Matthew 12:33-34). He then adds that, on the day of judgment, we will give an account for every idle word we speak (verse 35). The word treasure in verse 34 could be translated deposit; thus, whatever has been deposited in our lives will come out in words. Our words are powerful forces that not only reveal our spiritual condition, but also dynamically impact our future and that of others. This is why we will have to answer for every idle (non-life producing) word we speak. Where are we? Our words are our indicator - especially words spoken when we are under pressure. Where are we going? Like a ships rudder, our words will direct our destiny (James 3:4,5). What then do we need to do? Radically make good deposits through thinking about and speaking Gods truths. How do we know if we are ready for the next level in God? Its when our words consistently speak faith, hope, and love in the level we are in now. Declare: My mouth is a powerful instrument for Gods kingdom. I daily make good deposits into my heart. My words increasingly reveal a heart full of faith, a heart full of hope, and a heart full of love.

Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF If we radically change our words about God and ourselves, we will find a shortcut through the wilderness of life.

 Day 14

19

Kratos Power
The word of God grew mightily & prevailed (Acts 19:20)
There are three main Greek words for power in the New Testament. The first is dunamis - an explosive, dynamite power (Acts 1:8). The second is exousia - a power based on authority (John 1:12). Dunamis is the policemans gun, while exousia is the badge. The third power word is kratos - a societal transforming power (Acts 19:20 - the word of God grew mightily and prevailed). Dunamis and exousia manifest mostly in meetings, intercessory prayer, and in personal ministry. Kratos is an inner attitude of faith that holds a family, church, region, or nation in increasing blessings (the word grew). Elijah walked in kratos power when his prayer caused a three-year drought. This happened because he practiced a powerful prayer truth: what is believed after prayer is just as important as what is believed during prayer. Elijahs kratos faith continued after the prayer meeting. Romans 16:20 says, The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. As we mix Gods word with faith, we will experience growing inner peace. This increasing peace lets us know that the manifestation of Satans crushing is drawing near. Philippians 4:6,7 also speaks to this. We are commanded not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything with THANKSGIVING. Its this on-going thanksgiving that helps produce a kratos power - the inner attitude of faith that holds us in increasing blessing. When we water yesterdays prayers with thanksgiving today, we build up an Elijah kind of prayer that avails much. Declare: I radically thank God for the prayers I prayed yesterday. I am thus growing in peace and kratos power that helps hold my life and others in the increasing blessing of God.

Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 15

20

Never Enough?
. . . works . . . or the hearing of faith (Galatians 3:2,5) The devil wants us to believe that we are not doing enough to see revival happen. If you do a little more, he says, then it will really happen. He wants us to think that we are constantly falling short. He tempts us to focus more on doing than on believing. There isnt enough unity for revival. People arent praying enough. You should have fasted one more day. You havent gone long enough without sinning in that area. We must resist the temptation to think that these fruits of revival are the cause of revival. If we dont, we will believe we are not ready or deserving of a continual outpouring. This negative belief can actually be a main blockage to our revival experience. Again, many say, Breakthrough and revival are just around the corner. Were close, but . . . Someone must respond to this by saying, No! Revival began on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Its not about working more for it, but its about believing that Jesus has already done everything that we could never do. Hes done enough! Let us by faith release the manifestation of revival now! Declare: I am walking in personal revival. Its already here and I have chosen to believe it. I have received this outpouring from God by faith, not by works. As I believe, my life is propelled to prayer, to unity with others, to personal obedience and to sacrifice for kingdom advancement. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day #16

21

End Times Theology

The gospel of the kingdom . . . (Matthew 24:14) What do you believe about the end times? Will there be revival or will the world go to hell in a hand basket before Jesus returns? Will the church limp into heaven or will she have made herself ready and become the bride without spot or wrinkle? Our answers are crucial. Matthew 24:14 says that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in every nation before the end. Scripturally, the kingdom gospel demonstrates power with signs and wonders following. That does not sound like a weak church in the last hour. One obstacle to having a victorious end time mind-set is that many theologians seem to place most of the Bibles positive last days promises in the millennium. End times books reinforce this mind-set; thus, our responsibility and expectation for kingdom advancement is diminished. Consider this question: If a prophecy of judgment is given against a certain place, should Christians run to or run from that place? Biblical promises and commands would say, Go and be salt. Preserve this place. Your presence will withhold devastation, save the people and make the difference. Why dont we think this way more? Could it be that we believe incorrectly about the end times? Declare: The church is triumphant. The end time church will be a revival church full of power and Christ-likeness. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD___ NF Our expectancy largely creates our future. Expectancy is simply another word for faith.

 Day 17

22

Remember Your Benefits

Forget not all His benefits (Psalms 103:2) Imagine an employee being ignorant of the benefits in his compensation package. What would you think if he pays for all his medical bills, but has health insurance? He would be either ignorant or foolish. Unfortunately, we as the people of God, often do this in our spiritual lives. The Psalmist says, Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases . . . (Psalms 103:2,3). We are instructed to deliberately remember what is in our salvation package. The obvious implication is this: If we dont remember, we will believe we have to pay for things that have already been given to us. We cant forget what we have never known. Some Christians are unaware that healing and other benefits are part of our salvation package. The Greek word sozo is translated to save in the New Testament; but it also means to heal, to deliver, and to be made whole. It is refreshing that now there is a growing understanding that healing and transforming forgiveness are still benefits for the Christian, and are not just occasional sovereign blessings. Not forgetting is more than a onetime event. It is a life-long contending for Gods total benefit package for mankind. Truly, lets tell our soul to bless God and to radically remember how good He really is. Declare: God is continually revealing to me my benefits as a Christian. I contend for these in my soul; and, thus, experience them more and more in my life. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day #18

23

Presumptuous Faith
Abraham . . . was strengthened in faith (Rom. 4:20) There are two common areas where presumptuous faith occurs. The first is when we make faith decisions primarily through someone elses revelation (i.e. refusing medical treatment by faith because of anothers testimony). The second can happen when we believe for a very specific, personal blessing (i.e. receiving that promotion, marrying so & so, having God providing for or vindicating us in that way, etc.). Presumptuous faith is grounded more on our emotions than on Gods word. It can be avoided by remembering these three important things: 1. Build hope before claiming something specific by faith Hope is a general, abounding optimism concerning the future. A positive stronghold of hope decreases the likelihood that we will believe that God can only meet our need in one way. 2. Strengthen faith by believing for small things Presumptuous people want to express a $1,000,000 faith when they have not even used their faith on the $100 level. 3. Walk with others concerning faith Stay away from cynics and doubters. Find people who can help discern presumption from real faith. Also, trust God to use spiritual mentors in clarifying His will and His voice. Declare: I am strengthened in faith daily. My belief system is built on a solid foundation of hope. I am protected from presumptuous faith by hope, wisdom, and powerful people in my life. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day 19

24

Repenting From or Repenting To

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17) A good definition of repentance is to change the mind. The prefix re- means again, anew, back or backward. Pent is the highest place - as in penthouse. Repentance therefore could be defined as going back to the highest place of thinking. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for the wrong things we have done. It is much more than seeking forgiveness and purposing to not sin again. It is important to repent to something, not just from something. It involves changing the mind from one course into a higher course. We can cry our eyes out and not repent. True repentance is a decision to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Its not just a defensive reaction, but it is an offensive plan that moves Gods kingdom from being at hand to becoming our experience. The kingdom of heaven is Gods abundant life of salvation, peace, power, evangelism, integrity, purity, miracles, strong families, health, prosperity, blessings and more. We are commanded to pray thy kingdom come, thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. This is Gods highest place for His people. Our repenting creates an expectation that these will manifest; and this faith pulls them into our experience and those of others. Praise God! Lets take our repenting to a new level today. Declare: I capture my thoughts and take them to Gods highest place. I repent TO my promised land and not just FROM Egypt. I keep repenting daily by joyfully speaking Gods promises over my life. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day #20

25

Saints or Sinners
Paul . . . to the saints in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1) As Christians, are we saints or sinners? The answer is crucial. If we misdiagnose ourselves and other Christians, it will have dire consequences. The Bible says that we are saints. Our conversion changed our identity. Some would say that this is only a matter of words. It is not. What we call ourselves is vital to walking in Gods fullness. A main reason Christians continue sinning is because they believe that it is their nature to sin. Instead, we are to believe we are dead to sin and alive to God who will cause us to make good choices (Romans 6:11-13). As we do, we will see obedience grow in our lives. Our experience will always catch up to what we truly believe. Christian leaders also need to see their flocks as saints. If we believe we are leading sinners, then control and fear will dominate our leadership. If the people are seen as saints, then empowerment and positive expectation will reign (which will bring out the best in those being led). As always, the true test in this comes when there is a failure. Do we allow the failure to strengthen the negative stronghold of sinnerhood; or do we challenge it and say, There may have been sin, but that is not our true identity? Declare: I am a saint. I am prone to doing things right. I see other Christians as saints also. I will see increased obedience in my life and in the lives of those I influence. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF
We must recognize what God has put in us, before we will be able to release and expend it.

 Day #21

26

Something Greater Than Character

Now hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5) Romans 5:3-4 gives a tremendous road map for breakthrough. We also glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Character would seem as a final goal for the Christian, but there is something beyond character that must be possessed; its hope. Hope is the confident expectation of good coming. It is an overall optimistic attitude about the future based on the goodness and promises of God. Hope joins faith and love as the big three of Christianity (I Corinthians 13:13). Romans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Abounding hope is our goal. Biblical hope is radical optimism for us, others, our family, the church, our communities, and beyond. This positive expectation releases Gods promises in a way that character never could (for kingdom life does not manifest because of good works but by our faith). Godly character cannot be bypassed, but there is something more that is truly needed (hope) to impact the world in exponential ways. Declare: My future is as bright as the promises of God. I therefore am a person of abounding hope. I expect Gods goodness to increase daily in my life and surroundings. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

When we are fearful, we have too much faith in Satan and not enough in God. Fear is confidence in something bad happening.

 Day #22

27

The Crucial Moment

Taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) What are the most important moments in the life of a growing Christian? Is it a powerful God encounter? Is it a fresh dedication to the purposes of God? Is it when we hear what the spirit is saying to the church? While these are important, I propose that there is another God moment that will have a greater effect on our destiny than these. What is it? Its when we fail or have experiences that do not line up with the promises of God. In that moment, we have a choice. Do we keep our identity (and Gods identity) in His promises, or do we use experience to empower a negative identity for us and for God? We must remember that negative strongholds are created and strengthened when we put our experiences above Gods Word. When failure happens, we must think like this: I may have sinned, but I am not a sinner. I may have had an accident, but I have a covenant of protection. I may be in lack, but I am a prosperous person. Healing may not have manifested, but I am healed and bring healing to others. I dont deny my experience, I just dont create my identify from it. I may need help from others concerning the failure, but I resist the temptation to make negative conclusions from it., Those who passively rely on experience to identify who they are (and who God is) will greatly limit God in their lives. However, those who seize these crucial moments by taking thoughts captive will powerfully break down restrictive strongholds and enter into their promised land. Declare: I rejoice in apparent times of failure. These are my crucial moments in life. I am who the Bible says I am. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day #23

28

Faith Makes a Difference

Your faith has made you well (Mark 5:34) The book of Mark reveals the power of faith in the individuals life. Here are some great examples of this: 1) When Jesus saw their faith, He (forgave and healed) - Mark 2:5; 2) Daughter, your faith has made you well Mark 5:34; 3) If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes Mark 9:23; 4) Go your way, your faith has made you well Mark 10:52; and 5) Have faith in God . . . whoever says to this mountain, be removed . . . and does not doubt . . . but believes . . . he will have whatever he says . . . whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them - Mark 11:22-24. Gods full salvation is released by faith. It is also restricted by unbelief (see Mark 6 where Jesus was limited by a lack of faith in Nazareth, and look also at Mark 4:40; 9:19). A major turning point in the Christian life is this: having the belief that our faith makes a difference in what we and our descendents experience in health, prosperity, mental clarity, ministry effectiveness, longevity of life, blessings, and protection; and believing that our unbelief will restrict the flow of these kingdom benefits. Surely these thoughts must be understood in cooperation with other important truths; but we must believe our faith (or our unbelief) makes a difference, or we will live far below Gods highest will for our lives. Declare: Like Abraham, I am strengthened in faith daily. Kingdom advancement and kingdom benefits are increasingly being released in my life because of my faith. I am a difference maker for everyone in my life, both now and after I leave planet earth. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

 Day #24

29

Walking Off of a Two Story Spiritual Roof

Meditate on . . . the law day and night (Joshua 1:8) Can you imagine someone walking off a two-story roof, breaking his leg and then blaming God for what happened? That would be ridiculous. Well, that is in essence what some do by ignoring the laws of the spirit. A law is a scientific fact or phenomenon that is unchanged under given conditions (Encarta World English Dictionary). The law of gravity is an example of this. It needs to be understood and allowed to control every day decisions or there could be serious consequences! It is also foolish to not live by spiritual laws which are just as real and also must be grasped and applied. Scripture speaks of these laws, or spiritual principles, that ultimately control the natural dimension that we live in. It is important that we understand that there are truths to be esteemed for safe and successful living (whether it is the law of honor, honesty, sexual purity, agreement, sowing and reaping, tithing, faith, or speaking life). Only a fool would think that our choices, thoughts, and words have no consequences. So, are you walking off a two-story roof in the spirit realm, thinking you can defy the laws of the spirit? It wont work. Youll get hurt. Cry out now for the heavenly wisdom to know what is real and true. You wont be sorry. Youll be blessed. Declare: I love Gods laws. They are revealed to me daily. Through Jesus I walk in the laws of God. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF We often think we need to hold on to feelings of guilt to keep ourselves in check, rather than embrace a new identity that will produce new fruit.

 Day #25

30

Walking Off a Two Story Spiritual Roof (Part 2)

Meditate on . . . the law day and night (Josh 1:8) The law of gravity can either work for us or against us. Stepping off a cliff will cause pain, but water descending at a dam will produce power. One law makes both happen. Gravity can help us or hurt us. The laws of the spirit also work for us or against us. Wisdom is using them for powerful results. Foolishness is violating these laws. Just as lifes natural laws are no respecter of person, neither are the laws of the spirit realm. God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). Hosea said, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (4:6). Truly, there is destruction when we dont have the wisdom of Gods laws guiding our lives. God has not destined us to destruction, but ordained us to release beneficial power through spiritual laws such as unity, forgiveness, giving first fruits to God, speaking life, and walking in thanksgiving. (Wisdom) cries out . . . Whoever is simple turn in here (Proverbs 9:3,4). Wisdom is this: understanding and walking in the laws of the spirit. Declare: Like Solomon in II Chronicles 1, I cry out for the spirit of wisdom. I am now receiving revelation of the laws of the spirit that dramatically influence life. I release power all around me as I allow these laws to work for me. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF We dont wait for God to do something; but we, through wisdom (the laws of the spirit), increase and grow what we have been given.

 Day #26

31

Valuing Joy
A merry heart does good like a medicine (Prov. 17:22) Take three times a day for ten days and you will get better. When a doctor gives these instructions, most people are going to obey. Why? They simply believe that it will work. Our Great Physician has given us a prescription for health and strength. It is walking in joy. Dr. God says, A merry heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22) and the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Indeed the Bible teaches that joy is essential to a victorious life. A main aspect of joy is laughter. Studies have proven the benefits of laughter. Cancer patients have been healed through a prescription of watching funny movies. Cells that destroy tumors and viruses increase through hearty laughter. Energy-causing endorphins are released into our bodys system through hilarity. Samson had a secret to his strength (Judges 13-16). The Philistines sought to discover this mystery. Like Samson, we too have been given a secret for strength. Its joy. Lets not forget it. It is the wise person who finds ways to increase the powerful prescriptions of joy and laughter. Declare: I thank You, Father, that You are now giving me the keys to increase the good medicine in my life. By Your Holy Spirit I will purpose to take this powerful prescription every day so I can walk in health and strength for the great days of harvest ahead. Amen. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF We must value joy as a fruit of the Spirit and make it as much of a discipline and goal in our lives as other fruits.

 Day #27

32

What About Job

What I feared has happened to me (Job 3:25) Does Jobs experience (read Job 1 & 2) teach us that God will send death, sickness, lack, and devastation into our lives to test our love for Him? Does He allow it and let the devil be His instrument of trials and testing? Or is there another answer to this question about Christian suffering? Our answer will greatly affect the level of victory that we have in life. Heres what this writer believes. Job said, What I greatly feared has come upon me (Job 3:25). His fear gave Satan a legal access to kill, steal, and destroy from him. God allowed this attack only in the sense that He established spiritual laws (like the law of fear and the law of faith) that bring a result into our lives. Jobs situation is similar to when Jesus told Peter, Satan has asked for you, to sift you as wheat . . . (Luke 22:31). Satans eventual sifting of Peter resulted from a door of pride that Peter had opened. It was not a random attack, but manifested because of a violation of a spiritual law. But, you might say, We cannot take out the mystery of God. His ways are beyond human understanding. In response to this, I ask, What then about Gods promises? Are there any specific promises that we can truly believe (beyond eternal life and that all things work together for good)? Are His promises always secondary to His sovereignty? If we believe that, then it will be difficult to pray in faith again. Declare: I live under a supernatural protection. I am shutting doors in my life to the enemy. I am opening doors for the blessing and power of God to flow in me and through me. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

33

Day #28

What About Job (Part 2)

All that he (Job) has is in your (Satans) power (Job 1:12) A traditional view concerning Job is this: God allowed Satan to ravage his life as a test of Jobs character and love for God. This may sound plausible to some, but it is a teaching that leads to hopelessness and confusion about when we are to resist the devil. Weve already introduced Job 3:25 as the open door for Jobs troubles - What I have greatly feared has come on me. This fear is manifested in Job 1:4,5 where a worried and stressed out Job is continually offering sacrifices for his children. He was afraid that something bad was going to happen to them. Look at verse twelve of chapter one. Notice what God said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power. This was not a handing over of Job to Satan, but a declaration of what was already true - because of Jobs open door of fear. God did not put Job in Satans hands. Jobs fear put him in the hands of the enemy. This was not a handing over of Job to Satan, but a declaration of what was already true - because of Jobs open door of fear. God did not put Job in Satans hands. Jobs fear put him in the hands of the enemy. Is this difficult to accept? Maybe, but the alternative view is even more implausible saying that God will use the devil to kill our family, destroy our property, and afflict our body. Again, if we accept this second view, then we are destined to never be able to pray in faith for specific areas of our lives, nor can we ever really be confident of Gods will in our lives. Declare: God is good and Satan is bad. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, not partner with him to accomplish Gods purposes. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

34

Day #29

What About Job (Part 3)

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away (Job 1:21) What are we to infer from the above statement by Job? Does this mean that God can, and sometimes will, take away our family, our health, our finances, and our possessions as part of His plan for our lives? We know God inspired all of scripture, but not every quote in the Bible are Gods thoughts. For instance, the book of Ecclesiastes was written by a backslidden Solomon. God inspired this entire book to be in the Bible, but we cannot accept every conclusion from Solomon in Ecclesiastes as Gods thoughts because this writing is primarily an illustration of the cynicism and purposelessness that results from rejecting God. Jobs attitude of loving and blessing God during the toughest of times is powerful and is an example for us. We should not however allow Jobs experience and conclusions to create our beliefs concerning the reason for negative things in life. If we accept a theology that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away in the areas of our health, protection, and loved ones; then there can be little faith in prayer. This would not be consistent with the message of the New Covenant. Declare: Jesus has come to give me a more abundant life. The enemy is a thief seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). I resist him in Jesus name. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF Our conclusions about Job, or Pauls thorn in the flesh, and other such areas will have much to do with our level of victory and influence for Christ.

35

Day #30

Judging The Faith of Others

Faith working through love (Galatians 5:6) It is wise to use great caution when analyzing the faith of others. Here are three reasons why: 1.We dont know how far theyve come -We all start at different places. Some have inherited a place of great blessing by the faith of others. Others have practically started at square one in their faith walk. In Gods eyes, someone could have great faith, but seem weaker than many others (Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart I Samuel 16:7). 2. Corporate faith is more important than personal faith - Yes, individuals must take personal responsibility for their lives, but the local and regional church needs to be primarily concerned with possessing the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:12), which will increase the level of blessing and protection in its area of influence. 3. Criticism and condemnation will actually decrease personal and corporate faith - Galatians 5:6 calls us to have faith working through love. We need to look for ways to love and encourage people where they are at instead of being negative against seeming unbelief. Many people have become selfappointed faith police officers and have unwittingly caused hurt to others. Lets not be one of them. Declare: The spirit of criticism is far from me. I am an encourager of the faith of others. I have great wisdom to know what to say (and what not to say) to those who are in a faith battle. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

36

Day #31

Faith and Medicine

You will sustain him on his sick bed (Ps 41:3) We have a big covenant with God (Hebrews 8:6). This agreement with Him includes wonderful provision and promise for abundant health. Physical vitality is a major part of our benefit package (Psalms 103:2,3). Our faith needs to press in and receive what Jesus took stripes for (Isaiah 53:3-4). With this in mind, should a person of faith take any medication? Is it permissible to consult doctors? Can we trust God to work through the medical profession or is this evidence of unbelief and putting our faith in man? There are two extremes to avoid in this. The first is the reliance on man instead of God. Asa did this and was condemned (see 2 Chronicles 16:12). The other extreme is ignoring the fact that medicine (take a little wine for your stomachs sake - I Timothy 5:23) and doctors (i.e. Luke) are present in Scripture. So what should we do? As an overcoming Christian, we should keep seeking to daily strengthen our faith. Like Abraham, we believe that next month and next year we will be able to receive more of Gods promises in our lives. In the meantime, it can be wisdom (as part of our plan to strengthen our faith) to take medications and to benefit from the expertise of doctors. They will help us deal with symptoms in our physical bodies, as we keep pursuing being fully convinced (Romans 4:21) about our provision of abundant health for our lives. Declare: I have wisdom concerning the use of medications and doctors. I understand that God does miraculous healings but also heals through doctors. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

37

Day #32

Wrestling for What

I will not let you go (Genesis 32:26) Jacob wrestled with the angel and made a tenacious declaration, I will not let you go until you bless me. This bulldog boldness got Gods attention. How would God choose to bless this person who would not take no for an answer? Money? A long life? A new camel? Victory over his enemies? A resolving of a difficult matter? No, his blessing was a revelation of his real name, his true identity. His name would no longer be Jacob, but it would be Israel (Prince With God). His blessing was this: he would receive a new sense of who he really was, which would produce a change in his thoughts and vocabulary about himself. This, in turn, would cause a change in his actions and destiny. The implications of this are revolutionary! One of the greatest things we can get from God is revelation of who we really are. Once we call ourselves what God calls us, we will accelerate down the road of transformation. We must move past just wanting God to fix our problems or to just have His blessing and anointing. We must get a hold of Him in our spirit and say, I am not going to let You go until You bless me with a true understanding of who I really am in You. Once this happens, everything changes. Declare: I am a seeker of God. I go beyond simply wanting a situation changed. I tenaciously seek Him and receive His blessing of transformed thoughts about my identity in Him. Stop thinking of Christianity as a suppression of desire. We do not repress. We pursue a new identity by faith. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

38

Day #33

Dont Withdraw Your Faith

. . . he will have whatever he says (Mark 11:23) Here is a powerful truth for the victorious Christian: What we believe after we pray is just as important as what we believe when we pray. This principle is also true in ministry (what we believe after we minister is just as important as what we believe when we minister). It is important to not withdraw faith after prayer or ministry. The devil wants us to curse the good seeds that have been sown by tempting us to speak unbelief concerning what has just been done. Certainly we can find areas where we can improve, but we must avoid negative, concluding conclusions that can undo much of the good that happened. Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark 11. The next morning they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. This tells us two things. First, our influence in prayer and ministstarts in the unseen (in the roots); thus, outward results (whether circumstances or feelings) should not be used to measure success or failure. Secondly, Jesus words cursed the fig tree. We need to know that our words are powerful, and that they can bless or curse spiritual seeds and trees around us. So what do we say after we pray or after we minister? The wise believer says, I refuse to withdraw my faith. God did great things. His word will not return void (see Isaiah 55:11). Declare: I radically thank God after I pray or minister. I refuse to curse through unbelieving declarations what has been done. I maintain and speak my faith; thus I see a greater harvest. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

Both God and Satan are after our words.

39

Day #34

Are We There Yet

I press toward the goal (Phil 3:14) Are we there yet? Every parent has probably heard this question innumerable times. The usual answer is, Not yet, but we are getting closer. We know that we are legally there in possessing all of Gods promises, but we also know that we are not experientially there in many areas of what is legally ours. This is an important distinction to understand. The maturing person of faith can admit, I am not there yet. I am experiencing such things as lack, sickness, confusion, failure, unsaved children, marital problems, and other curses because my life and faith have not developed to the place they will. Any other attitude creates hopelessness because we would believe we are victims and have no power concerning our future. So lets keep moving forward in our faith. We personally may not completely get there in experiencing Gods promises, but we should advance as far as we can so that our descendents (both spiritual and physical) can start at a better place than we did. Declare: I will increasingly experience what is already legally mine. Lack is decreasing as my faith increases, and my faith is growing daily. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

Like the men of faith of old, we will not see all the promises manifest in our lifetime, but we will make a difference for those who come after us.

40

Day #35

Escaping Into God

In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11) Our God is a refuge. How wonderful it is to regularly go into the secret place of His presence! We are transformed as we spend time with Him through worship, prayer, anointed ministry, and/or seeking Him with others. Romans 15:13 says, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Even though we can be strongly touched in a meeting, we need to be more concerned with this question: what happens in us when the meeting ends or the music stops? We need to escape into God and not simply escape from ourselves. Its possible to use the things of God as a diversion from our own need for personal healing. We may hope that the Spirit will do something, but without changing what we believe, it will only be short term. We cannot have a change in behavior without a change in the way we think. Whats the solution? Do we stop spending time in His presence? Of course not, but we need to expect a growing hope for our lives as a fruit of our times with Him. Gods Spirit will loosen our spiritual soil so that the roots of hopelessness and unworthiness can be pulled out. Then we are truly escaping into God. Declare: I love Gods presence. He is my refuge and strength. Personal hope and joy are powerful fruits that come from my hiding place times with God. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF Most people spend their life attempting to avoid pain, rather than attempting to live.

41

Day #36

The Goal: Being Fully Convinced

And being fully convinced . . . (Romans 4:21) Abraham is the Bibles example of how to walk by faith. Even though he lived under the Old Covenant, he had a New Covenant revelation in regard to receiving from God. The victorious Christian must know what Abraham knew. The Bible refers to different levels of faith. Jesus spoke of no faith, little faith, much faith, and great faith. Romans chapter four says that Abraham was strengthened in faith (vs. 20) and became fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to perform (vs. 21). Just as a weight lifter strengthens his muscles by pressing against resistance, the Christian can strengthen his faith through declaring Gods Word and standing against negative looking circumstances. We can all move from no faith to the great faith of being fully convinced concerning Gods promises. Being fully convinced is our goal. It is important to know where we are going. As with Abraham, we must embrace the process that leads to this full assurance. Gods promises are not automatically possessed simply because we are a Christian. They are received by a convinced faith. Declare: Like Abraham did, I am moving forward in my faith. I am strengthened today as I declare truth even in the face of seemingly dead circumstances. I am becoming fully convinced. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

John 3:3 Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom. We must exert our faith not only to receive Him as Savior, but to see the kingdom at hand.

42

Day #37

Cause of Disasters
I will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14) Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, tornadoes, tsunamis, and other disasters happen around the earth. Are these random happenings that can occur anywhere and at any time? Are they Gods judgments? Can we do anything to prevent them? A disaster is an event that causes serious loss, destruction, hardship, unhappiness, or death. They did not exist on earth until Adams rebellion - which set in motion earths fury through natural disasters. There are no disasters in heaven right now. They are a curse and not a blessing. Scripture shows that calamities have spiritual roots. In 2 Samuel 21 Israel was experiencing a prolonged drought. King David sought God and discovered the reason was his predecessors mistreatment of a certain people group. He corrected the problem and the drought ended. This passage and many others clearly show that blessing and protection are influenced greatly by sin, righteousness, faith, and fear. Are disasters then judgments by an angry God? Has He finally had enough and then punishes people? No. A better understanding comes through this thought: protection has been removed through continual violation of spiritual laws. God did not choose judgment, but we chose to live life apart from where He and His protection are. Remember, Gods spiritual laws will work for us or against us. Gods heart is not judgment (see Jonah), but He has allowed us to make our own choices that will influence the presence or absence of natural disasters. Declare: Thank You God that others and I are humbling ourselves, standing in the righteousness He has given us, and praying. Thank You that You are forgiving our sin and healing our land.

43

Day #38

Influencing the Economy, Weather and Public Health If My People (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Can believers positively affect climatic weather patterns, the economy, and the physical health of a nation? One well-known Bible verse gives us a clue. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). What does this healing consist of? If we look at verse thirteen of the same chapter, we see three areas of life to be healed. God said, When I shut up heaven and there is no rain (weather problems), or command the locusts to devour the land (economic difficulties) or send pestilence (plagues and health problems) . . . After he listed these three problems, He says, If My people . . . These negative circumstances are sent by God only in the sense that He has set up spiritual laws that, if followed, will bring blessing (and, if violated, will bring difficulties). He does not choose for these to happen, but man does by ignoring His principles. The amazing thing to understand though is that Gods people have the ability to impact three vital areas of life: climate, economy, and health. Lets press into 2 Chronicles 7:14 and help reestablish Gods protection in every area where we have influence. Declare: I am humbling myself, praying, seeking Gods face, and embracing Gods ways. I am powerfully impacting my future and my nations future. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

44

Day #39

Attracting Favor or Rejection To Our Lives

As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7) Do our beliefs make a difference in how others treat us? Are strife and rejection simply bad luck while favor and acceptance are good luck? The Bible indicates that there are spiritual laws that influence these matters. As we have said, wisdom teaches us to make these laws work for us and for the kingdom of God. Luke 6:37-38 states the law of reciprocity. Judge not and you will not be judged. Condemn not and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you . . . For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Our inner attitudes and our outward actions cause a giving that brings an experience back to us (in proportion to the amount we have given). We love others to the degree we love ourselves, thus our attitude toward ourselves becomes the basis for attitudes we give to other people. This, in turn, releases a harvest (an experience) in accordance with the measure that has been given. Complicated? No. As (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). If a man thinks he is rejected, he is rejected. If a man thinks he is favored, he is favored. The key is to think about ourselves as God thinks about us. Declare: God is good to me. I expect and receive His goodness. I give goodness to others in actions and attitudes. I therefore increasingly receive goodness and favor back in my relationships. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

Lasting favor comes not from what we do, but from who we believe we are.

45

Day #40

Attracting Favor or Rejection To Our Lives (Part 2)

As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7) Our beliefs make the difference in how others treat us. Indeed, strife and rejection are not simply bad luck, nor is favor and acceptance the result from good luck. The Apostle Paul rebuked the Galatians by correcting a major doctrinal heresy that was blocking grace from their lives. They had moved from faith based Christianity to a performance based religion. One result of this emphasis on law was biting and devouring of one another (Galatians 5:15). Their wrong beliefs about who they were in God actually attracted rejection and strife. They were cut off from grace (5:4), which blocked favor in relationships. Those who have a works doctrine see themselves as rejected by God. This creates a performance environment where rejection and strife flourish. If we dont believe we have favor with God, how can we believe we could have favor with others? An unconscious thinking pattern will develop that believes mistreatment is deserved; thus, strife and rejection (biting and devouring) result. On the contrary, those who believe they are radically favored (through Jesus) will have a positive expectancy of seeing His goodness in all aspects of life including relationships. This belief will profoundly impact the increase of future favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52). Declare: God supplies His Spirit and works miracles among us by the hearing of faith and not by the works of the law (Galatians 3:5). I believe the report of Gods favor over my life. As Jesus did, I increase greatly in favor with both God and man. Checklist to Ignite Faith: ___ BR ___ RD ___ DD ___OD ___ NF

46

Appendix One - Declarations

A note on these declarations: We wont have something just because we say something, but saying something is necessary to having it. If at the beginning of the 40 days, you dont understand fully why these three sets of declarations are important; then speak them by faith anyway. Some of the first devotionals will give clarity as to their importance. Declarations #1 The following ten basic declarations are foundational to the building of your faith. They will increase expectancy of Gods goodness; and will thus increase the manifestation of that goodness in your life. Say these (and the other declarations lists) every day for a month and see what happens to your life. (Romans 4:17; Romans 10:9,10) 1. My prayers are powerful and effective (2 Corinthians 5:21; James 5:16b). 2. God richly supplies all my needs (Philippians 4:19). 3. I am dead to sin and have a victorious DNA in me (Romans 6:11; Romans 5:17). 4. I walk in ever-increasing health (Isaiah 53:3-5; Psalms 103:1-5). 5. I live under a supernatural protection (Psalm 91, Hebrews 8:6). 6. I prosper in all my relationships (Luke 2:52). 7. I consistently bring God encounters to other people (Mark 16:17,18; Acts 3:6). 8. In Jesus, I am 100% loved and worthy to experience all of Gods blessings (Colossians 1:12-15). 9. Each of my family members is wonderfully blessed and radically loves Jesus (Acts 16:30.31). 10. I uproariously laugh when I hear a lie from the devil (Psalms 2:2-4).

47

Declarations #2 Remember this: Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Gods promises, not our circumstances, are our evidence for what is really true. We dont deny negative facts in our lives, but we choose to focus on the higher reality of Gods truth. Faith indeed comes by hearing (Romans 10:17); therefore, we choose to speak these powerful truths to build our own faith (believing Romans 12:2 that our experience will catch up to our beliefs). 1. I set the course of my life with my words (James 3:25; Proverbs 18:21). 2. God is on my side; therefore, I declare that I cannot be defeated (Romans 8:37; Psalms 91; Philippians 4:13). 3. I am the head, not the tail. I have insight. I have wisdom. I have ideas and divine strategies. I have authority (Deuteronomy 8:18; 28:13; James 1:5-8; Luke 10:19). 4. My family and those connected to us are protected from disasters, disease, divorce, adultery, poverty, false accusation, foolish decisions and all accidents (Psalm 91). 5. As Abraham did, I speak Gods promises over my life so that my faith is strengthened to possess all of Gods promises (Romans 4:17-23). 6. I have a sound mind. I think the right thoughts, say the right words, and make the right decisions in every situation I face (2 Timothy 1:7). 7. I expect to have powerful, divine appointments today to heal the sick, raise the dead, prophesy life, lead people to Christ, bring deliverance, release signs and wonders, and bless every place I go (the book of Acts). 8. I expect that today will be the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially in Jesus name (Romans 15:13).

48

Declarations #3 One of the main methods Jesus and the apostles used (in the gospels and Acts) was to SPEAK TO things. You will notice that they did not ask God to heal people, cast out demons, or raise the dead; but they spoke to bodies, demons, the wind, etc. Jesus encourages us to speak to mountains in Mark 11:23. This set of declarations specifically focuses on our speaking to the various aspects in our lives. 1. My angels are carrying out the Word of God on my behalf (Psalm 103:20). 2. All attacks that were headed my way are diverted right now through angelic protection in Jesus name (Psalm 91). 3. Just as Jesus spoke to the wind, I say, Peace be still to my mind, emotions, body and family (Mark 4:39). 4. I speak to every mountain of discouragement, stress, depression and lack, and say, Be cast it into the sea in Jesus name (Mark 11:22-24). 5. I say to this day, You are blessed. And I declare that I serve a mighty God, who today will do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that I can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). I say you are a good God, and I eagerly anticipate your goodness today.
,

49

Appendix Two - Negativity Fast

40 Day Negativity Fast Igniting Faith in 40 Days What a Negativity Fast is Not: 1. It is not denying that problems exist. 2. It is not stuffing things that are wrong. 3. It is not critical of others who may be struggling. 4. It is not irresponsible concerning things that need to be done. What a Negativity Fast Is: 1. It is determining to focus more on Gods promises than on problems. 2. It is learning to speak with hope about even the toughest of issues. 3. It is becoming solution focused rather than problem focused. 4. It is refraining from reacting and giving voice to pessimism, criticism of others, self-criticism and other forms of unbelief. 5. It is speaking about problems to the right people in the right way. 6. It is replacing negative words & thoughts with positive words and thoughts based on the promises of God.
Note: It is crucial to not only stop thinking and speaking unbelief and negativity; but to grow in thinking and speaking the positive truth, the promises of God, praising God, encouragement to others and thanksgiving. The negative must be replaced with the positive in order for this fast to be effective. Igniting Faith in 40 Days has been used by many as a daily devotional book to read during a personal or group 40 day negativity fast.