The dictionary definition for the word deposit in it’s verb form is this: “store or entrust with someone for safekeeping.” Today we are concentrating on Faith as a deposit, to be entrusted with faith for safekeeping. Which means we steward it, encourage growth in it, and have it in the ready for any moment the owner comes to claim it for His use.

How are you growing in your faith and determining to be in the ready as a faith-filled person for those moments where the owner calls you to step out in faith for His glory? This week we have laid the foundation for this discussion by talking about God’s faithfulness, the need for us to be faith-filled and yesterday we considered how we need to live life in such a way that we are giving out our faith on behalf of others. When we talk about faith as a deposit we have stepped into banking terms so let’s look at it in this light, as commerce.

• Deposit: Store or entrust for safekeeping
  God has put a deposit of faith in you by the work of the Holy Spirit. The purpose is to grow you in faith, to mature you in the person God intends for you to be.  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,  set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:22, NIV

• Terms: Annual Percentage Yield, the compounding of interest.
  “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;  and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;  and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV

• Withdrawals: To take out of safe keeping for it’s intended purpose.
  “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13, NIV

I am not sure what season of growing faith you are in, but you can trust that God is intentional towards you. He has placed the deposit of faith in you with the intent of growth, so that you will be active in kingdom work.

Stir up the gift that is deposited within you today. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see what your part is in growing the gift of faith in your life. You may need to increase your watering through the word, growing in giving, or stepping out in places where you have habitually held back when you know God has prompted you to move forward.

“I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13,14 NIV

Click here to download today’s worksheet: handout 10_03_2013

Love being in the Word with you!

Cheryl J