Category: faithful

Faith – Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2This is why the ancients were commended.

Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV)

The word faith is often used in conversations. What is faith? Faith is defined as belief and trust in and loyalty to God. (www.merriam-webster.com) It is a trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Faith is trusting in God having the assurance that things hoped for will become reality.

Faith is a belief in things you can’t physically see. But you don’t need to view them when you trust in God, His truth, power, and Word.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 11-3 (ESV)

We trust God because He never lies. He fulfills His promises; He is worthy of our trust.

When you live by faith, not by sight, you trust God even though you don’t know where He is leading you or the plans He has for you. It requires patience as well as trust, realizing God is in control.

God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

The undeniable evidence of God’s faithfulness is Jesus, who fulfills the hopes and promises of God.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. 3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.

Hebrews 11:1-3 (MSG)

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Does faith in God change the way you live?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness, love, and beautiful works. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Guide us in Your truth and teach us. Like the azalea bush flourishes and produces new flowers every spring, help our faith to flourish and produce fruit. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

Perfect and Proven: Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)

David in Psalm 18, recounts how God rescued him from his enemies and guided Him. He praises God, the source of his strength, his foundation.

For the music director; by the LORD’s servant David, who sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, LORD, my source of strength!

Psalm 18:1 (NET)

David states that the way of God is perfect, without blemish; His word and promises are true. The word of the Lord is proven; it is faithful, for the Lord is trustworthy.

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Proverbs 30:5 (NLT)

God is our shield and strength. He is a shield for all who trust in Him and look to Him for protection. Like David, when we follow God’s Word and rely on Him, He equips, strengthens, and protects us.

As David said, God’s way is perfect, and His Word is proven; He is our strength and shield.

30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.

Psalm 18:30 (MSG)

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When you hit troubles, do you solve them by your way or God’s perfect, proven way?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your guidance and direction. Open our hearts to Your perfect way. Teach us to follow Your God-directed path and trust Your proven Word. Like a blossom on a rose brightens our days, may Your love shine in our hearts and brighten our lives. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Gentle Spirit: Philippians 4:5

5Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:5 (AMP)

Let your gentleness be evident to all, or as some versions say, let your gentle spirit, gracious attitude, or graciousness be known to all. These derive from the Greek word epiekes, which can translate to; gracious, fair, gentle, reasonable, tolerant, and forbearing. Whatever translation/definition you prefer, it should convey that Christians need to be reasonable, wise, and tolerant people; not easily angered.

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, a fruit; that we need to cultivate in our hearts; and show in our actions. Gentleness and patience; are attributes that allow people to feel at ease around you.

The Lord is near; we should learn to emulate him in gentleness and with conduct that is honorable.

Jesus said:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

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Do you consider yourself to have a gentle spirit?

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your tolerance and grace toward us. Help us to be gentle and tolerant to others. Guide us on Your path for us and help us to emulate Jesus. Like the native sunflower, gently opening its petals help us to have a gentle spirit; and be tolerant in our dealings with other. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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The Lord Reigns: 1Chronicles 16:33

31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
33 Let the trees of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the Lord,
for he comes to judge the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:31-33 (NIV)

These verses are sometimes titled “Creation Praises God.” The majesty of creation, its beauty, and diversity is a testimony of praise; praise to their creator to the Lord. The beauty and complexity of nature; display His marvelous works. The Lord reigns. Let the trees sing; bringing forth blossoms; a chorus of joy, for the Lord is a righteous judge.

He will judge the world in righteousness and people in faithfulness. God is coming to set things right!

30-33 God is serious business, take him seriously;
he’s put the earth in place and it’s not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
and pass the word among the nations, “God reigns!”
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
to all who are pleased and present before God
—he’s on his way to set things right!

1 Chronicles 16:30-33 (MSG)

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The Lord reign, creation praises Him, do you sing for joy for our righteous Lord?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your creation. Help us to rejoice, be jubilant and sing with joy, for You are hope and salvation. Let nature sing; for you are a righteous judge. Like the dogwood and cherry tree crescendo with spring flowers, let us sing in joy as we grow in faith and righteousness. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Lamp: 2 Samuel 22:29

You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.

2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)

Chapter 22 in 2 Samuel is a hymn from David, a hymn praising God and thanking Him for deliverance. David called out to the Lord, asking for help, protection, and deliverance from his enemies and Saul. The Lord heard David and helped him, protecting him, guiding him, and saving him from his enemies. The Lord was his lamp; brightly shining forth light; illuminating the darkness of wickedness, depression, loneliness, and despair.
The Lord is our lamp, illuminating our path and brightening our lives with His light of understanding, hope, and peace.⁂

Is the Lord, your lamp? Do you reach out to Him on dark days, letting Him turn your darkness into light?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for your protection, help, and care. You are our lamp; teach us to reach out to You in our darkest times. Help us to trust you to shine Your light on our worries and fear. Teach us to be patient and trust in Your strength and power. Like flowers grow, flourish, and glow in the sunlight; let us flourish and glow in Your light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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Steadfast: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NRSV)

Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, expressing his love, and asking them to be steadfast, immovable, and always excelling in the work of the Lord. Paul asks them to be steadfast, meaning faithful to the Lord, and firmly committed to His ways. He is entreating them to be immovable, firm, stable, strong in their beliefs, and uncompromised by their culture. The goal for their church and all churches; is to excel in the work of the Lord, doing His will, upholding Christian virtues, and spreading the gospel and love. Labor for the Lord is not in vain; it is to His glory and is rewarded in heaven.

Would you describe your faith as steadfast, immovable, and your behavior as excelling in the work of the Lord? How can you improve?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, help us be steadfast and immovable in our faith. Teach us to excel in doing Your work and sharing Your Word. Open our hearts to Your way, sharing Your love. As the crabapple blossoms enhance the tree, let our actions enhance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen