Increasing Faith 12.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of Hebrews, please read Chapters 11-13 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011-13&version=9

Today we are reading about faith, parience, godliness; a warning about disobedience; and service that is well pleasing to God. Today's message focuses on the importance of increasing our faith in God through trials.

Believers of Christ always see the hand of God during ordinary circumstances, such as where they should live, who jobs thye have, and who our friends are. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:1-3). To the unbeliever, these decisions seem to be entirely dependent of man's own error of judgment.

The history of the people of God confirms that some endured hostile circumstances and suffering, yet remained faithful and fulfilled His will. We are given a review of some of hem here, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (11:4-6). All the Old Testament men and women listed in this chapter chose to obey God and to live godly lives, regardless of the outcome and were blessed for it.

Today, our Savior has made available to us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the full knowledge of the will of God through His written Word. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (12:1-2). The runners who win the race of life are looking to Jesus and seeking Him, patiently awaiting the finish line no matter how far away it seems.

As one thing after another disappoints us and we hopefully grow in faith and not in greed, we recognize how God is leading us to see beyond life's unsatisfying deceptive rewards to eternal treasures in heaven. One can have everything ever dreamed of here on earth, but will never be truly happy without faith. Trials ansd sufferings are meant to bring us closer to God, not further away. Get beyond the anger and hurt and look to the blessings in store for you. We never really know why some things happen the way they do, but we never know what we are being saved from. Trust God, He knows what He is doing.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
The day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. You don’t expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. Jesus, we have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more. In Your mighty name, Jesus..........Amen.

Have a wonderful evening/day!
God Bless and Merry Christmas,
Christina

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