He Brews Faithfulness!

He Brews Faithfulness – My Daily Bread!

God’s Word is full of remarkable words of encouragement.   However, there is a special place in the heart of Christians for the passage in Hebrews 11:1-2, NIV, which reads :

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.   For by it the elders obtained a good testimony”.

Hebrews Chapter 11 records those testimonies; the faith of the ancients who put their trust in the Lord and His promises even thought they did not always see the fulfillment of the promises in their lifetime.   Faith is important for vs. 6 of that chapter tells us “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him”.

Over the next few days we will reflect on the importance of faith in our lives based on insights from the Word.  Now, let’s focus on some characteristics that these Saints had that can help us with our faith today.

Noah moved with Godly fear: “when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.  By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith”.   (Hebrews 11: 7, NIV) Thank goodness Noah did not value the opinion of others; for  his counterparts must have thought him foolish for taking about 100 years to build a boat when it had never before rained from heaven.  [Sound bite: Do not worry about what others think when it comes to you doing God’s will – they may not even be on the boat!]

Enoch lived a life pleasing to God: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away.  For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”  (Hebrews 11: 5, NIV)

Abraham obeyed:  (1) “when he was called to go to the place he would receive as an inheritance.  And he went out not knowing where he was going”….for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10, NIV) and (2) ”when tested, offered up  Isaac..concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.” (Hebrews 11:17-19, NIV).

Sarah believed in God’s faithfulness: she “received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age (90 years old – ouch!), because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”  (Hebrews 11: 11, NIV)

Now these were some faithful He Brews!  What made them so special? Well Noah had the proper reverence and awe of God; Enoch lived a life that set him apart from the rest of the whole world at that time, which pleased God; Abraham is known for his obedience to God and Sara believed that God would be faithful to her, that God was her “very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1, NIV)  In essence they each believed something extraordinary about God!

How does your faith stack up in these areas?  Do you have the proper reverence and awe of God?  Is He the center of your life? Do you move when He speaks to you?  Is your life pleasing to God?   Have you set His priorities above your own?  Are you moving toward eternity?  Are you obedient to His call on your life?  Do you wait on Him to set your foundations or do you make excuses for not doing what He requires and insist on building your house on shifting sand?   Do you believe God is the great I AM; that He can do what He says He will do?

Reflect on these things Saints and pray to God to reveal the state of your faith as you seek His perspective.  And last but not least ask God for the courage to believe the extraordinary about Him – and get prepared to be wowed by His Spirit which dwells in you!

Copyright© 2011-2013 Colleen Holton All Rights Reserved.