faith – Be Still…

Hebrews 11:1 – Faith

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Does this statement about faith help you understand what faith is all about? When faced with a difficult situation, we often find ourselves saying, “Just have faith.” What does that even mean? Faith in what? If we cling to this verse when we’re in those tight spots, our hope is certainly to be released from that bondage or be freed from that struggle.

Context: Chapter 11 of Hebrews is full of examples of faithful people, heroes from the pages of Scripture. The author of Hebrews shows us exactly how their faith was revealed. By reflecting on their successes and interactions with God, we can get a better glimpse of what having faith in God looks like. It was “by faith” those regular people accomplished some amazing things. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:1 – Faith”

Romans 10:17 – Our Basis for Faith

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

Discussions about faith and spirituality are big these days. People want to place their faith in so many things like themselves, for example. There are new self-help gurus popping up all the time, each promising to make us better versions of ourselves. I don’t mean to bash that industry, but shouldn’t the creator of the universe be the one we turn to if we want to be our best? This memory verse is simple yet powerful.

Context: Paul’s letter to the Romans is packed with wisdom for life. In this section of Chapter 10, he speaking about salvation and the necessary component of faith in Jesus Christ. In Paul’s day, while closer to the time Jesus lived and eyewitness accounts were still fresh, there were still plenty of people who didn’t know the good news about Jesus. Still today, people reject the truth about Jesus even when they have every opportunity to hear. This verse grounds us to understand the basis of our faith. Continue reading “Romans 10:17 – Our Basis for Faith”

2 Chronicles 18:1-8 – Watch out for Non-Believers

Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-8

Watch out, Jehoshaphat! You’ve just encountered a “slippery slope” in your association with Ahab. The Chronicler hasn’t told us anything about Israel’s King Ahab, but in 1 Kings 16-22 you can read more about King Ahab. In a nutshell, he was married to Jezebel, and her influence was great in persuading Ahab to abandon God and establish Baal worship in Israel. We know how God feels about disloyalty!

So far, at least, the story seems harmless. These kings were, after all, in-laws since two of their children had married. We get a clue that things are not all that they seem when the text says Ahab was “enticing” Jehoshaphat with such an elaborate feast.

Christmas Luke 2:25-35 – Faith

Read Luke 2:25-35

Can you imagine having received the message Simeon had, giving him the assurance he would see the Messiah before he died? Many had been waiting for the Messiah to come rescue them. It had been hundreds of years since the prophets had foretold a Messiah would come. In Simeon’s day, the Roman oppression was so great the people were anxiously awaiting the day their Messiah king would powerfully come to save them.

Simeon’s faith is commendable. Amidst the struggles of life under Roman control, and the natural aging process our bodies go through, Simeon never lost hope. He had faith in God’s promise. It seems as if his faith was the fuel that sustained Simeon through each day of waiting.

Nehemiah 12:27-43 – Joy of Jerusalem

Read Nehemiah 12:27-43

Who doesn’t like a good party? The opening scenes to this reading are filled with the anticipation of what is to come. The day has arrived when the completed wall will be recognized and celebrated. When parties have a purpose, they are even more enjoyable. When that purpose is to celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, imagine the great expectation!

The celebration appears to circle the city wall with songs of thanksgiving being sung and instruments being played. That sounds a lot like worship to me. How fitting the people would use the worship element to further honor God in this moment. What God had done among them already, and promised to do forever, was so generous. If only they could stay true to God alone. People continue to struggle with keeping God first in their lives today.