faithful ones – Be Still…

Acts 8:1-25 – Faithful Ones

They killed one of the faithful ones, Stephen. The persecution of Jesus’ followers, the early church, was just beginning. It sounds like a horrible time to be a believer. Yet we can marvel with gratitude that those faithful ones stood strong, trusted God, and followed Jesus’ command to make disciples. Despite being scattered, these believers “preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.” Are we that bold? When was the last time you told someone about Jesus and the promise of salvation?

We meet one of the faithful ones, Philip, in this reading. Since I wondered if this Philip was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, I did some digging. Biblical scholars seem to agree that this Philip was not the disciple, but one of the seven chosen, like Stephen, to be faithful witnesses running the food program (Acts 6). Because of the persecution, Philip moved on to Samaria. Continue reading “Acts 8:1-25 – Faithful Ones”

Hebrews 11:23-40 – More About Faith

Read Hebrews 11:23-40

What more do we learn about faith in this part of Chapter 11? We meet more Bible heroes of faith, including Moses. His story is so complex, from his early days being rescued by an Egyptian princess to his adulthood devoted to God and being God’s instrument to bring the Israelites out of bondage. Moses is even thought to have written the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch.

It’s faith like Moses had that can really kick start out relationship with God. What was Moses secret? “He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” Keeping our eyes on Jesus does help us stay grounded. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to do it on your own. Step out in faith from the start, keeping your eyes on Jesus, seeking his will and direction for your life. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:23-40 – More About Faith”

Hebrews 11:1-22 – All About Faith

Read Hebrews 11:1-22

Write verse 1 down and memorize it. When someone wants to know what faith is or why faith is important to you, this verse can come to the rescue. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” What a powerful description! Our faith becomes the evidence someone else may rely on to know Jesus. How mind-blowing is that?

This whole reading testifies to the great faith of our Bible heroes. They’re often known as “heroes of faith” for a reason. This Hebrews passage has forever showcased their faith-led examples of living life as a believer, one of God’s chosen. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:1-22 – All About Faith”

Daniel 1:17-21 – What’s Your Superpower?

Read Daniel 1:17-21

While it’s not my intent to go off on a tangent about the spiritual gifts God gives to us, it does apply when we think about our own superpower. That power is fueled by the same source for each of us, the Holy Spirit.

Daniel didn’t know the Holy Spirit yet, but he must have wondered how he and three other men had been given such favor from God. That favor then resulted in approval from man, too. You don’t have the respect and trust of leadership without being special. Daniel was indeed that. Continue reading “Daniel 1:17-21 – What’s Your Superpower?”