Daily Archives: July 14, 2011

Keeping The Faith

Faith Happens

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Bonnie at Faith Barista has us jamming, about faith, today.
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Keeping the faith. Clinging to faith. Renewing our faith. The Bible has much to say about faith. It is no small thing. As a matter of fact it is a huge deal. God tells us in Hebrews 11:6, that it is impossible to please Him if we do not have faith. Impossible.

God expects us to have faith….it is mandatory if we are going to live a life pleasing to the One that it matters to the most.

God never says that being faithful will be easy. Quite the contrary. But we must not give up. Or give in.

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I turned to chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews. The chapter known as the “faith chapter”. Well, before I begin, let me start with a verse in chapter 10 (v.23).

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (God is faithful. Always. He cannot go against His own nature. We never have to worry if God will follow through on His promises. He will. We might not always understand, but God does.)

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (v.1) (People of faith have to look at the bigger picture. Faith is not a quick fix, nor is it a universal lottery. Faith is a sure thing….but, sometimes God calls us to trust and wait. That is difficult, but absolutely worth it.)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (v. 6)  (This verse is self explanatory.)

“By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” (v.27) (He saw him who is invisible. God walks with His children.)

Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets…..they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of flames, escaped the edge of the sword….weakness was turned to strength, had power in battle, and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, others were tortured, flogged, and imprisoned. Some were stoned, sawed in two, and were put to death by the sword. Many were destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—–the world was not worthy of them. (v.17-38)

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (v.39-40)

A former pastor of mine said, “faith is the gaze of a soul on a Living God“.  I think that sums it up.

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