August 11-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:1-2, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
Observe what it is saying.
Over the next few weeks, we will spend time in this chapter of faith, also known as Heaven’s Hall of Fame. The chapter begins with a clear definition of faith. Faith is confidence. The word “confidence” can also be translated: being sure, trust, and conviction. I like the word conviction because it conveys a relentless belief. It is a belief that you refuse to let go of, no matter the circumstances or the threat to do otherwise. For example, among many other things, I have conviction in the goodness of my wife, how delightful my grandsons are, and in my call to ministry. I refuse to let go of such convictions. In the same way, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ and the Word of God, we have a relentless conviction that what is stated is absolutely true. The promises made are as good as done because of the authenticity of the One making those assertions. Even though we may not yet see the physical results of promises made and prayers uttered, we have the absolute assurance that God will keep His word and do what is promised because He is faithful and true in all things. He cannot betray Himself. As we will see, this kind of faith characterized God’s servants throughout history.
Relate it to your life
Do I have absolute conviction in the promises that God have spoken are true?
Do something.
Lord God, I thank You that I can always count on You. You are faithful and good. You speak what is true and Your promises never fail. Amen.
August 12-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:3, By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Observe what it is saying.
The author of Hebrews has given us a definition for faith that we could state this way: “faith is the personal conviction that the promises of God are absolutely true.” The rest of the chapter turns to give examples of such faith. The first example is creation itself. It takes faith to believe that God created the vast universe by a word, a command. He spoke it into existence. On the first day, it is recorded in Genesis, “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Each day another portion of creation was spoken into existence. However, no one was there. We have no eyewitnesses except for trusting the inspired word of God that God spoke and things supernaturally came together exactly as commanded. Because of Scripture’s depiction of these moments of birth for all that is living, we believe God was the source and cause for what we see and are still continuing to discover just how magnificent and massive the universe actually is. Do you have the conviction that God has the power to command the universe into existence? Do you have the conviction that God did so? A common description of God in the Old Testament is found in Psalm 124:8, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Because the biblical writers had confidence that their God is the one who made all of creation, they knew they could trust He had the ability to help them in their own times of need.
Relate it to your life.
Why does it matter to me to have conviction in God’s command to create all that is seen and unseen?
Do something.
Lord God our Maker, I give you praise for Your power to create all the beauty and order that we find in the universe displaying Your magnificent glory. Amen.
August 13-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:4, By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Observe what it is saying.
Genesis 4 tells the story that Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord, and Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor. Cain became very angry. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Notice the difference in the offerings. Cain brought some of his fruits while Abel brought fat portions from his firstborn. Cain did not bring firstfruits or his best fruits. However, Abel, by faith, trusting God to provide, was willing to bring the very best among the very first born of his flocks. It appears Cain operated out of fear or a scarcity mindset, whereas, Abel worked from a generous, abundant faith mindset. Abel still speaks because his kind of faith is that which pleases the Lord.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have a scarcity or generous mindset as I give to and serve the Lord? Do I give what is first and best or do I give only what is leftover?
Do something.
Lord God, I want to please You with my giving and living. I choose to give my very best as a statement of trust in You, knowing You will provide as I put Your first. Amen.
August 14-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:5, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Here’s what we know about Enoch from Genesis 5:21-24, “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Two Jewish books of apocalyptic visions written between the OT and NT were written in his name: 1 and 2 Enoch. New Testament writer, Jude, quotes from 1 Enoch 1:9, “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” He wrote this to emphasize that God will judge the false teachers who have crept in among Jude’s readers. Enoch’s name means, “dedicate, dedicated.” He lived up to his name by dedicating his life to God and walking faithfully with Him. He pleased God by his holy life, but we do not know much else, except, God, in His sovereignty, chose to take him directly to heaven. A mystery we will have to wait to ask about when we see the Lord. (However, I do not think we will be too concerned about such a question when we see Christ’s heavenly glory!)
Relate it to your life.
If my legacy is that I pleased God, that will be enough for me.
Do something.
Lord, it’s my wholehearted desire to please You in all things. Give me a willing heart to do so. Amen.
August 15-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:6, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
This verse is given on the tail of Enoch’s example who was said to have pleased God. Though we do not know many details about Enoch’s life, we know that he was a man of faith because that is pleasing the Lord. This verse gives us two important elements to such an acceptable faith. First, we must believe God exists. This is a rather low bar to hold on to. If we look around in nature, we find evidence that there is a majestic and brilliant Being who is behind all of this beauty and wonder that we encounter throughout the world. In addition, we have Scripture which is a very specific revelation of the one glorious God. But faith not only believes in God’s existence, it passionately pursues knowing and having a loving relationship with Him. Such faith wants to learn everything we can know and experience everything we can in our fellowship with God. We want Him to be included in every part of our lives, and we desire our hearts to be continuously synced up with His heart, mind, and will. We long to be swallowed up in the grace and truth found in Jesus so that we can be set free from all bondage and be made whole in every possible way. We linger in His presence hearing Him bring His reassurance that we are His beloved children.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Jesus will result in a passionate pursuit of everything He said, did, and promised.
Do something.
Lord God, set my heart on a relentless chase of all that You are and call me to be. I want to know and love You as You know and love me. Amen.
August 16-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:7, By faith Noah, 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 is in keeping with faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Enoch was introduced as a man of faith who pleased the Lord, now, we will find several more examples who demonstrated pleasing-the-Lord kind of faith. Today, we begin with the well-known story of Noah. Going back to the original definition of faith, of having the assurance of things not yet seen, Noah is an amazing example of one who was told to build a huge ship while the skies were still sunny. The only thing he had was the word of God. There were no future weather patterns that he could google to help confirm God’s message. Instead, in holy fear he built the boat. He was starkly different from everyone else who had become corrupt and evil. He stood out as a lighthouse in a dark storm. He revered and worshiped the Lord knowing He had ultimate authority over judgment. Because God deemed him to be the only righteous one out of the world’s population, his faithful example and actions were used by God to judge and condemn the world. He was the one who kept righteousness alive to be passed down to further generations after the flood took out the wicked. True faith produces righteousness. It gives us a right standing with God, and it empowers us to do the right thing in our daily life of faith.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Jesus Christ is the doorway into a righteous life by God’s declaration and Spirit impartation.
Do something.
Jesus, thank You for making me righteous to stand before the Father. Empower me to live the holy and righteous life for Your glory and the blessing of the world. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:1-2, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
Observe what it is saying.
Over the next few weeks, we will spend time in this chapter of faith, also known as Heaven’s Hall of Fame. The chapter begins with a clear definition of faith. Faith is confidence. The word “confidence” can also be translated: being sure, trust, and conviction. I like the word conviction because it conveys a relentless belief. It is a belief that you refuse to let go of, no matter the circumstances or the threat to do otherwise. For example, among many other things, I have conviction in the goodness of my wife, how delightful my grandsons are, and in my call to ministry. I refuse to let go of such convictions. In the same way, when we place our faith in Jesus Christ and the Word of God, we have a relentless conviction that what is stated is absolutely true. The promises made are as good as done because of the authenticity of the One making those assertions. Even though we may not yet see the physical results of promises made and prayers uttered, we have the absolute assurance that God will keep His word and do what is promised because He is faithful and true in all things. He cannot betray Himself. As we will see, this kind of faith characterized God’s servants throughout history.
Relate it to your life
Do I have absolute conviction in the promises that God have spoken are true?
Do something.
Lord God, I thank You that I can always count on You. You are faithful and good. You speak what is true and Your promises never fail. Amen.
August 12-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:3, By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Observe what it is saying.
The author of Hebrews has given us a definition for faith that we could state this way: “faith is the personal conviction that the promises of God are absolutely true.” The rest of the chapter turns to give examples of such faith. The first example is creation itself. It takes faith to believe that God created the vast universe by a word, a command. He spoke it into existence. On the first day, it is recorded in Genesis, “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Each day another portion of creation was spoken into existence. However, no one was there. We have no eyewitnesses except for trusting the inspired word of God that God spoke and things supernaturally came together exactly as commanded. Because of Scripture’s depiction of these moments of birth for all that is living, we believe God was the source and cause for what we see and are still continuing to discover just how magnificent and massive the universe actually is. Do you have the conviction that God has the power to command the universe into existence? Do you have the conviction that God did so? A common description of God in the Old Testament is found in Psalm 124:8, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Because the biblical writers had confidence that their God is the one who made all of creation, they knew they could trust He had the ability to help them in their own times of need.
Relate it to your life.
Why does it matter to me to have conviction in God’s command to create all that is seen and unseen?
Do something.
Lord God our Maker, I give you praise for Your power to create all the beauty and order that we find in the universe displaying Your magnificent glory. Amen.
August 13-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:4, By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Observe what it is saying.
Genesis 4 tells the story that Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord, and Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor. Cain became very angry. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Notice the difference in the offerings. Cain brought some of his fruits while Abel brought fat portions from his firstborn. Cain did not bring firstfruits or his best fruits. However, Abel, by faith, trusting God to provide, was willing to bring the very best among the very first born of his flocks. It appears Cain operated out of fear or a scarcity mindset, whereas, Abel worked from a generous, abundant faith mindset. Abel still speaks because his kind of faith is that which pleases the Lord.
Relate it to your life.
Do I have a scarcity or generous mindset as I give to and serve the Lord? Do I give what is first and best or do I give only what is leftover?
Do something.
Lord God, I want to please You with my giving and living. I choose to give my very best as a statement of trust in You, knowing You will provide as I put Your first. Amen.
August 14-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:5, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Here’s what we know about Enoch from Genesis 5:21-24, “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Two Jewish books of apocalyptic visions written between the OT and NT were written in his name: 1 and 2 Enoch. New Testament writer, Jude, quotes from 1 Enoch 1:9, “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” He wrote this to emphasize that God will judge the false teachers who have crept in among Jude’s readers. Enoch’s name means, “dedicate, dedicated.” He lived up to his name by dedicating his life to God and walking faithfully with Him. He pleased God by his holy life, but we do not know much else, except, God, in His sovereignty, chose to take him directly to heaven. A mystery we will have to wait to ask about when we see the Lord. (However, I do not think we will be too concerned about such a question when we see Christ’s heavenly glory!)
Relate it to your life.
If my legacy is that I pleased God, that will be enough for me.
Do something.
Lord, it’s my wholehearted desire to please You in all things. Give me a willing heart to do so. Amen.
August 15-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:6, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
This verse is given on the tail of Enoch’s example who was said to have pleased God. Though we do not know many details about Enoch’s life, we know that he was a man of faith because that is pleasing the Lord. This verse gives us two important elements to such an acceptable faith. First, we must believe God exists. This is a rather low bar to hold on to. If we look around in nature, we find evidence that there is a majestic and brilliant Being who is behind all of this beauty and wonder that we encounter throughout the world. In addition, we have Scripture which is a very specific revelation of the one glorious God. But faith not only believes in God’s existence, it passionately pursues knowing and having a loving relationship with Him. Such faith wants to learn everything we can know and experience everything we can in our fellowship with God. We want Him to be included in every part of our lives, and we desire our hearts to be continuously synced up with His heart, mind, and will. We long to be swallowed up in the grace and truth found in Jesus so that we can be set free from all bondage and be made whole in every possible way. We linger in His presence hearing Him bring His reassurance that we are His beloved children.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Jesus will result in a passionate pursuit of everything He said, did, and promised.
Do something.
Lord God, set my heart on a relentless chase of all that You are and call me to be. I want to know and love You as You know and love me. Amen.
August 16-Faith
Write out the Scripture.
Hebrews 11:7, By faith Noah, 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 is in keeping with faith.
Observe what it is saying.
Enoch was introduced as a man of faith who pleased the Lord, now, we will find several more examples who demonstrated pleasing-the-Lord kind of faith. Today, we begin with the well-known story of Noah. Going back to the original definition of faith, of having the assurance of things not yet seen, Noah is an amazing example of one who was told to build a huge ship while the skies were still sunny. The only thing he had was the word of God. There were no future weather patterns that he could google to help confirm God’s message. Instead, in holy fear he built the boat. He was starkly different from everyone else who had become corrupt and evil. He stood out as a lighthouse in a dark storm. He revered and worshiped the Lord knowing He had ultimate authority over judgment. Because God deemed him to be the only righteous one out of the world’s population, his faithful example and actions were used by God to judge and condemn the world. He was the one who kept righteousness alive to be passed down to further generations after the flood took out the wicked. True faith produces righteousness. It gives us a right standing with God, and it empowers us to do the right thing in our daily life of faith.
Relate it to your life.
My faith in Jesus Christ is the doorway into a righteous life by God’s declaration and Spirit impartation.
Do something.
Jesus, thank You for making me righteous to stand before the Father. Empower me to live the holy and righteous life for Your glory and the blessing of the world. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals