S) "1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."
Hebrews 11:1-2, 39-40 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is just so inspiring! First thing, the word "conviction" there is sometimes translated "evidence" because it's the type of proof that has real impact. So, consider it the type of evidence that would hold up in court, that would affect a conviction. The chapter moves through from the beginning of creation, showing how faith was valued by God, over and over. In the end, we're reminded that faith has a greater purpose, though. As much as it pleases God and produces blessings here on earth, those are not the promised reward of faith. The reward of faith is eternal life! If you want to see God bless your life, if you want to see God participating in your life, if you want to know just how real God is - step out in your faith. Faith is a leap beyond belief. The late Dr. Ed Cole said it well here.
A) I like to try acrobatic maneuvers just to see if I can do them. I'm very confident in my agility. I have a lot of faith in my body control, explosiveness, and balance. My wife does not always have that faith. I can do a front handspring, a tight cartwheel, a diving somersault. I can jump over my couch and hold a handstand for a few minutes solid. One thing I have not yet tried? A standing backflip. I'm sure I can do it, but Kristin reigns in my gusto. I've done it countless times off the edge of a pool and I always clear the water's surface easily... I daydream about it all of the time, almost as much as I daydream about jumping over desks at work... Anyway, everytime I read this chapter I think of this Lecrae song and it gets me pumped about faith! Taking chances with God is what will really bring fruit to my life. I need to show my kids how to trust in God, believe in Him with everything I have. It's how I can inspire and lead my wife from being church-goers to world-changers. I get inspired to make big changes when I dwell on faith. I know that a lot of them are probably unrealistic for me from right here, right now. But, keeping a vision of dramatic, drastic, dangerous faith will continue to push me to stretch my faith and make it grow. My baby steps may have grown to adult strides, but I want true leaps! I want to do a backflip!
P) Father, may I never lose eternal perspective! I want to continue to grow in my belief, taking it my faith into every area of my life. Holy Spirit, continue to lead me into faith-stretching situations, because I know it's the most impactful way to be used by You, Lord. I want to be intrepid in my obedience, God. Give me more faith, to not only believe You for greater things, but for me to act toward that end! I want to bring about Your will wherever possible. Thank You for this gift of faith You've given me, Lord. Help me glorify Your Name by honoring this gift. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) I like to try acrobatic maneuvers just to see if I can do them. I'm very confident in my agility. I have a lot of faith in my body control, explosiveness, and balance. My wife does not always have that faith. I can do a front handspring, a tight cartwheel, a diving somersault. I can jump over my couch and hold a handstand for a few minutes solid. One thing I have not yet tried? A standing backflip. I'm sure I can do it, but Kristin reigns in my gusto. I've done it countless times off the edge of a pool and I always clear the water's surface easily... I daydream about it all of the time, almost as much as I daydream about jumping over desks at work... Anyway, everytime I read this chapter I think of this Lecrae song and it gets me pumped about faith! Taking chances with God is what will really bring fruit to my life. I need to show my kids how to trust in God, believe in Him with everything I have. It's how I can inspire and lead my wife from being church-goers to world-changers. I get inspired to make big changes when I dwell on faith. I know that a lot of them are probably unrealistic for me from right here, right now. But, keeping a vision of dramatic, drastic, dangerous faith will continue to push me to stretch my faith and make it grow. My baby steps may have grown to adult strides, but I want true leaps! I want to do a backflip!
P) Father, may I never lose eternal perspective! I want to continue to grow in my belief, taking it my faith into every area of my life. Holy Spirit, continue to lead me into faith-stretching situations, because I know it's the most impactful way to be used by You, Lord. I want to be intrepid in my obedience, God. Give me more faith, to not only believe You for greater things, but for me to act toward that end! I want to bring about Your will wherever possible. Thank You for this gift of faith You've given me, Lord. Help me glorify Your Name by honoring this gift. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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