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Day 48: Hebrews 11/Psalm 136
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Monday April 12, 2004
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Now faith is being
sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (New International Version)
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By Faith
The author
of this letter to the Hebrews goes on to list numerous Old Testament heroes,
such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and even
the prostitute, Rahab. Obviously, the common thread was their enormous
faith in God, but what does that really mean? Did these people all have
some special knowledge that allowed them to see their way clear to
trust God? Were they just so blessed and protected and encouraged by
God that it was easy to trust him, and to have faith
in him?
Well, let’s look at
the record. It appears that some, like Abel, were killed. Some, like
Noah, were mocked and reviled. Some, like Abraham, were asked to leave
everything that they knew was safe, and go to a strange, unknown place.
Some, like Moses, felt compelled to give up a life of power and
privilege for a life of exile and danger.
So, what did these
heroes really have in common? They all believed in
God, and they trusted what God said. Not because it was
evident, or logical, or convenient, but because they committed in their
hearts to trust God, no matter what. Their lives were not easier
because of this--quite the contrary. Their lives were full of danger
and persecution. But still, they trusted God. Why? Because they knew who
he was. He was their father, and they trusted that no matter what, he
would be there to take care of them, and in the end, to bring them
home. Just like that son or daughter that looks up into your
eyes and just blindly trusts you, not because of something
they know, but simply because of who you are. If you truly
know who God is, then you are able to blindly trust him as the
child that you are to him… This is the kind of trust that faith
is based on.
Today’s
Prayer:
God, please help me to see more clearly who you are, and
to trust you completely, so that I might be able to do that which is your
will for my life…
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Memory Verse of the Week:
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the
Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus..."
Hebrews 10:19 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
Hebrews
11
o
Psalm
136
Greer Bower, bower@cincyvineyard.com, Director
of Information Technologies at VCC
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