Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1,3,6

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.(1) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.(3) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(6)

Scripture Commentary: Faith is believing that God is who He says He is

What is the substance of your faith? Do you believe God is the author of everything? Do you have faith in Him? Will you put your life and faith in his hands?

Two words describe faith: sure and certain. These two qualities need a secure beginning and end. The beginning of faith is believing in God’s characteristics; He is who He says He is.

He is the only God, the beginning of everything, the creator of the universe. The end is believing God’s promise; that He will return, and He will do what He says.

When we believe that God will fulfill his promises we demonstrate true faith. God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of His existence. He wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you that will transform your life.

Remember, if God asks you to do something, He will give you the necessary strength to carry it out. Have faith.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Hebrews Chapter 11

Lord, Teach Me Your Ways

Scripture: Psalms 119: 25-32

DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Scripture Commentary: Teach me, O Lord, and give me understanding and I will keep it in my heart

As we travel through life, The Bible is the map, and it points out safe paths so we can avoid obstacles that may be in our way. This is the map God uses to teach us His word and His ways. If we ignore the map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination.

Bookstores are filled with rule books and self-help books, but the authors never come and help us follow the rules. But God does. This is the uniqueness of our Bible. God not only provides the rules and guidelines, but He also comes with us personally each day and strengthens us so we can live according to those rules. We must invite Him in and respond to His direction.

We need His guidance. Reach out to Him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 119

Passions and Pleasures Lead to Addiction

Scripture: Titus 3: 3-8

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Scripture Commentary: What passions and pleasures derail you?

Slavish Addiction comes when you constantly give yourself over to passions and pleasures. Many believe freedom is doing what they please without consequence. People are addicted to immediate gratification. They are slaves to their own gratification.

Paul summarized what Christ does for us when He saves us. We move from a life full of sin to one where we are led by God’s Holy Spirit. We are no longer slaves to our worldly vices as our sins are washed away. Washing refers to the water of baptism, which is a sign of salvation.

In becoming a Christian, the believer acknowledges Christ as Lord. They recognize his saving work and gain eternal life with all its treasures. The Holy Spirit renews us continually. We don’t earn or deserve salvation; it is all God’s gift. Christ frees us from our desires and the control of sin.

Let yourself be freed!

Read the Entire Chapter:
Titus Chapter 3

Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt

Scripture: Jude 1: 22-23

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Scripture Commentary: Unbelievers need mercy and kindess – Your role as a witness is vitally important

We need to show mercy and compassion to those who doubt. Effective witnessing saves people from God’s judgement. Some see us as witnesses through our compassion and kindness. Others experience our witnessing of God when we snatch them from the eternal fire.

Hating “even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” means we hate the sin, but love the sinner. Unbelievers are lost and need salvation. Do not take your position as witnesses lightly. It is a matter of eternal life and eternal death.

We must be careful not to fall into the quicksand of compromise. When reaching out to others, we must be sure that our own footing in Christ as our Lord and Savior is sound.

Be careful. Don’t become so much like non-Christians that no one can tell who you are or what you believe. Influence them for Christ – don’t allow them to influence you to sin.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Jude Chapter 1 (KJV)

Jesus Didn’t Avoid the Call, He Suffered for Us All

Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 1-5

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

Scripture Commentary: Sin loses its power when we focus on Christ

Some people will do anything to avoid pain. As followers of Christ, however, we should be willing and prepared to do God’s will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and on what He wants us to do.

When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly, and sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for doing good and still faithfully obeys in spite of suffering, that person has made a clear break with sin.

When you have turned to Jesus, you may be scorned for not participating in activities that you know are against Jesus’ teachings. But know this: your priorities have changed, and you are now heading in the opposite (and the right) direction.

Believers have nothing to fear – Jesus will be the final judge over all!

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 4

God Knows All Your Ways – He Is With You

Scripture: Psalms 139: 1-8

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

Scripture Commentary: No matter where you go or what you do, God knows all your ways

God is omnipresent. He knew you before you knew ourselves. His Holy Spirit dwells in you. When you do wrong, He knew you would do it before you did it.

Although He has the knowledge beforehand, God will let you make mistakes – He gives you the chance to correct yourself. Because of this, you can never be lost to His Spirit. This is good news to those who know and love God. No matter where you go or what you do, you can never be far from God’s comforting presence.

God is with you even if we aren’t with Him at that time. He knows and loves you completely. When you feel worthless or even begin to hate yourself, remember that God’s Spirit is ready and willing to work within you.

Have as much love and respect for yourself as your Maker has for you!

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 139

Pray Unto the Lord – He Will Respond

Scripture: Isaiah 38: 1-5

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Scripture Commentary: Pray unto the Lord for help for He is able to supply your needs

The Bible tells us often to pray unto the Lord. How many times have you prayed to God for help? How many times have you promised the lord you will do better if he helps you? God answers our prayers, but we forget our promises to him. Even if God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we expect him to, he still answers because we are still here.

We ask, promise, and cry for wants and needs from our Lord. God always responds. But what do you do when God asks for something from you? The Lord asks us to do things like love one another, spread His Word, and live a Christ-like life.

Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and God added fifteen years to his life. How many years has the Lord added to your life, or to the life of someone you prayed for? Do not pray and forget later how good God is to you.

Thank God everyday.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Isaiah Chapter 38

Is Your Heart Set on Idols or on God?

Scripture: Ezekiel 14: 2-3

And the word of the Lord came unto me saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

Scripture Commentary: Let your faith be personal and real – open your heart to God

God condemned the elders for worshiping idols in their hearts while coming to God’s prophet for advice. Do you go to your pastor and your friends with evil in your heart and mind, asking for forgiveness without any change?

Do you go to church and pray but are not sincere? Are you dedicated to pursuing the idols of reputation, acceptance, wealth, or sensual pleasure? Refocus your attention and dedicate yourself to God.

Nothing should captivate your allegiance and imagination as a replacement of your devotion to God. Each individual has his/her own relationship with God. We are weak but God is our strength.

God wants to recapture your heart. Let Jesus Christ show you the way. Do not become spiritually dormant. Do not be unfruitful to God.

Let your faith be personal and real. God’s arms are open for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ezekiel Chapter 14

Jesus, When Did I Deny You?

Scripture: Matthew 26: 34-35, 73-75

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.(34) Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.(35)

And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee.(73) Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.(74) And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.(75)

Scripture Commentary: To deny Jesus is to disown Him

When we reject Jesus’ teachings, we are being like Peter. At times we reject our faith. We don’t know Jesus in these moments. Also, we do not know Jesus in moments when we knowingly do wrong.

If you do any of the above, you are on the road to disowning Jesus. We declare death unto ourselves before disowning Jesus, similar to the disciples. Yet, we still do it. If we live in opposition to him we will scatter like the disciples.

It is easy to say we are devoted to Christ, but our actions need to back our claims. If you live in the way Jesus teaches, you will never deny him and he will never deny you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Matthew Chapter 26

Watch for God’s Message To You

Scripture: Habakkuk 2: 1-3

I will stand upon my watch, and set upon the towers, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Scripture Commentary: Be in a position to receive God’s message

Are you on the watchtower? Do you watch to see what He will say to you? Can you hear God talking to you?

Stone watchtowers were built on city walls, ramparts, and vineyards. Watchtowers monitored who was approaching; enemies or messengers. Habakkuk awaited God’s message. Are you in a position to receive God’s message?

We see the evil in the world. We might doubt and wonder what God is doing. How long will evil prevail? God answered Habakkuk, and the same answer applies today: judgement will come.

God is giving us time to cleanse ourselves and bring others to him. If God passed judgement on you today, how would you fare? Take the time God has given you to repent and go to Him.

As Christians, we live for God. We trust him in directing all things according to his purpose.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Habakkuk Chapter 2