Tag Archives: faith

October 30
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“Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:35, NIV)

Every follower of Jesus should read the entirety of chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews to grasp the fact that current-day faithfulness does not guarantee current-day success.

While it is true that God blesses His faithful ones, we err when we begin to think that these “rewards” all come our current life; or at times when we think we would derive the most benefit from them. Some rewards — like some punishments, for reasons known only to God — are reserved for life after life.

To be a true person of faith requires that we continue to believe (and act in accordance with that belief) although we have yet to receive that for which we hope. It is not always an easy day.

However, as the writer of Hebrews assures us in verse 1: This is what the ancients were commended for by God.  – Luther

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September 5
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“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” (Psalm 147:10-11, NIV)

Today’s scripture reminds us that what impresses God is a person who reveres Him; a person whose hope resides in Him. 

What motivates us? Is it the approval of other people, or is it the approval of God? 

In whom (or what) does our hope reside?  Is it with our extensive network of friends; or is it in our heavenly Father?

Parents delight in the love, trust, and obedience of their children. Are we giving our Father reasons to delight in us?  – Luther

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May 13
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“Isaiah answered, ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?’ ‘It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,’ said Hezekiah. ‘Rather, have it go back ten steps.’ Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.” (2 Kings 20: 9-11, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, it is best that we not seek signs and affirmations from the Lord because, as the scripture says: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

But. . . when we persist in seeking a sign from God, we need to take the boldest, most audacious course so that we will know, for all time, that it was the Lord God — not coincidence, circumstance, or good fortune — that made it all happen. 

And having been given a front-row seat to the faithfulness and magnificence of our heavenly Father, we should be convinced — forever — of His love and faithfulness; returning as necessary to the place where God revealed Himself faithful and true, but never again needing a divine sign.

Remember the divine visitations, and God’s answers to our audacious prayers, and the desire for new affirmations from God will be satisfied by the memory of our experiences.  – Luther

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