Living by Faith (Heb. 11:13-14)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 06-02-03

 

My Worship Time                  Focus:  Living by faith

 

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  Hebrews 11:13-14

 

            1.  Message of the verse:  “13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.  14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.  (NIV)  “All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promise of God.  They agreed that they were no more than foreigners and nomads here on earth.  And obviously people who talk like that are looking forward to a country they can call their own.”  (NLT)

            I can see a number of things that kind of stick out at me when I read this passage.  The first one it the phrase “all these people were still living by faith when they died,” and this is something that encourages me to find this out.  It has taken me a long time to change my thinking about the situation that is described in these verses and from the original story that is written in Genesis.  I thought all along that all of these people did not ever receive the promise that God had given to them, but now I believe that they did receive it because the promise was not only for an earthly city and home, but also a heavenly city, which is the true home of all those who have believed the promise of salvation that God has offered to all.  All of these people were still living with true Bible faith even up to the point of their death.  This text even says that they did not receive the things promised, but only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.  I do think that the writer is talking about the earthly promise here.  The writer also includes the truth of these people being aliens and stranger on earth, and this is true of all believers, because believers are different in so many ways that cause them to be strangers while upon this earth.

 

2.Spiritual meaning for my life today:  To live by the kind of faith that is described in the Scriptures, and also not to become to attached to the things of this world, so that I will be able to hear the still small voice of the Lord, and then obey that voice.  I must admit that I am still to much a part of the world, however the Lord is surely dealing with me in this important area of my life, and I am thankful for that.

 

The Word of God was so very insightful to my heart as I read it this morning.  It was very appropriate for the storm that I am going through with many shipmates at this time in my life.   The Word of God offered challenges to my heart and it also brought conviction to me as I read it this morning.  The Word of God is truly quick and powerful, and it is also living.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I would have the Biblical kind of hope that the Lord is going to continue to work in my life through this storm that He has chosen to send me, along with others.  I want to surely live as an example to others who are going through this storm, and live in a way that will bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

Memory verses for the week:  Psalm 40:14-16

 

14.  Let those be ashamed and humiliated who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored who delight in my hurt.

15.  Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me “Aha, aha!”

16.  Let all those who seek Thee rejoice and be glade in Thee; Let those who love Thy salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”