Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV — Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

What is the definition of faith to you? Below are some of Merriam-Webster’s definitions.

Faith: a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God

  (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion

b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof

  (2) : complete trust

Which of the above definitions do you most relate to? If I am being honest, I am not always able to let go and completely trust. My humanness gets in the way. Sometimes I try to do things my way or I spend time worrying about possible future scenarios and outcomes instead of trusting God in the details. Spend some time reading the full chapter of Hebrews 11 and ask God to reveal to you any areas of your life that your faith is wavering.

Hebrews 11 NIV

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the great lineage of faith that is explained in Hebrews 11. Reveal to me any areas of my life that I am not completely trusting You. Give me strength and courage to let go and walk by faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Please take a moment to watch our Testify Tuesday YouTube video below.

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV — Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11 NIV

Hebrews 11:1-2 MSG — The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

Hebrews 11 MSG

Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV — As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,  in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Watch our Meditate Monday YouTube video below.

This Song Sunday let’s start by honoring all of our mothers.

A Mother’s Love by Jim Brickman

As you are able, spend some time listening to the following songs about faith.

Stand In Faith by Danny Gokey

Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp

Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes

Prayer is the strongest form of abiding that there is.

A retired teacher was giving her little nephew some help with his school work. He was normally a good, attentive child, but on this occasion he could not fix his mind on his work. Suddenly he said, “Aunt Sally, may I kneel down and ask God to help me find my marble?” She told him to go ahead, the little boy knelt by his chair, closed his eyes, and prayed silently. Then he got up and went on with his lessons contentedly.

The next day, his aunt was almost afraid to ask about the prayer request. She was a little worried that if he did not find the marble that his simple faith would be damaged. She finally decided to ask anyway and said to him, “Well, dear, have you found your marble?” “No,” was the reply, “but God has made me not want to.”

When we abide in Christ, especially in prayer, I believe that we develop and grow into a healthy branch that conforms to God’s image. He changes our hearts desires and helps us to trust in His actions in our lives.

From Thomas Bowen’s Sermon “Blank Checks”

Read the various versions of today’s scripture.

Psalm 91 KJV

Psalms 91 NIV

Psalm 91 MSG

I want to be in constant conversation with Christ so I am covered in dust. Yes, you read that correctly. I realize that sounds strange so let me explain. In Mark Batterson’s book Draw the Circle he states, “The complete devotion of discipleship is sometimes described as being ‘covered in the dust of your rabbi.’ It was an allusion to the fact that disciples followed their rabbi so closely that the dust of the rabbi kicked up with his heels would literally cover the disciples who followed him.” What a beautiful reason to be dusty. I want to be that close to Christ! That is the epitome of the word abide.

We have talked about the word abide all week. In the various versions of today’s featured scripture, abide, rest, and spend the night are all used to illustrate dwelling in the shelter of God.  When I think of abiding with Christ I think of lingering as I study His word. I think of talking with Him throughout my day. I think of resting in His presence. What does abiding in Christ mean to you? How have your thoughts about abiding in Christ changed or deepened this week? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your almighty presence and for the ability to abide in You. Please continue to shape my understanding of abiding in You and may I continue to seek new ways to rest in Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

Read John 15:1-17 NIV.

One way to abide with Christ is to be in prayer throughout your day. Many times we are intimidated by the thought of prayer because we think our prayers should be filled with big, fancy words. Simply put, prayer is talking with God. God wants us to talk with Him like we talk with one another. Talk with Him about your day. Talk with Him about the things that excite you. Talk with Him about the situations that concern you. Ask Him for help. Ask Him for direction. Thank Him for His presence. We can be in conversation with God by praying all through our day. It only takes a moment to call out the name of Jesus for help, comfort or peace. His Holy Spirit is always with us to guide and direct us. God wants us to be intentional about praying and talking with Him throughout our day. He wants us to walk closely with Him.

Yesterday and today our featured scripture was John 15:1-7. We read the King James Version and the New International Version. The words “abide” and “remain” were interchangeable. Today, ponder ways you can remain in and with Christ.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the simple ways I can abide with You. As I go throughout my day, remind me how easy it is to abide in You by talking through prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Please read John 15:1-17 KJV.

I have always been intrigued with the word “abide.” In my studies I researched and found the definition of abide is to continue in a place; sojourn. Then I looked up sojourn which means to stay at a temporary residence; stop.

Spend some time thinking about what abide means to you. How does it look, sound, feel to abide? Where are you in your relationship with Christ when it comes to abiding? Have you discovered the perfect balance of how to abide throughout your day or is there room for improvement? Take a few moments to abide with Christ and stay a while. Take some notes as you brainstorm with Him about what it means to abide and ways to abide with Him daily.

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your presence today. Show me what it means to abide and ways to abide in You daily. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway