Highlights In Today's Reading:
What is Faith, what it does, and how do you get it (chap. 11; Rom. 10:17). How to have a successful "faith run" (Heb. 12:1-4). Like a good parent, the Lord disciplines His children (12:5-13); so listen and obey when He speaks (12:14-29), because He is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (13:8) — never out of date.
Abraham is the father of the faithful (Rom. 4:11). In obedience to God, he left the security of his own country to live in tents as a homeless stranger in the land of promise (Gen. 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles (tents) with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise (Heb. 11:8-9). Although he had many disappointments, there is no record that he complained even once of receiving less than the perfect promise of God.
To leave the security of one's country for the unknown and be content seems impossible to the worldly-minded. But the example of Abraham illustrates that as we read the Bible, by faith we too can have the guidance of God through the ordinary and crisis experiences of life, what our occupation should be, and whom we will have as friends, as well as the suffering we may experience. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17), We may experience many disappointments while recognizing that God is leading us toward life-fulfilling places of witness and service in the Kingdom of God. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:3-5).
God fulfills His promises or answers prayers in ways we seldom expect. As our faith in God grows, we will be less concerned over earthly possessions and pleasures and become more occupied with our heavenly home, that city . . . whose Builder and Maker is God (Heb. 11:10).
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Thought for Today:
O taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him (Ps. 34:8).
Cross References:
For Heb. 11:18: See Gen. 21:12. Heb. 12:5-6: See Prov. 3:11-12. Heb. 12:12: See Is. 35:3. Heb. 12:26: See Hag. 2:6. Heb. 13:5: See Josh. 1:5; also Deut. 31:8. Heb. 13:6: See Ps. 118:6.
Word Studies:
11:29 assaying =attempting; 13:9 divers =various.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (LA) and Sen. Mark Warner (VA) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35