40 Days of Encouragement
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 23 | FAITH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 23 | FAITH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
FAITH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV)
Faith is one of the KEY words we hear in church and read in the Bible. It’s so familiar that we sometimes nearly overlook it when reading Scripture.
Here, the author of Hebrews is teaching us – via the Holy Spirit – what faith is. It is the “substance of things hoped for.” Other translations say it’s the “confidence,” or the “confirmation,” or the “reality,” or the “certainty,” or the “title deed” of things hoped for.
We are all saved by faith and faith alone. Nothing else is required. So then, how are we to become encouraged – the theme of this 40-day series? (Hint: the answer is in the verse.)
Let’s say that you need some encouragement today. Life has been a bit frustrating or complicated and you need a lift.
Walk by faith. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior or receive His encouragement and help to get through a rough patch, we walk by faith.
Further, Hebrews 11:6 tells us “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV)
Even in the Old Testament, God’s followers were told: “The Just shall live by faith.” (Habakkuk 1:1). That means that we can live ENCOURAGED every day if we let the LORD lead. And we can trust that He will lead us in the best way for us. Our Father knows best!
Prayer: LORD, I sometimes don’t connect faith with encouragement, but since I am to live by faith, even my receiving encouragement from You is something I can have faith for. Help me Lord to turn even my discouraging days over to You. Help me to walk by faith and to trust You for everything I need, including encouragement. Amen.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV)
Faith is one of the KEY words we hear in church and read in the Bible. It’s so familiar that we sometimes nearly overlook it when reading Scripture.
Here, the author of Hebrews is teaching us – via the Holy Spirit – what faith is. It is the “substance of things hoped for.” Other translations say it’s the “confidence,” or the “confirmation,” or the “reality,” or the “certainty,” or the “title deed” of things hoped for.
We are all saved by faith and faith alone. Nothing else is required. So then, how are we to become encouraged – the theme of this 40-day series? (Hint: the answer is in the verse.)
Let’s say that you need some encouragement today. Life has been a bit frustrating or complicated and you need a lift.
Walk by faith. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior or receive His encouragement and help to get through a rough patch, we walk by faith.
Further, Hebrews 11:6 tells us “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV)
Even in the Old Testament, God’s followers were told: “The Just shall live by faith.” (Habakkuk 1:1). That means that we can live ENCOURAGED every day if we let the LORD lead. And we can trust that He will lead us in the best way for us. Our Father knows best!
Prayer: LORD, I sometimes don’t connect faith with encouragement, but since I am to live by faith, even my receiving encouragement from You is something I can have faith for. Help me Lord to turn even my discouraging days over to You. Help me to walk by faith and to trust You for everything I need, including encouragement. Amen.