May 19 –First Believe, Avoid the Impossible

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6  (ESV)

We all lose things from time to time. They are misplaced is likely the main reason but sometimes just forgetting where it is even supposed to be. We look earnestly, even frantically. How many times do we go to the same places we have already looked because we’re convinced that is where our item is supposed to be?  We keep looking until we find it because we believe we will. We believe it still exists in our world. Seekers who are looking for the Truth will find it where God is and has spoken – like the Bible. But finding God’s Truth requires our belief that He is real, that He exists because He does. Believing in the existence of God and His word is how our search must start.  He is the God of the Bible. So when we believe that the God who reveals Himself in the Bible really exists and is there for us, it pleases God. Then too, we must believe that God responds to our desire to find Truth, to know Him, and He hears our prayers. That also pleases Him and He rewards our faith – He meets our needs. 

194

September 15 – Impossible Without Trust

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)

God has given many promises for the situations in our lives.  He has especially made promises about answering our prayers if we pray in faith. But do we really live as if we believe those promises?  What is faith really?  Our verse today tells us clearly what faith is.  Notice the three truths or facts that we have to believe when we come to God?  First we have to understand and accept that there is no way to please or approach God without faith.  A doubtful approach will not be successful.  We might doubt sometimes but we then trust and with faith in God the doubting is canceled.  Second, we must believe that He exists.  He is not “the man upstairs.”  He is God, and actually right here with us listen to our prayers.  He hears us.  Third, we must believe that He rewards those who approach Him in earnest.  So when we turn to God for help, let’s remember who He is, that He is there and is listening to our request.  Then remember that He promises to reward us with a response. He does reward the faithful, earnest seeker.

# # #

April 12 – Essential Faith and Belief

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6  (ESV)

During this time approaching Resurrection Sunday (Easter)  when we are thinking so much about Jesus dying on the cross and then rising from the dead it is good to think about how because of that, we are able to approach God through faith.  The promise we focus on today is the promise that God rewards those who seek Him.  So how are we to seek God?  Just as our verse says, with faith and believing.  We must believe in God.  We must believe that He exists, that He is real, and He is there when we need him.  If we do not believe that God is real and that He exists, it is impossible to approach Him. He exists as something more “than the man upstairs” and He will respond to our belief when we call on him.  We trust that many of the followers of this blog do believe in God and through faith, have learned how to draw near to Him. For those who have not yet believed, now is the time, God is willing to receive all who believe and seek to draw near to him.   

# # #

May 8 – He Is and He Is For 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.” Hebrews 11:6  (NIV)

This may well be a very familiar verse for you, or it may be the first time you've read it. Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the faith chapter. We can learn some basic teaching about what real faith consists of. First of all true faith must be based on a belief that there is a God and that He is the God of the Bible. So when we believe that the God who reveals Himself in the Bible really exists and is there for us, it pleases God. Then too we must believe that God responds to our desire to know Him and He responds to our prayers. That also pleases Him and He will then respond and will meet our needs. Let's be sure that our faith today in every way pleases God.