Sunday Words of Encouragement July 14, 2019

This morning we enjoyed a video on growth of Christian communities in Colombia and Nairobi. These revivals started with prayer against evil spiritual strongholds (spiritualists, mediums and witches) and God honored the prayers of the people. The evil elements moved out and spiritual (and economic) growth occurred in the communities.

Our pastor and his wife were away for a funeral of a good friend. Our youth pastor led youth song praise and worship and then gave the message continuing in the Resolution series. This morning’s sermon was based on Hebrews 11:1-7 which is more of the letter addressed to the Jewish Christians who may have been facing persecution.

The purpose of Hebrews is two fold:
1. Elevate Jesus above anything else, this is who God wants us to follow.
2. Challenge believers to stay faithful even during struggles and facing persecution.
Chapter 11 addresses “Faith”. Not the faith that is religion but faith that is trusting God that He will do what He has promised even when we don't see the path. We often seek the signs of God over the word of God.

We may be praying for God to show up but faith is the evidence of things we cannot see. Faith is trusting in the Word. It is faith in His word not in works.

Don't be a spoiled child seeking what is in His hands. Instead be thankful and trust Him to give what is needed.
Hebrew 7:6 says “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.”
We need to trust His word over our circumstances. God's word still stands!

Isaiah 55:11; Luke 1:37 The word of God will never fail.
Hebrews 6:13 Abraham waited patiently….
Hebrews 11:7 Noah acted by faith….

There is a gap between where you are and where God is. This gap is where we fall if we give up trusting. We need preparation, strength and equipment to travel the gap. That is what the Word provides. The foundation of faith is in the word. That foundation will get us to the promise.

I think this song fits this message:

Verses for Today:
Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV Faith in Action
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Lord I praise You and give you thanks that You have allowed me faith to trust Your path and Your promises.