 |
www.fvcrc.org
Pastor:
George Cooper
Church office:
(815) 459-9519
Email:
revelation@dls.net
fvcrcoffice@dls.net
| October 2003: Living By Faith |
 Faith is only as good as what we have faith in. People who trust in money, power, or fame find their faith on shaky ground. In the lives of biblical heroes of faith we see that real faith is a response to the power and love of God. The Christian faith offers trust in the one good and gracious God revealed in Jesus Christ. We need to keep in mind that behind (and in front of) each faith hero is the real hero: God. God acts in our lives, and when we respond with a "yes" to God, we are moved into a personal relationship with the Lord that brings meaning and wholeness to our lives. And through the work of God's Spirit in us we can make a difference as we encourage our world to live by faith. Rev. Duane Van Loo is the pastor of Kedvale Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. He began serving as a pastor after graduating from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1973. Before moving to Kedvale Avenue in 1993, he pastored three other Christian Reformed churches in Indiana and Michigan. He and his wife, Val, live in Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago. OCTOBER 1: THE FAITH LIST Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 We are often encouraged to make lists--grocery lists, to-do lists, prayer lists, top-10 lists. The writer to the Hebrews made a list of people to highlight believers who were faithful to God. And that list is not exhaustive. When the writer says, "I do not have time to tell about . . ." we get the impression that the list could go on and on. The people on the list are commended for accomplishing something they would not have been able to do without faith. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." What does it take to be on God's list of the faithful? People are not on the list because they were always more obedient than everyone else. They messed up--sometimes in worse ways than we do. They are on the list because they were willing to follow God's leading. They held tightly to what God had promised even though they could not yet see the whole picture. This month we look at some of God's faithful people and the encouragement they give us. This interesting assortment of people in the Bible put their faith into action. They trusted a loving, almighty God--even through times of suffering and spiritual struggle. As we read about their lives, may we be challenged to live by faith. PRAYER OCTOBER 2: FAITH AND WORSHIP By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. . . . . By faith he still speaks . . . . Hebrews 11:4 What made Abel's offering a "better sacrifice" than Cain's? God was concerned with what motivated the brothers' offerings. Abel's heart was directed to God in faith. Cain's heart was filled with selfishness and anger. Seeing that Abel believed, God declared him righteous. Abel lived in a world that was decayed by sin. Within his family he had to deal with anger, jealousy, and selfishness. In the midst of this turmoil he chose to worship God. Abel certainly knew that his brother hated him. But Abel's faith in God moved him to worship. He believed God was Lord of all, so he brought his offering and praise to God. The author of Hebrews tells us that Abel's faith still speaks to us today. Abel encourages us to come boldly and faithfully into the presence of God. Worship is at the core of a believer's life. It is not limited to what we do when we gather in churches or other places with fellow believers. We also worship God in the way we do our work, accept assignments, interact with people, and enjoy recreation. In worship we give our best to God in all that we think, say, and do.
PRAYER Father God, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sound your praise. Look with favor on the worship we offer you. In Jesus' name, Amen. OCTOBER 3: WALKING WITH GOD Enoch walked with God. Genesis 5:24 The engravings on cemetery markers can give us interesting insights into the persons buried there. Have you ever wondered how you'll be remembered? The Bible describes Enoch as a person who "walked with God." He was "commended as one who pleased God." The details of Enoch's life are sketchy. All we know is that his life was characterized by an intense love for God. Enoch lived faithfully in a world where faith in God was not popular. The book of Jude describes Enoch as one who admonished people to turn away from evil (Jude 14-15). His warnings often went unheeded. Because of his closeness to God, Enoch did not leave this world through the usual way of physical death. "By faith Enoch was taken from this life"; he was escorted directly into the presence of God. Enoch's example of walking with God is an encouragement to Christians today. Even when we walk through "the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4), God walks with us. Jesus has overcome the power of death and will walk with us through all our experiences. True faith in God cannot be kept secret. Living out our faith may rarely be popular. But God will take each step with us even in the most difficult circumstances. Our walk with God is reflected in everything we do and everything we say. PRAYER OCTOBER 4: FAITH AND OBEDIENCE Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8 By the time of Noah, life in the world had changed drastically from the way God had created it. The culture of Noah's day was filled with evil. Because of the rampant sin in the world, God determined to destroy everything with a flood--well, almost everything. Noah had "found favor in the eyes of the LORD," so God would rescue Noah and his family along with two of every kind of creature that lived on the earth. Noah must have been overwhelmed by the instructions he received from God to build an ark. The way Noah responded in faith to God is a challenge to us. How could Noah live in such an evil world without being corrupted by its culture? The author of Hebrews tells us, "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" (Hebrews 11:7). Imagine the ridicule and taunting Noah endured because he chose to be faithful to God. Noah's response revealed his unique trust and relationship with God. Noah was pushed and challenged in his faith. Today the Lord Jesus instructs and challenges us to be faithful witnesses for him, sharing his love and good news "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). May each of us find "favor in the eyes of the LORD." PRAYER OCTOBER 5: FAITH AS A JOURNEY By faith Abraham . . . obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 Faith is a journey with a promise ahead of us. God called Abraham to take a journey and made him a promise. It was a marvelous promise that came about entirely by God's initiative. No one asked for it or anticipated it. God sometimes breaks into our lives when we're not expecting it. God approaches us at times when we are not specifically asking for anything. God calls our name and says, "Come." God takes the initiative and gives promises to us before we even ask for them. When Abraham received the promise from God, he had to leave his country and everything familiar to him and go to a place he knew nothing about. God simply told him to go, and Abraham obeyed. Living by faith means listening for God's call and being ready to go, to obey. It means trusting when God says, "I will show you." Faith asks us to let go of what is familiar and comfortable. It calls us to take risks. We must trust God to handle every part of our lives. By faith we move forward when God calls, approaching the future with the confidence that God will lead the way. The journey can take many twists and turns. Sometimes the going is smooth. But often, when the ride is rough, we listen best and cling to God as never before. May God bless us in our journey of faith. PRAYER OCTOBER 6: FAITH MISPLACED "Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well . . . and my life will be spared. . . ." Genesis 12:13 Abraham's life journey is told in great detail; his faults and sins are in full view. Even heroes of faith sometimes take matters into their own hands. This incident in Abraham's life is a story of God's grace applied to a flawed, self-centered human heart. Abraham was still getting acquainted with God; his faith was in its early stages. And when he ran into trouble, his growing trust and friendship with God was tested. Rather than seeing famine as an opportunity to trust God, Abraham immediately fled to Egypt. Abraham may have become the father of all believers, but even he had to learn to take God's promises seriously. When we are in the midst of opposition and dangers, we must encourage one another to hold firmly to the promises God gives us. Abraham's experience with God eventually set him free from trying to handle matters on his own. He realized he was looking for a better place--a heavenly place. And God is not ashamed to be his God (Hebrews 11:15-16). Abraham's weakness is overshadowed by God's faithfulness. We stumble too. We make questionable compromises. We look for shortcuts and quick fixes when the way God has marked out for us seems difficult. We deliberately disobey. But God continues to pursue his plan for us, just as he did for Abraham. PRAYER OCTOBER 7: PROMISES By faith Abraham . . . was enabled to become a father because he considered [God] faithful . . . . Heb. 11:11 We make many promises. We make promises to our families, our friends, and ourselves. We even make promises to God. Sometimes the toughest thing to do after we have made promises is to keep them faithfully. We secretly, and sometimes not so secretly, wish we had not been so specific about our promises. But God delights in making and keeping promises. How encouraging for Abraham to hear God say, "I am God Almighty . . . . I will confirm my covenant." God promises Abraham that some wonderful, unexpected things will happen in his life. God says, in effect, "I will be faithful to you, and you must be faithful to me." Abraham falls on his face and worships God. Abraham's trust in God is so overwhelming that he is "fully persuaded" that God has "power to do what he [has] promised" (Romans 4:21). God makes the promise. Abraham trusts God and says, "I'll take it!" That's faith! God also fulfills his promise to give Abraham numerous descendants. The apostle Paul says that all who have faith in Jesus Christ are descendants of Abraham. They call Abraham their father (Romans 9:8). If you believe in Jesus, you are also a recipient of God's promises to Abraham. God is your God too--forever. God is always faithful to his promises and never wishes he has not been specific about what he has promised. PRAYER OCTOBER 8: FAITH TESTED By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. Hebrews 11:17 This story of Abraham's test of faith fascinates us every time we read it. It seems that Abraham's life and every promise God has given him is going to dissolve right in front of him. We wonder why God would make such an astonishing demand of Abraham. We know that genuine faith is often tested, but this seems to go beyond what should be asked as a proof of faith. Do you ever wonder how Abraham felt when God told him to sacrifice his son? He must have been crushed and stunned, maybe even angry, to think that God would make such a request. This seemed to conflict with everything God had previously promised him. Abraham's act of sacrifice is halted by the angel of the Lord, who says, "Now I know that you fear God." Abraham gives us insight into what it means to live by faith even when our emotions are pulled in many directions. Throughout his life Abraham was called to leap one hurdle after another. Each challenge deepened his understanding of God and drew him closer to God. Faith says, "I believe in God, and I want to do whatever God asks, even if it seems to go beyond what I understand." Abraham points us to faith in the God who was also willing to sacrifice his Son, Jesus. In wrenching agony God did sacrifice his Son so that whoever believes in him will have eternal life (John 3:16). PRAYER OCTOBER 9: GOD PROVIDES Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead . . . . Hebrews 11:19 Suppose Abraham's faith were not so strong. We could easily imagine Abraham and Isaac running away, thinking God had made a mistake. But Abraham was becoming a man of deep, mature faith. He knew God would not go back on his word. The author of Hebrews says that God had promised, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." So Abraham believed that somehow God could raise Isaac from the dead and still fulfill his promises. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac is a powerful prophetic story that points us to Jesus Christ. In place of Isaac, God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice. So Abraham named the place "The LORD Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14). Centuries later God provided his Son, Jesus, to be sacrificed on a cross. Jesus, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), died in our place. Abraham lived by the promises of God and believed God could give life to what was dead. And God brought Jesus back to life so that all who believe may have life in him. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). God does indeed provide. PRAYER OCTOBER 10: FLAWLESS LAMB By faith [Moses] kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood . . . . Hebrews 11:28 The Old Testament Passover celebration began the night the Israelites left Egypt. God wanted his people to escape bondage and judgment. God instructed Moses that the people were to select a lamb without defect. No deformity or disease was acceptable. Moses listened obediently to God's instructions, and in faith he passed those instructions on to the people. The people responded in faith and obedience because they now knew that only God could save them. It's still that way today for anyone who desires to come close to God. When God wanted his people to escape the bondage and judgment of sin, God's own perfect Son became the Passover Lamb. Jesus, the flawless Lamb of God, was sacrificed to take away the sin of the world (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). The Passover celebration became the model for the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In the Lord's Supper we celebrate the great acts of God for our salvation. We celebrate Jesus' sacrificing himself for us. By his perfect sacrifice and shed blood we are saved from our sin. Whenever you take part in the Lord's Supper, focus on the flawless character of Jesus. Remember what the Bible says--even though Jesus had no sin, he was willing to accept the blame for every sin we have done so that we could be forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:21). PRAYER OCTOBER 11: TRUST GOD By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. Hebrews 11:29 When we read about the complaining Israelites of Exodus 14, we may wonder if they could be the same people of faith in Hebrews 11:29. Soon after their deliverance from Egypt they began to resist both Moses and God. They became afraid of what might happen to them and bitter about the thought of dying in the desert. They did not even consider how God might care for them. God's instruction for the people to "move on" certainly must have come as a surprise. They were blocked in. Where could they go? But when they saw the amazing display of God's power making a path for them in the sea, they began to trust God. "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea." God's people tended to have little faith in God's promises; they were more often a bitter and complaining bunch. But with the sea in front of them and Pharaoh's army fast approaching, faith replaced fear as they took the first steps onto the path God provided. These Old Testament people were getting to know God not only as the God of their ancestor Abraham but also as their God. God's act of parting the sea moved the people to faith. We have Jesus, his death on a cross, the empty tomb, and the presence of his Spirit in our lives to move us to faith. His presence encourages us in the face of fear. No situation in life can match his power. PRAYER OCTOBER 12: GOD'S BLESSINGS By faith [Moses] left Egypt. Hebrews 11:27 God taught Moses and the people of Israel an important lesson during their time in the desert: have faith that each day God will provide what is needed. After leaving Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, and escaping Pharaoh's army, they weren't prepared for life in the desert. Hungry and thirsty, they bitterly complained to Moses for bringing them there (Exodus 16:2-3). Then God provided another miracle: meat every evening and bread every morning--just enough for each day. And without hesitation Moses told them they had to learn that just as God had provided for them in the past, God would continue to provide for them each day. We need to learn the same lesson in our lives today. We need to trust that God is taking care of us, providing exactly what we need each day. Last year, for example, when we were helping our son move, we noticed God's special provision for us daily--and sometimes even hourly. As we'd finish one important part of the process, the phone would ring and we'd be informed of another detail completed so that we could keep going. We know things like that don't happen by chance. God provides. What we need one day might not be what we need another day. But God knows our needs and provides what is best for us at each particular time. PRAYER OCTOBER 13: UNUSUAL FAITH "The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." Joshua 2:11 Rahab, a woman of questionable character, was one of the first converts to faith in God when the Lord led Israel into the promised land of Canaan. Entering the land would not be an easy task, so spies were sent to check out the land. Rahab provided both information and protection for the spies. She had heard about this group of people and the amazing things their God had done. Another amazing thing was that in her heart she knew their God was the true God "in heaven above and on the earth below." Before being liberated from slavery, these people had been scorned and used and treated as outcasts. Rahab could identify with that. She was hoping that the story of these liberated people could become her story and that she too could be delivered by God to a new life filled with hope and promise. Even though Rahab is not a traditional role model, her story is one of faith and hope for the future. This unusual woman had heard of God's power and had become convinced that this was the one true God. Faith compelled her to put herself and her family at great risk. Though Rahab's faith was not completely developed, she knew she had to trust in God and not back down. Rahab's example encourages all believers to leave behind the sins of the past and to move on to serve God. PRAYER OCTOBER 14: GOD'S AMAZING GRACE By faith the prostitute Rahab . . . was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31 Yesterday we looked at Rahab's unusual faith. Her life is also a remarkable statement about God's grace. God helps us overcome our past and delivers us from it. God's unconditional love for people is clearly evident in that Rahab is included in Hebrews 11 along with other faith heroes. The fact that God chose Rahab is an encouragement for every believer who feels ashamed or even worthless because of an ugly past. Rahab's story shows that belonging to God's family is not based on our goodness but on God's amazing, redeeming grace. Certainly Rahab's past sins were offensive to God, but God honored her genuine faith and accomplished his own good purposes through her. If the Lord sees past our sins, then we must do the same in our relationships with one another. The fellowship of Christians must be a place of refuge, a place that is welcoming and open to anyone with any kind of background. God is gracious. Our past sins do not disqualify us from belonging to God and serving him. Our challenge is to accept people who by faith want to start over and live a new life by the grace of God. God blessed Rahab by giving her a home among the Israelites. And she became part of the family line that eventually gave birth to Jesus (Matthew 1:5). What a marvelous demonstration of God's grace and love! PRAYER OCTOBER 15: FAITH AND FEAR Barak . . . through faith . . . gained what was promised. Hebrews 11:32-33 When we first meet Barak, he is weak and hesitant, lacking the confidence to lead on his own. But after his army's victory, he and Deborah celebrate in song together, in praise of the Lord (Judges 5). The author of Hebrews includes Barak among the faithful who "through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised" (Hebrews 11:33). Barak carried out God's purpose and, with Deborah, brought about justice in the life of God's people. Barak may appear overly fearful or even unfit in the beginning, but we ought not to be too critical of him. He didn't have the advantage, as we do, of knowing how the battle would turn out. He had to move forward in faith, just as Deborah did, on the basis of a promise the Lord had spoken through her. Deborah's prophecy was reliable, but Barak didn't know that for sure. He was simply acting as most of us would--trying to live by faith but also afraid of where his faith might lead. Barak was fearful; yet he had to believe Deborah was speaking for God, and he did not want to ignore a word from God. As a result, he wanted the word of God to go with him in the person of Deborah. Barak also had to be willing to set aside any fame he might receive, in order to be faithful and obedient to God. May we be as faithful and obedient as Barak and Deborah. PRAYER OCTOBER 16: READY TO SERVE "I will sing to the LORD, I will sing . . . ." Judges 5:3 Deborah was a prophetess, the only female judge over Israel. At the time she was leading God's people, they were under the oppression of Jabin, a king of Canaan. The reason for their oppression was that they had become corrupt and had done "evil in the eyes of the LORD." The people had rebelled against God, who had been faithful and gracious to them. Under Jabin's oppression the people repented and "cried to the LORD for help." So God sent Deborah to lead them. Deborah was gifted by God with spiritual insight. She helped to settle disputes and offered advice to the people who came to her. She summoned Barak and relayed to him the commands from God about delivering the people from oppression. She encouraged Barak for his task by telling him the Lord would be with him. Through Deborah's leadership, Barak's obedience, and the faith of both (as well as the loyalty of Jael--see Judges 4:17-24), God delivered the people. In response, Deborah and Barak sang praise to God (Judges 5). God takes an active role in our lives, often working through many people and events. Deborah's presence in the life of God's people made a significant difference for them. The same is true of each of us. Wherever we are in this world, we either help or hinder; we are a part of encouraging others or a part of dragging them down. PRAYER OCTOBER 17: CONTROLLED BY GOD The LORD answered, "I will be with you . . . ." Judges 6:16 When he first receives a call from God, Gideon has to deal with unbelief and self-doubt. He lacks courage and needs the assurance that God will be with him. Gideon has a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. A lack of faith can tie our hands, dull our eyes, and make us shrink in fear. Skepticism about what God can do can make us frustrated and hinder God's working in us and through us. At first Gideon questions God's assignment. The Lord assures Gideon that he is the one chosen to lead the people at this time in their history. Through a series of encounters with God, then, Gideon's life and faith are shaped for active service. Gideon's life is transformed as the Spirit of God takes control (Judges 6:34). When we read Judges 6-8, we see that Gideon's life is a mixture of greatness and failure. Gideon was successful when he carefully followed God's instructions. But later, giving only lip service to God, he introduced a pagan object into the worship of God. And yet, despite these failures, Hebrews 11 commends Gideon for his faith. What stands in the way of our obedience and commitment to God? Is there anything that keeps us from consistently acting on our faith in God? After all, God provides us the same assurance that he gave Gideon: "I will be with you." PRAYER OCTOBER 18: DEALING WITH PAST HURTS Jephthah . . . through faith conquered kingdoms . . . and gained what was promised. Hebrews 11:32-33 Jephthah is introduced to us as "a mighty warrior." His story gives us mixed feelings. We feel sorry for him because of the way he is treated by his brothers. But later we are disappointed by the vow he makes that leads to tragedy for his daughter (Judges 11:30-35). It's disturbing that Jehpthah's brothers consider him worthless and cut him out of the family inheritance. Again we see through Jephthah's life that God takes people whom others have shunned and transforms them for useful purposes. God equips Jephthah to serve as a judge and leader of Israel for six years. God blesses him with great military victories. Jephthah is also commended in Hebrews 11 for his faith in God. He turns to God for help and relies on God's faithfulness to him. We know only a little about Jephthah, but he does demonstrate that living by faith makes it possible to get beyond the hurts and sufferings of the past. God has a way of removing the injuries we experience from others, as well as the suffering we bring upon ourselves. When we repent and seek healing, God will restore us. We can spend our lives being bitter about what has happened to us and whining to anyone who will listen. Or, by faith in God, we can get beyond the hurt, live with hope, and become useful instruments in the hands of the Lord. PRAYER OCTOBER 19: HUMBLED AND BROKEN "O Sovereign LORD, remember me." Judges 16:28 Samson is generally remembered for his extraordinary strength. Unfortunately his life also reflects the moral decay of his people as they "did evil in the eyes of the LORD" (Judges 13:1). From the time of his birth Samson is called by God to deliver his people from the Philistines (13:5). God gives Samson incredible strength to fight a lion and to defeat a thousand men who attack him. "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power" (15:14). Because of all his wit and power Samson begins to think he is invincible. He gets careless, ignores his devotion to God, and betrays his vow. He separates himself from the presence of God in his life. Deceived by his ungodly wife, he compromises his faith and foolishly gives away the secret of his strength (16:17). As a result, he loses his God-given strength and gets captured and blinded by the Philistines. Samson then spends the rest of his life in humiliation. He becomes a broken and humbled person. Near the end of his life he prays that God will restore his strength one last time. God answers his prayer and fulfills the intention he has for Samson's life. From Samson we learn that apart from God we can do nothing. We must rely on God's power and pray earnestly each day, "Deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). PRAYER OCTOBER 20: LOYALTY "Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16 Loyalty is a virtue that people admire and come to expect in close relationships. When Naomi's husband and Ruth's husband die, Naomi gives Ruth the opportunity to remain in her homeland. Ruth refuses the kind gesture and instead pledges to Naomi, "Your people will be my people." For Ruth to leave her own land is to cut herself off from her family, her friends, and her familiar neighborhood and to leave everything behind. She even faces the possibility of a life of poverty in another land--and without a provider. But this story is not only about the loving loyalty of one woman to another. It's also about Ruth's loyalty to God, and God's faithfulness to his people. Ruth says to Naomi, "Your God will be my God." She is willing to give up everything that's part of her life at the moment. What strong loyalty and commitment! This is evidence of tremendous faith. As Ruth accepts her circumstances and makes her decision, she believes God will take care of her, no matter what might happen in her new surroundings. She knows the all-powerful God has a plan --even for her. Ruth decides to be loyal to God, whatever it might cost her. And she becomes another person of faith in the long line of ancestors who produce the promised Savior, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). PRAYER OCTOBER 21: TRUSTING GOD David . . . through faith . . . became powerful in battle. Hebrews 11:32-34 The story about David and the giant Goliath is a classic story about how God works to accomplish his purposes. God uses faith-filled people to do his work. Have you ever done something that people said couldn't be done? That was David's experience. And he said, "The LORD . . . will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." When Goliath defied the Lord God, David stood up to him. David trusted God to enable him to do what needed to be done. As a young shepherd he wanted to do God's will even in the face of what looked like certain defeat. He wanted to bring glory to God. A sling and a small stone, common equipment for a shepherd, were effective in serving God because David placed himself in God's hands. When we give our life situations over to God in complete trust, amazing things begin to happen. Our relationship with God gathers momentum and becomes more meaningful. We put our lives on the line every day because of our trust in people and objects. We rely on a mechanical box to control traffic with signals. We depend on the skill of doctors to treat our illnesses. Are we willing to put even more trust in God? The Lord who guided David will not disappoint us. PRAYER OCTOBER 22: FAITH AND REPENTANCE "I have sinned against the LORD." 2 Samuel 12:13 The highs and lows of David's life are striking because they are so extreme. While David was king, he was guilty of murder and adultery (2 Samuel 11). In contrast, he was also known for his great love for and trust in God. How could a man whose personal life was so messy and sinful be listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11? When David was confronted about his sin, he made no excuses. He admitted his sin and humbled himself before God. Psalm 51 is David's prayer of confession to God. It shows us why he can still be called "a man after [God's] own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Deeply aware of the wrong he has done, David knows he needs to be set straight. He is eager for a renewed relationship with God even though he knows he is undeserving. David realizes that every sin is a sin against God. He sincerely repents and pleads that God will continue to show mercy according to his unfailing love. By honest confession of his sin, David helps us understand what it means to experience the power of God's grace. God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to open the way for us to be reconciled with him and with others. If there is some sin in your life for which you have not yet repented, honestly acknowledge it to God, ask for forgiveness, and experience God's mercy. PRAYER OCTOBER 23: GOD FORGIVES The LORD . . . forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5 What's the best thing you could receive? A good grade on an exam? A promotion at your workplace? A good job with a steady income? Healing from an illness? For the psalmist, the best thing is knowing the forgiveness of God. In Psalm 32 David openly admits what sin has done in his life, and he thankfully emphasizes the joy that forgiveness has brought him. David tells how in the beginning he kept silent, trying to conceal his unconfessed sins. The consequence was that even his physical body was in distress. He alerts us to the horror of sin by using a variety of terms--transgressions, sins, deceit. And he matches that by using an equivalent set of terms to describe forgiveness--forgiven, covered, not counted. David understands that God's forgiveness is the best thing we can ever experience. Trying to avoid the consequences of sin does not work. Confession is not easy; telling God we have dishonored him and hurt others is hard to do. But the pain of confession is followed by the peace of forgiveness. There is no sin God cannot forgive. There is no person God cannot restore. There is no life God cannot turn around. David is a prime example. He was certainly guilty, but he was also deeply rooted by faith in the God who forgives and transforms people. PRAYER OCTOBER 24: CHOICES Through faith . . . [Daniel] shut the mouths of lions. Hebrews 11:33 Daniel became a courageous hero because of his faith and obedience. He was taken from his homeland as a young man and brought to the city of Babylon, where he was trained in the king's court. There Daniel displayed exceptional courage and faith by saying no to some of the king's demands and remaining committed to serving God. When the king summoned him to interpret a dream, Daniel relied on God to provide the meaning of the dream (Daniel 2:27-28). Daniel's faith enabled him to speak the truth regardless of the consequences because he knew that was the only way to bring about repentance and lead people to acknowledge God as Lord. Daniel's faith in God also gave him the courage to face lions rather than to worship King Darius. When his life was spared, Daniel testified, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions." Then the king commanded everyone in the kingdom to worship Daniel's God. Daniel was one of those unnamed heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 who "shut the mouths of lions." We need faith for daily living. In our daily choices we reveal our identity as people of faith. We affirm that we belong to God. Where did Daniel get his faith? God gives strength and courage to those who trust in him. PRAYER OCTOBER 25: FAITH ON THE LINE Through faith [they] . . . quenched the fury of the flames. Hebrews 11:33-34 The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows three friends who decide to remain faithful to God even when all odds are against them. These young men have a promising future ahead of them if they will be loyal to the king of Babylon. But they refuse to worship the image of gold set up by the king, even though they know their punishment will be death in a fiery furnace. As these three friends stand before the king, we might expect them to answer carefully, so as not to offend the king too much. But their statements are completely straightforward. They declare that their God is able to save them from the fire--and that even if God doesn't do that, they are not going to worship the king's image or serve his gods. They stand by their faith, ready to accept the consequences. The decisions we make tell a lot about how committed we are to our faith. When my faith is on the line, am I willing to risk my reputation, my friendships, my work, my life? A person firmly committed to faith in God does not bow to tempting or compromising situations. As people of faith, we trust that God will do what is best for us. "Neither death nor life . . . nor any powers . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). PRAYER OCTOBER 26: NICODEMUS THE SEEKER "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God." John 3:2 It's often difficult to keep a firm faith in God when the hazards of believing in Jesus are great. The story of Nicodemus unfolds with challenges that include personal struggles and ridicule from others. Nicodemus was a seeker who wanted to know more about Jesus. He was attracted to Jesus because of the signs and miracles Jesus had been doing. But when he came to interview Jesus, Nicodemus was cautious and came at night so that he wouldn't attract the attention of his fellow Pharisees. Jesus responded to this seeker with eternal truths about the kingdom of God. The way to God is through faith in Jesus as God's Son. The heart of the gospel (John 3:16) is recorded in their conversation. This story in John 3 is not the whole story about Nicodemus. On another occasion Nicodemus defended Jesus before his fellow religious leaders. Animosity against Jesus had been growing, and a warrant had been issued for his arrest. When Jesus' credibility was attacked, Nicodemus spoke out in Jesus' defense (John 7:50-51). And after Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus helped to prepare and bury Jesus' body (John 19:38-42). Nicodemus inspires us in our journey of faith when our status in the community is in jeopardy because we are willing to speak up for Jesus. PRAYER OCTOBER 27: CALLING OUT IN FAITH "Jesus . . . have mercy on me!" Mark 10:47 Have you ever been so completely affected by someone's words that you immediately stopped what you were doing? That's what happens in our story for today. Bartimaeus's cry for mercy is so great that, in a sense, it stops Jesus in his tracks. Jesus welcomes the interruption and invites Bartimaeus to a lifetime of faith. Bartimaeus was a beggar, an outcast of society. His encounter with Jesus offered a dramatic change that could open up a whole new world to him. Bartimaeus called out for help--"Jesus . . . have mercy on me!" Living by faith begins with a personal reaction to Jesus' presence, a cry for Jesus to accept me, care about me, and make a radical difference in my life. When I call out to him, Jesus listens with a love that singles me out of the crowd. He turns all his attention on me and lets me know I am important to him. Living by faith continues with a decision to follow Jesus. Bartimaeus had to learn how to make a go of his new life as he followed Jesus. Though the story in Mark 10 doesn't say so, I like to think that Bartimaeus was not quiet about what happened to him. A true follower of Jesus wants others to know what Jesus can do. Believe that Jesus hears you when you call his name. May your life be a story of faith in which others can see that you are a follower of Jesus. PRAYER OCTOBER 28: COMING TO FAITH "Could this be the Christ?" John 4:29 Do you remember when you first experienced Jesus' presence in your life? The woman in our story for today was moved to faith by her encounter with Jesus. She initially wanted to avoid contact with others, so she came to the well at noon after other people had already drawn water for the day. As she stood face to face with Jesus, talking about water and spiritual thirst, she discovered that Jesus already knew about her life of sin and her search for God. Becoming aware of her need, she began to believe Jesus was the one who could make her right with God. Not only did the woman want a personal relationship with God, she also brought the good news to the people of her town. She invited them to experience the life-giving power that Jesus offered her. The woman's name is never mentioned, and we hear nothing more about her after this story. Yet because of her faith she becomes a catalyst for many others to believe. And many more believed not just because of what she told them but because of their own experience with Jesus (John 4:39-42). The greatest opportunities for growing in faith often come in everyday situations. God comes to us in the most ordinary places. Where do you think you might meet Jesus today? And what difference will it make? PRAYER OCTOBER 29: PERSISTENT FAITH "Woman, you have great faith!" Matthew 15:28 Jesus has compassion for people. Jesus saw in the Canaanite woman what others were not able to see--faith. In fact, her faith was greater than that of Jesus' disciples. We admire her because we want our faith to be strong, like hers. This unnamed woman kept asking Jesus questions. The disciples thought she was a nuisance and wanted to send her away. Jesus' initial response was silence. Encouraged that Jesus at least acknowledged her presence, she knelt before him to utter her plea, "Lord, help me!" She believed Jesus could heal her daughter. Finding her faith sincere, Jesus announced in front of his followers, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." The woman did not know everything there was to know about Jesus before she came to him in faith. But she did understand that faith meant coming to Jesus, whatever the situation, with any kind of concern, and saying, "Lord . . . have mercy on me!" Faith is having the confidence that Jesus opens his arms to each of us. He ate with sinners. He welcomed the presence of the sick and despairing. People from all kinds of situations found themselves cared for and loved in his presence. He wants us to express our faith and believe that he can and will help us in our need. PRAYER OCTOBER 30: LEARNING FAITH I have been reminded of your sincere faith . . . . 2 Timothy 1:5 How do we learn faith? The apostle Paul suggests that the roots of Timothy's faith were in the lives of other people around him who were Christians. Timothy's mother, grandmother, and Paul himself had an influence on young Timothy. They strengthened, encouraged, and supported him as he matured in faith. I too am thankful to God for people who taught, nurtured, and encouraged me in faith. I remember some of what they said. I remember more from their lives and actions. The grace of God was at work through them. We often learn the lessons of faith from people who live faithful lives. Stories, books, pictures, and memory assignments are important, but we often remember best the persons whose faithful lives influenced our learning about faith. A faithful life makes a positive impact for the gospel and for the development of faith in us. Paul urges Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God." That means Timothy must stir up, keep alive, exercise the gift God has given. Timothy's gift needs to be developed and used. Then he can expect that God will use him to help others learn the faith and embrace the powerful message of the gospel of Jesus. Do you remember people who taught you the faith? How are you fanning into flame the gift of God that is in you so that others also learn lessons of faith? PRAYER OCTOBER 31: FAITH COMMENDED These were all commended for their faith . . . . Hebrews 11:39 The people listed in Hebrews 11 believed God would fulfill the promises he'd made. Their faith kept them going even though they did not see all the promises completely fulfilled. They were "commended for their faith" and blessed by God. Some of them saw some promises come true, but none of these people saw the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They died before Jesus appeared on the earth. Their examples encourage us to come to God in faith. They looked forward to the Savior's coming just as we look forward to his second coming. Faith is responding to God in complete trust. Faith gives us the determination to face every difficulty, never giving up on God. Faith is the confidence to keep persevering through life's ups and downs, believing in the continuing presence of God in our lives. Faith is living with confidence in God's faithfulness to make good on all of God's promises. Faith is grounded in Jesus Christ and his work. We can face our guilt and sin because we are justified by faith in Christ, who died to take away our sin. We can stand shoulder to shoulder with believers who have faced opposition and say, like Martin Luther, "Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me." Our faith is in what God does, not what we do. To God be the glory! PRAYER Copyright © 2003, Fox Valley Christian Reformed Church |
