Without Faith

Text: Hebrews 11:2-6

Theme: Faith is required for a proper perspective of the universe and us.

Key verses: Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts…It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying…For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. For it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (v. 2-6).

What God said to me: What did all of the people in Hebrews 11 have in common, Dwayne? They all believed that I exist and that I created the heavens and the earth and that I rule as God. They gave their best to me. Why? Because they believed I deserved and demanded their best. They had a proper (correct, accurate, spot-on) perspective of my place vs. their place. Because they believed in me whole-heartedly, they trusted me and learned to love me and walk with me. It all started because of their faith in what they could not see but yet believed. What do you believe, Dwayne? What do you really believe? Like Cain and Abel, your actions will reveal the truth. Am I a God who only needs to be appeased with half-hearted offerings, or do you believe I deserve your very best because I am the God who created all things and rules over all? What do you believe about me? That will determine what you believe and how you act toward everything else. Without that kind of faith, it is impossible to please me. But then again, if you don’t believe I’m worth pleasing, then it won’t matter much to you whether I am.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, I believe You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. I believe You alone made the universe and all that is within it. There is none like You. Please forgive me when my actions don’t bear out my supposed beliefs. Forgive me when I would rather please myself or someone else, rather the One who rules and reigns for eternity. Please show mercy on me when I discount Your grace and love and act as though I deserve anything but death and hell. It is only by Your grace that I have been saved and set free. You are the One who holds my life in Your hands. Help me live like I believe that–every minute of every day.