It’s mid-week and we are to give thanks to the one who has all the strength and makes deposits into His people daily. As I sit here the word “FAITH” just keeps resonating in my spirit. I don’t know about you but I keep my faith meter on high as much as possible.
Today’s Prayer
Father, remind us that as Christians we need to take time to put ourselves in another’s situation before we form an opinion or criticize. Let us first ask ourselves how we would feel if we were faced with a serious illness, or prolonged unemployment, or had to deal with a wayward son or daughter. How would we react if we were wrongly accused of a crime that we didn’t commit? Before we make a hurried judgment, let us first ask our selves, “Would we have joined the crowd in Jerusalem and shouted, ‘Crucify! Crucify!’?” Help us to remember that Jesus taught understanding, compassion, love for one’s neighbor, and even for one’s enemy. Help us, Lord, in case we forget; for we too are not without sin. In JESUS’ name we pray. Amen.
Let’s eat.
By Faith
Hebrews 11:24-40 –
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed, they were all drowned. It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute did not die with all the others in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.
Quote of the Day
Faith is the sight of the inward eye.
Alexander MacLaren
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
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James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.