Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday December 15, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Hebrews,

please read chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. You can also copy & paste this URL to your browser http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-december-15.php

Today's Message: The Author And Finisher of Our Faith
We all face pain and suffering at times in our lives, but the author and finisher of our faith, who is none other than Jesus Christ, can give us the strength and hope we need to endure all that we are faced with.

What is faith? This is a question that has several different meanings, one who believes in God may say that faith is trusting and hoping in God to handle circumstances or whatever it is that they are facing, in fact the very last meaning of the word faith in the dictionary states that faith is the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved. One who does not believe in God may say that faith is trusting in a person or thing to help them through their circumstances, in fact the very first meaning of the word faith is having confidence or trust in a person or thing. Now, these are fairly similar in meaning with one major difference and that is of course God. We can not make a person who does not believe in God believe in Him, but we can show them through our actions what happens when we do. Here is what the Bible says about faith, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” - Hebrews 11:1-3. Although the Bible has been written for thousands of centuries, there are countless testimonies proving these men (Moses, David, Matthew, Paul, etc) were truthful in what they God told them to write or what they saw. Now, since we were no where near these men when they wrote their story we can not speculate as to whether or not God told them what to write, but we can, by faith, believe these things to be true and as we do we can see many blessings unfold, knowing that it can only be from God.

The history of the people of God confirms that some endured some pretty hostile circumstances and suffering, yet through it all remained faithful and fulfilled His will. The book of Hebrews gives us a review of some of the men and women of God that stood by God and overcame their situation, which could only come by faith alone. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” - Hebrews 11:5-10. The Old Testament men and women listed in this chapter chose to live by faith and obey God's command, regardless of the outcome, yet through it all saw many blessings come to pass.

It boggles my mind when a person will ask me, how can you believe the Bible to be true when men wrote it. I simply say, the same way you believe a book, tabloid, magazine, or news paper, no one was there when these people wrote the book, interviewed these people, or even how they got their information, but somehow people believe everything they read in these types of print, yet they can not believe the Bible. If one can increase their faith by reading a book that was truly written by a man, then why not believe in a book that is the truth and nothing,but the truth. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” - Hebrews 12:1-3. The runners who win the race of life are the ones who by faith look to Jesus, who not only strengthens our faith, but helps us find joy as we endure the pain. Jesus endured much more than any person ever had to endure here on earth, yet He proved to that pain brings much joy and happiness. At times, I get migraines, some so severe that my body does not function well at all, the mere flash of a light hurts my entire body. Although it feels like a lifetime it eventually comes to pass and I am better than ever. We can all overcome pain and suffering and even find joy through our suffering by leaning onto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night
God Bless You,
Christina

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