Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 December 2024

Reading From Hebrews 11-13

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

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.

By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 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.”

–Hebrews 11:1-6

     Faith is essential to have a life-giving relationship with God.  The Bible says that no one has ever seen God.  Of course there were prophets who say glimpses such as Moses and Ezekiel and everyone who came into contact with Jesus during His earthly ministry saw Him and in many cases even touched Him, but no one has ever seen Him in all of His glorious splendor and lived.  Therefore, it requires faith, which is belief and trust in Him even though He is unseen, in order to please Him. 

     Human beings would much rather do whatever pleases them and think that God should rubber stamp their best efforts without even believing in Him.  Many people like the idea of Him more than actually making the effort to get to know Him.  The knowing is what is required for salvation.  We must know Him and He must know us and for that to happen we must make the decision to believe and begin to trust Him enough to take Him at His Word.  Many people saw Jesus and touched Him, but only those who made the choice to believe He is who says He is will see Him face to face and enjoy His eternal embrace.  If we seek Him, we have His promise that we will find Him and be rewarded.

“God, I pray that You would increase our faith.  Help us to take our trust in You to a new level.  May we bring honor and glory to Your great Name.  Amen.”

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

 –Jeremiah 29:11-13