Saturday, December 21, 2019

SUBSTANCE/EVIDENCE

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

On the side of the replica of Moses’ Tabernacle at Timna Park in Israel, you can see Cherubim designed into the side curtains that keep the sun off the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. Our readings in Hebrews teach us about the activities which took place in the first tent Tabernacle. These ancient people had faith to believe that the design of their tent of worship and sacrifice depicted the actual approach to God, which is in Heaven above. They illustrated our key verse for today.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verses: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

“Faith” is absolutely essential to our eternal salvation and to enjoying success in our temporary life here on earth. Nicodemus, of the Jewish denomination of the Pharisees, and “a ruler of the Jews,” came to Jesus secretly and confessed his faith struggles. Jesus summed up His teaching to Nicodemus with these words, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). We may want to take the time to read the entirety of John’s third chapter (click here). Eternal life is the most far-reaching result of our faith, and there are many other results as well. Take, for example, the vitally important matter of answered prayer. James 1:6-8 tells us, “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways!” Before we despair of our lack of faith, let us remember that “faith” is both a gift of the Spirit of God to us (1 Corinthians 12a), and also a fruit of the Spirit (faithfulness), which grows in our lives as branches that are securely attached to the vine (the trunk) of the Lord Jesus Himself (Galatians 5:22). God does this in us! Rest in Him! Faith is produced in us as we read the Word of God daily. Romans 10:17 encourages us to keep reading God’s Word. We can all do that! “So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, Help me to rest in You, knowing that as I soak in Your Word every day, I am receiving Your gift of faith, and as a result I am full of faith (faithfulness). I pray for greater hope and confidence than ever as I take this journey through Your Word each day. I rest on this secure “Substance/Evidence.” In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yes, I read the Scriptures every day, but I know it has an increased impact on me when I hear the Scriptures read, either out loud by my own voice or by the voice of the one who reads for me when I click the link at the top of the blog. It may be that by taking in the Word of God with both my eyes as well as both my ears, there is a double impact on my heart and mind. It does seem to be reasonable that if two of my senses are active in receiving, it will have a greater influence than just one.

I remind myself regularly that Hebrews 11 may be the only chapter in the Bible that seems to assume that many more names will be added in future generations. I know of people whose names would fit in with the heroes of faith listed here. I long to follow their examples faithfully.

Yours for the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen”,

David

P.S. Behind me in the photo below is the “Shrine of the Book.” It encloses, under the clay jar-shaped dome, the complete scroll of the book of the prophet Isaiah, which was discovered in a cave in Qumran as one of the many Dead Sea Scrolls. Isaiah is filled with prophecies predicting the birth and the ministry of the Messiah.  Starting today I want to attach the first of five Christmas specials I hosted from Bethlehem in 2013 (click here).

18 thoughts on “Saturday, December 21, 2019

  1. Good news about Ann finishing her treatments, Beverlee thanks for sharing that news yesterday. Hope all blog readers have a Blessed Christmas and a Very Happy 2020. Eleanor M

  2. Yes, indeed this is good news about Ann. I pray that their Christmas would be the best yet, and also the same for you all. Continuing to pray for all those with special needs: healing, renewed hope, peace, joy and a fresh revelation of Christ’s presence and love to every hurting, seeking and longing heart.
    What encouragement we receive in the book of Hebrews – spending time in God’s Word produces greater faith in us.

  3. What an extremely enjoyable blog today with the music and Bible teaching Happy to hear about Ann also. May she and Ron enjoy Christmas with family. May healing continue for them. Blessings to everyone. Amen

  4. I enjoyed today’s bible reading as well. Also watched David’s , Christmas program. Enjoyed that very much.
    I too, am glad to hear Ann’s treatments are done with. Praying for her and her family, it indeed will be a wonderful Christmas for them.
    God bless!

  5. Thank You, Lord, for giving us faith to believe, to trust, to act. Thank You for all the brothers and sisters You have given us. Bless each one, Lord, exceedingly. You know our exact needs, so we commit them to You, knowing that You will meet each one. Give each one the faith to endure, to trust, to overcome whatever difficulties they may be in. Thank You for that.
    I’d like to pray for our brothers and sisters in very difficult circumstances; those in Nigeria, North Korea, China, the Middle East, and in all those places where persecution is rampant. Please help and keep all your children in your special care. Help them to stay rooted in You, and may your Word and your Spirit bring comfort, faith and strength as needed. We pray that You will be exalted everywhere, in Jesus’s great name, amen

  6. Amen Rob. Good to hear that Anne’s treatments are finished and praying she, Ron and family will have a wonderful Christmas as indeed I believe she will. Have been in the hospital this week from Tuesday to Thursday and had to call an ambulance. Had a spell and got lots of attention at the this new hospital, the first time I have been admitted. Passed my stress test so heart has no damage. Praise God but it was very scary! Just finished getting caught up in reading Hebrews to date. God bless you saints!

    • What was the prognosis, Ger? What was your spell contributed to if your heart is okay (praise God). Will look to hear your reply, sister.

  7. Wonderful scripture, message, prayer and photo of David, to remind us he is in heaven, praising our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wow! To be in His Presence! Amen, saints? I get internet again on Tuesday, so will be back to regular daily posts. Also, have a new neurosurgeon, who I am very happy about and waiting to see him. I have missed your daily encouragement. Blessings to all.

    “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
    Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

    Silver Bells – Bing Crosby
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHefeA-hyMA

  8. JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD HAS COME
    LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING
    LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM
    AND HEAVEN AND ANGELS SING,
    AMEN!

    THANK YOU MAINSE FAMILY FOR POSTING THE VIDEO OF DAVID’S CHRISTMAS STORY PRESENTATON

  9. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
    PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
    PRAISE HIM ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOST;
    PRAISE FATHER;SON AND HOLY GHOST!

    Thank you Lord for helping Ger feel better; Lord be with Beverlee Kay as she visits the new neurosurgeon; may all go well with the visit; Lord I ask in Jesus Name to Heal Beverlee Kay; Thank you Lord; be with my neighbours and those who are alone this Christmas; I pray Lord that You would bring them out and perhaps help them to breath the fresh air and help them to hear You Lord; to see You Lord in the Heavens; the clouds,,the stars, the moon; Lord many people are travelling now; keep them safe; bless the truckers who haul goods all over our Country; bless their families; bless our children; Lord speak clear and loud! People everywhere need to Hear You Lord; they need to know that they have a Saviour named Jesus Christ who died for all mankind but did not stay dead but rather ROSE FROM THE GRAVE for all mankind to know that all our sins are forgiven;forgotten; we are new in the Lord Jesus Christ; amen amen amen¸
    Thank you Lord, thank you…….

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