Hebrew 11:1-3

 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
2This is what the ancients were commended for.  3By 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.
 39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what
had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only
together with us would they be made perfect.

MEDITATION
1. If time allows, read all Hebrews 11, but focus on verses 1-3 and 39-40.
2. This familiar passage is often called the Faith Hall of Fame.  Some of the
people listed made great personal sacrifices to bring glory to God.  We’ve
all heard, and possibly even uttered, the saying “seeing is believing”.  The
writer of Hebrews begins with a definition of faith.  Faith, he writes, is “being
sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.  So, really, not
seeing… is believing.
3. Pray: By God’s grace I want to live to the end in faith, knowing that I will
not receive the promises on earth, but seeing them and welcoming them
from a distance, I confess that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth.
Instead, I long for a better country, a heavenly one.  In this way, God will not
be ashamed to be called my God, for He has prepared a city for me.  Like
Moses, may I esteem reproach for the sake of Christ as of greater value than
the treasures of this world, because I am looking to the reward.

Personal Note: God, I believe in your promise.  I am certain you are my God and you love us.