Monday
What Faith Is
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV
A little boy was once asked in Sunday school, “What is faith?” After thinking for a moment, he said, “It’s believing in something you know isn’t true!” The teacher quickly corrected him, but the class couldn’t stop laughing. Sometimes that’s how the world sees faith: blind optimism, wishful thinking, or a leap into the dark. But the Bible defines faith very differently; it’s not wishful thinking, but confident assurance.
The word translated “assurance,” in Greek, means “foundation” or “substance.” Faith is not a vague hope; it’s a solid confidence based on the unchanging character of God. When we believe God’s promises, it’s like standing on a firm foundation rather than sinking sand. The second phrase, “the conviction of things not seen,” points to faith’s ability to see the invisible. True faith gives spiritual sight, confidence that God is real, His Word is true, and His promises are sure even when we can’t see the outcome.
Faith doesn’t deny reality; it declares that God is greater than reality. Faith doesn’t make things easy, it makes them possible. The heroes in Hebrews 11 all lived this truth. They didn’t just believe in God; they built their lives around His Word.
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you trusted God for something you couldn’t yet see?
2. What areas of your life need a stronger foundation of faith?
Prayer:
Father, help me build my life on Your promises. Strengthen my faith to trust what I cannot see and to stand on the firm foundation of Your Word. Amen.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV
A little boy was once asked in Sunday school, “What is faith?” After thinking for a moment, he said, “It’s believing in something you know isn’t true!” The teacher quickly corrected him, but the class couldn’t stop laughing. Sometimes that’s how the world sees faith: blind optimism, wishful thinking, or a leap into the dark. But the Bible defines faith very differently; it’s not wishful thinking, but confident assurance.
The word translated “assurance,” in Greek, means “foundation” or “substance.” Faith is not a vague hope; it’s a solid confidence based on the unchanging character of God. When we believe God’s promises, it’s like standing on a firm foundation rather than sinking sand. The second phrase, “the conviction of things not seen,” points to faith’s ability to see the invisible. True faith gives spiritual sight, confidence that God is real, His Word is true, and His promises are sure even when we can’t see the outcome.
Faith doesn’t deny reality; it declares that God is greater than reality. Faith doesn’t make things easy, it makes them possible. The heroes in Hebrews 11 all lived this truth. They didn’t just believe in God; they built their lives around His Word.
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you trusted God for something you couldn’t yet see?
2. What areas of your life need a stronger foundation of faith?
Prayer:
Father, help me build my life on Your promises. Strengthen my faith to trust what I cannot see and to stand on the firm foundation of Your Word. Amen.
Tuesday
What Faith Does
“For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God…” Hebrews 11:2–3 (ESV)
A man once told his friend, “I’ll believe in God when He explains everything to me.” His friend smiled and said, “That’s like waiting for your dog to understand algebra before you feed him!” Faith doesn’t mean checking your brain at the door; it means trusting that the One who spoke Creation into existence knows what He’s doing.
Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action. “By faith,” the people of old received commendation. God approved their faith because it shaped how they lived. Then verse 3 gives a powerful truth: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God.” Faith gives us understanding that reason alone cannot. The physical world itself is testimony to an invisible Creator. Every sunrise, every galaxy, every heartbeat whispers: “God is real.”
Faith interprets life through the lens of God’s Word. The world says, “Seeing is believing.” Faith says, “Believing is seeing.” When we walk by faith, we begin to see God’s hand in everything; the good, the bad, and the in-between.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does creation strengthen your faith in God’s power and design?
2. What is one area where you need to act on your faith this week?
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see Your work in the world around me. Help me to live out my faith in ways that honor You and reveal Your glory. Amen.
“For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God…” Hebrews 11:2–3 (ESV)
A man once told his friend, “I’ll believe in God when He explains everything to me.” His friend smiled and said, “That’s like waiting for your dog to understand algebra before you feed him!” Faith doesn’t mean checking your brain at the door; it means trusting that the One who spoke Creation into existence knows what He’s doing.
Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action. “By faith,” the people of old received commendation. God approved their faith because it shaped how they lived. Then verse 3 gives a powerful truth: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God.” Faith gives us understanding that reason alone cannot. The physical world itself is testimony to an invisible Creator. Every sunrise, every galaxy, every heartbeat whispers: “God is real.”
Faith interprets life through the lens of God’s Word. The world says, “Seeing is believing.” Faith says, “Believing is seeing.” When we walk by faith, we begin to see God’s hand in everything; the good, the bad, and the in-between.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does creation strengthen your faith in God’s power and design?
2. What is one area where you need to act on your faith this week?
Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to see Your work in the world around me. Help me to live out my faith in ways that honor You and reveal Your glory. Amen.
Wednesday
What Faith Brings (Part 1 – Faith Brings God Glory)
“And without faith it is impossible to please him…” Hebrews 11:6a (ESV)
A man once decided to surprise his wife by cooking dinner. Everything was going great until the smoke alarm went off, the noodles stuck together, and the chicken looked like charcoal. When his wife came home, she laughed and said, “You may not have nailed the recipe, but I love that you tried!” The effort brought her joy, even though the result wasn’t perfect. In the same way, God delights when His children live by faith.
Faith is the currency of heaven, it’s how we please God. The Bible teaches it’s impossible to please God without faith. Not difficult, not unlikely, but impossible. God isn’t impressed by our talents, our knowledge, or our performance. What pleases Him most is our trust. The word “please” in Greek means “to bring delight.” Every act of faith, no matter how small, delights the heart of God.
When Noah built the ark, Abraham left his home, or Moses faced Pharaoh, they did it all by faith, and God was pleased. Faith glorifies God because it declares that He can be trusted. Every time we trust God instead of panicking, pray instead of worrying, or obey when it’s hard, we bring glory to Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas where you’ve been relying on your strength instead of faith?
2. How can your daily trust in God bring Him glory this week?
Prayer:
God, I want my life to please You. Strengthen my faith so that every decision, every step, and every word brings delight to Your heart. Amen.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him…” Hebrews 11:6a (ESV)
A man once decided to surprise his wife by cooking dinner. Everything was going great until the smoke alarm went off, the noodles stuck together, and the chicken looked like charcoal. When his wife came home, she laughed and said, “You may not have nailed the recipe, but I love that you tried!” The effort brought her joy, even though the result wasn’t perfect. In the same way, God delights when His children live by faith.
Faith is the currency of heaven, it’s how we please God. The Bible teaches it’s impossible to please God without faith. Not difficult, not unlikely, but impossible. God isn’t impressed by our talents, our knowledge, or our performance. What pleases Him most is our trust. The word “please” in Greek means “to bring delight.” Every act of faith, no matter how small, delights the heart of God.
When Noah built the ark, Abraham left his home, or Moses faced Pharaoh, they did it all by faith, and God was pleased. Faith glorifies God because it declares that He can be trusted. Every time we trust God instead of panicking, pray instead of worrying, or obey when it’s hard, we bring glory to Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas where you’ve been relying on your strength instead of faith?
2. How can your daily trust in God bring Him glory this week?
Prayer:
God, I want my life to please You. Strengthen my faith so that every decision, every step, and every word brings delight to Your heart. Amen.
Thursday
What Faith Brings (Part 2 – Faith Brings Us Good)
“…for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6b (ESV)
When a small child prays for ice cream before dinner, you know what’s coming, disappointment! But even though the answer is “not now,” the parent still delights in the request. That’s how God responds when we come to Him in faith. He doesn’t always give us what we want, but He always rewards those who seek Him sincerely.
Hebrews 11:6 gives two conditions of faith: belief and pursuit. We must believe that He exists,that God is real, and that He rewards those who seek Him. Faith begins with believing, but it matures through seeking. The word “seek” means to diligently pursue with effort and desire. It’s not casual curiosity, it’s a committed pursuit.
And what is the reward? It’s not always material blessing; often it’s something better. His presence, peace, and purpose are the rewards. The reward of faith is not just what God gives but who God is. The greatest blessing of faith is closeness to Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you seek God for what He gives or for who He is?
2. How can you make seeking God a daily habit?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for rewarding those who seek You. Draw me closer to Your presence and help me find joy in knowing You above all else. Amen.
“…for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6b (ESV)
When a small child prays for ice cream before dinner, you know what’s coming, disappointment! But even though the answer is “not now,” the parent still delights in the request. That’s how God responds when we come to Him in faith. He doesn’t always give us what we want, but He always rewards those who seek Him sincerely.
Hebrews 11:6 gives two conditions of faith: belief and pursuit. We must believe that He exists,that God is real, and that He rewards those who seek Him. Faith begins with believing, but it matures through seeking. The word “seek” means to diligently pursue with effort and desire. It’s not casual curiosity, it’s a committed pursuit.
And what is the reward? It’s not always material blessing; often it’s something better. His presence, peace, and purpose are the rewards. The reward of faith is not just what God gives but who God is. The greatest blessing of faith is closeness to Him.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you seek God for what He gives or for who He is?
2. How can you make seeking God a daily habit?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for rewarding those who seek You. Draw me closer to Your presence and help me find joy in knowing You above all else. Amen.
Friday
Living by Faith
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1–6 (ESV)
A pastor once joked that faith is like Wi-Fi: it’s invisible, but it connects you to what you need most! You can’t see it, but you depend on it every day. Without faith, your spiritual connection drops, and life gets noisy fast.
Faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily decision. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 didn’t have perfect faith, but they had persistent faith. They trusted God when circumstances made no sense. They obeyed when obedience cost them something. They looked forward to promises they never fully saw on earth but believed would come true in heaven.
Our faith journey today is the same. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We trust that God’s Word is true even when our emotions waver. We hold fast to His promises even when the world mocks. Faith may not always make sense, but it always makes a difference.
Reflection Questions:
1. What’s one step of faith you sense God asking you to take?
2. How can you stay connected to Him through faith this week?
Prayer:
Lord, keep my faith alive and active. Help me trust You even when I can’t see the full picture, knowing that You are faithful and true. Amen.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1–6 (ESV)
A pastor once joked that faith is like Wi-Fi: it’s invisible, but it connects you to what you need most! You can’t see it, but you depend on it every day. Without faith, your spiritual connection drops, and life gets noisy fast.
Faith is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily decision. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 didn’t have perfect faith, but they had persistent faith. They trusted God when circumstances made no sense. They obeyed when obedience cost them something. They looked forward to promises they never fully saw on earth but believed would come true in heaven.
Our faith journey today is the same. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We trust that God’s Word is true even when our emotions waver. We hold fast to His promises even when the world mocks. Faith may not always make sense, but it always makes a difference.
Reflection Questions:
1. What’s one step of faith you sense God asking you to take?
2. How can you stay connected to Him through faith this week?
Prayer:
Lord, keep my faith alive and active. Help me trust You even when I can’t see the full picture, knowing that You are faithful and true. Amen.
Posted in Jesus Is Better: The Book of Hebrews
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