Thoughts for the Day

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The roads where I live get into a worse state week by week! Permanent bollards in the middle of a road, meant to stop traffic trespassing onto the wrong side of the road get demolished by cars or lorries, and then all that remains is a raised curb which is difficult to see at night. Holes in the road threaten to uncover the original Victorian (or is it the Roman original hardcore!!) as they get larger and larger. But perhaps the worst is the hole that 's filled with water, so one can't see the depth. If you hit one of these a tyre can be destroyed in an instant. Now I'm not actually moaning, for I perfectly understand how many cities simply do not have enough cash to go round. But it does mean that I drive daily in the hope that the car will stand up to such punishment. I have no faith that it will do so.

As Christians we live in faith that God spoke and through His word a world was initiated. We live in faith that God has created a Kingdom for us. We live in Faith that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us and that He paid the price for our sin.

Have you noticed the difference between Hope and Faith, yet? Hope is in the future, Faith is in the present. We don't need to hope for something in the future, for we have faith today that it is undoubtedly so. And when my faith is dim, you and countless others will keep the faith alive. And when your faith runs low because the world seems such a violent place, others will step forward to proclaim the faith until you can reclaim it once again.

Lord God,
keep us strong in the faith
You have given us,
so that we may fight the spiritual battles
that assail us.
Keep us ever mindful that You are there
to strengthen our faith
when things get difficult,
and that we are never alone.
May we encourage others
to grow in faith,
and ever look to You for strength.
Amen.