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- Feb 9, 2004
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Leap of Faith - July 24, 2006
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.
We have many beautiful hardwood trees in our back yard. They are all sizes, from Dogwoods to mighty Oaks. There are two large trees in particular, with their trunks about 25 yards apart. A branch from each of these trees almost touches the other in mid air, but there is a span of four or five feet with only empty space.
Jimmie and I have named those particular branches "the squirrel highway". We can see the squirrels, especially in the winter, run up the tree, across one branch and then take that "leap of faith" onto the branch of the other tree. Perhaps squirrels have an inner sense, and are able to judge distances well, but it looks like risky business from my viewpoint. I always hold my breath until the furry little creature is safely on the other side. I have seen many squirrels cross this chasm over the years and have never once seen one fall. Their long jumps have always been successful.
People put their faith into something everyday. Newlyweds may put their faith in each other, or businessmen may put their faith in financial success. Material accumulations or social prestige may be where our faith lies. We also put faith in the mundane things of everyday lifeelectricity, working for us as we arise each morning, faith that the car will start, that the day will go as scheduled, and meals will be prepared and served. We put faith in all sorts of things; the list goes on and on. But God tells us to put our faith in Him. There are over 300 references to the word "faith" in the concordance to the Bible, which makes me realize this is a subject God says is important.
In scripture, we have many stories about faith. They start with Abraham's faith in the book of Genesis, and the references to faith continue through the book of Revelation. The stories of faith give us insight into Biblical characters and their relationship to God, and they encourage us in our own personal faith walks.
A good definition of faith is found in the Bible: Hebrews 11:1. It says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The beginning point of faith is believing in God's character. He IS who He says He is! Next, we must believe God's promises. He will do what He says. We find these promises in the Bible, and no matter what our circumstances, we must cling to His eternal truths. Faith is a gift from God. It starts out small in our hearts, but grows as we become closer to God through our daily walk with Him.
Thank you, Lord for helping me take "leaps of faith" when the abyss seems too wide to cross, and the fall would be too great to bear. I know you are never going to leave or forsake me.
Contributed by Marion Smith: noles65@aol.com Comments/Feedback are welcome.
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.
We have many beautiful hardwood trees in our back yard. They are all sizes, from Dogwoods to mighty Oaks. There are two large trees in particular, with their trunks about 25 yards apart. A branch from each of these trees almost touches the other in mid air, but there is a span of four or five feet with only empty space.
Jimmie and I have named those particular branches "the squirrel highway". We can see the squirrels, especially in the winter, run up the tree, across one branch and then take that "leap of faith" onto the branch of the other tree. Perhaps squirrels have an inner sense, and are able to judge distances well, but it looks like risky business from my viewpoint. I always hold my breath until the furry little creature is safely on the other side. I have seen many squirrels cross this chasm over the years and have never once seen one fall. Their long jumps have always been successful.
People put their faith into something everyday. Newlyweds may put their faith in each other, or businessmen may put their faith in financial success. Material accumulations or social prestige may be where our faith lies. We also put faith in the mundane things of everyday lifeelectricity, working for us as we arise each morning, faith that the car will start, that the day will go as scheduled, and meals will be prepared and served. We put faith in all sorts of things; the list goes on and on. But God tells us to put our faith in Him. There are over 300 references to the word "faith" in the concordance to the Bible, which makes me realize this is a subject God says is important.
In scripture, we have many stories about faith. They start with Abraham's faith in the book of Genesis, and the references to faith continue through the book of Revelation. The stories of faith give us insight into Biblical characters and their relationship to God, and they encourage us in our own personal faith walks.
A good definition of faith is found in the Bible: Hebrews 11:1. It says that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The beginning point of faith is believing in God's character. He IS who He says He is! Next, we must believe God's promises. He will do what He says. We find these promises in the Bible, and no matter what our circumstances, we must cling to His eternal truths. Faith is a gift from God. It starts out small in our hearts, but grows as we become closer to God through our daily walk with Him.
Thank you, Lord for helping me take "leaps of faith" when the abyss seems too wide to cross, and the fall would be too great to bear. I know you are never going to leave or forsake me.
Contributed by Marion Smith: noles65@aol.com Comments/Feedback are welcome.
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